Mountain climbers saved in epic overnight rescue in bitter weather
Two under-prepared climbers on The Remarkables, near Queenstown, were the subject of an overnight rescue mission that spanned more than 12 hours at the weekend.
Otago Lakes District Police Search and Rescue (SAR) Constable Pepper Ruston said police received a call just after 5pm on Saturday with a report of two men in their mid-20s, trapped on the side of The Remarkables after ice-climbing in the back country near the ski area.
A storm had blown in and the pair became lost while trying to walk back to the skifield and, after triggering a small avalanche, made the “sensible decision” to take shelter in a rock bivvy and call police for help.
Ruston said the climbers had mobile phones with a navigation app which meant they could advise rescue co-ordinators of their location.
While they were dressed appropriately, they were wet and cold, had a single silver rescue blanket, a small amount of food, and were not wellplaced for a night on the mountain.
Conditions were deteriorating; Ruston said there was a severe southwest gale and poor visibility.
Police SAR and members of the Alpine Cliff Rescue (ACR) mobilised and, with Heli Otago help, two attempts were made to drop the ACR team into the area, but were called off because of wind and whiteout.
Rescue teams decided to send a four-person ACR team in on foot. A police 4WD took them to the skifield, and NZSki personnel took them to the top of the field on a groomer.
Just after midnight, the team started walking from the top of the ski lift toward Lake Alta.
“Conditions were treacherous, with blizzard conditions and a temperature of -8C,” Ruston said.
“The avalanche risk in the area was significant, but the ACR team included a member who was qualified to assess avalanche risk and was, therefore, able to minimise the risk.”
The climbers were located just after 4.30am and helped by the ACR team to walk out to the skifield.
All six were transported back to the SAR base, arriving at 7am.
“The climbers were assessed and found to be medically fit — albeit cold, tired and embarrassed,” Ruston said.
“They’d researched the weather conditions prior to setting out and they were dressed appropriately for the mountains, but they’d been caught out by the rapid change in the weather.
“They hadn’t checked avalanche risk and weren’t carrying avalanche gear or a first aid kit.
“While they had two mobile phones, they didn’t have a locator beacon or navigation equipment aside from the phone app.”
Queenstown Alpine Cliff Rescue Team co-ordinator Russ Tilsley recommended doing “thorough research” before heading into the backcountry.
“Taking the time to check and plan for the worst could save your life — and prevent others from having to risk theirs to come to your aid.”
Tilsley recommended all back country and climbing parties get upto-date conditions before setting out, via the NZ Avalanche Advisory at avalanche.net.nz.
“If you’re going in via a skifield then check in with the ski patrol, let them know where you’re headed and then let them know when you return.
“Just because an area is accessible doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be treated with respect. Conditions can change rapidly.”