Overseas tourists at Japanese ski resort

Overseas tourists at Japanese ski resort

A local police official (R) hands out safety brochures to foreign visitors at a ski resort in the village of Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, in January 2026, amid a surge of incidents involving foreign skiers getting stranded while backcountry skiing.

US: Avalanches Hit Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, Injure Skiers and Close State Road

A backcountry avalanche struck Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday morning, February 21, prompting a search and rescue response and the closure of State Route 190, causing major traffic disruptions. Two skiers were buried in a separate slide the same day and suffered critical and serious injuries, while another avalanche later injured one person. After heavy snowfall created unstable snowpack, more than 50 avalanches have been reported across northern Utah in 48 hours, and officials warn of extremely dangerous conditions.

US: Storm Slams Sierra Nevada With Heavy Snow, Travel Disrupted

Heavy snowfall continues across the Sierra Nevada, delivering significant snowpack but creating dangerous conditions. Several feet of snow have already accumulated, with some higher elevations expected to receive well over 10 feet before storms taper off next week. Strong winds and intense snowfall have triggered avalanche warnings and reduced visibility, prompting search and rescue efforts after a backcountry avalanche. Travel has been severely impacted, with whiteout conditions and intermittent closures along Interstate 80 near Donner Summit.

US: Coldest Storm of the Season Buries Sierra Nevada in Heavy Snow 3

Rolling thunderstorms and strong winds swept across California as the season’s coldest storm dumped heavy snow on the Sierra Nevada. The heavy snow created dangerous backcountry conditions, and a large avalanche near Truckee killed at least eight skiers. Ski areas around Lake Tahoe reported significant totals, with more than 40 inches of new snow in 24 hours.

US: Coldest Storm of the Season Buries Sierra Nevada in Heavy Snow 2

Rolling thunderstorms and strong winds swept across California as the season’s coldest storm dumped heavy snow on the Sierra Nevada. The heavy snow created dangerous backcountry conditions, and a large avalanche near Truckee killed at least eight skiers. Ski areas around Lake Tahoe reported significant totals, with more than 40 inches of new snow in 24 hours.

Chamonix in Winter - France

Chamonix in Winter - France

FRANCE, FRENCH ALPS. HAUTE-SAVOIE (74), CHAMONIX MONT BLANC. SKIERS CROSSING VALLEE BLANCHE GLACIER NEAR AIGUILLE DU MIDI IN THE MONT BLANC MOUNTAIN RANGE. BACKCOUNTRY SKIING ROUTE I Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

US: Winter Storm Hits Parts Of California Bringing Heavy Snowfall

A winter storm pushed through California from Friday to Saturday, December 13 to 14, delivering heavy snow. A backcountry avalanche warning was issued for the Tahoe region in effect until Sunday morning.

Ski guide enjoys backcountry skiing at central Japan highland resort

Ski guide enjoys backcountry skiing at central Japan highland resort

Ski guide Kuniyoshi Komine enjoys backcountry skiing at a Norikura Kogen highland resort in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, on Feb. 2, 2015. The sport is gaining popularity in Japan. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Ski guide checks snow to protect skiers from avalanches

Ski guide checks snow to protect skiers from avalanches

Ski guide Kuniyoshi Komine checks layers of snow at a Norikura Kogen highland resort in Matsumoto, Nagao Prefecture, central Japan, on Feb. 20, 2015, to protect backcountry skiers from avalanches. Backcountry skiers hit by snow slides have been increasing in Japan along with the growing popularity of the sport. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo