Community
News and Updates
Check out latest news and updates from the NZ Mountain Safety Council:
Avalanche Forecasting Begins as Winter Takes Hold | 3 July 2026
MSC is urging backcountry alpine adventurers to check the avalanche forecast before heading out this winter. Read more here.
Read more
Stories
Here we share stories from the alpine community, as a way to use learnings from others to improve avalanche safety, alpine skills and awareness. Dive into the stories below and share! Read more
- Avalanche Incidents in NZ | 1998 - 2023 |
- Learnings From an Ice Climber’s 30-Metre Plunge |
- "That’s All It Took, One Wrong Step" |
- Rescued Ice Climbers Admit Pushing Limits Too Far |
- A personal quest for avalanche awareness | Owen's story |
- It’s not a waste of a trip if you survive right? | Will's story |
- As told by an avalanche forecaster | Chris Cochrane |
- Avalanche Fatality Results in Safety Recommendations |
- 'That’s miracle sort of stuff'
Competitions
Our Public Observations Competition is on this season
Heading into the mountains? Share what you see and be in to WIN!
Read more
International Avalanche Centres
Heading overseas? If backcountry trips are on the agenda, it's imperative that you check in on what the local conditions are like. Often there are big differences in snow types, terrain, and weather patterns that you may be unfamiliar with. Read more