By 3 News online staff
A speed flier is in hospital after being rescued from Arthur's Pass National Park early this morning.
He was rescued after speed flying from Temple Basin skifield yesterday afternoon and crashing into a mountain.
Speed flying is as a hybrid sport that combines elements of paragliding, parachuting, and skiing.
A rescue helicopter spotted the Christchurch man, 22, lying under powerlines on a steep slope last night.
However the chopper couldn't land so two alpine cliff teams were sent in overnight and finally reached the man at 2am this morning.
Police say Land Search and Rescue volunteers took him to the Temple Basin skifield, where he was airlifted to Greymouth Hospital.
He was not seriously injured, suffering a suspected broken thumb and possible concussion.
Police search and rescue coordinator Sergeant Ryan O'Rourke says the incident highlights the need for skiiers and mountain users to be extremely careful in selecting locations for their activities.
3 News