Covid-19 leaves Japan’s ski resorts deserted amid perfect conditions for famed Japow powder snow
- With tourism hit by Covid-19, a state of emergency and the suspension of the ‘Go To Travel’ campaign, it’s all downhill for Japan’s ski resorts this year
- Ironically, frustrated operators – some fearing bankruptcy – say the famed Japow powder snow is the best it has been in years
The result is that resort operators, hotels, ski schools and all the related businesses, from owners of rental properties to restaurants, rental shops and stores in towns that would usually be overrun at this time of year, are struggling to stay in business.
The industry was hit hard by poor snow conditions last year, operators say, and it is ironic that this year, with perfect conditions, the slopes are deserted. The only thing to do, they say, is to hang on and hope that things return to normal next season.
Some may not make it that far, they admit, while the bankruptcies could begin to pile up if the pandemic wipes out next winter as well.
Daniel Mee, a New Zealander who owns the Hakuba Snow Sports School in one of Japan’s most famous winter sports destinations, says this year has been “grim”.
