A man missing for days in freezing wilderness is unlikely to be alive, according to police who have scaled back search efforts.

Christopher Inwood’s empty car was found on Tuesday morning at a ranger station at Cradle Mountain in Tasmania.

An extensive search over days in the mountain’s national park involving police, SES volunteers, drones, a helicopter and wildlife rangers was scaled back on Friday.

Tasmania police noted the length of time the 52-year-old Victorian had been missing and the harsh weather in the area.

“If he has been fully exposed to the elements, sadly, his chances of survival are extremely low,” Inspector Steven Jones said.

“Police will continue to follow up any new leads or information that may assist in locating Christopher.

“Our thoughts remain with his family who are affected during this incredibly difficult time.”

Minimum temperatures at Cradle Mountain, in the island state’s Central Highlands, have dropped to near zero in recent days.

Inwood was last seen in a rural area near Tasmania’s north-west coast on Monday night.

It is believed he drove his white Toyota van into the Cradle Mountain national park, past the main entrance, to the ranger station.

A backpack believed to his was found down a road about 500 metres away.

Police have said Inwood had some bushwalking experience but it was unclear how much. It was also not known what equipment he had or what clothing he was wearing.

Anyone with any information has been asked to come forward.

-AAP