By Lachlan Forsyth
Dramatic footage of an Alaskan heli-skier being engulfed and buried in a massive avalanche is providing valuable lessons for mountain rescuers here.
Three skiers have died in New Zealand avalanches this winter and this helmet cam footage has given our rescuers a taste of the terrifying ordeal the people they dig up must go through.
About to set off at the start of his run, the skier debates who will go first, before taking the lead
Intending to cut across the slope he instead heads down, in the process triggering every skier’s worst nightmare.
Engulfed by tonnes of snow, he tumbles 500 metres in just 20 seconds
His helmet cam capturing every terrifying moment until finally, he is buried alive, alone and completely helpless.
“Even a small amount of snow from avalanche debris compresses and hardens up so much it's like trying to dig yourself out of concrete,” says snow safety officer John Hooker.
He says the only option is to wait and hope the rescuers find you.
“By the time you're in there you just hope that they are all trained, they've got the gear and will come in fast and are committed to finding you. There's nothing you can do about it, it's all up to them”.
With the only sound his own laboured breathing, and the occasional whimper, the skier in the video is clearly terrified.
Finally, after almost five minutes, there is movement and encouragement from above.
The video gives rescuers an invaluable chance to experience an avalanche from the other side, and an appreciation of just how quickly a dream run can turn into a nightmare.
3 News
Click here to watch the full eight minute video