In brief
While Japan's ski season promises deep powder and exhilarating runs, the heavy snowfall is causing operational difficulties for resorts, including lift closures and safety concerns due to increased avalanche risks.
Japan's ski resorts have long been celebrated for their light, powdery snow, making them a favorite among skiers and snowboarders. This winter, however, the country has been experiencing exceptionally heavy snowfall, with some areas reporting over 12 feet of snowpack just this week. For enthusiasts like Austrian skier Tao Kreibich, skiing here is a thrilling adventure, with the terrain described as “super big and super gnarly”—perfect for daring stunts in backcountry trails.Yet, alongside the excitement of a favorable season come significant challenges. Many of Japan's roughly 500 ski areas are enjoying booming visitor numbers, but the excessive snow is leading to logistical nightmares. “Heavy snow is both a joy and a worry,” noted Shinichi Imoto from Washigatake Ski Resort, which is grappling with its heaviest snow drifts in a decade.In a bid to manage the situation, some resorts have opted to close their lifts temporarily, allowing crews to clear pathways. Additionally, road closures have compounded the issue, restricting access for potential visitors. As a result, an uptick in skiers and snowboarders getting lost in the backcountry or trapped by avalanches has caused safety concerns among resort operators and officials alike.
