Mountain Safety - Snow and Avalanches
Avalanche Control
The NZSki avalanche safety programme is operated according to the "New Zealand Guidelines for Weather Snow and Avalanche Observations" (these meet accepted international standards) and is staffed with Avalanche Stage 1 and Avalanche Stage 2 qualified avalanche professionals.
Our Patrol teams operate with Avalanche SAR Dog capability - the dogs are qualified according to the New Zealand Alpine Search Dog Association and the New Zealand Police, and form part of a nation wide team of alpine search and rescue professionals.
Search and Rescue (SAR)
Search and Rescue is most often required outside the ski area boundary, and our Patrol teams at each ski area have trained for many years to deal with every form of ski area emergency. Each team member has an excellent understanding of snow - continuous observations of weather and snow-pack allow us to monitor and manage the snow's increasing or decreasing stability within the ski area throughout the season.
The NZSki Patrol team are dedicated and experienced personnel, passionate about what they do and where they work. Most of our Patrol team have been with us for many years and continue to contribute a wealth of experience and skill to ensuring our areas are as safe as they can be. Patrol are out everyday making sure the snow-pack and terrain is safe.
You may not see them all of the time, however rest assured they are always working to ensure your safe enjoyment and if required they will respond to your needs very quickly. Please observe all avalanche closures as explosives control work may be carried out at any time.
