Skiers Caught in Avalanche, 2 Unconscious in Nagano Pref.
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230129-OYT1I50087-1.jpg)
The Nagano prefectural police headquarters
19:11 JST, January 29, 2023
OTARI, Nagano — Skiers were caught in an avalanche on the Tengu plateau of Mt. Hakuba Norikura in the village of Otari, Nagano Prefecture, on Sunday afternoon, according to police.
They are believed to have been on an unmaintained slope outside the designated area in what is known as off-piste or backcountry skiing.
According to the Omachi Police Station, a total of 13 people, three groups of foreigners including Americans and Canadians, are believed to be skiing at the scene. Among them, two men were left unconscious at the scene; the other eleven skiers descended Sunday night to the base of a nearby ski slope, where one man was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The search for the two men left at the site will begin Monday morning due to bad weather and other conditions.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, heavy snow fell in the area from Friday to Saturday, and an avalanche warning was issued. This was still in effect at the time of the accident.
The police received an emergency call at about 2:30 p.m. saying the skiers might have been caught in an avalanche.
"Society" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Japan Court OKs Sex Change without Surgery
-
3 Climbers Die On Mt. Fuji Within 2 Days Of Opening; Japan Police, Guides Urge Climbers To Prepare Well, Make Wise Decisions
-
Sex Crime Perpetrators Linked to U.S. Military in 166 Cases in Japan over 35 years; Local, Prefectural Governments Often Not Aware of Crimes
-
New Mt. Fuji Rules Reduce ‘Bullet Climbers’ by 90%; Access to Japan’s Iconic Peak Limited from Yamanashi Pref. Side
-
Tokaido Shinkansen Trains Suspended Between Hamamatsu and Nagoya Due to Accident; Resuming Services Expected Noon at Earliest
JN ACCESS RANKING