Backcountry Snowsports

Backcountry skiing and splitboarding is an exhilarating way to enjoy the beauty of the New Zealand winter. But before you head out into the hills, you've got to be prepared.

Get the training, check the weather and avalanche forecasts, and have the appropriate rescue equipment and know how to use it.

New Zealand used to have a large problem with people getting caught in avalanches. Since the implementation of avalanche forecasting, increased availability of training in avalanche awareness, and technology aiding rescue, the situation has greatly improved. But this improvement hinges on people taking advantage of these essential resources.

Prepare for Your Trip

Bianca Bratton Avalanche (5)

What Are the Hazards?

There are a few key hazards and issues that commonly present themselves in backcountry snowsports incidents and SAR callouts.

  • Getting lost - The weather can change quickly in the alpine. Poor visibility or terrain with few recognizable features can contribute to losing your way. Mt Ruapehu is an example of an area where this is common. No matter how small or big your backcountry adventure is, navigation in all conditions and terrain is important to plan for.
  • Falls - There have been numerous cases of people skiing/boarding over cliffs or drops unintentionally. This has resulted in numerous incidents, resulting in minor to severe injuries, and in the worst case scenarios, fatalities. Make sure you understand the terrain below you and when in doubt, scope it out first before committing.
  • Hypothermia - This often results from one of the above incidents occurring, and as a result, spending longer than planned out in the cold, without moving. Make sure you have plenty of warm layers and waterproof outers to keep you dry and warm. Also, carry plenty of food and water to keep your body's engine humming. Hypothermia should also be a key consideration for your first aid kit when heading out on an alpine adventure.
  • Avalanches - Avalanches have the potential to kill skiers, boarders, mountaineers or climbers that are caught in them. Knowing how to limit your risk to avalanches is key. If someone is buried in an avalanche, it's important that the other members of the group are equipped and trained to rescue them efficiently.

What Should I Take?

In the event of an avalanche, the difference between the life and death of a buried victim can come down to mere minutes. You cannot afford to waste any time trying to figure out how to use your gear! You need to be well practiced and efficient with the functions of your gear and your search and rescue techniques.

  • Avalanche transceivers should be worn by every person entering the backcountry. Knowing how to use them effectively and understanding their nuances is a key component in avalanche rescue
  • Shovelling is an extremely important aspect of avalanche rescue. A proficient and strategic shovelling technique can save you minutes, critical for the buried person.
  • A probe is what will pinpoint the exact location of the person, and thus is a critical piece of gear.
  • For more info visit avalanche.net.nz
  • Other recommended gear includes a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), inclinometer, map, compass, helmet, and other clothing, food, and supplies suitable for the weather and amount of time you'll be away.
Andrew Hobman 149

Questions to Consider Before You Head Out

Someone reading the NZ Avalanche Forecast with a danger rose

  • What route are you planning to take? What are the key decision-making points?
  • Do you and your group have enough experience for this trip?
  • Is it within the ability of everyone in the group, and does everyone have the required equipment?
  • How long will it take you?
  • Have you factored in enough time in case it takes longer than expected?
  • How will you manage fatigue, particularly on the way home?
  • What does the avalanche forecast say? And, how does effect your plans?
  • How will you test the snowpack when you get there and what signs of instability will you be looking for?
  • Has your group discussed human factors/heuristic traps? Do you have a plan to recognise them and counter their effects?

Stay aware of your surroundings

Continue to check the conditions and be self-aware along the way. Make a plan before you leave, identifying what information you’ll gather along the way that will assist your understanding of the conditions. You can always turn back if conditions aren't acceptable.

Be aware of human factors/heuristic traps

Things like commitment, familiarity, and the need to feel accepted can easily cloud our judgment and cause us to ignore warning signs. Be aware of these social pressures and constantly consider whether they are beginning to drive your decision-making.

Manage Fatigue

Employ strategies for identifying and managing fatigue. Ensure this is considered as part of any pre-trip planning and pay this element the due respect it deserves during your trip. Allow time for adequate breaks to rest and take on food/water. Most importantly ensure the culture surrounding your trip allows for topics such as fatigue management to be part of your conversations and communication.

Prepare for the risk of avalanches

Learn more on alpine and avalanche safety

Bianca B Tracks Imagery (3)

If Skiing in Bounds as Part of Your Trip, Remember to Adhere to the Snow Safety Code:

Know Your Limits

  • Ride to your ability, control your speed
  • Be aware of the conditions
  • Take a lesson

Find Your Space

  • Stop where you can be seen
  • Give others room
  • Look ahead

Protect Yourself

  • Obey all signs and closures
  • Tired, take a rest
  • Wear a helmet

Know the snow Safety Code

Find it here

Useful Resources

  • The Walking Access Mapping System open_in_new

    Your guide to outdoor New Zealand. The Walking Access Mapping System has all the information you need to find publicly accessible land. Search to find where you are or want to go. Use different layers to display roads, marginal strips, reserves, territorial boundaries and conservation land.

  • Backcountry Access Policies open_in_new

    It is common for ski-tourers or split-boarders to access the backcountry via ski areas. These ski areas will have policies for using the ski area in this fashion, and it is important to follow these for everyone's safety. If you're planning on accessing the backcountry in this way, check out our Backcountry Access Policies page first.

  • Backcountry Ski-Touring in New Zealand Guidebook open_in_new

    This book is your essential guide to the best backcountry touring and ski mountaineering in New Zealand. Whether you’re new to the world of backcountry snowsports, an enthusiast looking for inspiration, or an international traveller sampling what New Zealand has to offer, this guide will help you plan your next adventure.

  • Ski Touring NZ open_in_new

    If you are ever short of ideas or places to go and ski the Ski Touring NZ website is a great site where people can go and enter trips they have done, complete with maps of where they went and photos of the terrain.

Last edited: October 2026