The missing student on Mt Rolleston near Arthurs Pass has been named as Edward Sai Louie, 18, from Auckland.
Police said a friend who was skiing with Mr Sai Louie did not want to be named.
Mr Sai Louie fell through an ice shelf while skiing on Mt Rolleston on
Saturday.
About 5pm, while Mr Sai Louie and his friend were descending from the Low Peak of Mt Rolleston, he is believed to have fallen through the ice after shouting out to his friend for help.
His friend turned around to find no trace of the teenager and spent up to two hours frantically digging through the spot where he thought he had fallen.
In a statement Mr Sai Louie's family said they were "devastated" to "have lost a son, a brother and a grandson."
The statement said: "During his eighteen years Eddy lived life to the full. Edward was passionate about the outdoors, and chose to attend Canterbury University to be close to the mountains.
"Ed was keen on skiing, adventure racing, and protecting the environment. Eddy had the most amazing sense of humour and was always looking for an adventure. He is incredibly tough and accomplished a lot in his life.
"We will miss him so much and words can not describe our pain."
The family said a memorial service would be held for Mr Sai Louie.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
