Authorities have confirmed that two New Zealanders have been killed while skiing in Japan.
A man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s were part of a group of six backcountry skiing in Hokkaido when an avalanche hit.
The Japan Times reports the pair were taken to hospital and were later pronounced dead.
A third person was injured.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says following the avalanche, Japanese Police has confirmed that two New Zealanders have sadly passed away.
The New Zealand Embassy has offered consular support to the families of those involved.
