Japan opens its first new ski resort in 14 years

Mineyama Kogen Resort White Peak has opened in Hyokgo, Japan.

It has been a long time in between drinks for Japanese skiers, who have had to wait 14 years for a new ski resort to be opened in the country. Mineyama Kogen Resort White Peak opened its gates to the public on Saturday December 16, offering visitors access to three runs and two chairlifts, which will be open for daytime and night skiing hours.

The resort – small even by Japanese standards – was reportedly built at a cost of 1.08 billion yen, and is tipped to bring in more than 50,000 guests for its first season of operation. It is one of at least 16 resorts in Japan’s Hyogo prefecture, located in the south of the country.

The opening of Mineyama Kogen Resort White Peak coincides with the relaunch of Lotte Arai Ski Resort, which has recently been developed and rebranded after 11 years in a state of abandonment.