Police name man who died in skiing accident

Police have released the name of an Australian skier, who died after falling and sliding 100 metres into rocks on Mount Hutt on Saturday.

Police said Harry Brian Wylie, 60, an experienced skier, took a track off the main trails and lost control on an icy area and fell and slid into a rocky area.

Mr Wylie was treated by ski patrol staff at the field's medical centre but died while being airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.

Results of a post mortem examination were expected to be released today.

Mr Wylie was from Western Australia.

Constable Don Eggleston from Methven police said it appeared Mr Wylie had been skiing in a "lesser-used" part of the field, though the area was open to the public.

"He lost control on an icy patch and fell and slid some distance," he said.

It is thought Mr Wylie was skiing alone.

- NZPA