An American skier was buried under snow as rescue teams raced against the clock to save them in Japan.

The group of three reportedly went outside the course near gondola number at Geto Kogen Ski Resort despite warnings that it was off-limits in Iwate on February 18.

They slipped under the cordon and skied down the steep slope but hit soft snow, which gave way.

The group of Americans were caught in an avalanche before resort staff members called police for help.

Two have already been retrieved, but one remains missing as rescue operations continue.

Footage shows the thick, powdery snow covering the Geto Kogen Ski Resort area.

Local police said: 'One of a group of three skiers remained buried under snow. Two of them are safe, but the condition of the other American is unknown.

'Rescue efforts are now being carried out by police, firefighters, and ski resort patrol officers.'

However, the officer added thick snow added challenges to the operation.

Rescue teams are still in the area searching for the missing American skier.