68% of skiers want compulsory vaccination in ski resorts

A recent survey of Ski Asia readers found that more than two thirds believe vaccination should be mandatory for ski resort users in Japan. Of the 875 users who completed the survey between March and June, 88% were either planning to take the vaccine or had done so already, while only 2.9% were adamant that they wouldn’t be getting vaccinated.

The findings come less than six months ahead of Japan’s ski season, which is once again under threat for international travellers, thanks for border closures and a recent surge on COVID-19 cases. The country recorded 12,329 new cases on Saturday, and is expected to hit 15,000 new cases a day by the time the Olympic Closing Ceremony rolls around on August 8.

A second consecutive winter season without international travellers would be a serious hit to the resorts and businesses that rely on their foreign clientele. Some business owners chose not to open at all last winter, while others reported dramatic decreases in bookings or even no bookings at all.

In spite of the many unknowns surrounding the coming season, resorts and businesses have begun hiring seasonal staff and taking bookings, albeit with flexible cancellation and allowances for rescheduling. One hotel group is even offering free beer and a ¥3,000 discount for guests who can show their COVID-19 vaccination card.

Do you think ski resorts users should be vaccinated? Did our readers get it right? Let us know in the comments below.

Ski Asia is conducting a new survey to gauge the changing sentiment around skiing in Japan. Everyone who completes the survey will receive:

• The chance to win a 5-night stay for four people at Palcall Tsumagoi Ski Resort (1st prize) or ¥20,000 hotel credit to spend at www.beactive.life (2nd prize)
• A ¥5,000 voucher to use towards accommodation at Xplore by Active Life

Complete the survey here: