A second Australian has died in Japan, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed.
It comes as local media reports an Australian man was killed while skiing off-piste in the back-country in Japan’s Hokkaido region between Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort.
The man, reportedly in his 20s, was at the rear of a group of seven skiers when he became separated from the group and buried by snow, local media reported.
He was found unconscious by another group of skiers, who administered CPR.
The skier was transported to hospital but was later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to reports.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a DFAT spokesperson said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”
The death marks the second Australian to have died in Japan during the current ski season.
Brooke Day died in hospital on Sunday morning after she was critically injured at the Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort in the Hakuba Valley on Friday.
Parents prepare to bring ‘beautiful girl’ home after Japan ski lift death
The 22-year-old was taking a lift at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in central Japan on Friday morning when she became caught and suffered critical injuries.
Japan regularly receives some of the highest snowfall in the world and is currently experiencing a record-breaking season, making it a desirable destination for powderhounds.
The snowfall also resulted in a temporary closure of Hokkaido’s main airport last week, stranding hundreds of passengers, while delaying other travel including train services and forcing the closure of some highways, Reuters reported.
Since January 20, more than 100 people have suffered serious injury nationwide in snow-related incidents and 30 people have died, figures from the disaster management agency show.
ABC
AloJapan.com