Australians are addicted to powder, and it comes at a price.

The thrill of ‘japau’ (Japanese powder) draws more Australian tourists to Japan’s snow-covered slopes than any other country.

Skiers and snowboarders are drawn to the unique snow, which is soft and gentle on the joints.

But it’s not all fun and games.

tragic death Three Australians have already visited Japan’s ski resorts this year We emphasized the dangers of alpine sports.

Statistics from two insurance companies further underline the risks, suggesting that claims related to snowsports injuries in Japan have soared in recent years.

Jess Strange, chief customer officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, said the number of customers making insurance claims for skiing and snowboarding accidents in Japan increased by 75% between 2023 and 2025.

She said the average cost of each insurance claim at the time was between $1,100 and $1,500.

Natalie Ball, 1Cover’s chief operating officer, also said there had been a “significant increase” over the past three years, with claims surging by 43% from 2024 to 2025.

“While overall insurance sales in Japan are growing steadily, growth in winter sports insurance is accelerating, indicating an increase in the number of tourists coming to Japan specifically for skiing and snowboarding,” Ball said.

Visitor numbers peak in January, when Australia’s travel agencies and accommodation are fully booked with tourists from all over the world, giving rise to the term ‘Japanary’.

Owen Lansbury is the Communications Director for Mountain Safety Collective. Mountain Safety Collective is a non-profit organization that supports backcountry skiers with condition reporting and avalanche training.

However, Makoto Takayanagi, chairman of Japan’s National Ski Safety Measures Council, said the increase in foreigners visiting the slopes appeared to be leading to an increase in accidents.

In Hokkaido alone, foreigners were involved in 48 of the 53 off-piste ski-related accidents that occurred between November 1 and February 2.

So what can Australians visiting Japan’s snowfields do to stay safe, both at resorts and in the backcountry?

respect nature

Compared to Australia, Japan experiences “dry” snow throughout the winter.

This is the result of frigid Siberian winds meeting warm air from the Sea of ​​Japan, condensing into snow clouds, and blowing over Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps, covering them with fine powder.

Thomas Gerry, ski coach and founder of Big Picture Skiing, said this has made Japan’s snow softer, easier on the body and joints, and easier to ski.

“Good snow makes skiing so much easier, so that’s why people travel,” Gerry said.

But Lansbury said even soft, deep snow can turn minor accidents like faceplants into fatalities if there’s no help nearby.

Shota Tanaka, a Japanese naturopathic doctor and backcountry skier, told anyone visiting any country that skiing and snowboarding are inherently dangerous sports.

“It is essential to recognize that winter sports involve continuous interaction with environmental stressors such as cold, altitude, terrain changes, and weather instability,” Dr. Tanaka said.

Compared to other winter sports destinations such as Switzerland, the United States and New Zealand, Japan has smaller mountains and fewer drops, so people may mistakenly perceive it as less dangerous, he said.

However, he added that while access to off-piste areas may seem easier in Japan, this should not be underestimated as the country’s terrain is often steep and heavily forested.

Observe local culture

Mr Lansbury has been visiting Japan’s snowfields for 20 years and said the differences in skiing there compared to Australia could be significant.

He said weather and snow conditions could become more intense, with deeper snow and limited visibility, even if you primarily ski on resort slopes.

He added that people needed to take responsibility for their own safety beyond returning to their home countries, as infrastructure at some resorts, such as ski lifts, may be less modern or poorly maintained than in Australia.

“Please note that elevator attendants may not speak fluent English to issue warnings and some warning signs may not be translated into English,” he said.

Ski coach Thomas Gerry urged people to look at and respect Japanese culture and etiquette, despite many Australian travel companies and accommodations coming to Japan.

He said eating and drinking while walking might be okay in Australia, but it was frowned upon in Japan, as was drinking too much or talking loudly.

“It may not be for their safety, but we do it if we want to continue to be welcome in this country,” Gerry said.

know your limits

Experts emphasized the importance of not overestimating one’s abilities.

For those planning to ski off-piste or in deep powder, taking an avalanche education course was essential to understanding the risks and how to use safety kit.

Mr Lansbury said skiing powder snow is a skill in itself and should not be rushed and should utilize local instructors to build skill and confidence.

“Even with 40 years of skiing experience, you can still learn new things,” he said.

“Accidents occur when people overestimate and underestimate their abilities. [potentially fatal] The consequences of entering the terrain without the necessary skills, experience and equipment. ”

Dr. Shota said that once you’ve mastered in-resort skiing, those who want to go off-piste should travel with a certified guide who has extensive knowledge of the local terrain.

“I avoid going over the edge in bad weather, and I never hesitate to cancel plans if conditions are unfavorable,” he said.

Understand travel insurance

Insurers say Australians should always check their travel insurance cover for snow sports and take out additional cover if needed.

“Otherwise, a serious injury can turn into a costly and extremely stressful ordeal,” said 1Cover’s Ms Ball.

Mr Lansbury warned skiers against leaving resort boundaries in search of unmarked fresh snow, saying the effects could be worse than in Australia, where the snow is deeper.

“The moment you go under the boundary rope, you have no control over the avalanche and no ski patrol to help you if you get stranded or injured,” he said.

He added that Japan’s ski patrols typically do not go beyond resort boundaries and rescues are left to police, which can take much longer and cost thousands of dollars.

Ms Strange, of Southern Cross Travel Insurance, said skiers and snowboarders were likely to be covered if they stuck to designated commercial ski areas where they were allowed to use, followed resort rules and signage and always wore a helmet.

He also said that while medical expenses are covered by travel insurance, equipment damage is usually not, so this needs to be taken into account.

“By knowing what you’re covered before you travel, you can focus on enjoying Japan’s amazing snow safely and confidently,” she says.