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The growing popularity of summer climbing and the precarious nature of New Zealand mountains is prompting a push for a closer watch on avalanche threats.
The Mountain Safety Council says the risk of avalanche deaths could be reduced with year round monitoring.
Summer weather attracted more visitors to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park than ever before - but there has also been a rise in fatal accidents.
Four Latvian climbers fell to their deaths in early December and then a New Year's Eve avalanche killed four people on nearby Mt Tasman.
A report by the Mountain Guides' Association has found the party on Mt Tasman were victims of unusual snow and weather conditions - it said they had followed the right procedures and were simply unlucky.
There are now concerns that monitoring the potential risks on New Zealand mountains is not consistent.
The Mountain Safety Council operates the national avalanche monitoring programme through a network of experts on the slopes, but only during winter.
Council spokesman, Ian Nicholson, says they do what they can.
"That provides coverage of ten key areas, mountainous areas and that's funded through a variety of sources. But we don't have the funding for any summertime activities."
To cover those busy months would cost another $40,000 - which is money that only comes through outside fundraising.
Nicholson says it would be a benefit.
"It could definitely save lives, and there are a large number of people who access the mountains in summer who aren't professional who need that sort of advice."
Mountain Safety says climbers were relying on two week old information over the New Year period.
The Department of Conservation says it updates the risk as required, but says the onus is still on every climber as avalanches can occur anytime.
That is one reason many climbers, such as David Wells, say year-round monitoring won't solve the problem.
"It's an idea that would be very nice I suppose, to have someone go and test out the area you're going to visit but I don't think it's practical and besides...conditions change very quickly."
Wells agrees the final responsibility lies with those on the slopes.
"I think it's up to the individual to make assessments, seek advice and if in doubt get out."
However, Mountain Safety says the information should be available to at least be considered.
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