'Deeply talented' ski patroller killed in Southern Alps avalanche
Troy Forsyth, an experienced ski patroller and avalanche educator, was killed in an avalanche while skiing on Mount Dixon in New Zealand's Southern Alps. The incident occurred while he was skiing with friends in a non-professional capacity.
Why it matters
The tragedy highlights the inherent risks of alpine environments, even for highly trained professionals.
<p>Ski patroller Troy Forsyth has been named as the man <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/10/18/person-dies-following-avalanche-on-mount-dixon/" target="_blank">killed in an avalanche</a> while skiing the east face of Mount Dixon in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on Sunday.</p> <p>NZ Mountain Safety Council and the NZ Mountain Guides Association confirmed his name in a joint statement today.</p> <p>Forsyth had been skiing down the face with three other experienced ski mountaineers when the avalanche struck near the summit.</p> <p>He worked as an avalanche snow safety officer and ski patroller at The Remarkables ski area in Queenstown, and was an assistant ski guide with the guides association.
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