As a mom who has spent over a decade dragging sleds, skis, and kiddos up and down mountains, I usually have a checklist for everything. Extra mittens? Check. Hand warmers? Check. Snacks to prevent a meltdown? Double check. But I have to admit, "wild boar defense strategy" was never on my list—until now.
We recently saw some absolutely wild footage coming out of Japan that has parents and riders everywhere doing a double-take. Back in February 2023, at the Alpen Blick Snow Resort in Myoko City, a peaceful day on the slopes turned into a chaotic encounter with nature.
The Incident
A wild boar—estimated to be about 1-meter long—charged onto the course, taking everyone by surprise. In the video, you can see the animal knock one snowboarder completely to the ground. The impact was strong enough to actually break his snowboard binding! Can you imagine trying to explain that to the rental shop without video proof?
After toppling the first rider, the boar switched directions and targeted another man. This second rider thought fast, using his snowboard as a shield and swinging it to defend himself. Thankfully, resort employees were quick to react, sounding a snowmobile siren that eventually scared the animal away.
It’s a intense watch, and honestly, it reminds us that when we’re on the mountain, we are guests in nature's living room.
My Take on Mountain Safety
While this happened at Alpen Blick, many families flock to the Myoko region for its incredible powder and culture. In fact, the nearby Myoko Suginohara, which scores a decent 60.8/100 on ShredIndex, is a popular spot for international visitors. If you are looking to visit the area, you can find accommodation that puts you right in the heart of this snowy paradise.
However, this incident is a good reminder to stay alert. The resort manager, Hazawa Kazuhiko, noted this was the first time a boar had appeared on the slopes there, and they immediately increased patrols. But as parents, we need to teach our kids that wildlife encounters, while rare, can happen.
Tips for Wildlife Encounters on Skis
We teach our kids to look out for tree wells and other skiers, but here is a quick list of what to do if you encounter an animal on the slopes:
- Create Barriers: Just like the snowboarder in the video, put equipment between you and the animal. A snowboard or a pair of skis makes a decent shield.
- Make Noise: Most wild animals want to avoid us. Loud noises, like the snowmobile siren used here, are often effective deterrents.
- Stay Calm (I Know, It's Hard!): Sudden movements can trigger a chase response. Back away slowly if you can.
- Check Your Gear: This boar broke a binding! It’s a good reminder to ensure your equipment is durable. While you can't always predict a collision, having solid gear helps. If you are due for an upgrade, checking out sturdy options like the Union Force Bindings can give you peace of mind regarding durability.
Also, if you are traveling internationally to ski in places like Japan, staying connected is huge for safety (and for calling for help if needed!). We always recommend you grab an eSIM for your trip so you have data the moment you land.
Stay safe out there, families! And maybe keep an eye on the tree line—you never know who is watching.
Source: Unofficial Networks
