French skier missing near Wanaka

Wanaka Police and search and rescue volunteers have mounted a search for an 18 year-old French skier missing in mountainous terrain to the west of Lake Wanaka.

He was last seen mid-morning on Monday when he left his car at the West Wanaka Station carpark.

Wanaka police search and rescue coordinator Sergeant Aaron Nicholson said the man had intended to ski tour and was due out yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.

Travelling solo, the skier intended to climb through the steep bushclad lower slopes to 2399m Mt Alta, and ski the upper slopes.

The snow level in the area at the moment is around 1400m and there were heavy snowfalls over the weekend.

"Given the terrain, the potential avalanche risk and the overnight temperatures, we are obviously concerned for his safety,” Nicholson said.

Wanaka Search and Rescue alpine rescue volunteers have mounted a preliminary helicopter search.

Preliminary searching had by midday Wednesday found no sign of ski tracks or footprints above the snowline.

The skier was known to be carrying a bivvy bag, sleeping bag and some food.

ENDS

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