Police have named the man who died after being buried by an avalanche in the Southern Alps.

He was Brett Evans, 38, of Staveley, Ashburton.

Methven Heliski is mourning the loss of Evans.

Alpine Guides general manager Arthur McBride, which is Methven Heliski's parent company, confirmed Evans was leading a group when he was buried by the avalanche on Pito Peak on Wednesday.

"Tragically, he did not survive the event," McBride said.

The other skiers were uninjured.

"Our guide was a much-loved friend and colleague, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.’’

A Worksafe spokesperson said they were making initial inquiries to determine if the circumstances around the death were work-related.

And McBride said Methven Heliski would co-operate fully with any investigation that Worksafe carried out.

New Zealand Mountain Safety Council chief executive Mike Daisley said they're devastated to learn of the death.

"The alpine community in Aotearoa is small and tightknit,’’ he said.

"We know this loss will be felt strongly by many, including our own team."

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was sent from Christchurch on the Wednesday, with pilot Dan McPherson saying the man was in a critical condition when they recovered him at around 1pm before he died soon after.

Hato Hone St John also sent a helicopter from Christchurch and did not treat any other patients at the scene.

By Julie Moffett