Regarding the Avalanche that Occurred on Saturday, February 28
Thank you for your continued support of Madarao Kogen Ski Resort.
At approximately 2:05 PM on Saturday, February 28, an avalanche occurred on the “Powder Line Course” within the resort.
We would like to express our heartfelt sympathies to the injured individual and their family, and we sincerely pray for a swift and full recovery.
We hereby report the results of the investigation and search activities conducted today as follows:
1. Investigation and Search Activities Conducted
- Aerial inspection by drone (approximately 75 meters altitude)
- Measurement of the avalanche area:
- Maximum width: approx. 185 meters
- Maximum length: approx. 600 meters
- Terminal branch width: approx. 320 meters
- Comprehensive inspection from the upper slope to the runout zone
- Joint search conducted by police, fire department, ski patrol, and rescue dog teams
2. Assessment of the Avalanche
(Shared understanding among relevant authorities)
- The avalanche is estimated to have been a full-depth avalanche originating from the upper section of the slope.
- It expanded as it descended, entraining upper snow layers.
- The presence of standing trees along the path suggests that the entire slope did not collapse simultaneously, but rather that the avalanche expanded progressively as it traveled downhill.
Regarding Predictability
In general, full-depth avalanches are often preceded by visible warning signs such as glide cracks on the snow surface.
However, in this case, no clear warning signs were observed prior to the event. According to expert opinion, this has been assessed as a very rare occurrence.
3. Evaluation of Search Results
- Confirmation conducted with accommodation providers in the Madarao area
- Verification of parking lot usage
- Drone search for biological signs: No response detected
- Rescue dog search: No response detected
- Focused inspection within the course and around the debris (accumulated snow) area
4. Number of Personnel Involved (Final Count)
- Police: 3
- Ski Patrol: 9
- Investigation Team: 3
- Other related personnel included
- Total: Approximately 21 persons
5. Final Shared Conclusions
- The avalanche was a full-depth avalanche originating from the upper slope.
- It was a rare case that occurred without clear observable warning signs.
- The maximum possible joint search efforts were conducted, including the use of drones and rescue dogs.
6. Conclusion
- Search efforts were carried out to the fullest extent possible.
- No new clues were discovered.
- All personnel involved in the response returned safely.
7. Future Operations
Today, prioritizing safety above all else, we suspended the three lifts that had originally been scheduled to operate and conducted investigation and search activities.
The affected course and related lifts will reopen sequentially once safety has been confirmed in each area.
We will continue to strengthen our safety management systems and remain fully committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all guests.
We respectfully ask for your understanding and continued support.
From The MADARAO
Thank you very much for your continued patronage of Madarao Kogen Ski Resort.
Recently, we have observed individuals climbing the slopes and skiing before the official start of operations.
Please be advised that before opening hours, slope grooming and maintenance work is being carried out using snow grooming machines and other equipment. As this poses a serious risk of accidents, all uphill travel and skiing associated with uphill travel before opening hours are strictly prohibited throughout the entire Madarao Kogen Ski Resort.
In addition, any uphill travel or skiing involving uphill access on closed
courses or courses accessible via suspended lift operations after opening hours
is also strictly prohibited.
Should such actions be observed in the future, the individuals involved may be denied access to the ski resort in the future. We appreciate your understanding in advance.
We kindly ask for your cooperation and understanding to ensure the safe operation of the ski resort.
Sincerely,