Ski authority urges caution after patroller buried by avalanche

Back-country skiers are being warned about avalanche risks after a ski patroller was buried by snow at the back of the Coronet Peak ski area on Tuesday.

The man, who dug himself out, was said to be rather shaken by the experience but did not want to talk about it publicly, Coronet Peak ski area manager Hamish McCrostie said.

Skifield owner NZSki said two ski patrol staff had been assessing the stability of the new snow cover about 2.30pm on Tuesday in an area called the Back Bowls. This is an ungroomed place within the ski area boundary just east of the top of the Coronet Express chairlift. It is marked "experts only".

When the patrollers passed through, an avalanche was triggered, sweeping one of them under the snow. His companion immediately alerted other patrollers in the area.

Patrollers are equipped with safety gear including transceiver, radio, shovel, probe and first aid kit, and the man caught in the snow was able to dig himself out unaided and without injury.

Mr McCrostie said the area is fenced off and not yet open to the public. It is monitored closely and only opened to the public when it is assessed as safe.

"What happened here on Tuesday is a timely reminder of the risk, especially in this early snow. If an avalanche happened this close to the groomed ski area, it could indicate that the snow could be more unstable further into the back country.

"We ask everyone to be very cautious, always read the signs and seek advice from ski patrollers before venturing into the back country," he said.

Mountain Safety Council avalanche programme manager Andrew Hobman said avalanches could happen at any time during the snow season and it was crucial anyone venturing into unpatrolled areas was adequately prepared.

"You are on your own outside of the ski areas. So go in groups, carry safety equipment and know how to read the weather, snow and terrain. Get some training in avalanche awareness and listen to more experienced people," he advised.

It is not yet known if the incident will be investigated by the Department of Labour.

- Otago Daily Times