Two people have been rescued after an avalanche on the Remarkables, Queenstown.
The pair were "partially buried" while skiing/snowboarding southeast of the Sugar Bowl area, at an altitude of around 1800-2000 metres.
Police say three helicopters were used to fly in ski patrol staff and dog teams from other ski areas just after 12:15pm, which helped find the two people. They'd like to thank those involved in the search for their swift response.
The avalanche risk is now moderate, 2 out of 5 on a scale of 1-5.
"This is a timely reminder that the risk of avalanches in these conditions is real," a police spokesperson said in a statement.
"Police advise to always assess the conditions and consult with the Avalanche Advisory, Mountain Safety Council site for up-to-date conditions.
"Be sure to discuss your plans with ski patrol and be equipped with transceivers, shovels and probes that you know how to use.
"Avalanches are unforgiving and dangerous and anyone in areas of risk should consider the safety of themselves and their group to be paramount."
