Niseko Japan out of bounds avalanche fatality

Avalanche occurred in permanently closed area ( a cliff zone called harunotaki -- "Spring waterfall"   ) between two resorts in Niseko.
m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11807787

That zone is certainly untouched and attractive, as the Niseko Gondola and Ace quad go up on either side of the "strictly off limits" ravines. There are signs explaining the closures all over the resort. They are attempting to open sections of the permanently closed areas but they need to have a long record of zero issues while they manage the closed terrain. By honoring the closures guest help to someday open some very attractive terrain.

The policy was initially frustrating when we were there but there is so much great terrain just outside of the ski area that we found no need to test their rules.