On Sunday, June 5, 2022, the "Yukigoku CAMP Mountain Clean," a litter-picking event on the slopes, was held at Maiko Snow Resort in Niigata Prefecture. This event can be considered a prelude to "Yukigoku CAMP," which is held every autumn by skiers and snowboarders hoping for abundant snow this season. The ski resort and the Yukigoku CAMP Management Office planned the event to clean up the slopes that were so kind to them last season
The event, which coincided with World Environment Day, was attended by 26 people who agreed with the purpose of the event. What can we do as people who enjoy nature in the fields? Continuing to use the gear and clothing we use for as long as possible is also an environmentally friendly initiative. With the season now over, we can do something... That's what we did: clean up the ski resort. We worked at a ski resort brimming with greenery, enjoying the pleasant early summer breeze
What is Yukigoshi CAMP?
Yukigoshi CAMP is a camping festival event that brings together skiers, snowboarders, and other people who love snowy mountains. For two days, participants literally pray for lots of snow this winter, while enjoying camping, shopping, workshops, local food, and more. It is held every October at Maiko Snow Resort
For details about the event, please check the Yukigoshi CAMP official website and social media
official website
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Unexpected rain? The morning of the event
On the morning of the day, dark clouds were spreading over the Maiko Snow Resort, where the event was to be held. The event was scheduled to go ahead rain or shine, but we would prefer to avoid the rain if possible
The event began at 8:00, starting with morning yoga led by Shuri Kosugi, loosening up the body. Shuri is normally a yoga teacher, but in the winter she is also active on the snow as a snowboarding instructor. As Shuri, who knows the snowy mountains inside and out, began her yoga class, the clouds that had covered the sky disappeared. Under the clear blue sky, everyone prepared their bodies and minds, fully prepared for the activities that lay ahead
Mountain cleanup begins!
At 9:00, all participants headed to the trash pick-up point halfway up the slope. Now, it was time to start cleaning up the mountain!
Everyone put on work gloves, grabbed garbage bags and scissors, and spread out across the vast summer slopes. As they walked down the Nagamine Run Run Course from the Mountain Restaurant area, they picked up any trash they could find
"Everyone! Look up!" On hearing this voice from Onozato, who led the mountain cleanup, we looked up to the sky and saw a straight rainbow (circumhorizontal arc) appear! This beautiful display of nature instantly lifted the spirits of the participants. It seemed that they were able to enjoy the fun of hiking while picking up trash
After picking up trash, we descended to the ski center at the foot of the mountain in about an hour and a half, then took a break. We sorted the collected items, and found that the overwhelming majority of the trash was cigarette butts and plastic fragments. Surprisingly, we also found parts of the outer shells of ski boots. Materials that do not decompose naturally have a negative impact on plant growth. Even if something happens to break on the slopes, we hope that skiers will dispose of it responsibly
There is all sorts of garbage at the site of the snow dump
In fact, there had been very little large pieces of trash on the slopes up to this point. This was because the ski resort staff and local residents had been picking up trash after the winter season had ended. But this wasn't enough... Unsatisfied with their sense of accomplishment, the next place the participants were taken to was, of all places, a snow accumulation area at the end of a steep slope
The snow dump next to the parking lot is where the snow that has accumulated in the parking lot during the season is carried away. Because the snow is removed all at once using bulldozers, the trash that has been discarded in the parking lot also piles up
There was still snow left in the snow dump, and a lot of trash was found in the snow, including coins and candy wrappers
Mountain clean done!
The litter picking ended at 11:30, and everyone reassembled in front of Maiko Kogen Lodge. When we collected the participants' trash, we found a considerable amount, mainly cigarette butts and pieces of plastic, as well as candy wrappers and plastic bottles. All together, it was a considerable amount. All of it had been dropped or discarded by people who had come to enjoy skiing and snowboarding here. For participants who love snow sports, this was a heartbreaking result
Enjoy delicious Koshihikari rice for lunch and receive a gift
After the mountain cleanup, participants enjoyed a lunch of Minamiuonuma koshihikari rice and kenchinjiru soup, provided by Maiko Snow Resort. The rice was koshihikari cooked in a rice kiln by the staff of Maiko Kogen Lodge. This is the traditional method of cooking rice using heat from burning rice husks, and each grain of rice sparkles like a jewel, with the distinctive chewy texture of koshihikari standing out. Many participants ran over with plates asking, "Would you like a refill?!"
This event was fully booked with advance reservations. Some attendees were people who actually organize environmental conservation events themselves, and some said, "Maiko has been so kind to us this winter, so we've gathered our friends here!" Snow sports enthusiasts gathered on a refreshing day in early summer. It seems that each participant had a meaningful experience that brought smiles to their faces
Finally, the Yukigoku CAMP Executive Committee presented a one-day ticket to the Yukigoku CAMP, which is scheduled to be held this fall, as a participation prize. Mr. Ijima from Maiko Snow Resort also announced the opening date of the ski resort, which had just been decided. This year it will be from December 16th, 2022! They are also planning new initiatives, so we can't wait for winter!
"An event that brought us closer to our customers"
We received a comment from Mr. Ijima of Maiko Snow Resort, which organized this event
We've held the "Yukigori Camp" every autumn, but this year, for the first time, we're holding a "Mountain Clean" event in June. Picking up trash together gave us a great opportunity to talk closely with our customers and hear their opinions. The slopes are cleaner, and it seems everyone has given some thought to the problem of litter at ski resorts, which we're very grateful for.
Until now, we've only ever provided information about winter in a one-way manner, but we hope to use the feedback we've received in intimate settings like this one to better manage next season. And we hope our customers will have an even more enjoyable winter.
*What is World Environment Day?
It was established to commemorate the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in 1972, and the United Nations, following a proposal from Japan, designated June 5th as World Environment Day. In Japan, it is designated as Environment Day under the Basic Environment Law. Various businesses and organizations hold events and initiatives to raise awareness of environmental conservation, deepen interest and understanding, and motivate people to actively take part in environmental conservation activities
This year's theme is "Only One Earth," and it emphasizes the importance of living a sustainable life in harmony with nature, focusing on our irreplaceable planet. In Japan, the Ministry of the Environment will be hosting an event on the night of June 5th where landmarks across the country will be lit up in green. Many people have probably seen buildings dyed green
See you next time Yukigoshi CAMP
"Yukigori CAMP 2022" is scheduled to be held from Saturday, October 15th to Sunday, October 16th. This year, the event will be even bigger than last year, with more events and participating stores. The venue will remain Maiko Snow Resort. Enjoy shopping at the stores, take part in workshops, and of course, don't forget to enjoy the food and camping. Be sure to gather your family and friends and join us in the "snow-making"!
Yukigoi CAMP: https://yukigoi-camp.com/
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Twitter: @yukigoi_camp
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