An Australian woman has died following a ski lift accident at a resort in Japan, an incident that has prompted an investigation and a review of safety protocols by the resort. This fatality occurs amidst a reported increase in snow sports-related accidents involving foreign nationals in the country, highlighting broader safety discussions.
Australian Woman Dies in Japan Ski Lift Accident
Brooke Day, 22, an Australian national also referred to as Ella Day Brooke in some reports, died on Sunday, February 1, at a hospital. She had sustained critical injuries in a ski lift accident at Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort in Otari, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, on Friday.
According to the resort operator, the accident occurred as Ms. Day was attempting to disembark from a chair lift. Her backpack, identified by her parents as an avalanche rescue backpack, became entangled with the machinery.
Specifically, reports indicate an unfastened waist belt buckle on her backpack became snagged. As her chest strap remained fastened, she was reportedly dragged along the snow before becoming suspended in midair as the lift continued to operate.
Resort staff activated a stop button to halt the lift and initiated rescue efforts. Ms. Day was found in cardiac arrest at the scene and was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Her parents, Deanne and Warren Day, were present at the hospital when she passed away.
Resort Pledges Investigation and Safety Enhancements
Hisao Kubo, President and chief executive of Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort (also referred to as Tsuneo Kubo, chief executive and president of Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co.), confirmed the incident and extended condolences to the Day family.
The resort operator has stated its cooperation with ongoing police and agency investigations into the incident. Additionally, Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort has pledged to implement safety improvements and review and enhance its safety management protocols to prevent similar occurrences.
Operations of the affected lift have been indefinitely suspended during the ongoing safety reviews. The resort also plans to organize a tribute to Ms. Day once safety inspections are completed.
Experienced Snowboarder Remembered
Ms. Day's parents described her as an experienced snowboarder, having participated in the sport since age 11. They noted she was on her fourth extended snow season in Japan. She had recently completed a three-day avalanche rescue course and had previously assisted in rescuing four individuals from a hazardous situation. Her death was acknowledged by the Maroochydore Roos AFL Club and the Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club, where Ms. Day was previously involved.
Rising Snow Sports Accidents Among Foreigners in Japan
Second Australian Fatality This Season
Ms. Day's death marks the second fatality of an Australian national in Japan during the current ski season. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed a separate incident involving an Australian man in his 20s who died while skiing off-piste in Hokkaido. He became separated from his group, was later found buried by snow, and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Insurance Claims Spike
Japanese ski resorts, known for their deep powder snow, attract a significant number of Australian tourists. However, insurance companies have reported a notable increase in claims related to snow sports injuries in Japan. Southern Cross Travel Insurance noted a 75 percent increase in claims between 2023 and 2025, while 1Cover observed a 43 percent spike between 2024 and 2025.
Expert Warnings and Inherent Dangers
Experts suggest that the rising number of foreign visitors contributes to an increase in accidents. In Hokkaido, 48 of 53 off-piste ski-related accidents between November 1 and February 2 reportedly involved foreign nationals.
While Japan's mountains may be smaller than some international destinations, heavily forested off-piste areas are considered to pose significant risks. Winter sports carry inherent dangers due to environmental factors such as cold exposure, altitude, and terrain variability.
Japan's disaster management agency reported that since January 20, over 100 people nationwide have suffered serious injuries in snow-related incidents, and 30 people have died. Heavy snowfall has also led to travel disruptions, including temporary airport closures and train service delays.
Essential Safety Recommendations for Skiers
Safety recommendations for skiers in Japan include:
- Respecting Nature: Be aware that deep snow can escalate minor accidents into fatal incidents if help is unavailable.
- Observing Local Culture: Recognize that weather and snow conditions can be more intense than in Australia and that some resort infrastructure might be less modern, requiring greater personal safety responsibility. Language barriers for warnings and local cultural etiquette regarding public behavior should also be considered.
- Knowing Limitations: Do not overestimate your abilities. Avalanche education is crucial for off-piste skiing, which requires specific skills. Professional local instructors and certified guides are recommended for advanced terrain. Avoid pushing limits in poor weather and be prepared to cancel plans.
- Understanding Travel Insurance: Verify your insurance coverage for snow sports, including additional coverage if necessary. Coverage typically applies within designated, open commercial ski areas, provided resort rules and signage are followed. Leaving resort boundaries for unmarked snow can void insurance and potentially incur high police rescue costs.
Consular Assistance Provided
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to Ms. Day's family and the family of the other deceased Australian man.