Tragedy on the Slopes: Australian Snowboarder, 22, Dies in Japan Ski Lift Accident
HAKUBA, Japan – A ski trip to one of Japan's premier winter resorts ended in tragedy Friday when a 22-year-old Australian snowboarder died after her backpack became caught in a ski lift at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Nagano Prefecture.
According to statements from the Nagano Omachi Police and the lift operator, Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co., the woman suffered cardiac arrest after the accident. She was rushed to a hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
The company's investigation indicates the waist buckle of the tourist's backpack snagged on the lift chair as she attempted to disembark. Crucially, the chest strap was fastened, preventing the backpack from detaching and causing her to be dragged.
"Our staff immediately activated the emergency stop and provided aid, and an ambulance was called," said Kubo Tsuneo, the company's CEO, in a statement expressing "deepest condolences" and pledging a review of safety protocols.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the death of a citizen and said consular support was being provided to the family.
Background & Analysis: Japan's famed 'Japow' (powder snow) draws thousands of international skiers and snowboarders annually. While ski lift safety standards are generally high globally, this incident highlights a specific, often-overlooked risk associated with loose clothing and equipment. It echoes rare but similar past tragedies, prompting calls for renewed passenger awareness and operator checks.
Reaction & Commentary:
"This is a heartbreaking freak accident. As an instructor here for 10 years, we always tell people to remove backpacks or wear them properly on lifts. My thoughts are with her friends and family." – David Chen, Ski Instructor, Hakuba
"While the operator responded quickly, a young life is lost. Were there enough visible warnings? Is the design of that lift station truly foolproof for the global tourists it courts? This demands a rigorous, transparent investigation." – Eleanor Vance, Travel Safety Advocate
"It's infuriating. This isn't the first time something like this has happened. It feels like a preventable tragedy. Operators and resorts profit massively from tourism – where is the proportional investment in constant, hyper-vigilant safety innovation? Complacency kills." – Marcus Thorne, Avid Snowboarder