Resilience and Redevelopment Using Adaptive Strategies for Local Ski Areas in Hokkaido, Japan

Japan's ski industry has experienced a prolonged decline since the late 1990s, with skier numbers falling by 76% between 1998 and 2020. This has led to widespread closures of small and municipally operated ski areas. However, in Hokkaido, where snowfall remains abundant, some local ski areas continue to operate and fulfill important community functions. Despite their low profitability and reliance on public support, these ski areas play vital social and cultural roles. This study investigated the sustainability of local ski areas in Hokkaido by classifying 148 facilities into 3 categories—operational, closed, and reused—an analyzing their management and usage patterns. The analysis drew on spatial data, statistical sources, fieldwork, and 9 interviews with municipal operators and tour providers. Results show that many operational ski areas survive through discounted pricing, volunteer labor, and minimal lift infrastructure, while some previously closed areas have been revived using alternative models, such as snowcat-based ski tours. These reused areas cater to affluent skiers seeking untracked powder snow and offer financially viable, low-capital alternatives to traditional lift systems. The study concludes that sustaining local ski areas will require a shift toward soft investments, regional integration, and culturally adapted strategies that recognize the multifunctional value of these areas as both recreational infrastructure and community assets.