72-year-old skier found alive

72-year-old Toby Kravet had a cold, uncomfortable night on the mountain. Photo / ODT

An elderly skier found alive after going missing on Treble Cone ski-field spent a night in the open with two broken legs.

Rescuers in a helicopter found Hawaiian Toby Kravet, 72, about 8.20am this morning outside the ski area boundary in the Gottlieb Valley.

He had broken both legs and been unable to move after skiing into a snow drift about 3pm yesterday.

Wanaka LandSAR spokesman Phil Melchior said Mr Kravet "did everything right" by keeping himself awake and doing arm exercises to keep his blood circulating.

"We were thrilled to find him," he said.

Mr Kravet is now being treated at Wanaka Medical Centre.

Police earlier said they had "grave concerns" after Mr Kravet he failed to meet his bus yesterday afternoon.

A ground search by Treble Cone ski patrol, and an aerial search by Aspiring Helicopters and manned by LandSAR members failed to locate any sign of his before dark yesterday.