Two New Zealand skiers have died and another was injured in an avalanche on Mount Yotei in Hokkaido, Japan, highlighting the risks of backcountry skiing.
Two New Zealand skiers tragically died, and another was injured after being caught in an avalanche while backcountry skiing on Mount Yotei in Hokkaido, Japan. The incident involved a group of six skiers and occurred at between 650 and 700 meters elevation on the mountain’s northern side.
The deceased were identified, with one of them being a 21-year-old ski guide named Isabella Bolton, originally from England. Bolton was remembered by her family as someone who was adventurous and had a passion for skiing and the outdoors.
The avalanche did not have a preceding warning from the Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory. Following the incident, the nearby Kutchan fire department responded, finding two individuals unresponsive, who were later pronounced dead. A third skier sustained a shoulder injury but was conscious.
The New Zealand embassy in Japan is offering consular support to the families of the victims, with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirming the deaths and offering their condolences, referring to the incident as a “tragic accident.”
This event has brought attention to the risks of backcountry skiing and the ever-present danger of avalanches, especially in areas known for such natural hazards.
