Australian Woman Dies After Ski Lift Accident in Japan

A 22-year-old Australian woman has died after a tragic accident involving a ski lift at a popular mountain resort in central Japan, authorities said on Monday. The incident occurred when the woman’s backpack became caught on the chairlift, leaving her suspended in mid-air.

The accident took place on Friday morning at Tsugaike Mountain Resort, located in the renowned Hakuba Valley in Nagano Prefecture, a region famous for its winter sports facilities and international visitors.

Backpack Strap Caught During Dismount

According to local police and the resort operator, the woman was preparing to disembark from the chairlift when a loose buckle from her backpack became caught on the lift seat.

The operator, Tsugaike Gondola Lift, explained that although the woman had secured her backpack with a chest strap, the configuration prevented the backpack from being removed once it became snagged.

Because the backpack was tightly fastened to her body, she was dragged along as the chairlift continued moving after she stepped off, eventually leaving her suspended above the ground.

Victim Left Hanging in the Air

A spokesperson for the Nagano Prefectural Police, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Agence France-Presse that the woman was left hanging in the air after being pulled by the moving lift.

“Because the chest strap was fastened, the backpack could not be removed from her body, and the guest was dragged along with the backpack after getting off the lift,” said Tsuneo Kubo, president of Tsugaike Gondola Lift, in a statement.

The situation was immediately identified by staff operating the lift system.

Emergency Stop and Rescue Attempt

Resort officials said a lift operator quickly pressed the emergency stop button once the situation was detected. Ski patrol and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene to conduct a rescue operation.

“An operator pressed the stop button to halt the lift. After rescue efforts, the guest was transported by ambulance to hospital,” Kubo said.

Despite the swift response, authorities said the woman sustained critical injuries. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where medical teams worked to save her life.

Victim Died Two Days Later

Police confirmed that the woman succumbed to her injuries on Sunday, two days after the accident.

“The woman passed away in hospital on February 1,” the police spokesperson said.

The exact cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed, and authorities said further details would be released following a full investigation and forensic examination.

Investigation Underway

Local police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Investigators are examining whether safety protocols were followed correctly and whether any mechanical or operational issues contributed to the incident.

Authorities are also reviewing guidelines regarding backpacks and personal equipment on ski lifts, as such accidents, while rare, can be life-threatening.

The resort has pledged full cooperation with investigators.

Resort Expresses Condolences

Tsugaike Gondola Lift president Tsuneo Kubo issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and promising to review safety measures.

“We will handle this matter with the utmost sincerity for the deceased guest and her grieving family,” Kubo said.

He added that the company takes the incident seriously and is committed to improving safety standards across its operations.

Commitment to Strengthen Safety Measures

Kubo said the resort would implement additional safety checks and reinforce procedures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

“We take this situation very seriously and will strive to operate the ski resort with maximum safety measures so that our guests can enjoy their time with peace of mind,” he said.

While no immediate changes were detailed, ski safety experts note that resorts often revise operational guidelines following fatal incidents, including clearer instructions to passengers about removing backpacks before disembarking.

Hakuba Valley: A Popular International Destination

Hakuba Valley is one of Japan’s most famous ski destinations, attracting thousands of international tourists each winter, including many from Australia, Europe, and North America. The region gained global recognition after hosting events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

The tragedy has sparked renewed attention on ski lift safety, particularly for international visitors who may be unfamiliar with local practices and safety advisories.

Safety Reminders for Skiers

Ski safety authorities commonly advise riders to remove backpacks while boarding and disembarking from chairlifts to prevent straps from catching on equipment. Resorts typically post safety signage, but enforcement and awareness can vary.

Experts say this incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols by both operators and guests.

Conclusion

The death of the young Australian woman has cast a shadow over Japan’s ski season and raised serious questions about lift safety procedures. As investigations continue, authorities and resort operators face renewed scrutiny over how such accidents can be prevented.

For now, the focus remains on supporting the victim’s family and ensuring that lessons learned from this tragedy lead to improved safety measures—so that popular destinations like Hakuba Valley remain safe for visitors from around the world.

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