Why get lost on Turoa?

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 449, 18 August 1992, Page 7

Why get lost on Turoa?

Is it true that Whakapapa skiers have a better sense of direction than Turoa skiers? No, according to Department of Conservation officer Rob McCallum. Some may have thought so because of the number of search and rescue operations called for at Turoa, especially this ski season, while such call-outs are rare at Whakapapa. "The geography of the two ski fields is quite different, with most of the valleys and ridges at Whakapapa tending to funnel people back to the base area, while below Turoa the terrain tends to fan out." "The shape of the lava flows, and the valley and ridge structure makes it very easy for people to become disorientated on the southem slopes of Ruapehu, especially in white-out conditions." "Also this year, people are able to keep skiing to levels far below the ski area base, because of the greater snow cover." Once below the ski area there is even more chance that someone could get lost because they can be even further away from the base area by then. He said Whakapapa had many more features such as lift lines and ski lodges spread about the field for people to take bearings from, while Turoa' s lift layout is basically in-line, from top to bottom. Asked if boundary signs and fences were adequate (Turoa Ski Patrol erects lower boundary fences and signs, to warn people they are leaving the ski area), Mr McCallum said it would be very difficult to set anything up that was foolproof. "When you get the massive icing up that Turoa is known for, even the biggest structures become invisible in a white out. People have even been known to crash into lift towers when they've been heavily iced up." "We've had cases where people have come up to a boundary wire but decided they knew where they were and that the wire must be in the wrong place!" 'The secret to not getting lost lies in not going offtrail when visibility is bad. But if you do get caught out, the first thing to do is remember which side of the field you are on, and head for the middle of the field - don't just keep heading down." "And stop and listen occasionally. Chances are you' 11 hear a lift motor, or voices or traffic." "Dressing for the conditions is vital. If you are caught out but you're wearing lots of layers including wool, hat, gloves and over-trousers, and a good wind and water proof jacket, you will stand being out in foul weather better than in jeans and a light jacket." "But the best advice is - stay on the groomed slopes if visibility is marginal and you don't know the field like the back of your hand."