Mountain Rescue Japan | Ski Insurance

How Mountain Rescue Works in Japanese Ski Resorts

1. Ski Patrols (within the resort boundaries):

Primary Responders: Ski patrols are the first line of defence for accidents and injuries that occur within the designated ski resort boundaries.

Responsibilities: Their duties include daily safety checks of the pistes, patrolling for safety, assisting injured skiers and snowboarders, and conducting rescue operations.

Professional Certification: Many ski patrollers hold certifications in first aid and avalanche control.5 For instance, some patrollers at Hakuba 47 are certified by the Japan Red Cross Society and are experts in avalanche control.

Cost: Rescues conducted by ski patrols within the resort are typically included in the cost of the lift ticket, but this can vary. Some resorts explicitly state that you are responsible for search and rescue expenses if you enter prohibited or out-of-bounds areas.

2. Police and Fire Rescue (in backcountry and off-piste areas):

Main Responders: For incidents that occur outside of a ski resort's managed areas, the primary responsibility for search and rescue falls to the police and fire departments.

Specialised Teams: Many prefectural police forces have dedicated "mountain rescue teams" that are trained for operations in mountainous terrain.

Helicopter Rescue: Air rescue is a key component of the system and is typically handled by public agencies like the police and fire departments.

Cost: Rescues carried out by these public agencies are generally funded by Japanese taxes. However, as noted for in-resort incidents, if a person has ignored resort rules and entered a prohibited area, they may be liable for the full cost of the search and rescue operation.​

3. Calling for Help:

On-Piste: If an accident happens on a marked trail, the best course of action is to report it to the nearest ski resort staff or call the ski patrol's contact number if available.

Off-Piste/Backcountry: In an emergency outside of the resort, the standard procedure is to call the national emergency numbers: 110 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance. The police will then coordinate the search and rescue efforts.

4. Importance of Mountain Climbing Reports (Tosan-todoke):

Before venturing into the backcountry, it is highly recommended and sometimes required to submit a "Tosan-todoke" (mountain climbing report) to the local government or police.

This form details your route, schedule, and party information, which is crucial for a timely and efficient rescue operation if something goes wrong.​

National Associations and useful Links 

Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA): This is a member of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA).16 It focuses on certifying and representing mountain guides, which includes rescue-related training and expertise.

Association for Mountain Medical Rescue (AMMR): This organisation, based in Hokkaido, is an official member of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR).17 This suggests a focus on the medical and technical aspects of mountain rescue.

Japan Rescue Association: This is an NGO that primarily focuses on training and deploying disaster search dogs for both domestic and international relief efforts.18 While not exclusively for mountain rescue, they are a resource for search operations in difficult terrain.

The National Police Agency (NPA): The NPA, along with its prefectural police counterparts, is the main governmental body responsible for mountain rescue and is often the coordinating authority for search and rescue operations.