The death of a 38-year-old Chinese national from Hong Kong while snowboarding at a popular ski resort in northwestern Japan has thrown the safety risks of the sport into the spotlight, especially for residents who might not have much experience on the slopes. The Post examines how individuals can stay safe while skiing and what measures to take in case of injuries. 1. What happened in the recent accident? According to Kyodo News on Sunday, two of the man’s friends lost contact with him last Friday while he was snowboarding at the Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort in Niigata prefecture. Television Niigata Network reported the man was last seen snowboarding alone after being separated from his two friends earlier in the day. When he did not return by 5pm, his friends alerted staff at the resort, prompting a search by its ski patrol, police and the fire department. The man was discovered near the summit of a mountain around 7.20am the following morning. He was found off the designated course, head down near a hollow area around a tree – known as a “tree hole” – in a forest. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Japanese media said. Subsequent investigations determined that he died of asphyxiation, with police reportedly continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the case. 2. How should people prepare for their ski trip? The Chinese consulate in Niigata on Saturday confirmed the man’s “accidental death”, urging Chinese citizens in the region to be more aware of their safety. Edmond Yue Kwok-yin, the chairman of the Ski Association of Hong Kong, China, said people should ensure the slopes of the resorts met safety standards. He said they could hire a coach who could teach skiers based on their ability and help them adapt to the slopes or join a qualified ski tour that includes a competent coach. “They should know if the gear is suitable for them and has passed the safety checks,” he said. “They should be aware of their body condition and not push themselves too hard.” Lobo Louie Hung-tak, associate head of the Education University of Hong Kong’s health and physical education department, explained that skiing required muscle control for speed, turns and abrupt stops. But as there were no ski resorts in Hong Kong, residents might lack relevant training in balance and muscle control, leading to a higher risk of injury. “Adequate pre-trip preparation, which includes targeted training to enhance the muscles and coordination of relevant movements, is essential,” he said. Louie said people should plan a ski trip according to their skill level, as different resorts offered routes of varying difficulty. He also added that the itinerary should allow for sufficient sleep to aid recovery from exertion. Steve Huen Kwok-chuen, executive director of EGL Tours, said tourists should also purchase travel insurance that covered skiing and hire a professional coach. 3. How should people protect themselves when skiing? Yue said skiers should stay within designated areas and adhere to the resort’s instructions. He also suggested skiing with a buddy and carrying a phone to call for help if needed. Louie recommended doing warm-up exercises before skiing, especially in cold weather. People should learn from a coach how to fall safely, including how to protect their body and knees, as well as how to avoid collisions with others and how to stop, Louie said. “Those who are more advanced, when visiting routes at a higher altitude or next to some forests, should go with a partner who can ask for help if injuries happen,” he said. Huen said people should also take heed of the weather such as heavy snow or strong winds, and listen to the resort’s instructions. 4. What to do if you are injured while skiing? Huen said skiers who sustained mild injuries should head to the first aid station at the ski resort, while those with serious injuries should call an ambulance. He said insurance companies typically provided an emergency hotline for finding medical assistance. “You must see a local doctor to prove that your injuries were caused by skiing so that you can continue to be covered by the insurance when receiving further treatments in Hong Kong,” he said. “If you did not see a doctor there, you will not be able to apply for claims even if you see a doctor in Hong Kong.” The Immigration Department said Hong Kong residents who need assistance while overseas could call or message the 24-hour hotline 1868. 5. Is there a rising trend of ski trips among Hongkongers? Huen said he had noticed increased interest in skiing among Hongkongers after the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. “Now transport is well-developed and Hong Kong society has become more affluent. Skiing is a relatively expensive activity. Many parents may take their children to go skiing,” he said. “There are also many ski resorts in Guangzhou and Shenzhou, many of which are indoors.” The Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort where the accident occurred is located in Yuzawa Town, about 2½ hours by train from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. This region is renowned for its winter sports and gained further popularity after the 1998 Winter Olympics in nearby Nagano.