The family of Michael Hurst (right) has confirmed he died while skiing in Japan. (ABC: Supplied)

Melbourne man Michael “Micky” Hurst has died while skiing with friends in Japan this week.

The 27-year-old was at the rear of a group of skiers in Japan’s Hokkaido region, between Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort, when he had a medical episode.

It is understood he collapsed suddenly, and the snow conditions were reasonable.

He was found unconscious by another group of skiers who administered CPR.

The skier was transported to hospital but was later pronounced dead, according to reports.

The avid skier and surfer grew up in Melbourne’s bayside community, where he was the school captain of St Bede’s College in 2016.

The school had flags at half mast on Wednesday in tribute.

Mr Hurst is being remembered as a kind, active, well-liked man who was involved with the local life-saving club and was a regular at a local open mic night.

“He was unwaveringly kind, compassionate and went through life with a smile on his face and a great sense of humour,” his brother Patrick Hurst said.

The 27-year-old had been working at a lodging facility at a ski resort in Niseko, Hokkaido

Michael “Micky” Hurst (second from the right) with his family.

“Despite all the wonderful things he did and achieved throughout his life, he will be remembered above all for his humility, generosity, kindness and loyalty to his family, beautiful partner and friends,” Mr Hurst’s family told ABC News in a statement.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a DFAT spokesperson said.

“Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.”

Third Australian death in Japan this ski season

This is the third Australian who has died in Japan during the current ski season.

Brooke Day died in hospital on Sunday morning after she was critically injured at the Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort in the Hakuba Valley on Friday.

The 22-year-old was riding a ski lift at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in central Japan on Friday morning when she became caught and suffered critical injuries.

Rylan Henry Pribadi died while skiing at the Niseko Ski Resort in Kutchan Town, Hokkaido on January 9.

He came into contact with a rope marking the course boundary while on the snow and the cause of death was asphyxiation.

The 17-year-old attended Brisbane Grammar School and graduated in 2025.

In a statement, the school said he was “known for his friendly, approachable nature, reliability, and commitment to those around him”.

“Rylan’s passing has profoundly affected all who knew him, and our school community mourns the loss of a bright and valued member of the BGS family,” the statement said.

Japan regularly receives some of the highest snowfall in the world and is currently experiencing a record-breaking season, making it a desirable destination for snow sports.

The snowfall also resulted in a temporary closure of Hokkaido’s main airport last week, stranding hundreds of passengers, while delaying other travel, including train services and forcing the closure of some highways, Reuters reported.

Since January 20, more than 100 people have suffered serious injury nationwide in snow-related incidents, and 30 people have died, figures from the disaster management agency show.

At least 30 people have died in snow-related accidents over the last 15 days across Japan, Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency announced today.

The highest death toll was seen in Niigata Prefecture, with 12 deaths.