⛷️ While skiers from around the world flock to Japan seeking legendary powder snow, a serious problem is emerging.
In January 2026, 29 people were rescued at ski resorts in Niigata Prefecture in just three weeks—90% of them foreign nationals. "I didn't know it was off-piste," they all claim. But authorities respond: "Given that they crossed clearly marked barriers, it's hard to believe they didn't know."
Behind the global allure of "JAPOW" (Japan Powder), what's really happening? Let's explore the cultural gap between Japan's unique mountain safety culture and the expectations of foreign visitors.
The Surge in Backcountry Accidents
Shocking Statistics
Throughout January 2026, backcountry accidents involving foreign tourists have surged across Japan's ski regions. According to Hokkaido Police, between January 1-21, 2026 alone, 29 people required rescue operations—26 of them (90%) were foreign nationals.
One particularly notable incident occurred at Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture. On January 25th, six people—five Chinese nationals and one Taiwanese—became stranded off-piste and called for rescue. Remarkably, these six weren't originally traveling together; they were separate groups and solo skiers who coincidentally converged at the same location off the marked trails and collectively became "six stranded victims."
With the distress call coming late in the afternoon, rescue operations were impossible that night. Police instructed them by phone to dig snow caves for a "bivouac" to survive the cold. The six spent a terrifying night in the snowy mountains before finally being rescued the following morning.
The "I Didn't Know" Contradiction
Rescued foreign tourists invariably make the same claims:
"There were tracks from other skiers, so I thought it was okay to go." "I didn't know it was off-piste."
However, local police offer a different perspective: "The areas have clear nets and barriers marking them as off-limits. These skiers entered through gaps in those barriers. In our experience, they never admit 'I went in deliberately' or apologize."
This suggests not simple negligence, but likely intentional entry despite being aware of the restrictions.
Why Do Foreign Tourists Go Off-Piste?
"JAPOW" as a Global Brand
Japan's powder snow, known as "JAPOW," commands passionate devotion from skiers and snowboarders worldwide. The light, dry snow resulting from Japan's high latitude, combined with abundant snowfall from winter weather patterns, represents "dream snow conditions" for visitors from Europe, North America, and Oceania.
With post-pandemic tourism recovery bolstered by the weak yen, resorts from Niseko to Furano (dubbed "the second Niseko") overflow with international visitors. Reports suggest that approximately 90% of visitors at Niseko are foreign nationals.
Cultural Background Differences
At the heart of this issue lies fundamentally different perceptions of ski resort boundaries.
At many resorts in Europe, North America, and Oceania, off-piste skiing isn't necessarily prohibited—a culture of self-responsibility in backcountry areas has long been established. Japanese ski resorts, however, operate on the assumption that skiing occurs within managed areas, with off-piste zones clearly designated as "no entry."
A Hokkaido Police official stated to media: "Most of these accident victims are dressed as if they're just skiing at a regular resort. They carry no food supplies. From a backcountry professional's perspective, they're completely underestimating winter mountains."
Daisuke Sasaki, an international mountain guide and mountain skier, also warns: "Recently, we're seeing more cases of foreign tourists with insufficient knowledge and preparation venturing outside ski resort boundaries and getting into accidents."
The Reality of Recent Accidents
Major 2026 Season Incidents
The 2025-2026 season has seen backcountry accidents at a record pace.
On January 17, 2026, a Chinese man and woman fell approximately 150 meters down a cliff while backcountry snowboarding in the Niseko area. They had entered a restricted zone and failed to notice the cliff, falling to a precarious position where they couldn't move. They were rescued after approximately 5.5 hours.
In Furano City on March 15, 2026, three separate accidents occurred in a single day: a Canadian man, a Chinese couple, and an Australian father-son pair each became stranded while backcountry skiing at different times. All required helicopter rescue.
In February 2025, an Australian woman in her 20s injured her knee while backcountry skiing on Mt. Yotei. A total of 12 police and fire personnel were deployed for the rescue.
Fatal Accidents
Some accidents have resulted in deaths. On January 13-14, 2026, a 46-year-old man went missing while backcountry skiing near Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort. Poor weather conditions hampered search efforts, and he was found dead approximately one day after the initial rescue request.
At Hakuba Norikura's Tenguppara in Nagano Prefecture, a group of five foreign nationals was caught in an avalanche, resulting in two deaths including a professional skier.
The Reality of Rescue Costs
Who Bears the Burden?
In backcountry accidents, rescue costs are fundamentally the responsibility of the individual—"self-responsibility" applies.
While rescue by public agencies like police and fire departments is generally free, actual rescue operations invariably require cooperation from private rescue teams and ski patrol units. Private rescue team members typically charge 30,000-50,000 yen per day per person, plus fees for snowmobiles and snow groomers. Extended searches can easily reach several million yen.
Helicopter rescue is said to cost "10,000 yen per minute," resulting in substantial expenses.
Past Payment Refusals
In 2005, five South Korean skiers were rescued after becoming stranded at Zao Onsen Ski Resort. The rescued parties refused to pay the 110,000 yen search and rescue costs, claiming "we didn't request a search" and "our names were reported in the media." The fees were ultimately never collected.
In response to such situations, the Hakkoda Mountain Ski Safety Council established the "Mt. Hakkoda Local Rules" in the 2018-2019 season, explicitly stating that rescue costs would be charged to off-piste accident victims. The rules specify amounts for search personnel daily rates, overtime cable car and lift operation fees, and snow groomer operation costs.
Japan's Unique Safety Measures
The Niseko Rules as a Leading Example
Niseko, the holy grail of inbound skiing, has established its own "Niseko Rules." These strictly define prohibited areas, with measures such as lift ticket sales restrictions for violators.
Since skiing in natural terrain is part of Niseko's appeal, the approach isn't complete prohibition but rather "managed access with safety assurance."
Multilingual Education Efforts
Various regions are advancing safety education initiatives for foreign visitors.
Nagano Prefecture has produced the educational video "Staying Safe in the Backcountry" in English, Korean, and two versions of Chinese, available online. Hakuba Happo-one, Tsugaike Kogen, and Nozawa Onsen ski resorts distribute stickers and flyers to raise awareness.
With cooperation from the Australian Embassy in Japan, social media campaigns sharing backcountry risk information have begun. In February 2025, Furano City held its first emergency meeting with police, tourism associations, and other stakeholders to discuss information sharing and the need for clear rules.
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Initiatives
The Hokkaido District Transport Bureau conducted a verification project for ensuring foreign backcountry skier safety. Surveys revealed that over 10% of backcountry skiers don't carry the essential trio of beacon, shovel, and probe.
Plans include English website development, weather and avalanche information dissemination, and comprehensive guidance covering parking etiquette and respect for local communities.
Understanding Backcountry vs. Off-Piste
A common source of confusion in reporting is the distinction between "backcountry" and "off-piste skiing."
Backcountry refers to skiing in natural, unmanaged terrain outside ski resort boundaries—in principle, anyone can ski there freely. Off-piste skiing within a resort's restricted zones, however, is a clear rule violation.
The problem is that increasing numbers of tourists are "casually" entering backcountry areas adjacent to ski resorts. True backcountry requires the same preparation and knowledge as winter mountaineering—it is not a casual extension of resort skiing and snowboarding.
Enjoying Backcountry Safely
For those who wish to experience backcountry, the following preparations are essential:
The "three essentials" must always be carried: avalanche beacon (rescue transceiver), probe, and shovel. Helmets, emergency food, water, warm clothing, and emergency blankets are also necessary. Filing a mountain registration and purchasing mountain insurance is crucial.
Above all, beginners should hire experienced guides. Always check local weather and avalanche conditions, and avoid solo trips.
Conclusion
Japan's powder snow is a magnificent resource that captivates skiers worldwide. However, safely enjoying this attraction requires respect for Japan's unique rules and mountain environment.
"I thought it was okay because there were tracks" or "I didn't know" won't suffice when lives are at stake—and that's exactly what's happening on Japan's snowy mountains right now. Understanding that backcountry is equivalent to "winter mountaineering," approaching it with adequate preparation and knowledge, protects not only your own life but also prevents putting rescue teams in danger. This is the minimum responsibility of anyone venturing into the backcountry.
What rules exist in your country regarding off-piste skiing at ski resorts? Does the culture around backcountry skiing and mountain safety differ by country? We'd love to hear about the situation in your homeland!
References
Reactions in Japan
I do mountain patrol in Niseko. This season is insane. Deployments almost every day, I'm at my physical limit. At least pay the rescue costs.
If 'I thought it was okay because there were tracks' is a valid excuse, then running red lights should be excused because 'the car ahead went through.'
Too many reports confuse backcountry with restricted areas. BC is inherently free. The problem is people entering ski resort prohibited zones.
I don't think we should only blame foreigners. Japanese BC accidents happen too. But it's true that a higher proportion of foreigners are underprepared.
Former firefighter here. Mountain rescue in snow always risks secondary accidents. Going in light gear with no food—it's like disregarding rescuers' lives too.
They say overseas resorts have a self-responsibility culture, but those countries often require insurance or recommend guides. 'Self-responsibility' means something different there.
Foreigners posting 'JAPOW is amazing!' on Insta—do they know how much trouble locals go through behind that powder?
Niseko Rules make it safer than elsewhere, but people still break them. Shouldn't penalties be stricter?
If we balance tourism revenue vs. rescue costs, mandatory insurance seems more realistic than entry bans. Like mandatory coverage when buying lift tickets.
Going BC without beacon, probe, or shovel is insane. The 'three essentials' are the absolute minimum.
Three helicopter deployments in one day at Furano... The fuel and personnel costs alone must be enormous. They should bill the full amount.
Even with multilingual warning videos, people who won't watch won't watch. Can't they make video viewing mandatory before buying lift tickets?
The police comment 'they never apologize' says it all. Cultural differences aside, I can't understand not apologizing after being rescued.
20 years skiing, 10 years BC—I approach every trip with tension. Mountains don't forgive. Going in underprepared is suicidal.
Didn't know the Australian Embassy was doing awareness campaigns on social media. Hope this kind of international cooperation spreads.
It's been 20 years since the Korean tourists at Zao refused to pay. Same problem continuing means we need fundamental solutions.
As a local, I'm conflicted. Inbound tourism does help the economy. But thinking about rescuer burden, I can't simply say welcome.
In the Alps, helicopter rescue is routinely charged. Japan should consider making some public rescue services paid too.
Skier from Colorado here. At US resorts, going through gates to BC is normal—self-responsibility assumed. Japan's strict rules surprised me at first, but I guess it reflects higher avalanche risks.
As a French person who skis in Chamonix, Japan's situation surprises me. BC is part of our culture in the Alps, but everyone carries proper gear. Going in without equipment is unthinkable.
Australian who's been to Niseko 5 times. First I thought 'why so many restrictions?' But after experiencing that snow depth and visibility—totally get it. In a whiteout, you genuinely lose all sense of direction.
As a Chinese skier, honestly, I'm embarrassed by how many of my compatriots get in accidents. There's a tendency to chase Instagram moments while ignoring risks. Education is needed.
In Sweden, mountain rescue is basically free, but self-responsibility culture is ingrained. Hearing about refusing to pay rescue costs in Japan is shocking. Refusing payment after being saved? Can't understand it.
I ski at Sierra Nevada in Spain, and Japan's snow quality lives up to the hype. But 'good snow' doesn't mean 'safe.' Light powder actually increases avalanche risk, I've heard.
As a Korean, I'm embarrassed, but I know about the Zao rescue fee refusal. 20 years later, mountain etiquette education has improved in Korea, but challenges remain.
From Whistler, Canada, I understand Japan's response. BC is freedom, but it comes with responsibility. Going in without beacon-probe-shovel is reckless anywhere.
From New Zealand. Hokkaido is a holy land for Southern Hemisphere skiers. But being a 'holy land' doesn't mean we can forget respect. Local rules should be followed.
As an Austrian, Japan's snow is definitely amazing. But in the Alps, everyone has insurance and often hires guides. The idea of entering winter mountains without preparation is fundamentally wrong.
As a Taiwanese tourist, it's true many of us lack snow mountain experience. Maybe the excitement of powder snow clouds judgment. I wish there was more multilingual explanation at lift ticket counters.
British skier here. Europe has strong self-responsibility culture, but that means 'self-responsibility with preparation.' Considering the burden on Japanese rescue teams, stricter rules are justified.
As someone who came from Israel to Hokkaido, I take this issue seriously. Mountain accidents are a social problem in our country too. Cultures differ, but life's value is the same everywhere.
BC is popular in Finland too, but everyone gets proper training first. If you want to enjoy Japan's powder, I recommend starting with a guided tour.
A word from a Russian skier. 'I didn't know' is no excuse. If you ignored signs and nets, it's intentional. Not a cultural difference—it's a moral issue.
Korean-American living in the US. Knowing both cultures, the issue is different concepts of 'following rules.' In Japan, rules are absolute. In other countries, some see them as 'guidelines.'