A cloud of grief has descended on the Japanese ski resort town of Niseko following the death of a 27-year-old Australian man. The Melbourne native, who had been working at a local hotel, collapsed and died on Monday while skiing with friends, marking the second fatality involving an Australian in the region within a week.

The incident occurred on the slopes of Niseko, Hokkaido, a destination popular with international winter sports enthusiasts. According to a spokesperson for a local ski lodge, the man was skiing at the back of a group of seven when he suddenly collapsed. His companions, four of whom witnessed the fall, immediately began CPR in a desperate bid to save his life. “He was a talented, kind, gentle and wonderful man,” the spokesperson said, requesting anonymity. “There was no accident, collision or fall of any kind; he simply collapsed.”

A Dark Week for Australian Skiers

The man was retrieved by the fire department and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Local police have launched an investigation, though early reports suggest he suffered a heart attack. This tragedy comes just days after the death of 22-year-old Queensland snowboarder Brooke Day, who was killed when her backpack became entangled in a ski lift at the Tsugaike resort in Otari, near Nagano.

The succession of deaths has rattled the Australian expatriate community in Japan. While Day’s death was a freak mechanical accident, the sudden collapse of a young man in Niseko highlights the unpredictable nature of health emergencies in extreme conditions. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the man’s family. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a DFAT spokesperson stated.

• Safety Scrutiny: The resort operator involved in Day's accident has pledged to take concrete measures to strengthen their safety management system.
• Weather Conditions: Japan has been experiencing record-breaking snowfall, which, while attracting skiers, also poses increased physical risks due to the extreme cold and demanding terrain.

Record Snowfall and Risks

Japan has faced record-breaking snowfalls in recent weeks, with authorities reporting over 30 deaths nationwide in snow-related incidents since late January. Niseko’s Annupuri ski resort recorded a massive 290cm of snow near the peak on Wednesday. While the conditions are ideal for sport, they are physically punishing. As the community mourns, the focus turns to supporting the bereaved families and reminding visitors of the inherent risks in these beautiful but formidable landscapes.