Another foreigner death from back country skiing

Yesterday, I blogged about the passing of a Canadian traveler who was back country skiing around the Hakkaisan Ski resort area, which is very close to where I live in Niigata. Today, I read about another foreigner, this time a fellow Australian, who passed away in Hokkaido after back country skiing between Niseko Moiwa and Niseko Annupuri ski resorts. There was apparently an avalanche, and the individual in question was at the tail end of their group and got separated.

Not Hokkaido, but a little closer to me at Maiko Ski Resort here in Niigata. Plenty of beauty and thrills to enjoy even when staying on the course.

Maybe it's because I'm a very risk averse individual, but I just don't see the appeal of it. It's basically putting yourself in danger's way unnecessarily, and yes...I'm sure plenty of people do it unscathed, but then you have tragedies like this one.

There's plenty of beauty and thrills even if you stick to the courses, so I highly, highly recommend you do that, even if you're experienced. It's not worth risking your life.