Accident in the backcountry! What are the responsibilities and costs? Teach countermeasures

Update date: 2024/02/09

Activity Japan Editorial Department

backcountry teeth, Activities such as skiing and snowboarding in untouched nature .
Although it has recently become more popular, Accidents are also increasing .

This time Special feature on the backcountry .
Explaining measures to prevent backcountry accidents To do.

Besides, During the backcountry Responsibility and costs in case of an accident what will happen to I will also tell you.

table of contents

1 Why is backcountry so popular? What's the charm?
2 Accidents and risks that occur in the backcountry
3 How to prevent backcountry accidents
4 Accident in the backcountry! What are the responsibilities and costs?
5 Enjoy the backcountry safely!
6 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department

Why is backcountry so popular? What's the charm?

Backcountry Popular Attraction Snowboarder sliding down the slope

As mentioned earlier, backcountry teeth Mountain areas that are not managed or maintained by humans Activities such as skiing or snowboarding is.

The snow is soft and fluffy when no one has yet slipped on it!
The backcountry is Floating feeling as if flying in the sky The appeal is that you can enjoy is.

Snow in Japan is generally It has less moisture and is softer than foreign products. It is characterized by
" powder snow ” and is popular among foreigners as well. is.

You can enjoy the backcountry with fluffy powder snow. Charm unique to Japan .
Many foreigners come to Japan every year in search of powder snow.

However, along with that, Not only Japanese people, The number of foreigners who have accidents while in the backcountry is increasing. doing.

Accidents and risks that occur in the backcountry

According to the National Police Agency, while in the backcountry Approximately 100 people die every year doing.
Not only what is covered in the news, but also in the backcountry. It can be seen that many accidents occur hey.

Below, Explaining accidents and risks that occur in the backcountry To do.

Accidents and risks that occur in the backcountry

slipping down
collision
get lost
hypothermia
Surface avalanche (collapse of the surface of newly fallen snow)

while in the backcountry Falling down a big cliff without noticing I lost my balance because the snow was like an ice burn, slipping down Sometimes I end up doing it.
Sometimes they fall into cracks.

Also, I lost control while skiing through a forest zone, Injured by hitting a tree Some people do.
You may end up going in the wrong direction due to poor visibility due to the weather, or end up in the wrong place due to excessive speed. A case of getting lost There is also.

If you suffer an injury like a broken bone, you will be unable to move, so Risk of hypothermia will increase.
If you fall into hypothermia, danger of life too.

The most dangerous thing in the backcountry surface avalanche .
It doesn't look like it at all, Occurs without any warning To do.
Surface avalanches can reach speeds of 200km/h and are extremely dangerous.

How to prevent backcountry accidents

Participate in a tour or enjoy with experienced people
Equipped with a beacon (a type of transceiver), a sonde stick, a shovel, etc.
Do not enter valleys covered with fresh snow.
Obtain area and local information such as weather, terrain, and avalanche conditions from locals.
Think “Backcountry = Climbing a snowy mountain” and prepare properly

skiing and snowboarding Even if you have a lot of experience, Backcountry is something else .
For beginners backcountry tour or participate in with experienced people let's have fun .

When doing backcountry solo, equipment is very important is .
beacon is an essential item used when searching for a person buried in the snow due to an avalanche.
Searching for people while poking through the snow sonde stick is also required.
Used when a missing person is found shovel Let's bring it too.

Backcountry equipment essentials essential items essential items beacon sonde stick shovel preparation countermeasures

Also, Valley covered with fresh snow teeth Avalanche-prone conditions so it's dangerous is.
Do not enter please.

Weather, terrain, and avalanche conditions teeth Always check with locals let's.
Foreigners who don't understand Japanese and don't check the area and local information are especially susceptible to accidents.

Backcountry Weather, terrain, avalanche conditions, etc. Be sure to check with locals Guide to check snowy mountain conditions

Many people may have the impression that backcountry is an easy-to-enjoy activity that is an extension of skiing and snowboarding.
but, Actually “ Climbing snowy mountains using skis and boards ” is more correct. Probably.
Don't let your guard down in the snowy mountains in winter is.

Backcountry A group climbing a snowy mountain with snowboards on their backs Sunny weather

The backcountry is Driving through mountainous areas that are not managed or maintained by humans ” something to do.
Therefore If you are enjoying the backcountry on your own, The ski resort is not responsible .
Many people have the wrong idea, but the backcountry Do this in a restricted area of the ski slope or after passing through a rope. It is not "skiing off course" .

In 2023 (Reiwa 5), an American former world champion freestyle skier died in an accident while backcountry skiing in Nagano Prefecture.
Even if you are an expert skier or snowboarder, there is a risk of accidents in the backcountry, where you are exposed to untouched nature.

When enjoying the backcountry, Check the above Be sure to prepare and take measures please hey.

Accident in the backcountry! What are the responsibilities and costs?

backcountry skier skiing on fresh snow accident liability expense powder snow

Not participating in the tour If you are involved in an accident while enjoying the backcountry, Everything is "self-responsibility" is.

police, fire department, etc. Rescue costs by public institutions are free. .
However, if you have an accident in the backcountry, Cases in which private rescue workers are requested to dispatch too.
Then, Daily allowance of 30,000 to 50,000 yen per person per day occurs To do.

close to the accident scene When cooperating with/requesting a ski resort for rescue operations teeth, Charges for dispatching snowmobiles and snow compactors, costs for operating lifts after hours, etc. are also added. will be done.
The longer the search takes, the more expensive it becomes. It can amount to several million yen. .

Enjoy the backcountry safely!

backcountry skier moving through a snowy mountain frost-covered trees spectacular view extraordinary powder snow

Backcountry where you can enjoy fluffy powder snow, You can experience the extraordinary The charm is .
It feels so good to slide on pure white snow that no one has ever skied before.

but, To ski safely in unmanaged and unmaintained mountain areas, We recommend joining a tour or having fun with a skilled and experienced person. you know.

Get local information or Prepare equipment Don't forget to do let's!

*The contents of this article are current as of February 2024.