Australian Skier Found Dead After Disappearing at Japanese Resort

A tragic incident has struck the skiing community as Michael Hurst, a young Australian skier, was found dead after disappearing at a resort in Japan. The 20-something Melburnian was skiing with friends in the Niseko area of Hokkaido when he went missing on February 1, 2026.

Skiing Incident in Niseko

Michael Hurst was part of a group of seven when he went missing. Onlookers reported seeing another group of skiers performing CPR before Hurst was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A Life Remembered

Friends and family are mourning his untimely death. Hurst was noted for his kind nature and infectious sense of humor. He served as the college captain at St Bede’s College in Mentone, Melbourne, in 2016, following in the footsteps of his brother Patrick, who held the same position in 2014.

• Name: Michael Hurst
• Location: Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
• Age: 20s
• Date of Incident: February 1, 2026

In a heartfelt tribute, Patrick described Michael as “unwaveringly kind and compassionate.” The mother of Hurst’s best friend shared sentiments on social media, stating that he died doing what he loved most—skiing.

Background and Context

At the time of his death, Hurst was on a career break from his job as a town planner in Geelong. He had also been working at a lodging facility in the Hokkaido region. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing support to Hurst’s family during this difficult time.

This incident adds to growing concerns about safety in the ski industry, especially following the recent death of snowboarder Brooke Day, who perished in a ski lift accident in Nagano just days prior. Day had recently completed an avalanche course and was known for her role in rescuing others.

Local authorities are investigating Hurst’s death, noting that there were no visible injuries when he was located. The Niseko community continues to mourn as they reflect on both tragedies.

Conclusion

The deaths of Michael Hurst and Brooke Day serve as stark reminders of the inherent risks associated with skiing. Their legacies will be remembered, and ongoing discussions about safety measures in skiing will undoubtedly be essential moving forward.