An American man in his thirties has been killed in an avalanche in the backcountry of Niigata in Japan.
The incident happened yesterday on Mount Mitahara with a number of people caught in the avalanche. A Russian, Scottish and Japanese national were with the American when the avalanche occurred. They were rescued without injury.
A police rescue helicopter was utilised to transport the men off the mountain. The American was rushed to hospital and later pronounced dead.
This week’s avalanche death comes thirteen months after American pro skier Kyle Smaine was also killed in an avalanche on Hakuba Norikura mountain near Tsugaike.
Mitahara-yama (2347m) is some of the steepest terrain in Myoko and is the highest point of Mt Myoko crater ridge. Backcountry skiers access this area by hiking around 2 hours from Suginohara. It is advised to always take a qualified guide.
