FROM SNOW TO SKI: UNLOCKING JAPANESE MOUNTAINS

SNOWTIME !  

«The train came out of the long tunnel into the snow country. The earth lay white under the night sky »: Yasunari Kawabata’s famous opening of Japan’s classic Snow country could describe what foreigners experience when they discover Japan’s incredible ski richness. Japan stands as Asia’s sole true ski nation, with powdered mountains blessed with « Champagne snow », a magnet for skiers, and, lately, investors. In Hokkaido, Niseko is probably Japan’s most impressive successful development in the last 20 years. 

Yet Japan’s ski culture is by and large melting. In the quarter of a century, the ratio of skiers in the Japanese population went from 13 to 3%. Ski resorts went from 800 to 475; the remaining ones often operate with slow, aged infrastructures with an uncertain future. 

Under what conditions can Japan’s ski industry thrive? Come hear four of the industry's best professionals answer. Marc Letourneau (Club Med Japan & South Korea) will bring Club Med’s long experience in Japan weighted by the group’s unparalleled track record on ski resorts globally. Colin Hackworth (Nihon Harmony Resorts) and Riccardo Tossani (Riccardo Tossani Architecture, Inc.) will share with us their invaluable, first-hand experience developing Hanazono in Niseko. Hospitality leader Marcus Bauder (Hakuba Hotel Group) will provide his « 100 views from Hakuba ». Their talk will be followed by a light brunch among industry professionals. Put on your après ski and join us at the French chamber of commerce on May 12, 11:00.

<Time schedule>

10:45 - 11:00: Reception
11:00 - 12:00: Panel discussion
12:00 - 13:30: Lunch buffet

Speaker(s)

Marc LetourneauGeneral Manager Club Med Japan & South Korea

Colin Hackworth (Remote)Founder and President/Representative Director of Nihon Harmony Resorts KK

Riccardo TossaniArchitect and urban designer

Marcus K. BauderCEO of Hakuba Hotel Group

Event Location