Calling all those who can't wait for winter!
Let's get the excitement going at "Snow Prayer Camp"
October is finally here, and the start of the snow season is just around the corner.
Last season was already characterized by little snow, and then the spread of the coronavirus caused the season to naturally fade out. Many skiers and snowboarders must have felt unsatisfied, unable to even get a final run of the season.
This season, it's a fresh start!
So, along with the new days of living with COVID-19, an event has been planned to pray that the 2020-21 season will be a good one, with plenty of snow so that everyone can enjoy skiing to their heart's content. It's called "Snow Prayer Camp".
https://yukigoi-camp.com
We asked Yamane Kensaku of the executive committee what kind of event it is
Q. "Snow-making?" First of all, what kind of event is it?

The temple's head priest is a freeskier, so we're planning to hold an actual snow-prayer ceremony. Everyone who loves snowy mountains will come together to pray for powder snow, so isn't that exciting? (laughs)
Q. Where is the venue?

This time, we were able to use the specially set-up ground golf course, which is usually used for golf, for a special event, so the course was beautiful, natural grass, flat, and very comfortable. This campsite boasts a magnificent view of the Uonuma Plain. At this time of year, you can also enjoy the autumn leaves

Q. What is the event content and menu?

① Camping, ② A brand mall where you can enjoy shopping for snow-related goods, ③ A food court featuring local cuisine, and ④ Stage content including talk shows and performances on a specially constructed stage.
①Camping
There are two types of camping: overnight camping and day camping
Guests will be allowed to bring their own tents to the campsite and pitch them wherever they like. Cars are not permitted on the site. This time, the ground is flat and natural grass, making it easy to pitch a tent. Bonfires and BBQs are also allowed, so I think it will be a lot of fun
For day camping, there is space where you can spread out things like tarps and shelters, so you can even have a BBQ on the day. You will need to bring your own BBQ equipment and ingredients, though. Of course, there is also a water facility

② Shopping at the brand mall
One of the highlights of this event is shopping at the brand mall. From skis to gloves and goggles, everything will be on display and for sale. You might even be able to get your hands on some at event prices! So, everyone, be sure to bring your shopping bag. The participating brands are as follows. Get excited and go shopping in preparation for the start of the season!
Brands to be exhibited (planned)
3. Food court
Popular food trucks and stores based in Minamiuonuma will be setting up shop. You can have your own BBQ, but we also encourage you to enjoy the local gourmet food at the food court. Rotisserie chicken, taco rice, homemade sausages, new noodles, crepes, and more will be on sale. WHISTER CAFE, popular among freeskiers at Naeba Ski Resort and Maiko, will also be setting up shop!
This time, the admission fee includes a 1,000 yen voucher for those attending for one night and two days, and a 500 yen voucher for those attending for one day. You can use this at the food court and the brand mall, so please make good use of it
④ Stage Content
Details such as talk shows, DJs, music, dance team performances, and performance schedules will be decided in the future, so please check the official website

Q. What is the participation fee?

(2-day ticket, includes free site usage fee, and includes a 1,000 yen in-venue ticket)
②One-day participation: 1,500 yen (tax included)
(1-day ticket includes a 500 yen in-venue voucher)
Free for those under 18! Bring your children! If you're participating as a day trip, you can even bring your pets, like dogs
Q. What measures are being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

First, as a preventative measure, we will be recording the contact information of all visitors. We ask that you fill out the visitor registration form online before your arrival. Day-trip attendees can register immediately via smartphone upon arrival at check-in.
(Required for those under 18; not required for preschool children)
◆Click here for the visitor registration form:
https://yukigoi-camp.com/entry/
At the event, all staff, exhibitors, and participants will strictly adhere to the following:
① Maintain sufficient distance (2m) and avoid crowded spaces
② Wear a mask
③ Have your temperature checked upon entering the event area
④ Register your contact information and fill out a health check sheet
⑤ Wash your hands and use alcohol disinfectant
⑥ Install the contact tracing app (COCOA)
We ask for your cooperation so that you can enjoy the event safely
I'd like to know more!


Reservations are not required for day trips. Please make a reservation in advance to secure an area for overnight stays


If you are camping overnight, check-in for the campsite will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24th, so please come early, secure your base, and have plenty of fun from the morning of the first day
In addition to enjoying the natural beauty of the plateau, you can also enjoy shopping at the brand mall and music performances during the day. How about enjoying a BBQ or outdoor cooking for dinner, and relaxing around a bonfire and enjoying a drink in the evening?
All the visitors are fellow skiers and snowboarders, and their families, so it may be nice to meet you for the first time! But one of the things you can enjoy is chatting about common mountain topics and making new mountain friends
If you're participating for the day, one thing to keep in mind is to bring outdoor chairs. It's easier to relax with chairs. A tarp is also good. Even if you're just visiting for the day, you can set up your own base and enjoy things like BBQs


https://www.maiko-resort.com/hotel/access.html


It's open from 6:00 to 10:00 in the morning and from 16:00 to 22:00 in the afternoon, so please enjoy the hot springs in between camping and events.
Finally, the background behind the planning of this "Yukigori CAMP"..
Amidst the ongoing turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, what was the background behind the production of this "Snow Prayer CMAP"?
Executive committee member Yamane was formerly a freeride rider and is now actually a staff member at CAST Co., Ltd., the production company that runs this website, "STEEP." In the promotion division, he works tirelessly to entertain people by collaborating with companies and local communities and turning various ideas into media and events. This project is one such example.
"It all started when Kreb Sports Muikamachi in Niigata held an event called the 'Kreb Sports Muikamachi Birth Anniversary Festival' in early July, and we participated as 'STEEP.' At the time, there was a general feeling that events would be difficult to hold, but when we took proper COVID-19 precautions and held the event, more than 1,000 people came over the two days.
We realized that if you properly plan and execute the event, it is possible to hold events even during the pandemic. Last year, there was already little snow, and from February onwards, the ski resorts and accommodations naturally closed due to COVID-19." Even as spring arrived, the situation didn't subside, and new model order events were all canceled, leaving us with a lingering feeling of dissatisfaction and anxiety about the future. I think many people in the snow industry and many skiers felt the same way. We
wanted to do something! With the desire to work together to liven things up for this season, Mr. Kishino, the representative of Kleb, and Mr. Yagi and Mr. Ijima from Maiko Resort hit it off and decided to go ahead and hold an event!
The other reason is that for over 10 years, I have been wanting to hold a winter-themed event every autumn, but it has been difficult to make it a reality. However, I have accumulated ideas and a network of people, so I thought I could put them to good use in this project. Yukigoshi CAMP is handmade one by one, with love and care. I hope that many people will enjoy it


