Avoiding Danger in the Backcountry
Mountain Safety Division
Nagano Prefectural Police Headquarters
Cases of accidents in the mountains, such as avalanches and disorientation, caused by people without proper
backcountry preparation and/or experience are on the rise.
While people venture into the backcountry at their own risk, they are not the only ones affected in the case of anaccident. Rescuers also face the risks of avalanche and inclement weather, and families carry a heavy burden when
their loved ones become lost.
Work with us to prevent further backcountry accidents by observing the following rules and understanding the main
dangers associated with the backcountry in Nagano and their causes.
1.

Rules to Follow
i.
Make thorough preparations ahead of time
Please check your course and the surrounding terrain in advance so that you are able to return to a ski resort orroad at the end of your run. Videos alone are not a sufficient source of information.
ii.

Create an itinerary (communicate your destination)
Submit an itinerary or inform your accommodation or an acquaintance of your destination before yourbackcountry trip.

iii.

Carry the right equipment
a. Avalanche gear: beacon, probe, shovel, airbag, etc.
b. Climbing gear: climbing skins, snowshoes, etc.
c. Navigational tools: GPS, mobile phone, map, compass, etc.
d. Emergency gear: spare phone battery, headlamp, warm clothing, emergency blanket, rations, etc.

iv.

Check snow conditions
The Hakuba–Iiyama region is known as an area of heavy snowfall where up to one meter of snow can accumulate
in one night. Directly after snowfall, climbing skins are particularly ineffective and ejected skis are very difficultto find. Do not take the snow lightly; pick an appropriate course for the day’s conditions.

Check avalanche risks before skiing
Check avalanche information provided at the ski resort and/or perform a snow pit test for weak layers in thesnowpack.
vi.
Closely follow the rules of the resort
The reason that certain areas are roped off or accompanied by warning signs is to prevent avalanches and steer
away the average skier/snowboarder.
Think about not just yourself, but others that may be affected by your actions when crossing these boundaries—
will other people be caught in an avalanche if you cause one? Might an unexperienced skier follow your tracks
into dangerous territory?
v.

2.
i.

Types of Mountain Accidents in Nagano Prefecture and Their Causes
Disorientation, Becoming Stucka. Unable to return to a road or ski resort due to not confirming the course/terrain in advanceb. Not bringing a map or GPS device and becoming unable to confirm their current locationc. Following another person’s tracks and losing one’s way
d. Becoming stuck due to inexperience/inability
e. Unable to climb due to lack of appropriate climbing gear (climbing skins, snowshoes, etc.)
f. Unable to move because a ski ejected or a climbing skin was unusable

Don’t rely on others’ tracks

Climbing equipment is necessary

Skis may become buriedii.

Tree Collisions, Falls
Injuring oneself by entering a backcountry course outside of your ability and/or fitness level and colliding witha tree or falling.

iii.

Asphyxiation
Falling and becoming buried in fresh snow can lead to suffocation and death.

iv.

Avalanches
It is possible to become caught in not only avalanches caused by yourself, but those caused by your friends orother skiing parties as well.
If your friends or other nearby skiers are not carrying beacons and probes, the likelihood of you being found andrescued in time are extremely small. Even if they are carrying beacons and probes, the chances of survival arevery low if you are not found quickly.