KEY POINTS:
A safety expert was swept almost 150 metres down a Canterbury ski-field by an avalanche this afternoon.
The man was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital's emergency department with facial and pelvic injuries but is now said to be in a stable condition.
Mt Olympus Ski Club vice captain Thomas Stephens said details of the incident were sketchy, but the man was undertaking routine work.
He said ahead of opening on Saturday, the man was checking snow levels and digging pits on extreme terrain, almost out of the club's territory.
Mr Stephens says he is among the most experienced people in the country at this type of work.
- NEWSTALK ZB, NZ HERALD STAFF
