【Avalanche Awareness Day】Ensuring a Safe Winter in Hakuba Valley
On Saturday, January 31, we held the “Avalanche Awareness Day” event. With many visitors enjoying snow activities this season, it was a vital opportunity to reinforce our collective commitment to safety.
The event featured a two-part program focused on deep-diving into avalanche risk management through both field training and expert-led seminars.
- Avalanche Beacon Workshop @ Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort
We conducted a search-and-rescue workshop using avalanche beacons—an essential piece of gear for anyone heading into the backcountry. For many participants, it was their first time handling a beacon, providing them with a hands-on understanding of how crucial rescue skills are in an emergency. - Avalanche Seminar @ Able Hakuba Goryu (Escal Plaza)
In the evening, we hosted a seminar for mountaineers, skiers, and snowboarders. Two distinguished guest speakers shared their expertise through detailed, real-world case studies.
[Guest Speakers]
Azusa Degawa: Director, Non-Profit Organization “Japan Avalanche Network” (JAN)
Takeshi Suzuki: Patrol Captain, Able Hakuba Goryu
[Seminar Highlights] Mr. Suzuki provided an inside look at the daily avalanche control operations performed by ski patrols and emphasized the importance of the “Hakuba Valley Safety Tips,” our official regional safety guidelines. Ms. Degawa delivered a practical lecture covering the fundamental mechanisms of avalanches, as well as current trends and data regarding avalanche accidents specifically within the Hakuba mountain range.
Professional Organizations & Patrols
Safety in the Hakuba area is upheld by reliable information from experts and the tireless dedication of our ski patrol teams.
Japan Avalanche Network (JAN) Hakuba Valley works closely with JAN to receive specialized safety information. To deepen your knowledge about avalanches, please visit their official website:
Able Hakuba Goryu Ski Patrol Learn more about the high level of expertise and the daily efforts of the patrol teams who keep our slopes safe:
https://www.hakubaescal.com/winter/patrol/
At Hakuba Valley, we remain committed to prioritizing safety above all else, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the ultimate snow sports experience.
※ For more details on the “Hakuba Valley Safety Tips” please visit: https://www.hakubavalley.com/safetytips/
