Learn
Below is a range of educational resources to get you started up-skilling in avalanche safety.
What's the NZ Avalanche Advisory?
Welcome to the NZ Avalanche Advisory (NZAA), New Zealand's official backcountry avalanche forecasting network. The NZAA provides public avalanche advisories for 13 regions across the country. Read more
A user's guide to the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) provides an avalanche forecast for 13 regions of backcountry terrain in New Zealand. These forecasts are written by snow safety professionals based on the information they have about the current snow conditions and the expected weather for the forecast period. Read more
Safety in avalanche terrain
In order to be safe in avalanche terrain, you need to cover these three components before you go.
1. Have the trainingProper training is essential to fully understand the avalanche forecast and interpret the information correctly.
Read more
Online Avalanche Course
This course is a beginner's guide to avalanche forecasts, danger scales, danger types, and some of the mitigations available to those heading into the backcountry. We highly recommend you take the necessary avalanche rescue equipment (Shovel, Transceiver, Probe) and seek out specific training on avalanches and backcountry travel. Read more
Course Providers
Find out where you can get the skills you need to travel in the backcountry. We’ve collated a list of potential providers below. Read more
Get Avalanche Ready
Get the forecast, get the training, get the gear. Are you planning to head into the backcountry for an alpine adventure? Watch real stories from NZ's outdoor community and get #AvalancheReady before you leave home. Read more
The Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES)
ATES is the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale. ATES was developed in Canada by Parks Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Association. It is designed to give users information on the level of exposure to avalanche hazard when they go into uncontrolled avalanche terrain. Read more