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Get home safely

About Backcountry & Ski Touring

The Backcountry & most notably, Tarn Basin, can be accessed from the Mt Cheeseman Ski Area and is a popular destination for experienced ski tourers and snowboarders. When the ski area is open in winter, this terrain can be accessed via our lifts and we offer a “One up Ride” ticket. But make no mistake – this is serious backcountry terrain; it is beyond the ski area boundary –  It is not controlled or patrolled by Mt Cheeseman staff, and your safety is entirely your responsibility.

Check your transceiver is transmitting before entry. It should beep when you lean near it.

GETTING THERE

How to access Tarn Basin

The route into Tarn Basin is either by skinning up the mountain from Cheeseman’s Snowline Lodge from the T-Bar base (see image below showing requested uphill skinning path so as not to cut up the slopes for skiers), or when the field is operating, you take the two T-Bars up and enter just off the left of the top T-Bar. A $25 one-ride pass is required for access, which covers both the use of our access road and one ride up the T-bars. Please purchase your pass at the café or ticket office before heading out.

Anna Keeling runs guided expeditions into Tarn

DANGER

Tarn is unpatrolled avalanche terrain

Tarn Basin is outside the ski area boundary. It is not controlled, not patrolled, and not monitored. This area avalanches frequently, especially after new snow or during warming periods. The ski patrol will not be able to come to your assistance.

You must:

  • Carry a transceiver, shovel, and probe – and know how to use them.
  • Be confident in your avalanche terrain assessment and backcountry decision-making.
  • Accept full responsibility for your safety and that of your group.
Intentions book & skinning path in Day Lodge. The skinning sheet may be tucked in under the Intentions Forms.

SAFETY

Intentions & Safety Checks

Before leaving:

  • Make sure you’ve checked the Avalanche forecast before leaving home.
    👉 Check the NZ Avalanche Advisory Forecast  Adjust your plans according to the forecasted danger rating and associated travel advice, making note of the hazardous aspects and elevations seen on the forecast, as well as the expected avalanche problem types. The relevant NZ Avalanche Advisory region to Tarn Basin is ‘Craigieburn Range’
  • Log your intentions in the Day Lodge café intentions book (and please sign out upon your return by putting a cross through your page, or write down if you are heading further afield). This is so if the field needs to be evacuated, safety team knows whose cars belong to tourers.
  • Test your transceiver at the boundary beeper at the top of the Top T-bar. This machine does not track you. It simply checks that your beacon is transmitting at entry.
  • Conditions change rapidly. Assess the snowpack and terrain in real-time and be prepared to turn back.
PLAN AHEAD

Know your exit

The low saddle exit from Tarn traverses under a slide path under the X and goes through a second slide path. Another (longer) exit involves zig zagging back up to the top of the Top T rather than crossing the face beneath that ridge. Mt Cheeseman gives no warranty about exit paths.

Exiting at Big Bend goes through a valley with a steep angle falling straight down into the gut. An Australian snowboarder had a very serious accident here some years back.

Hazard areas

Much of Tarn can avalanche depending on the snowpack and conditions. Being able to assess avalanche terrain is critical which is where guides and courses are invaluable. Many faces sit in the avalanche-prone 30-45 degree gradient. Some of the lower angle faces get wind-laden and have cornices.

Essential Gear Checklist

✔ Avalanche transceiver
✔ Shovel
✔ Probe
✔ First aid kit
✔ Extra food, layers & water
✔ Map / GPS / compass
✔ PLB or satellite communication device
✔ Snow safety and navigation skills

Why not expand your knowledge with a course?
Avalanche courses

Final Word

We love that Tarn Basin offers such incredible backcountry terrain – but it comes with real risk. Please tour respectfully, be prepared, and stay safe.

Your adventure, your responsibility.