Hokkaido District Transport Bureau launched a website to inform foreign backcountry skiers or snowboarders of three tips for safer experiences.
From 2014 to 2018, a total of 190 search and rescue cases in backcountry areas were reported in Hokkaido, according to the Bureau. 50% of those lost routes, and about 20% hit against trees. From 2020 to 2024, 11 lost their lives due to avalanche.
The first tip is to grasp snow and geographical characteristics and weather information in each area and rescue activity information as basic knowledge before entering backcountry.
The second tip is to make a plan according to physical strength and capability and to prepare a backup plan.
The third tip is to oversee change of health conditions and know limit of capability all the time, to avoid complex lands and to choose low slop with low risk of avalanche. In addition, ‘evacuation’ must always be in your mind.
