Australians working in Japan’s renowned snowfields are grappling with a series of recent tragedies, yet they maintain that the ski industry remains safe. Since the beginning of the year, three young Australians have lost their lives in skiing-related incidents in Japan, with two deaths occurring just in the past week.
Matt Guy, an Australian who has lived in Japan for about a decade, runs ski tours for foreigners and has previously worked as a safety ski patroller. He acknowledges the unpredictable nature of Japan’s ski slopes. “Conditions do change on the same day and it doesn’t matter how much you’re prepared with all the best equipment and technology, nature is pretty powerful and anything can happen,” he remarked.
Tragic Incidents and Community Impact
The recent deaths include 17-year-old Australian-Indonesian citizen Rylan Henry Pribadi, who died at the Niseko Ski Resort in Hokkaido on January 9. His death was caused by asphyxiation after coming into contact with a rope marking the course boundary. Just days later, 27-year-old Michael “Micky” Hurst from Melbourne passed away following a medical episode while skiing in the same region. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Brooke Day from the Sunshine Coast suffered fatal injuries when her backpack became caught on a ski lift at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in central Japan.
These incidents have sent shockwaves through the local communities. Ben Kerr, a member of the tourism board for the town of Niseko, expressed the community’s grief but emphasized the importance of continued safety measures. “Obviously with these kind of tragedies, the tourist boards work very hard to put out information to all of the guests, just telling people to really be careful,” he said.
Safety Measures and Foreign Involvement
Japan’s ski resorts are a popular destination for Australians, who form the largest group of visitors each year, particularly in January. However, the head of Japan’s National Ski Safety Measures Council, Makoto Takayanagi, noted an increase in accidents involving foreigners. “Within Hokkaido alone, there were 58 ski-related accidents [in the back country] between November 1, 2025, and February 2, 2026. Of these, 48 involved foreign nationals,” he stated.
“The current situation is that foreigners make up a significant proportion. When foreign visitors come to Japan to ski, we ask that they consult the ski resort brochures and aerial maps, and carefully confirm that they remain within the designated managed areas of the resort.” — Makoto Takayanagi
Despite the risks, Matt Guy believes that preparation can mitigate many dangers. “There’s signage there to talk about how much snow there is. And then on top of that, I think it makes a lot of sense to go out with guides, to go with people who know the way around,” he advised.
Looking Forward: Ensuring Safety and Enjoyment
The recent tragedies underscore the inherent risks of skiing, yet they also highlight the importance of safety protocols and awareness. The tourism boards and ski resorts in Japan continue to emphasize the need for visitors to ski responsibly and stay informed about conditions and safety guidelines.
As the ski season progresses, the focus remains on educating tourists and ensuring that safety measures are both communicated and adhered to. The hope is that with increased awareness and precaution, the enjoyment of Japan’s beautiful snowfields can continue without further incident.
