Safety

Catastrophe on Cascade Saddle

Winter Tramping  Catastrophe on Cascade Saddle

Completion of the Great Walks may lead less experienced trampers into a false sense of security, resulting in some attempting backcountry tracks beyond their skill sets. After finishing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Abel Tasman Coastal Track, a young tourist sets off on the Cascade Saddle in Mt Aspiring National Park. Under snow cover, Cascade Saddle is a serious alpine crossing that requires outdoor competence and proper equipment. Johnny Mulheron discusses the tragic details behind this solo tramper's fatal fall in winter conditions and what lessons we can take away.

The Busy Lizard

Mt Taranaki  The Busy Lizard

'Though plenty of inexperienced day walkers happily climb Taranaki, the mountain is still one of the most deadly in New Zealand. For many, the northern summer route is their surest way to safely experience climbing Taranaki.' Seasoned mountaineer, Peter Laurenson, provides foundational advice for minimising trouble and maximising fun on Mt Taranaki this summer.

Leading Alpine Trips

Winter Tips  Leading Alpine Trips

What makes a suitable alpine leader and how do you identify these people in your club? New Zealand clubs have a proud tradition of passing on knowledge to newer members who later themselves become leaders. FMC provides a guide to identifying and supporting not only current alpine leaders, but a framework to raise up the next generation.

A Preventable Tragedy in the Young Valley

Fatality  A Preventable Tragedy in the Young Valley

A cascade of poor decisions – lack of experience, a hyperfocus on reaching their destination despite horrendous conditions and the separation of party members – results in the preventable loss of a young woman left behind on the Gillespie Pass. Examining the events leading up to this tragedy, Johnny Mulheron and Erik Bradshaw offer sound advice for trampers heading off the beaten path of the Great Walks.

The Jagged-Upham Couloir Attempt

Close Call  The Jagged-Upham Couloir Attempt

A close call occurs on Jagged Peak with one climber undergoing a serious accident, successful helicopter rescue and lengthy recovery. Heather Rhodes joins Vaughan Snowdon and Simon Bell to attempt Jagged Peak in the Arrowsmith Range of South Canterbury, resulting in a 300m fall.

Scree Slope Crossing

Survivor Story  Scree Slope Crossing

Halfway through their Lewis Pass to Nelson Lakes tramp, an experienced tramper tumbles 25 metres down a scree slope on Thompson Pass. Due to the skilled response by his party and the helicopter rescue team, the tramper is successfully evacuated. The team reflects on lessons from their ordeal and Johnny Mulheron shares essential, lifesaving tips for outdoor enthusiasts.

Mountain Safety

Scenarios  Mountain Safety

Safety in the mountains is a serious topic and one that requires good judgment and experience. During an interactive presentation about his Aoraki/Mt Cook climb in 2011, Simon Bell shares photos and key points for climbers to consider in various scenarios.

Sustainable in Print?

Backcountry Magazine  Sustainable in Print?

In light of climate change, have you ever wondered why FMC continues to print its Backcountry magazine? Backcountry editor, Peter Laurenson, shares FMC's reasons behind the printed version, the steps taken to align with its values of stewardship and environmental protection, and the future of this classic publication.

How (Not) to Get into Canyoning

Near-Miss  How (Not) to Get into Canyoning

'We're cold, wet, tired and it's about to get dark. And we've still got that big abseil to go...' Safely home after her first foray into canyoning, Megan Sety and her team reflect on their type-2 adventure. They learn firsthand that while canyoning is an ideal sport for trampers and climbers to explore, it requires its own set of technical skills and expertise.

Wilderlife
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