'Should never be taken lightly': Police call for caution after two alpine rescues in a week

Police are urging alpine trekkers to be more cautious after two snowboarders got lost near a Wānaka ski area on Thursday afternoon - the second incident of its kind this week.

Sergeant Darren Cranfield said just before 2pm, Wānaka Police were informed that two people who ventured beyond the boundaries of the Treble Cone ski field to explore the backcountry could not find their way back.

He said at the time there was heavy snowfall, strong winds, and near-zero visibility.

The snowboarders were found just before sunset after a roughly six-hour ground and aerial search.

"The search was complex and required the expertise of the Wānaka Alpine Cliff Rescue Team, multiple ski patrol units, and an aerial search team. Aspiring Helicopters operated in very difficult flying conditions, and it was only through the pilot's extensive local knowledge, experience, and exceptional flying skills that search teams could be safely deployed into the alpine environment.

"The snowboarders were located approximately one hour before nightfall. Had they not been found before darkness, the outcome could have been significantly more serious.

"This incident serves as another timely reminder that venturing beyond ski area boundaries into the backcountry should never be taken lightly.

"Anyone planning to enter the alpine environment must have the necessary experience, understand the current weather and avalanche conditions, carry appropriate emergency equipment, and have the skills to use it. Even a minor mistake can quickly develop into a life-threatening situation in alpine terrain."