On November 4, 2026, a meeting of the "Winter Sports & Resorts Parliamentary League," comprised of Liberal Democratic Party members of parliament, was held
At this event, POW JAPAN, which is engaged in activities to "protect winter," as well as the Japan Snow Sports & Resorts Council, which includes sports organizations, ski resort operators, and local governments, made policy recommendations for the sustainable development of snow resorts
Snow shortage is a challenge for the entire snow industry
Since its establishment in 2016, the council has been lobbying the government on issues facing the industry, such as the aging of cable car facilities, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising electricity prices
Regarding these recommendations, POW JAPAN's Secretary-General, Shotaro Takada, praised their significance, noting that they were made by the snow industry, which is directly experiencing the effects of climate change. He added that the industry hopes to build a shared understanding going forward
Proposal to use snow depth as an indicator of climate change
The recommendations cover a wide range of areas, including resort development and measures to accommodate inbound tourism. What is noteworthy is that, in addition to facility development and management support, the recommendations raise the issue of snow shortages due to climate change as a challenge for the entire snow industry
The council pointed out that the lack of snow is hindering the maintenance and securing of the environment for snow sports, and is also affecting the sustainable management and capital investment of ski resorts. They requested the following two points:
1. Investigate and examine the impact of climate change on snow resorts.
2. Utilize snow depth and operating conditions at ski resorts as environmental indicators showing the impact of climate change.
In other words, the proposal is to use not only the amount of snow each season, but also long-term changes in snow depth and operating season as indicators to measure the impact of climate change
In response, the parliamentary group compiled a "Resolution on Strengthening the International Competitiveness and Sustainable Development of Snow Resorts," outlining a policy to "introduce environmentally friendly facilities."
Athletes also express concern
POW JAPAN ambassadors, professional skier Ayana Onozuka and professional snowboarder Aya Sato, also participated in the meeting
Mr. Onozuka stated that the appeal of Japan's snow is one of the reasons why so many tourists visit from overseas, and requested that discussions focus on protecting the snow. He appealed for people to listen to the voices of those on the ground who are experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand
Sato, who is based in Niigata, called for active participation from lawmakers in snowy regions, and said that those of them involved with snow also need to take an interest in the national budget and support systems
For more details on research findings regarding the impact of rising temperatures on ski resorts, as well as related policies being implemented by the government, please clickhere.
Information
POW JAPAN
Official Website:https://protectourwinters.jp/
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