Ten Saudi Arabian tourists to the Snowy Mountains got more excitement than they bargained for when they hired a mini bus but no snow chains and set off for a Sunday afternoon drive to Khancoban.

The Saudi nationals were visiting on holiday and had never experienced snow before but as the holiday party climbed along the Alpine Way, heading past Thredbo Village, the road become increasingly difficult to navigate.

The bus was finally stuck close to Dead Horse Gap, some 10kms out from Thredbo Village.

Police received the call for help at 18.45 on Sunday and two police vehicles and a civilian vehicle were used to transfer the Saudis back to Jindabyne while two of the party remained with the bus.

Police then got a set of snow chains suitable for the vehicle, drove back, fitted them and drove the vehicle out.

Police said that the driver claimed he had sought advice and was told he could pick up chains further along the road. Police issued a warning to the driver about driving without chains.