Avalanche near Treble Cone: Four rescued, one injured in Wānaka

Multiple people were swept away by a fast-moving avalanche in Wānaka near the Treble Cone Ski Field area on Saturday afternoon.

Police said four people have been accounted for and are safe following the avalanche around 1-2km from the Treble Cone Ski Field area.

One person is reported to have received minor injuries in relation to the incident.

Gripping footage shared on social media showed the people suddenly being swept away down the mountainside as the avalanche took effect.

The person who posted the video to Instagram said they had a “sinking feeling” that the group of ski tourers he captured were standing on unsafe ground.

“I was taking a reference video to send to a friend so they could properly describe the location to police, as I had a sinking feeling about where they were standing and what was likely about to happen,” the poster said on Instagram.

All the members of the group reportedly emerged.

Emergency services were alerted to the avalanche at around 2.30pm.

Police Search and Rescue was advised, however did not attend.

Four people have been accounted for and are safe following an avalanche at about 1-2km from the Treble Cone Ski Field area.

Treble Cone Ski Field area said the avalanche occurred in the backcountry.

Its avalanche response team was on standby but was not required.

‘High’ avalanche danger in the Wānaka region

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) urged backcountry skiers, snowboarders and climbers to exercise extreme caution and follow travel advice provided by the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA).

MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said the rare footage captured a very serious, potentially life-threatening avalanche.

This was one of two human-triggered avalanches reported in the Wānaka region on Saturday.

“Today’s incidents are a sobering reminder that avalanche danger is very real,” Daisley said.

“While details are still limited at this early stage, both avalanches occurred in backcountry terrain outside the ski area boundary.

“Given the current conditions, travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in this area.”

The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory, provided by the MSC, is currently forecasting a “High” avalanche danger in the Wānaka region.

This follows recent spring snowfalls combined with high winds and poor snowpack stability.

“High” danger means very dangerous avalanche conditions exist, the MSC said.

“Natural avalanches are likely, and human-triggered avalanches are very likely,” Daisley said.

“At this danger rating, the alpine backcountry is not a sensible place to be.”

The MSC stressed that anyone entering the backcountry must have the necessary training, skills, and equipment to manage avalanche risk.

“It’s vital that backcountry users follow the travel advice in the NZ Avalanche Advisory and adjust their plans accordingly,” Daisley said.

“That means avoiding avalanche terrain when the danger is elevated, recognising signs of instability, and always carrying the essential rescue gear—beacon, shovel, and probe.

“Preparation and informed decisions save lives.”

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