11WALK SHORTS
Tried,testedandloved.
TocelebratetheRab
Microlightturning 10 this
year,wearegivingawaya
mensandwomensMicrolight
AlpineJacket.Toentergoto
wildernessmag.co.nzand
answera simplequestion.BEIN TO
WIN
A MICROLIGHT
ALPINEJACKET
#10YEARSON
Ski tour guidelines
TO PRESERVE
backcountry access
GUIDELINES FOR backcountry ski touring have
been developed as a way to change behaviour on the
slopes.
The Backcountry Touring Access Guidelines, established
by the Federated Mountain Clubs and NZ Alpine Club, are
an attempt to create a safer and more respectful environ-
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The guidelines advocate increased communication with
ski patrols, taking safety precautions and respecting the
environment and those within it.
An FMC investigation into ski touring last year found
backcountry skiers were causing problems in areas where
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country.
Cited behaviour included skiers ignoring signage, ac-
cessing dangerous terrain and butting heads with other
skiers and mountain staff.
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on the guidelines, said a lack of common sense by a few
was causing problems.
“Just because you can access something quickly, it
doesn’t mean it’s safe,” he said.
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a hard line on backcountry access.
“About half have now said no backcountry riding permit-
ted, and we don’t want to go down that road – there’s too
little snow in New Zealand as it is, and we need to look
after what we’ve got.”
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the guidelines.
Mt Ruapehu general manager of people and perfor-
mance Andy Hoyle said tensions around terrain closure
have caused issues in the past and there is a misunder-
standing from skiers who believe they can go wherever
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we have obligations that don’t necessarily line up with
that,” said Hoyle. This includes ensuring skiers do not
venture into avalanche terrain or the path of machinery.
The guidelines can be viewed at http://www.skitouring.co.nz.New guidelines
aim to reduce
tension between
backcountry ski-
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managementDAN CLEARWATER