Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Avalanche Tips and Terms: From the forecast to the field
Episode 7: Terrain Traps
In this episode we will cover Terrain Traps. The term terrain trap is often used in the NZAA forecasts. An understanding of terrain traps is key to applying the forecast to your route and selecting a safe ascent or descent. In this episode, learn what terrain traps are and the implications they may have if you are caught in a slide, plus some simple tips to reduce your risk.
About the series:
Are you heading into New Zealand’s alpine backcountry this winter? Whether you're a skier, snowboarder, tramper, mountaineer, or alpine hunter, the Avalanche Tips and Terms video series will help you boost your Avalanche IQ and learn essential safety skills for backcountry travel in the mountains.
In this 23-episode series, you’ll learn key avalanche terms and practical tips that will help you apply the NZ Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) forecast to real decisions in the field.
Check your local NZ avalanche forecast at: avalanche.net.nz
Continue your learning with a hands-on avalanche course: avalanche.net.nz/education/completing-a-course
The NZ Avalanche Advisory is brought to you by NZ Mountain Safety Council. Learn more about the NZAA:
→ About: avalanche.net.nz/about-us/what-is-the-avalanche-advisory
→ Instagram: instagram.com/nzavalancheadvisory
→ Facebook: facebook.com/nzavalancheadvisory
NZ Mountain Safety Council thanks all the people and organisations that helped create this series:
Tūpiki Trust, Walsh & Beck, Arc’teryx AUNZ, Kevin Boekholt, Jamie Robertson, Jim Young, Will Rowntree, Sean Toms, Tai Naka, Mal Haskins, Kevin Thompson (Milford Road Alliance), and Elke Braun-Elwert (Alpine Recreation Canterbury)
Subscribe for more avalanche safety content and backcountry tips for winter and spring. Like, comment, and share to help others stay avalanche aware.
#MakeItHomeNZ #AvalancheReady #AvalancheSafety #NZMountains #NZBackcountry #NZAlpine #AvalancheAwareness #MountainSafetyCouncil #BackcountrySkiing #MountaineeringNZ #NZAvalancheForecast #NZOutdoors #AlpineSafety #ClimbingNZ #WinterSafety #WinterNZ #avysavvy #AvalancheEducation #Shorts
Avalanche Tips and Terms: From the forecast to the field
Episode 7: Terrain Traps
In this episode we will cover Terrain Traps. The term terrain trap is often used in the NZAA forecasts. An understanding of terrain traps is key to applying the forecast to your route and selecting a safe ascent or descent. In this episode, learn what terrain traps are and the implications they may have if you are caught in a slide, plus some simple tips to reduce your risk.
About the series:
Are you heading into New Zealand’s alpine backcountry this winter? Whether you're a skier, snowboarder, tramper, mountaineer, or alpine hunter, the Avalanche Tips and Terms video series will help you boost your Avalanche IQ and learn essential safety skills for backcountry travel in the mountains.
In this 23-episode series, you’ll learn key avalanche terms and practical tips that will help you apply the NZ Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) forecast to real decisions in the field.
Check your local NZ avalanche forecast at: avalanche.net.nz
Continue your learning with a hands-on avalanche course: avalanche.net.nz/education/completing-a-course
The NZ Avalanche Advisory is brought to you by NZ Mountain Safety Council. Learn more about the NZAA:
→ About: avalanche.net.nz/about-us/what-is-the-avalanche-advisory
→ Instagram: instagram.com/nzavalancheadvisory
→ Facebook: facebook.com/nzavalancheadvisory
NZ Mountain Safety Council thanks all the people and organisations that helped create this series:
Tūpiki Trust, Walsh & Beck, Arc’teryx AUNZ, Kevin Boekholt, Jamie Robertson, Jim Young, Will Rowntree, Sean Toms, Tai Naka, Mal Haskins, Kevin Thompson (Milford Road Alliance), and Elke Braun-Elwert (Alpine Recreation Canterbury)
Subscribe for more avalanche safety content and backcountry tips for winter and spring. Like, comment, and share to help others stay avalanche aware.
#MakeItHomeNZ #AvalancheReady #AvalancheSafety #NZMountains #NZBackcountry #NZAlpine #AvalancheAwareness #MountainSafetyCouncil #BackcountrySkiing #MountaineeringNZ #NZAvalancheForecast #NZOutdoors #AlpineSafety #ClimbingNZ #WinterSafety #WinterNZ #avysavvy #AvalancheEducation #Shorts
