Ski group survive avalanche on Mt Ruapehu backcountry, two buried in snow

NZ Herald

21 Jul, 2025 01:50 AMQuick Read

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A serious avalanche involvement was reported in the Tongariro region on Friday 18 July. Photo / NZ Avalanche Advisory

A group of skiers had to be rescued after triggering an avalanche which buried two people – one who only had their hand protruding from the snow.

The Mountain Safety Council says a party of six was ski touring in the Mt Ruapehu backcountry, near Glacier Knob, when they
triggered an avalanche on Friday.

“Four members of the party were partially buried. One member was buried with only their face and arm free, and one member was completely buried with only their hand protruding.”

The completely buried member had an airway excavated within two minutes and everyone was fully excavated within 10 minutes.