Ski Lift Accident Claims Australian Snowboarder in Japan Tragedy

Published: 02 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The ski lift accident at Japan’s Tsugaike resort has tragically claimed the life of an Australian snowboarder. The 22-year-old, identified as Brooke Day, was left hanging mid-air after her backpack became caught on the lift chair. Officials confirmed that the incident occurred on Friday at the Tsugaike ski resort in Otari, near Nagano, where Day sustained critical injuries. According to the resort, an unfastened waist belt on her backpack hooked the lift while a chest strap remained securely fastened, dragging her along the snow and leaving her suspended dangerously above the slope.

Rescue efforts began immediately after the lift was halted by an attendant pressing an emergency button. Paramedics rushed Day to a nearby hospital, where she suffered what appeared to be a cardiac arrest. Despite medical intervention, she could not be saved. The resort has expressed profound sorrow and vowed a full investigation into the circumstances that led to this fatal ski lift accident.

Tsugaike Mountain Resort and Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co jointly issued a public apology, emphasizing that the safety of visitors remains a top priority. The resort’s chief executive conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and pledged to provide them with comprehensive support. Australian authorities also confirmed their involvement, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade offering consular assistance to Day’s family and expressing deep sympathy during this tragic moment.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as the snowboarder remained suspended from the chairlift. Skiers on adjacent slopes immediately alerted resort personnel, and emergency protocols were swiftly enacted. Resort officials noted that such accidents are exceedingly rare, highlighting that equipment failure or improper usage could have contributed to the incident. The presence of both the unfastened waist belt and the fastened chest strap created a hazardous combination, leaving Day in a precarious and ultimately fatal position.

Safety experts reviewing the event stated that chairlifts are designed with multiple redundancy systems, but individual equipment, such as backpacks, can present unforeseen hazards. Japanese authorities are expected to investigate the mechanical aspects of the lift as well as the protocols in place for rider safety. Officials stressed that no systemic issues with the lift’s engineering have been confirmed yet, but the unusual configuration of the snowboarder’s backpack straps played a key role in the accident.

The tragic death of Brooke Day has sparked wider conversations about safety measures for skiers and snowboarders. Resort management is now reviewing training for staff to ensure quicker identification of potentially hazardous situations, including incidents involving loose or improperly worn gear. Some ski safety organizations have urged riders to double-check all equipment straps and attachments before boarding lifts, highlighting that even minor oversights can have catastrophic consequences.

Local authorities confirmed that they will conduct a thorough examination of the lift’s operation on the day of the accident. This includes reviewing video footage, interviewing witnesses, and checking compliance with national safety regulations. The findings are expected to influence future safety protocols not only at Tsugaike but potentially across ski resorts throughout Japan, prompting enhanced guidance for international tourists unfamiliar with specific lift operations.

Brooke Day’s death has resonated internationally, with condolences pouring in from fellow athletes, friends, and snowboarding communities worldwide. Australian media have covered the incident extensively, emphasizing the importance of both awareness and safety education for travellers engaging in winter sports. Her family, while devastated, has publicly thanked rescue teams and hospital staff for their rapid response during the emergency.

The resort reiterated that all operations will continue under careful monitoring while the investigation proceeds. Authorities confirmed that no other visitors were involved, and that all equipment inspections following the accident meet current safety standards. However, the unusual nature of the ski lift accident has already prompted discussions regarding additional safeguards for passengers carrying backpacks, skis, or other gear that could interact unpredictably with lift mechanisms.

As investigations unfold, international tourism agencies are expected to provide updated safety guidelines for visitors participating in winter sports in Japan. Experts stress that vigilance, proper equipment use, and staff readiness are crucial in preventing future tragedies. While this incident remains exceptionally rare, it serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers inherent to mountain resorts and the importance of stringent safety protocols.

The family of Brooke Day continues to receive consular assistance from Australian authorities. The tragic event underscores the vulnerability of visitors despite otherwise safe recreational environments. Officials have promised transparency in the investigation and vowed that lessons learned from this ski lift accident will inform future safety measures, ensuring that similar incidents are less likely to occur. The snowboarding community and the public mourn the loss while awaiting further updates on safety reforms.

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