New Zealand 2011
Resident Kiwi checking in (even though I live in Canuckistan now)
redjames - you say you did backcountry but I see no packs. No probe, no shovel, no beacon? No smarts. Blunt, but that sh*t is no joke and we have plenty of people die outside the ropes. If you’d tested the snow conditions then that’s fine, if not, you got lucky.
As for the CHCH trip for littlefrog - Hutt or Porters are decent if you’re based in christchurch and don’t want to stay anywhere else. You could venture to the clubbies but it depends what you’re looking for. Epic terrain at the clubbies but no groomers and it’s all nutcracker tows.
I agree that a little roadtrip to the Mackenzie country might be a good idea if you have time. Dobson & Roundhill are fun places to ride. Ohau is a little further and best accessed from Qtown, I think.
it had been tracked a fair bit already so we deemed it to be alright. I have a recco reflector. I also have a water pack. Plus the area we were in was close to the cardrona ski area so if shit went down people would see . . .
it had been tracked a fair bit already so we deemed it to be alright. I have a recco reflector. I also have a water pack. Plus the area we were in was close to the cardrona ski area so if shit went down people would see . . .
Um, Recco is a joke. You know it requires a special detector (i.e. different to regular avy beacon) and that very few resorts have them?
I don’t want to come off all arrogant, but I cannot stress enough how heavy-duty the risk is. Tracked or not, if you’re outta bounds there’s always potential for trouble. 15 minutes of being buried and you’re done.
yep Recco is pretty much useless
outer wear companies using it as a major selling point should be shot for misleading the public
Nzski use recco
dont get me wrong….RECCO has its purpose. its a great additional tool for search and rescue but should in no way be a Substitute for backcountry training (knowledge) or beacons…. even RECCO themselves say it
RECCO® reflectors do not prevent avalanches, nor do they guarantee location or survival of a buried or lost person. Reflectors are also not a substitute for an avalanche rescue beacon. However, when someone needs more help than their friends can provide, RECCO® reflectors do provide another chance.
but better than nothing right?
Well, it can be great for body recovery.
As I said, if a slide occurs and you’re buried, your mates need to get you out as quickly as possible. The first 15 minutes are crucial, and they reckon brain damage etc sets in after about 30 minutes, assuming you don’t have any other major injuries from being thrashed around in a white washing machine.
This is why its essential for the people you are with to have the means to search for you. By the time they run or call to get help, then help arrives, if the rescuers have to start from scratch there will be a lot of area to cover.
I’m moving to a new place for this season (in the US) and even with my probe, beacon & shovel I won’t be rushing out of bounds until I’ve done another avy course and learnt some more about the local conditions.
I’m finished preaching now 
I just don’t want to see anyone on here become another news story of young tourists killed out of bounds.
Ohau is a little further and best accessed from Qtown, I think.
Nah. Wanaka maybe, but not Queenstown (a tad too far for a day trip from any of them) - and it’s great for a ‘there-and-back’ trip from Christchurch, because Dobson and Roundhill are in between.
I’ll elaborate on the Mackenzie ‘taste of NZ’ concept. Roundhill gives you a nice easy introduction to nutcracker tows. Dobson gives you an idea of what to expect when driving on gnarly NZ roads, and the ‘no-frills’ club-field approach (Dobson’s owner/builder, Peter, still uses a beaten up old caravan as his office). Ohau is the perfect gateway to NZ slackcountry (ascending bootpacks, hiking ridgelines etc.), and provides unsurpassed Kiwi hospitality (a stay at Lake Ohau Lodge is a must).
maybe I should do some sort of a course before i head out in canada
Ohau is a little further and best accessed from Qtown, I think.
Nah. Wanaka maybe, but not Queenstown (a tad too far for a day trip from any of them) - and it’s great for a ‘there-and-back’ trip from Christchurch, because Dobson and Roundhill are in between.
I’ll elaborate on the Mackenzie ‘taste of NZ’ concept. Roundhill gives you a nice easy introduction to nutcracker tows. Dobson gives you an idea of what to expect when driving on gnarly NZ roads, and the ‘no-frills’ club-field approach (Dobson’s owner/builder, Peter, still uses a beaten up old caravan as his office). Ohau is the perfect gateway to NZ slackcountry (ascending bootpacks, hiking ridgelines etc.), and provides unsurpassed Kiwi hospitality (a stay at Lake Ohau Lodge is a must).
Right - by Qtown I meant qtown airport, flying in there and basing yourself in the southern lakes. I’ve daytripped it from Wanaka before and you’re right, it’s a lot of driving when all you really want to do is chill out with a beer at the Ohau lodge!
I haven’t been back to roundhill since they’ve put in the ropetow. Apparently that accesses some epic terrain.
If you get buried and the people searching for you don’t have shovels, even if they saw where you went down, chances are they wont get you out. its almost impossible to dig with your hands in avalanche snow.
Hahahahahaa!!!!! What a TJ!!!!!
And what is “suspect-able”, swishy???? Do ya mean “susceptible”????
and taking boards on aircraft carriers? wow! NZ IS COOL!
Lmao!!!!! Between aricraft carriers and ‘suspect’ lifts at Mt hutt I should have a good trip 
Roundhill looks awesome - if I can get there I will but sadly trip is now down to only 3 days on the slopes 
still it’s better than none at all and as I’ve pretty much only done Baw Baw/Buller I’m thinking any of the NZ slopes are gonna blow me away
Thanks for all the recommendations 
maybe I should do some sort of a course before i head out in canada
not trying to sound like a dick mate, but if you were seriously even considering going out of bounds in canada with out avy training/proper equipment…
i will leave it at that.