[VIDEO] 3 Skiers Carried and 1 Partially Buried Following Avalanche in Treble Cone, New Zealand, Backcountry

A group of four backcountry skiers narrowly escaped serious injury, or worse, after triggering an avalanche in the Treble Cone backcountry near Wānaka, New Zealand, on Saturday afternoon.

The incident, approximately two kilometers (1.25 miles) from the Treble Cone Ski Field boundary, resulted in three members of the party being swept down the slope, including one buried up to the waist. All four skiers were able to self-rescue, sustaining only minor injuries. According to an observation filed with the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory by the party, the slide was 250 meters (820 feet) long, 15 meters (50 feet) wide, and 100 centimeters (40 inches) deep. The size 2 avalanche was caused by a cornice fall at 1,810 meters (5,938 feet), on a 35º south-facing slope.

“We were stood in dumb spot looking for a less spicy route down. We didn’t even make a turn.”

– Observation from involved party

Jeremy Blake, who filmed and shared video footage on Instagram, recounted standing at the summit of Treble Cone, observing a group of ski tourers returning from Black Peak as they began congregating on a cornice in the backcountry.

Blake reported that, following the avalanche, “all members eventually emerged from the bottom of the chute,” expressing relief that “everyone was safe.” He confirmed that Treble Cone patrol and Search and Rescue were immediately notified with the video to provide locating services. Blake watched the scene until all skiers had exited the chute and were moving uphill independently.

He shared the footage “as a PSA for the community,” urging the public to exercise caution in light of the recent storm conditions. “Please be safe playing out there with this new storm, friends,” Blake wrote.





 



 



 

 





 

 



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A post shared by Jeremy (@jezblake)







The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) reported that Saturday’s event was one of two human-triggered avalanches in the Wānaka region over the weekend. Chief Executive Mike Daisley described both as “very serious, potentially life-threatening” and attributed the heightened risk to a combination of recent spring snowfall, strong winds, and an unstable snowpack.

“Given the current conditions, travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in this area,” Daisley told the New Zealand Herald, adding that natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches remain very likely under the present HIGH danger rating.

“Heavy snowfall and gale force winds from the North West and West since Thursday. Intense wind transport likely on Saturday as South West winds strengthen.

Back country travel is not recommended in the West. If you head out further East, very careful terrain selection and a conservative approach will be essential.

A day for low angled, simple terrain.”

– NZ Avalanche Advisory forecast for Saturday, September 6, 2025



Police were notified of the avalanche at approximately 2:30 p.m., but Search and Rescue were not required to attend. The Treble Cone avalanche response team remained on standby but was ultimately not called to action since those involved were able to reach safety unaided.

Daisley emphasized the importance of checking the avalanche advisory before any backcountry trip. He advised that while certain areas may offer safe snow travel, the current backcountry conditions posed a clear and present danger. “Preparation and informed decisions save lives,” Daisley said. Skiers are reminded to avoid avalanche terrain when danger is elevated and always carry essential rescue equipment, including beacon, shovel, and probe.

As spring snowstorms and gale-force winds continue to impact the region, skiers are urged to reconsider backcountry activities until conditions stabilize. The MSC has reiterated its advisory, stating that natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely and that alpine travel outside controlled ski area boundaries is not sensible at this time.



Treble Cone backcountry avalanche photos









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