Preparing for a Winter Excursion through Investment
Prepare for a thrilling winter experience in New Zealand with these helpful tips for your winter trips. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a novice, these guidelines will ensure you're well-equipped and informed for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Essential Gear for Avalanche Rescue
When venturing into avalanche-prone areas, it's crucial to carry a transceiver, shovel, and probe. These items are essential for locating and rescuing buried individuals in the event of an avalanche.
Keep Feet Dry and Warm with Gaiters
Gaiters can be a valuable addition to your winter gear, helping to keep your feet dry and warm in wet conditions during your winter trips.
Stay Informed with Apps
The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) offers an app that provides users with useful information for winter hiking in New Zealand, including weather warnings, track reviews, and MetService Mountain Hazard Warnings. For those on marked trails, the Plan My Walk app offers similar features, including weather updates and track reviews.
Choose the Right Trip for Your Abilities
It's important to choose a trip that matches your abilities and the current conditions. Weather awareness and understanding the NZ avalanche advisory are key for winter travel. Always check the current weather forecast and backcountry avalanche advisory before heading out, and adjust your plans accordingly.
Pack Appropriately
Layer your clothing, avoiding cotton, to stay warm in winter conditions. Depending on the trip, special equipment for alpine or avalanche terrain may be necessary. Remember to pack essential items such as solid boots, thick socks, and gear like helmets, crampons, and ice-axes for snow travel. The Plan My Walk App even has a gear list feature to help you pack efficiently.
Safety First
Everyone in a group should carry avalanche rescue equipment and know how to use it. For those going on backcountry adventures, it's essential to have the skills to ensure safety in backcountry terrain.
Get Local Knowledge
To get the right local knowledge, talk to people who have been there before or visit a local DOC Visitor Centre. For ski-tourers and split-boarders, it's common to access the backcountry via ski areas. Remember to follow the policies for using the ski area in this fashion for everyone's safety.
Plan Ahead
Remember there are less daylight hours in winter, so consider this when planning walking times. Always have a Plan B and/or turnaround point in your plan. Additionally, carry emergency shelter and additional food for winter conditions.
Explore the Best Backcountry Touring and Ski Mountaineering in New Zealand
The Backcountry Ski-touring book is a worthy investment for those looking to explore the best backcountry touring and ski mountaineering in New Zealand. For those who have completed trips, the Ski Touring NZ website is a great place to share your experiences, complete with maps of where you went and photos of the terrain.
Use the Walking Access Mapping System
The Walking Access Mapping System has all the information you need to find publicly accessible land, making it easier to plan your winter adventures.
Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Journey
With these tips in mind, you're now better prepared for a safe and enjoyable winter adventure in New Zealand. Happy exploring!
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