Media release from NZSki

9 June 2010

Coronet Peak ski patrol safe but avalanche is timely warning

One NZSki employee is safe and well after being caught in an avalanche at the back of Coronet Peak yesterday afternoon but mountain operator, NZSki Ltd, wants to use this timely reminder to reiterate the risks of back country skiing to the public.

At about 2:30pm two Ski Patrol staff were assessing the stability of the snow in an area called the Back Bowls when a 2.5 avalanche was triggered, sweeping one Patroller under the snow. His companion immediately alerted other Patrollers in the area.  The patrollers were all fully equipped with safety gear including transceiver, radio, shovel, probe and first aid kit. This meant the affected staff member was able to dig himself out unaided and is uninjured.

Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie says the company is relieved the incident wasn't serious but wants to highlight it as an opportunity to warn skiers and snow boarders to pay particular attention to ski area signage and adhere to back country avalanche danger ratings.

"We're currently going over our response procedures and protocol but this incident serves as a timely reminder that even at this time of year snow in the back country can be very unstable and wind affected so we ask everyone to be very cautions, always read the signs and seek advice from ski Patrollers before venturing into the back country."

Further avalanche information can be found on www.avalanche.net.nz

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