Heavy snow strands drivers and hikers as chill sets in

Drivers are being warned to obey road closures and use caution in many areas with heavy snow cover. (Adrian Black/AAP PHOTOS)

Heavy snowfall bogged down more than a dozen drivers and passengers in their cars on slippery roads enduring a freezing night before rescue workers freed them.

A whopping 63cm of powder has fallen on Mt Hotham in Victoria in recent days.