Search scaled back for missing Victorian grandfather Christos Pittas

After a week of “extensive” searching, police have scaled back the search for missing Victorian grandfather, Christos Pittas.

The 70-year-old man has not been seen or heard from since about 2.45pm on Friday 13th May, when he went for a walk at Big Muster Drive in Dinner Plain.

More than 400 volunteers joined the search for the missing grandfather in alpine conditions last week and they were later joined by Christos’ family including both his son and daughter.

Due to the little sign of Christos and the sever weather environment that exists in the Victorian alpine region, the police decided to “shift” their search.

“The extreme conditions faced by someone lost in this harsh and unique alpine environment has shaped search efforts to date,” said the police.

“Regardless of our continued and exhaustive search effort, Christos has not been located.”

Inspector Paul Hargreaves said searchers had to hold on to the hope that Christos had been able to find some warmth, shelter and water and that they would continue smaller searches in the coming days.

In a statement issued on May 16, his family has described him as a “kind and loving person” who enjoys nature and adventure.

“We are devastated knowing that our dad Christos is still missing in Mount Hotham’s high country,” the family said.

“He is a grandfather to four beautiful granddaughters and we know he would love to see them again.”