Two Kiwis killed in Japan avalanche
Japanese police have confirmed to the New Zealand Embassy that two New Zealanders died in an avalanche in Mt Yotei, Japan, on Monday.
One of the skiers killed was 21-year-old Isabella Bolton, her family confirmed in a statement.
Bolton was born in Watford, England, but grew up in Diamond Harbour and Heathcote Valley in Canterbury, where she attended Rangi Ruru Girls’ High School.
“Isabella was full of vitality and passion for life. Her adventurous spirit and love for skiing and the outdoors led her to study for a Diploma in Outdoor Adventure Guiding in Banff, Canada.”
She worked on ski fields in Canada, Tekapo and Wānaka, and in November 2023 travelled to Niseko, Japan, where she thrived in her job as a ski guide.
“Our family would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of her fellow colleague and friend whose life was also tragically lost.”
Bolton’s family also expressed gratitude to local authorities and those who tried to save her.
“While we come to terms with our loss and bringing Isabella home to New Zealand, we request privacy to mourn Isabella.”
The avalanche hit a group of six back country skiers on Monday, killing the two New Zealanders in Hokkaido, who were a man and a woman, it’s been reported.
The Embassy said a third New Zealander was also injured in the incident.
Rescue authorities received an emergency call around 11am reporting that people were stuck at Mt Yotei, which stands 1898m and spans towns including Kutchan and Niseko, The Japan Times reported.
The snow slip hit the group of skiers on the northern slope.
One survivor reported pain around his shoulder. He and the other three people in the group returned from the mountain, informing authorities of the avalanche around 10am.
The man and woman from New Zealand were buried under the snow. They were airlifted to hospital, but pronounced dead, snow sport news website Snow Brains reported.
The New Zealand Embassy has offered consular support to the families of those involved.