Police will reduce the numbers involved in the ground search but will deploy drones and helicopters in Mount Hotham area where grandfather Christos Pittas, 70 has been missing since Friday afternoon.

Victoria Police Inspector Paul Hargreaves told 9News today (Thursday) that the searchers had not given up hope and they would continue to assess the situation each day.

He said that the cold and windy weather conditions experienced over the last few days would have been hard for Mr Pittas to survive.

“There is no doubt that it is very difficult to survive, but you’ve got to hold the hope. You don’t give up hope you just modify your search in hope you can find him somewhere soon. We plan for the worst but hope for the best,” Inspector Hargreaves said.

Mr Pittas was last seen at Big Muster Drive in Dinner Plain at 2.45pm on Friday where he was trying to locate emus that had been reported in the area.

Up to 140 emergency workers, including members of Mr Pittas family, have taken part of the search that has been supported by police, Parks Victoria, the State Emergency Service and Bush Search and Rescue.