- 14 Mar 2002
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As the Japanese ski season approaches, some resorts welcome a surge of inbound tourists. However, once a renowned ski destination, Niigata faces a stark reality: the number of resorts has dwindled by roughly 30% from its peak.
Illustrating this decline, Murakami Budo Ski Resort, located in the northern mountainous region, will cease operations after the 2024-25 season. Established in 1988, the resort witnessed a peak of 20,000 visitors during the 1990-91 season, a period of economic prosperity in Japan.
However, visitor numbers gradually declined. The 2022-23 season saw a mere 5,000 visitors due to insufficient snowfall, limiting the number of operational days. This situation reflects the challenges many ski resorts face in Niigata, where declining snowfall and dwindling visitor numbers threaten their continued existence.
Murakami Budo Ski Resort (村上市ぶどうスキー場)
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asia.nikkei.com
Illustrating this decline, Murakami Budo Ski Resort, located in the northern mountainous region, will cease operations after the 2024-25 season. Established in 1988, the resort witnessed a peak of 20,000 visitors during the 1990-91 season, a period of economic prosperity in Japan.
However, visitor numbers gradually declined. The 2022-23 season saw a mere 5,000 visitors due to insufficient snowfall, limiting the number of operational days. This situation reflects the challenges many ski resorts face in Niigata, where declining snowfall and dwindling visitor numbers threaten their continued existence.
Murakami Budo Ski Resort (村上市ぶどうスキー場)
Paywall alert:
Japan's Niigata ski resorts decline with less snow and fewer visitors
Repurposing faces challenges while abandoned slopes can invite soil erosion
asia.nikkei.com
