A Reality That Cannot Be Dismissed as “Personal Responsibility”

A snowboarder heading outside the designated course ◆View images from this article◆

Through this firsthand experience, the reporter was reminded of the true danger of backcountry skiing. Weather can change suddenly, and blowing snow can instantly erase visibility. Soft snow can trap a person’s legs, making self-rescue impossible.

Police warn that backcountry skiing carries risks equivalent to winter mountain climbing.

The “Hokkaido Police-style hypothermia wrapping” in practice ◆View images from this article◆

Inspector Takayuki Sakuta:
“If you enter the mountains, you must have the knowledge, experience, and equipment required for winter mountaineering. Without them, you should not go. It’s extremely dangerous and could cost you your life.”

Backcountry skiing is one of Hokkaido’s major tourist attractions, but it is no longer something that can be dismissed as merely “personal responsibility.” Each accident also puts rescuers’ lives at risk.

As the winter season continues, safely enjoying Hokkaido’s magnificent nature requires a proper understanding of its hidden dangers and thorough preparation. Entering these mountains carelessly can lead to irreversible consequences—something that must never be forgotten.