Be ready to weather the skiing weather

By COLIN MOORE

Whether the weather be fine, or whether the weather be not, we'll weather the weather whatever the weather, whether we like it or not.

Slightly modify that old ditty and it would make a suitable mantra for those who travel in the alpine backcountry.

Back there, beyond ski patrols and probably cellphone coverage, you have to be able to weather the weather.

It may be fine and sunny when you see boarders and skiers climbing above the Far West T-bar at Mt Ruapehu towards the Whakapapa Glacier but mountain weather changes rapidly. Whiteout and strong winds can arrive almost without notice. Without shelter, it can take just three hours to die from hypothermia.

The key to survival and safe backcountry travel is to be prepared for the weather and the possibility of being stranded for the night, or even several nights.

Clothing needs to be windproof and items sometimes dispensed with on a skifield, such as hats, are essential.

A daypack should include a snow shovel so you can dig yourself a snow shelter, or dig a companion out of an avalanche. You should take a waterproof "bivvy" bag and, if your pack doesn't contain one, a piece of insulating foam to sit on.

An avalanche transceiver, water, snacks, torch, map, compass and a first-aid kit should be taken. And it may be prudent to take crampons and an ice axe.

Above all, you need to know how to use all of the equipment you are carrying.