Man dies in Mount Dixon avalanche

A highly experienced mountaineer has died after being buried by an avalanche on Mount Dixon. The man was on a recreational ski trip with three other experienced members of his party when the incident occurred.

Emergency services were alerted to the mountain's east face just after 10am on Sunday. A search and rescue operation was activated, and the man was located unresponsive a short time later.

Despite efforts at the scene, the man was pronounced deceased shortly after being found. His body has been recovered and the death will be referred to the coroner.

The avalanche occurred on the northeast side of the mountain while the man was descending on skis. Experts noted that while the area was rated as moderate risk, even small avalanches in such terrain can have extreme consequences.

How it developed

• Mon 19 Oct, 12:47pmThe report identified the location as Dixon Peak, a 3004-metre mountain described as an intermediate climb.
• Mon 19 Oct, 3:23pmThe report specified the incident occurred on the mountain's east face.
• Mon 19 Oct, 7:00pmThe report clarified the man was skiing on the northeast side of the mountain when he was taken by the avalanche.

Where reports differ

• One report describes the location as the mountain's east face, while another states the avalanche took the man off the northeast side.

Compiled from reports by 1News, NZ Herald, Stuff, RNZ and Otago Daily Times.