Chisenupuri Ski Resort Has Got a New Owner!

Hokkaido Shinbun, September 23rd

Rankoshi Town has announced that the "Chisenupuri Ski Resort," will be sold to Niseko based ski guiding company "JRT Trading." Chisenupuri was town-owned but has been closed since the end of 2013.

At the Town Congress held on September 21st, related topics were approved and the two parties are to officially sign a contract in October. Chisenupuri Ski Resort is scheduled to restart it's operation from this winter.

JRT Trading currently operates CAT Skiing in Shimamaki Village and also owns "Black Diamond Lodge" in Niseko town. Clayton Kernaghan, president of JRT Trading, commented to the Hokkaido Shimbun: "Chisenupuri not only has great snow but is also adjacent to a wonderful onsen and is sure to please foreign guests visiting the area."

Clayton plans to renovate the current ski center at the base of the mountain and operate CAT skiing. He also aims to renew the current lift system in 5 years time.

Some congress members expressed safety concerns relating to CAT ski tours which will mainly take place outside the ski runs. Congress members commented: "upon signing the contract, the town, JRT Trading, and Hokkaido Government (the owner of the forests), will discuss and create a memorandum of understanding regarding risk management and nature restoration."

Ski Resort began it's operation in 1967, but closed in 2013 due to ageing machinery. Rankoshi Town put a price of 50 million yen on the resort and waited for a buyer to appear. A Tokyo based company initially showed interest was not able to reach a contract. The town discounted the price tag of the resort to 10 million yen and is very close to contracting with JRT Trading.