An Australian snowboarder has died on a trip with friends to Japan after her backpack became caught in a ski lift leaving her suspended in midair, according to Japanese police and the lift operator. Nagano Omachi Police said the 22-year-old tourist suffered from cardiac arrest after the accident on Friday at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Hakuba Valley, a popular ski destination in central Japan. The woman was rushed to a hospital but later succumbed to her injuries, according to police and the ski lift operator. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementIn a statement, the Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co. said the waist buckle of the tourist’s backpack became entangled in the lift chair, which prevented her from getting off the lift. Japan is considered one of Asia’s top snow sports destinations due to its powder snow, which attracts a large number of foreign tourists each winter.

Source: CNN February 02, 2026 17:01 UTC