As put by Sergeant Darren Cranfield,
For the second time this week, Wānaka Police have coordinated a search and rescue operation involving people in the alpine environment.
At around 1.45pm on Thursday 30 July, Police were notified of two snowboarders in need of assistance near Treble Cone ski field.
Two snowboarders ventured beyond the boundaries of the ski field to explore the back country before becoming lost for approximately six hours. At the time, weather conditions were extremely challenging, with heavy snowfall, strong winds, and near-zero visibility.
The search was complex and required the expertise of the Wānaka Alpine Cliff Rescue Team, multiple ski patrol units, and an aerial search team. Aspiring Helicopters operated in very difficult flying conditions, and it was only through the pilot’s extensive local knowledge, experience, and exceptional flying skills that search teams could be safely deployed into the alpine environment.
The snowboarders were located approximately one hour before nightfall. Had they not been found before darkness, the outcome could have been significantly more serious.
Police are incredibly grateful for the professionalism, dedication, and expertise of everyone involved in the search.
Wānaka is fortunate to have such highly skilled volunteer and professional rescue personnel who are prepared to respond in difficult and often hazardous conditions to assist those in need.
This incident serves as another timely reminder that venturing beyond ski area boundaries into the back country should never be taken lightly.
Anyone planning to enter the alpine environment must have the necessary experience, understand the current weather and avalanche conditions, carry appropriate emergency equipment, and have the skills to use it. Even a minor mistake can quickly develop into a life-threatening situation in alpine terrain.
