Miyagi Zao St. Mary Ski Area Closed
Official name みやぎ蔵王セントメリースキー場
Miyagi
Open 1990–2024
Miyagi Zao St. Mary sat on the eastern foot of Mt. Gantō in Kawasaki, Miyagi, right beside the Sasaya interchange of the Yamagata Expressway. It opened in 1990 and, about 40 minutes from Sendai, drew crowds with night skiing and family slopes; one run and its lift even crossed over the expressway. From 2018 it also ran a summer slope on plastic matting. Visitors peaked at nearly 160,000 in 1995 but fell below 40,000, and with poor snow and ageing facilities the town closed it after its last day on 3 March 2024. An all-year outdoor facility such as a campsite is being discussed for the site.
History of Miyagi Zao St. Mary Ski Area
- Opened
- 1990
- Closed
- 2024
- Operators
- Yuraizu (designated manager for Kawasaki Town)
- Why it closed
- Fewer skiers, lack of snow due to warming, and facility maintenance reasons
- The site today
- The town is discussing year-round outdoor facilities on the site, such as a campsite and summer slope, to be built by the operator of the neighbouring lodging (KHB report)