Yasuda Chomin Ski Area Closed

Yasuda Chomin was a small town-run ski area in former Yasuda Town, Niigata, which became part of Agano City in 2004. It sat on the north slope of a hill about 100 m high, with a 340 m single chairlift, two runs and floodlights for night skiing. It promoted itself as the closest ski area to central Niigata City and allowed skiers only, not snowboarders. It opened in 1985 and closed in 2000. The lift has gone but the floodlights remain; a small animal farm, Suntopia Bokujo, now runs at the old base, and the Suntopia World amusement park sits on the other side of the hill.