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Readiness Guide for Off-Piste Winter Ventures

Prepare for winter backcountry excursions by verifying the following essentials: a transceiver, shovel, and probe, while also examining the weather forecast.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 27 . 3:32 AM

2 min read

Preparation Guideline for Winter Backcountry Excursions

Readiness Guide for Off-Piste Winter Ventures

Embarking on a winter backcountry trip in New Zealand's majestic mountains can be an exhilarating experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some essential tips to ensure your news trip is safe, successful, and memorable.

1. Vehicle Check Before you hit the road, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready. Check your brakes, tyres, antifreeze, battery, starter motor, and have a de-icing strategy for windows in place.

2. Don't Go Alone The unpredictable winter weather in the backcountry can pose significant risks, especially avalanche risks. It's strongly advised not to venture into the backcountry alone during winter.

3. Group Communication Good communication within your group is vital when travelling in snowy conditions. Everyone should feel comfortable speaking up about conditions or questioning route selection.

4. Weather Forecast Check the MetService mountain weather forecast for the region you'll be in. The weather can change rapidly, and understanding the forecast is essential for a safe trip.

5. Avalanche Awareness Avalanche terrain identification and negotiation skills are necessary for those planning winter backcountry trips. Avalanche courses are essential for acquiring necessary skills in avalanche risk assessment, weather forecasting, and rescue operations.

6. Winter Driving Tips Road conditions should be checked before embarking on a winter backcountry trip. Travelling in the backcountry during winter requires knowledge of avalanche skills, including understanding and applying the information from the avalanche forecast, and conducting a proper avalanche rescue.

7. Proper Clothing and Equipment Warm clothes and an extra pair of dry thermals are necessary for winter backcountry trips. You will sweat while climbing and get cold upon descending. When tramping in the alpine regions of New Zealand, everyone in your group should have crampons and ice axes, and boots should be stiff enough and crampon compatible. Carrying a transceiver, shovel, and probe is essential for avalanche rescue during winter backcountry trips, and everyone in your group should have all three items.

8. Journey Planner The New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) Journey Planner can provide information on road conditions for winter backcountry trips.

9. Plan Ahead A well-prepared group plan is essential for a successful and safe winter backcountry trip. Sharing the pre-winter checklist with friends can help ensure a great and memorable winter backcountry trip.

In the event of a worst-case situation, a member of your group could be rescued within approximately 15 minutes. Stay safe, plan ahead, and enjoy the breathtaking views of New Zealand's winter backcountry!