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2nd March 2021

3min

Avalanche that killed Australian Nathan Deutschbein results in safety recommendations

Despite planning a well-prepared mountaineering trip in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, three Australian mates failed to acknowledge the obvious signs of avalanche risks around them and didn’t change their...

14th February 2021

2min

'That’s miracle sort of stuff'

Early on the morning of Friday 12 February 2021, word spread of an avalanche incident involving two climbers on Mt Earnslaw. This is their story.

5th November 2020

1min

NZAA Aoraki/Mt Cook Elevation Band Summer changes

Last year the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) began the practice of changing the elevation bands in the NZ Avalanche Advisory’s (NZAA) Aoraki/Mt Cook forecast region in summer, and reverting to...

8th July 2020

6min

A Climber's Lucky Escape

On 14 June 2020 two climbers were caught in an avalanche on the south face of Mt Alma in the Two Thumbs Range, Canterbury. Thankfully, both survived to share their...

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5th July 2019

3min

Avalanche Safety Series: Equipment

Before you head into the NZ backcountry you need to take rescue equipment (and know how to use it) with you so you can help others make it home safely....

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5th July 2019

3min

Avalanche Safety Series: Forecast

Before you head into the NZ backcountry you need to ensure you’ve read and understand the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) forecast for the region you’ll be visiting. In this...

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5th July 2019

3min

Avalanche Safety Series: Training

Before you head into the NZ backcountry (outside any ski field boundary), you need to make sure you have the necessary skills and knowledge, so you make it home safely....

8th June 2018

4min

Pre-Winter Backcountry Checklist

Sharpen Up Your Winter Plans. It’s time to run through a pre-winter checklist for those heading beyond the ski field boundaries and into the backcountry. We’ve tried to keep this...