Canadian Snowboarder Dies After Falling into Waterfall in Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort, Japan
A Canadian snowboarder died after falling into a waterfall at Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, on Sunday, February 1. The deceased snowboarder was identified by Japanese media as 39-year-old Ashley Kay Bernice, a Canadian government employee who was visiting Japan with a friend,
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Police said emergency services were alerted at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, after a resort guest had informed ski resort staff that they had observed a woman ski out of bounds and suddenly disappear from sight. According to Japanese broadcaster TBS, the woman had veered outside the marked ski area while snowboarding and fallen about 25 meters (82 feet) into a waterfall. Due to the rugged terrain and bad weather conditions, firefighters and other emergency rescue personnel searched for more than two hours before they located the woman at 5:50 p.m. Rescue crews were able to pull her from the waterfall basin at approximately 9:40 p.m. She was transported to hospital in a state of cardiac arrest but was pronounced dead on arrival. Hospital officials said the cause of death was traumatic hemopneumothorax, a fatal condition caused by a serious chest trauma.
Global Affairs Canada, the federal department responsible for Canada’s foreign relations and consular services — similar to the U.S. State Department — said it is aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Japan. John Babcock, a spokesperson for the department, said Canadian officials are providing consular assistance and are in contact with local authorities to gather further information. He added that the government extends its condolences to the woman’s family and loved ones.
The incident marks the second death in Japan this year involving a North American tourist falling into a waterfall. In late January, American freeskier Max Martin was killed in a similar accident after leaving a marked run and falling into a waterfall in another ski area.
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Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort is a popular winter destination in Niigata, known for its steep terrain and heavy snowfall. Located on the west slope of Mount Hakkai, the ski resort is famous for its deep snow slides and challenging terrain, and is a popular destination for skiers. Like many Japanese ski areas, it is surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes, including ravines and waterways that can be hidden beneath snow, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall.
Two days prior to the incident, the resort had pleaded on social media with visitors to not ski outside the marked areas. “At Muikamachi Hakkaiyama Ski Resort, skiing outside of the trails listed on the trail map is prohibited. Gliding in restricted areas can lead to serious accidents such as avalanches, distress, and tree collisions,” the resort stressed.
Japanese authorities have repeatedly urged visitors to remain within designated courses, warning that leaving marked runs can expose riders to cliffs, avalanches, and concealed hazards such as rivers and waterfalls.
The ski resort urged visitors to stay non marked trails just two days prior to the incident. | Image: Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort
Posted by Julia Schneemann | February 3, 2026 Related Articles Shop daily deals on gear now! Got an opinion? Let us know. Cancel replyAbout the author
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