An investigation was continuing today into the death of a woman snowboarder on Mount Ruapehu yesterday.
The 29-year-old from Wellington was fatally injured when she fell about 15m down a hole while snowboarding with two companions on the Turoa ski field.
Police said that it appeared that woman reached the lip of a drop-off in an area known as the Organ Pipes and was uncomfortable about continuing due to a hole in the snow caused by an underground stream.
When she tried to retrace her steps, she slipped and plunged into the hole.
A party of doctors skiing on the mountain rushed to her aid and attempted to resuscitate her but her injuries were too severe.
Police described the accident as a tragic accident.
A spokesman said today that there were inquiries still be to be made but it was business as usual on the mountain.
He said the name of the victim was likely to be released later today.
