Winter is in full swing and last Saturday Alpine Rescue Canterbury focused its training on a ski touring scenario. Six team members met at Porters Ski Area and distributed the group gear to be used for the day. The Ski Area staff generously offered to boost us to the summit ridge by lift, we said a quick hi to Rich and his friendly team at ski patrol and set off for Crystal Valley.
Conditions were great and the crisp alpine zephyr cutting across the ridge didn’t seem to be dampening anyone’s enthusiasm. After a quick descent to the saddle, Anna and Mike carefully entered the basin to do some digging and check the snow stability. The double thumbs up confirmed that conditions were indeed safe, and the remainder of the team dropped into the basin one at a time for some satisfying, deep turns.
For the next few hours we refreshed our skills on snow anchors using skis and snow stakes; and lowering and hauling an injured patient in a non-vertical environment. We shared our collective knowledge as we experimented with various techniques and options whilst also putting our new Guides’ Rescue Tarp to the test.
As the sun dipped below the ridge we put in a few more turns and descended lower into the basin. Skins on, we headed out of the shadows and onto the ridge overlooking the ski area for another session looking at alternative methods of anchoring, including the use of bucket seats and human anchors. It’s important to understand the limits of these techniques, but in the right circumstances and conditions they have their place and the old adage of “practice makes perfect” applies whether the name of the game is rescue or personal climbing and skiing in the mountains.
Conditions re-entering the ski area from the ridge were challenging and I’m not too proud to admit that the skis went on the pack and the ice axe came out for a good part of the descent.
It was great to be out with some of our newer team members and always a privilege to be refreshing and developing skills as part of a team of volunteers motivated by a common purpose. All in all, a really productive day!
Alpine Rescue Canterbury 