SnowBuzz
Tragedy in New Zealand: Mountain guide killed in avalanche
The mountaineering and ski communities of New Zealand are mourning the death of Troy Forsyth, a 28-year-old mountain guide who was killed on Sunday in an avalanche on Mount Dixon in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Forsyth, an experienced mountain guide, worked as an avalanche safety officer and as a member of the ski patrol team at The Remarkables in Queenstown. He was also involved in avalanche safety instruction and was considered a highly respected professional in the local community.
The incident occurred during a ski tour in the Mount Dixon summit area, when Forsyth was on a private trip with three other experienced backcountry skiers. Despite his extensive experience and professional training in snow safety, he was caught in a fatal avalanche.
The New Zealand Mountain Guides Association said that Forsyth was an exceptionally talented and respected professional whose death has left a great void among his family, friends and colleagues.
The Remarkables ski area manager, Steve Hall, said that Forsyth had been part of the resort's patrol and safety team for six seasons. He said Forsyth would be remembered for his personality, professionalism, love of the mountains and the pink helmet that was associated with him.
The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council emphasized that backcountry skiing takes place in a complex, constantly changing environment. The conditions on Mount Dixon, including steep slopes, glaciers and unstable weather, present significant challenges even for experienced skiers.
The organization noted that training, experience and sound decision-making are essential for reducing risk in the mountains, but cannot eliminate it entirely.
According to data from the Mountain Safety Council, New Zealand recorded one avalanche fatality in 2024 and two additional fatalities in 2025.
Want to keep reading?
The rest of this story is available in the SnowBuzz app. Open the app or install it to continue from the exact point where you stopped.