Mikawa Ski Area Closed
Official name 美川スキー場
Ehime
Open 1960–2014
Mikawa Ski Area, on the slopes of Mt. Okawamine in Kumakogen, Ehime, was one of the largest ski areas in Shikoku, with views of Mt. Ishizuchi from the top. It was opened in 1960 by the prefectural ski federation, a mountaineering club and the national railway bus service, and later had four lifts, nine runs, snowmaking and night lighting. Operations stopped in 2010 when the managing company withdrew, and with skier numbers falling it was abolished in 2014. Now called Highland Park Mikawa, the former slopes are covered with hydrangeas in summer and host rounds of the All-Japan Rally and gymkhana championships.
History of Mikawa Ski Area
- Opened
- 1960
- Closed
- 2014
- Operators
- Ehime Ski Federation, Ehime Alpine Club and JNR Bus (opened 1960), Mikawa Kanko Kaihatsu (appointed manager, -2010)
- Why it closed
- Operations stopped in 2010 when the appointed manager Mikawa Kanko Kaihatsu withdrew; with fewer skiers, rebuilding proved difficult and it was abolished in 2014
- The site today
- Highland Park Mikawa: a well-known hydrangea spot and a venue for the All-Japan Rally (Kumakogen Rally) and the All-Japan Gymkhana Championship