Australian woman dies at ski resort in Japan

Monday, 2 February 2026 10:47

The 22-year-old was reportedly left suspended in midair after a ski lift mishap, and died in hospital.

An Australian woman has died in an accident at a ski resort in Japan.

The operators of Tsugaike Mountain Resort, Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co, confirmed the death of a customer after the Friday incident on its web page.

The resort said the 22-year-old woman, who is an Australian national, was left hanging in midair after trying to get off a chair lift when a buckle on her outfit caught onto the chair.

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Current conditions at Tsugaike Mountain resort.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Japan," a departmental spokesperson said.

"We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment."

Some reports said the woman suffered a heart attack before being taken to hospital, where she later died.

"We would like to express our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the repose of their souls," company chief executive and president Tsuneo Kubo said in a statement.

"We will continue to fully cooperate with the police and related agencies in their investigations."

Kubo said staff would also look into strengthening the resort's safety management in an effort to prevent a recurrence.

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