About the IcePack

All of the dogs must undergo stringent training regimes including kiwi aversion, how to ride under helicopters, on snow groomers and, of course, how to rescue buried avalanche victims. All certification is under the New Zealand Alpine Search Dog Association and NZ Land Search and Rescue standards and must be re-certified annually.

If you are interested in meeting one of the avalanche rescue dogs or finding more information on them keep your eyes open; on nice days they hang out in their kennels at the Ski Patrol Bases on both Whakapapa and Turoa.

AMI Insurance is proud to sponsor the Ruapehu Rescue Dog Patrol and this ski season AMI is doggedly determined to keep you, and your possessions, safe.

Introducing the AMI Ice Pack

Ice

Ice is the newest member of the Couch family and at nearly 3 years old she has just gained certification for rescue work. She's had lots of tips from her older sister Bess who was on the AMI IcePack for 6 seasons and is now retired. Ice loves her work on the mountain and enjoys clowning around with Bess and the rest of the Couch family.

Jet

Jet is a young rescue dog with just three seasons under his belt. At 4 years of age, Jet is a little cheeky sometimes and his attention does wander a little. Jet’s handler, Andy Hoyle is the Safety Services Manager at Whakapapa and is learning more than Jet!

Oscar

Oscar is about 7 years old and is a pure golden Labrador dog. He has been working on the snow for about 5 years now and has been fully operational for 4 years. Oscar’s handler, Henry Worsp is currently the Ski Patrol Supervisor at Whakapapa Ski Area. Oscar loves to swim and hunt in his free time, ducks are a specialty.

Montana

Montana is in training and has even been down to the south island just to work on his training this year. He is the most senior dog on the IcePack Rescue squad but unfortunately lost his certification this year so is working really hard for re-certification next year. He's a really placid dog and loves hanging out at home with his handler, Denim, and running through the bush when Denim goes mountain-biking.

Jack

Jack is a black lab pup, nearly two years old and lives with his handler, Craig, and Steph, who is a vet! He's super enthusiastic and LOVES being out in the snow. He's still in training and hopes to be fully certified next year after a great season this year. He's even been for a ride in a helicopter! At home he enjoys long walks and swimming and in summer he loves hanging out on the boat.