Rescuers deciding on risky trip to save skier

Arthur's Pass National Park. Photo / Supplied

Rescuers are deciding whether to make a risky trip on to a ski feld in freezing conditions tonight after a skier was seen lying under power lines in Arthur's Pass National Park.

Police say it is unknown at this stage whether the man is still alive.

Southern communications team leader Mike Murphy said the man was speed flying at Temple Basin ski field this afternoon.

Speed flying is skiing with the aid of a fabric wing, which adds speed and lift.

The man had set off for a run down the slopes but emergency services were called when he failed to arrive at the bottom within minutes.

The Greymouth rescue helicopter was sent to search for him and reported seeing him lying under power lines but was unable to land because of the proximity of the power cables.

Mr Murphy didn't know whether the man had fallen over, hit the power lines or possibly been electrocuted.

He said rescuers were deciding whether to send in alpine rescuers on foot tonight but given that it was dark, the conditions were freezing and the man's status was unknown, he was unsure whether a ground rescue would be carried out tonight.