alpineSAR had its genesis in the Victorian Nordic Rescue Service (VNRS), which was formed in 1979 as a skilled volunteer cross-country ski search and rescue group.
Within 12 months of formation VNRS established a subgroup to provide cross-country ski patrol services at Mt St Gwinear and shortly thereafter at Lake Mountain. VNRS also assisted with the establishment of ski patrols at Mt Stirling and at Mt Reynard (as part of the SES Maffra Unit). As these groups matured they evolved into separate independent patrols at their own mountains.
In 2003 VNRS extended its membership criteria to also experienced bush walkers as well as skiers.
VNRS became Alpine Search and Rescue Victoria Inc. in 2007.