He told The Press the trio had been struggling to traverse the slope because of the heavily compacted snow.
"It is absolutely tragic when things like this happen. They were visitors really enjoying what we have to offer and it is absolutely tragic that it should have to end like this."
Mr Hobman said skiers and snowboarders should wear helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries.
Mt Cheeseman Ski Area manager James Young said the snowboarders were outside the patrolled area.
People were advised to check signs showing snow conditions before venturing out of bounds, he said.
The slopes in Tarn Basin could be patchy, with icy areas that had melted and then frozen again.
With several months of skiing ahead, and hundreds more Australians expected from across the ditch, Mr Young urged caution by all who opt to enter unpatrolled areas.
"Wear crash helmets and consult with snow safety officers before you head into any back-country areas so you understand what the conditions are," Mr Young said.
Meanwhile, police have named a Dutch national who died on Friday night after a skiing accident on the Whakapapa Ski Field, on Mt Ruapehu earlier that day.
He was Abraham Klaarenbeek, a 38-year-old from Paeroa.
Mr Klaarenbeek died at Waikato Hospital from chest injuries sustained when he appeared to collide with a pole and ladder supporting an operator's hut, police said today.
The incident is now under investigation by Department of Labour.
Both deaths have been referred to the coroner.
- NZPA
