For safetyTerms and Conditions of the Ski Area Use

Terms and Conditions of the Ski Area Use

Effective as of April 1, 2020

Article 1.Scope of Application

The contract for use of the ski area (hereafter referred to as the “Ski Area”) operated by the Company shall be governed by these Terms and Conditions of Use, and any matter not provided for in the Terms and Conditions of Use shall be governed by laws and regulations or general customary practices.

Article 2.Inherent Dangers of Snow Sports

The users of the Ski Area (hereinafter referred to as “Users”) must understand that all snow sports, including skiing and snowboarding, inherently have the following dangers:

  • Dangers associated with weather conditions such as snowfall, blizzards, rainfall, and fog;
  • Dangers associated with topography, such as cliffs, slopes, unevenness, ditches, and streams;
  • Dangers due to snow quality or snow surface conditions such as icy slopes, deep snow, crevasses, and avalanches;
  • Dangers from natural obstacles such as standing trees, stumps, bushes, rocks, and exposed ground;
  • Danger of collisions with man-made structures such as lift poles, signs, ropes, and mats;
  • Danger of collision with snow vehicles;
  • Dangers associated with the use of snow parks;
  • Danger of excessive speed;
  • Danger of self-inflicted falls;
  • Danger of collisions with other Users;
  • Dangers of fatigue, alcohol consumption, medications, or poor physical condition;
  • Dangers of the use of inappropriate equipment; and
  • Other similar dangers.

Article 3.Skiing, Snowboarding or Sliding

Users should anticipate the dangers inherent in snow sports, as described in the preceding article, and avoid them while skiing, snowboarding or sliding. Users should always look ahead and be ready to stop or turn at any time.

Article 4.Getting on and off the Lift

Users must read the notices on the bulletin board carefully and get on and off the lift accordingly. Those who feel uneasy getting on and off the lifts should tell the staff and get the necessary assistance.

Article 5.Compliance with Signs and Instructions

Users must follow the instructions and warnings on signs, postings, on-site broadcasts, and course maps, as well as the instructions of the Ski Area staff, including patrollers.

Article 6.Prohibited Acts

Users are prohibited from engaging in the following acts:

  • Skiing, snowboarding or sliding off the course;
  • Entering or skiing, snowboarding or sliding on closed courses;
  • Skiing, snowboarding or sliding close to standing trees, lift posts, nets, ropes, and mats;
  • Skiing, snowboarding or sliding close to other Users;
  • Interfering with other Users’ runs;
  • Approaching any snow vehicle, including snow-pressure trucks (course maintenance);
  • Interfering with lift operations;
  • Skiing, snowboarding or sliding while under the influence of alcohol, medications, or other factors that may interfere with the normal functioning of body or mind;
  • Standing or sitting on the course for a long period of time;
  • Conducting commercial activities at the Ski Area without the permission of the persons in charge of the Ski Area;
  • Flying a drone without permission of the persons in charge of the Ski Area;
  • Throwing away or leaving empty cans, cigarette butts, or any other items outside the designated areas;
  • Releasing dogs or other animals onto the Ski Area; and
  • Other similar activities.

Article 7.Obligation to Slow Down

Users should slow down under the following circumstances:

    Where there are signs to slow down; Where terrain or obstacles make it difficult to see what lies ahead; Where there is insufficient snow cover, such as at the beginning of the season or in early spring; When visibility is poor due to snowfall, a blizzard, fog, or the sunset; When weather conditions make it difficult to see the height or unevenness of the snow surface; When approaching natural obstacles such as standing trees, stumps, bushes, rocks, and exposed terrain; Where the course merges or where the course is narrow; When approaching a lift boarding or alighting point; When the course is crowded; When approaching an area designated for children’s use When approaching a patrolling or operating snowmobile on duty; and When skiing, snowboarding or sliding in areas that are dangerous if not slowed down.

Article 8.Obligations while skiing, snowboarding or sliding

Users should ski, snowboard or slide in accordance with the following items:

  • Giving priority to skiers, snowboarders or sliders from above the course when starting out, merging from another course, or crossing a course;
  • Keeping an eye on the skiers, snowboarders or sliders in front and maintaining a safe distance with them while skiing, snowboarding or sliding;
  • Overtaking at a sufficient interval, considering any unexpected movement of the person being overtaken;
  • Clearing the course as quickly as possible and moving to the side of the course in the event of a fall;
  • Using the edge of the course when stopping, climbing, or descending the course;
  • Stopping or slowing down to prioritize patrolling or operating snowmobiles on duty to perform their job; and
  • Attaching a flow stopper to sliding equipment to prevent other Users from being harmed by descending equipment.

Article 9.Obligations for Use of the Snow Park

When using the snow park, Users must strictly comply with the following items:

  • Following the instructions on the bulletin board;
  • Skiing, snowboarding or sliding within the limits of one’s ability and skill;
  • Checking the safety of the area around the landing point before starting; and
  • Wearing a helmet and other necessary protective gear.

Article 10.Responsibilities of Leaders and Instructors

Persons who guide individuals, groups, or organizations to the Ski Area, and who instruct, supervise, or take care of Users (hereinafter referred to as “Leaders/Instructors”) should take the initiative to comply with the Terms and Conditions of Use.

  • Leaders and Instructors should teach the students skiing/snowboarding skills and the matters stipulated in the Terms and Conditions of Use and safe skiing, snowboarding or sliding practices.
  • Leaders and Instructors should refrain from teaching in a manner or at a location that may interfere with other Users.
  • Leaders and Instructors should consider the weather, snow conditions, course conditions, and other factors, and must not assign inappropriate tasks to students or expose them to hazards.

Article 11.Responsibility of Students

Students have no priority over other Users.

  • Students must follow the instructions and cautions of their leaders and instructors and conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of the Terms and Conditions of Use.

Article 12.Responsibilities of Guardians and Attendants of Children

Guardians and attendants must assess the child’s abilities and keep the child out of harm’s way.

  • Guardians and attendants must do their best to teach their children about the matters contained in the Terms and Conditions of Use.

Article 13. Cooperation in case of an Accident

A person who is involved in or witnesses an accident must immediately report the accident to the patrol or other Ski Area staff.

  • In the event of an accident, all Users should make every effort to assist the persons involved in the accident.
  • Parties and witnesses to the accident should exchange identification and contact information among themselves.
  • In the event of an accident, the Company may identify any party or witness involved.

Article 14.Safety Equipment

Users should make every effort to wear helmets and other safety equipment.

Article 15.Insurance Recommendation

Users are requested to make every effort to purchase accident and property insurance in advance to cover possible accidents.

Article 16.Burden of Search and Rescue Expenses

In the event that a User violates the Terms and Conditions of Use, goes out of the Ski Area or off the course in the Ski Area, and gets lost (hereinafter referred to as “Person in Distress”), and a family member, friend, or acquaintance of the Person in Distress requests the Company to search for and rescue the Person in Distress, and the Company conducts a search and rescue operation for the Person in Distress, the Company shall charge the Person in Distress for the labor, snow vehicle operation, lift operation, lighting, electricity, and any other expenses incurred for the search and rescue operation.

Article 17.Claims for Damages

In the event that the Company suffers damages due to the intentional or negligent act of a User, or due to the User’s failure to comply with the laws and regulations or the provisions of the Terms and Conditions of Use, the Company shall claim compensation for such damages from the User.

Article 18.Rejection of Users

The Company shall deny use of the Ski Area in the following cases:

  • If the application to use the Ski Area is not in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of Use;
  • If the applicant requests any special burden that the Company is not able to meet in relation to the use of the Ski Area;
  • If the use of this Ski Area is contrary to the provisions of laws and regulations, public order, or good morals;
  • If it is deemed unsafe to use the Ski Area due to drunkenness or any other reason;
  • If the use of the Ski Area is disturbed due to natural disasters or other unavoidable reasons;
  • If the User does not follow the instructions of the Company’s staff, such as patrols;
  • If the User is a designated organized crime group, a designated organized crime group member, or an antisocial group member, as defined by the Act for the Prevention of Wrongful Acts by Members of Organized Crime Groups (enforced on March 1, 1992); and
  • If there is any justifiable reason other than those listed in the preceding items.

Article 19.Restrictions on Use

The Company may restrict the use of all or part of the Ski Area when weather conditions or other unavoidable circumstances interfere with the safety of the Ski Area.

Article 20.Modification of the Terms and Conditions

The Terms and Conditions of Use are subject to change.

  • The Company shall publicize, through the internet or other appropriate means, the fact that changes are made to the Terms and Conditions of Use, the content of the Terms and Conditions of Use after the changes have been made, and the effective date of the changes, by the time of the effective date.