Ukawa Ski Area Closed
Official name 鵜川スキー場
Niigata
Open 1969–1999
Ukawa was a community ski area in the Onadani district of Kashiwazaki, Niigata, just off Route 353. Opened by local volunteers, it became a city facility in 1969, run by the Ukawa tourism association that every household in the area joined, and held its first official opening that December. A rope tow, a rest house with food and ski rental, parking, lights for night skiing and a small jump were added over the next few years, and opening day was known for its badger soup. Around 180,000 visitors came over 30 years, up to about 8,000 in a season, but falling numbers and ageing equipment led to its closure in March 1999. The site has since returned to nature.
History of Ukawa Ski Area
- Opened
- 1969
- Closed
- 1999
- Operators
- Local volunteers (before 1969), Ukawa Tourism Association, Ukawa Ski Area division, as a Kashiwazaki City facility (1969-1999)
- Why it closed
- Skiers moving to nearby larger resorts, a shrinking local population, less snow and ageing facilities.
- The site today
- The former slope is overgrown; a small road from Route 353 stops short of it.