HAKUBA VALLEY, JAPAN (THECOUNT.COM) — Maxwell Martin, a 33-year-old American professional skier has died following a backcountry skiing accident near Mount Kotomi in Japan’s Northern Alps, according to Japanese newspaper reports confirmed January 19.
The fatal incident occurred in the Hakuba Valley region of Nagano Prefecture, a popular destination for both resort and backcountry skiing. Mount Kotomi is located along the Tomi Ridge, which leads toward Mount Goryu in the northern Japanese Alps.
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According to Japanese police, the skier was traveling in the backcountry with a group of four when he fell while descending an off-piste route. Authorities said the fall left the skier trapped and unable to move.
Emergency services were alerted at approximately 3:30 p.m. on January 18 after one of Martin’s companions contacted authorities. Police said the caller reported that Martin was stuck beneath a waterfall in the mountainous terrain.
The remaining three members of the group were able to descend the mountain safely and did not require medical assistance, according to officials.
Due to the remote location and winter conditions, an immediate rescue was not possible. A recovery operation was organized overnight by local authorities.
Japanese officials said a team of eight rescuers, consisting of personnel from the Nagano Prefectural Police and other emergency services, was dispatched early the following morning, January 19.
Rescuers located Martin around noon after navigating difficult terrain in the mountainous area. He was airlifted from the site by helicopter.
Despite rescue efforts, Martin was later pronounced dead. Authorities did not immediately release the official cause of death.
No information regarding the specific circumstances of the fall, including speed, equipment, or avalanche conditions, has been released.
According to SnowBrains, Martin was a professional skier from Jackson, Wyoming, with a background in competitive ski racing. He previously competed on the NCAA Division I circuit while skiing for Plymouth State University earlier in his career. The publication reported that Martin’s racing foundation contributed to his reputation as a technically precise big-mountain skier, known for calculated, smooth, and fast lines.
Mount Kotomi and the surrounding Hakuba Valley are internationally known for deep snowfall and challenging terrain, attracting professional skiers from around the world. However, backcountry skiing in the region carries significant risks, particularly due to steep slopes, waterfalls, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Officials have not indicated whether the accident will prompt additional safety advisories or restrictions in the area. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help with bringing Max back to the states.
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