This is how ski resorts in Hokkaido look right now.Sports News from Sina. After heavy snowfall in North China centered around Beijing, ski resorts near Beijing in China have opened earlier this year, saving a lot on water. Meanwhile, ski resorts in Hokkaido, Japan are currently struggling due to the lack of snow.
According to a report by Japanese media outlet Hokkaido Shimbun, multiple ski resorts in Hokkaido have had to postpone their opening dates due to the absence of snow. A resort called Snow Cruise Onze in Harukasucho, Otaru City, can only produce artificial snow due to the lack of natural snowfall. At several ski resorts in the towns and cities within the Shari Subprefecture, although large-scale facility upgrades were carried out to attract foreign visitors, the opening dates remain uncertain, leaving operators worrying daily as they watch the weather forecasts.
According to forecasts from the Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory, current snowfall at all observation points within the Shari Subprefecture is zero. The total snow accumulation for November is expected to be a maximum of just 10 cm. In previous normal years, Kutchan had 105 cm, Akiaigawa 68 cm, and Otaru around 45 cm. It now appears that major ski resorts will only be able to open by the end of November to early December at the earliest.
Naka-Yama Ski Resort in Kimobetsu Town, which usually opens very early, is also facing a delayed start this year. Originally scheduled to open on January 7th, the opening date has had to be postponed. On October 25th, about 10 cm of snow had fallen, but after entering November, a spell of warm weather caused the snow to melt. In previous years, Naka-Yama Ski Resort operated from early January to mid-December, and would then close for a period after other resorts opened, reopening again next spring. That’s why the resort was known for being the first to open and offer skiing. This year’s delay has cost them that prime early-season income opportunity. A resort staff member said, “We really wish it would snow.”
The Niseko area in Hokkaido has recently seen a large number of foreign skiers, and this year has undergone new service training as well as facility upgrades for the ski resorts.
At the ski resorts, visitors can take snow vehicles up the mountains, enjoy relaxation at hotels, and more. The international ski area has also renovated its new service center and introduced a shop for the world-renowned snowboard brand Burton, preparing to open on the 28th. However, the Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, originally scheduled to open on November 21st, has had to postpone its opening due to the lack of snow. The resort's management sighed and said, “It’s usually fine around this time every year. We can only pray to heaven for help now.”
Although there’s no snow, Snow Cruise Onze, which began operations on October 10th, has no competitors this year because it can produce artificial snow. Its performance so far this season is quite good. The resort’s manager, Masakazu Masuoka, said, “Previously our main customers were working adults and students, but this year we’ve also seen an increase in teenagers and even children experiencing winter sports for the first time. We’ve produced more artificial snow than last year, and until natural snow accumulates sufficiently, visitors can still enjoy a great snow experience here.” (By Zhou Chao)