Arrowsmith Range

2024 - 9 - 25

Tragedy Strikes: Helicopter Skier Loses Life in Tornado of Snow!

Adventurous Sports - Avalanche - Emergency Services - Heli-skiing - New Zealand

A tragic avalanche in New Zealand's Arrowsmith Range during a heli-skiing adventure has claimed one life. Read more about this unfortunate incident!

In a heart-wrenching incident, emergency services were dispatched to the Arrowsmith Range in the Southern Alps after a devastating avalanche struck during a heli-skiing trip. The avalanche, which occurred around lunchtime, left one person trapped underneath the snow. Despite the heroic efforts of rescue teams, the individual was found in critical condition and sadly passed away shortly after being recovered. Eyewitnesses and rescuers faced a tough, snow-laden environment as they rushed to provide aid amidst the wilderness of Mid Canterbury.

The accident prompted a swift response from Maritime NZ and local police, who co-coordinated their efforts to ensure that no further casualties occurred. The sportsman was heli-skiing in a picturesque yet perilous area, where steep slopes and fresh powder can turn into an avalanche-prone terrain. While heli-skiing remains a thrilling pursuit for adventure lovers, incidents like this underscore the importance of safety precautions and understanding the risks involved in extreme winter sports.

Avalanche incidents aren’t uncommon in New Zealand, especially for ski enthusiasts indulging in heli-skiing, which often takes them to challenging and less accessible terrains. Rescue pilot Dan McPherson confirmed that the avalanche struck swiftly, reducing the window for a successful rescue. The close-knit community of winter sports lovers is mourning the loss, with everyone reflecting on the razor-thin line between adventure and tragedy made apparent by such disasters.

As New Zealand’s Southern Alps are known for their thrilling slopes and stunning vistas, they also remind skiers of nature’s ferocity. Interestingly, the Arrowsmith Range itself is part of a larger geological structure that includes some of the highest peaks in the South Island. Furthermore, experts warn that it’s crucial for skiers to carry appropriate avalanche safety equipment and training—essential tools that can prove life-saving in emergencies. Stay safe out there and respect the mountains!

In light of this tragic event, it’s important to remember that the thrill of heli-skiing should always be tempered with caution and respect for the power of nature, as even the most experienced adventurers are not immune to its whims. So as you plan your next skiing adventure, think twice before you take that leap into the untouched snow; your safety is paramount!

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Image courtesy of "1 News"

Person dies after avalanche in Arrowsmith Range (1 News)

Police said the person was in critical condition when recovered from the avalanche, and died a short time later.

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Image courtesy of "Otago Daily Times"

Avalanche reported in Canterbury mountain range (Otago Daily Times)

Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination Centre is coordinating the emergency response with police. The avalanche hit the Arrowsmith Range area, ...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

One person dead after being trapped in avalanche during heli-skiing ... (New Zealand Herald)

One person has died in an avalanche after becoming trapped during a heli-skiing trip in Mid Canterbury. Police were notified of the avalanche in the ...

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Heliskier dead in Southern Alps avalanche (RNZ)

Rescuers were alerted to the avalanche in the Arrowsmith Range about 12.15pm. Rescue Helicopter pilot Dan McPherson said a group was heliskiing on the mountain ...

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Image courtesy of "SnowsBest"

Heli-skier dies in avalanche in New Zealand's South Island (SnowsBest)

The heli-skiing group were skiing in the Arrowsmith Range west of Mt Hutt and Methven when the avalanche struck around lunchtime. One person was trapped in the ...

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Image courtesy of "Newstalk ZB"

Avalanche in Southern Alps: Search launched near Mt Arrowsmith in ... (Newstalk ZB)

A helicopter from Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue has been dispatched to the area around Mt Arrowsmith in the Ashburton Lakes District. A spokesman for GHC ...

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Image courtesy of "Chris Lynch"

One person dies following avalanche - Chris Lynch Media (Chris Lynch)

A police spokesman said a person was trapped in the avalanche and was in a critical condition when recovered at around 1pm. “Tragically they died a short time ...

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Image courtesy of "Ashburton Guardian"

One person confirmed dead in Mid Canterbury Avalanche (Ashburton Guardian)

One person was trapped in the avalanche and was in a critical condition when recovered at around 1pm. Tragically they died a short time later. Nobody is ...

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Image courtesy of "Stuff.co.nz"

Emergency services alerted to 'possible avalanche' in Canterbury (Stuff.co.nz)

A spokesperson from Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination Centre said they were coordinating a response with police to a 'reported avalanche' in the Arrowsmith ...

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Image courtesy of "Stuff.co.nz"

Emergency services alerted to 'possible avalanche' in Canterbury (Stuff.co.nz)

A spokesperson from Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination Centre said they were coordinating a response with police to a 'reported avalanche' in the Arrowsmith ...

NZ Police Release Name Over Arrowsmith Range Avalanche (Mirage News)

Police are now able to release the name of the man who died after being recovered from an avalanche on the Arrowsmith Range on Wednesday 25.

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Southern Alps avalanche: Heliski tragedy victim named as Alpine ... (New Zealand Herald)

Police have named the man who died after being buried by an avalanche in the Southern Alps . He was Brett Evans, 38, of Stavely, Ashburton.

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Image courtesy of "Otago Daily Times"

Tributes for heli-skiing guide buried by avalanche (Otago Daily Times)

Alpine Guides has confirmed one of its heli-skiing guides died after an avalanche in a Canterbury mountain range on Wednesday.

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Image courtesy of "1 News"

Authorities alerted to possible avalanche in Arrowsmith Range (1 News)

"It was initially reported to RCCNZ at about 12.25pm," New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre said.

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