Slope Rules RULES

TOP Slope Rules

Minakami Kogen Ski Resort: To all users (Slope rules)

Updated on February 1, 2024

Minakami Kogen Ski Resort complies with the Snow Sports Safety Standards to ensure that all visitors can enjoy snow sports safely. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

"Snow Sports Safety Standards" (National Ski Safety Council) (PDF)

For safe and fun play (slope rules)

Ski resorts are located in mountainous areas where the weather can change dramatically. Please always remember that you are participating in a winter mountain sport, and make the most of your abilities and ensure safety.

1. You must follow the instructions of ski resort staff, including course maps, signs, warnings, announcements, and patrols. (Always be aware of your location and never enter restricted areas based on your own judgment.)
2. If you see someone on the slopes or courses who needs help (such as an injured person), please contact the nearest ski resort staff member.
3. On the slopes, the person skiing in front has the right of way, and when overtaking, you are responsible for avoiding the person in front. Also, when starting out, entering, or crossing, please give priority to skiers coming from above.
4. It is extremely dangerous to stop or sit in a way that blocks the course. Please do so in a safe place such as the edge of the course.
5. Always use stoppers, leash cords, or other devices to prevent your board from sliding away.
6. Do not monopolize or occupy any part of the slopes or courses without permission (such as building air ramps, kickers, or poles without permission).
7. Children under elementary school age are not allowed to ski alone. (They must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.)
8. If you are a beginner or have never skied before, we recommend that you take part in a ski school. Please only ride the lift once you have mastered turning and stopping.
9. Any accidents or troubles that occur with other customers on the slopes will be dealt with between the parties involved.
10. Please be aware that the ski resort cannot be held responsible for injuries sustained as a result of collisions with standing trees, lift posts, artificial snow making equipment, natural obstacles, other skiers, etc. while skiing.
11. Please refrain from using the lift if your physical ability is affected by drinking alcohol or poor health.
12. If you have a disability that prevents you from skiing or getting on and off the lift by yourself, please be accompanied by an attendant who can assist you.
13. Barbecues and other activities that occupy space while eating and drinking on the slopes are prohibited.
14. Smoking is prohibited on the slopes, while riding the lifts, and inside the buildings. Please use the designated smoking areas.
15. Pets and drones are strictly prohibited.
16. Please observe the rules and etiquette of skiers to avoid causing trouble to others. If you violate the rules and etiquette, engage in dangerous behavior, or do not follow the instructions of ski staff, you may be asked to leave the ski resort.

"10 Rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS)" (PDF 794KB)

Requests to snowboarders

1. Always wear a leash cord (anti-driving device).
2. When riding the lift, fold the highback and fasten one foot to the board.
3. It is extremely dangerous to sit in the middle of the slope. If you need to rest, always rest at the edge of the slope. (When you stop, do so at the edge of the course. If you fall, quickly move to the edge of the course or continue skiing.)

Regarding entry into restricted areas

Within the ski resort, "outside the controlled area (off the course)" and "no-skiing areas" can lead to serious accidents, and skiing is prohibited under any circumstances. "Off the course" refers to areas under the lifts, slopes, and restricted areas.

1. Tracks in "outside the controlled area (off the course)" and "no-skiing areas" have been left by our ski resort patrols for safety inspections.
2. Search and rescue operations outside of controlled areas (off the course) and in prohibited areas will incur costs, all of which will be borne by the customer.
3. Guests who ski outside the controlled area (off the course) or in the no-skiing area will be asked to leave and their lift ticket will be confiscated for dangerous behavior.

About riding the lift

1. Please follow all instructions from staff and any warnings posted on-site when boarding, during the ride, and when disembarking.
2. If you have any concerns about getting on or off the lift, please inform an attendant.
3. When riding the lift, lower the safety bar and sit back.
4. Snowboarders should attach a leash cord (a drift stopper), fold up their highbacks, and secure one foot to the board.
5. Please do not do the following while riding the lift:
Rocking the chair.
Jumping off a chair.
◇Fumbling around on a chair or turning your back.
◇Touching pillars or other objects with walking poles, etc.
6.For safety reasons, please do not jump off the lift even if it stops.
7. We are not responsible for any damage to sliding equipment when getting on or off the lift.
8. You may only board the No. 3 Romance Lift with a sled provided by our ski resort when skiing down the Sled Ride Course.
9. Smoking is prohibited while riding the lift.
*People without skis or snowboards are not permitted to ride (rides are not permitted for purposes other than gliding for photography, sightseeing, etc.)

"Railway Transportation Terms and Conditions" (Minakami Kogen Ski Resort) (PDF 130KB)

"Lift Ride Regulations" (Minakami Kogen Ski Resort) (PDF 458KB)

Kids park etc.

The following precautions apply to the two kids' parks, Snow Play Forest, Wanpaku Mountain, and Kamakura Village.

1. At the "Two Kids Parks," please read "Information for Users of This Facility" and be sure to follow the instructions of staff to ensure safety.
2. Please present your admission ticket to the staff when entering the "Two Kids Parks" or when getting on or off the snow escalator (please note that staff may ask you to show your ticket when patrolling). Please note that even if parents are entering for the purpose of observing or taking photos, they will be charged the regular admission fee. Furthermore, ticket purchasers can enter and exit the park as many times as they like on the day.
3. When using the "Two Kids' Parks," preschool children must be accompanied by an adult. Parents and guardians must be aware of the children's skills and abilities and ensure that they do not put their children in danger.
4. The two Kids Parks are basically slopes for children, so when adults are tubing or sledding, please be careful of other children and give priority to children.
5. When starting to slide down a tubing or sled, please make sure that there are no people near the "stop zone" ahead before starting to slide down, and take measures to prevent contact accidents.
6. The "stop zone" for "tubing" and "sledding" is extremely dangerous, so please do not stop and move immediately to the "snow escalator" boarding area. Also, after skiing down the slope, please do not go up from the bottom as it is dangerous.
7. Two-person tubing is strictly prohibited as it can go too fast. However, preschool children may ride with their parents.
8. Please be aware that any accidents or injuries that occur within the slopes of the "Two Kids Parks" will be dealt with between the parties involved or at the individual's own risk.
9. Use of any equipment other than those designated for use on the sliding courses in the "Two Kids Parks" is prohibited due to the risk of serious injury if contact is made.
Adults cannot enter Kindergarten, a kids' park for children up to 10.5 years old, alone.
11. Please note that the "Air Slider" in Kindergarten is not suitable for ski boots as there is a risk of slipping or serious injury if you come into contact with it. Please change into shoes made of a soft material such as rubber boots before using it.
The "Kids Practice Barn" in Snow Palette, a kids' park where families can play together for ages 12 and 4, is exclusively for children. Adults are not permitted to ski on the slopes, but parents and experienced skiers may use the slope to assist with practice. Please note that the slope may also be used for children's ski school lessons.
13. The number of play equipment such as sleds is limited, so please cooperate by sharing with others and taking turns enjoying them when it is crowded.
14. Please note that the play equipment and facilities available for use may be subject to change (closure or suspension) due to weather, snow accumulation, conditions, mechanical troubles, etc., and may differ from the images shown.
15. Bringing skis and snowboards to the resort and skiing is prohibited (except for the Kids Practice Barn).
16. Please refrain from eating, drinking or smoking within the area.

Activities etc.

The following precautions apply to the activities "Snow Rafting," "Snow Coach," "Snowmobiling (including kids' snowmobiles)," and "Dog Sledding Experience," as well as "Snow Rider," "Zipfie," and "Snow Racer" using the dedicated sled course "Sled Ride Course," and "Sledding" in "Ski-Pokker" and "Snow Drive."

1. Activities are carried out in natural environments, so there may be natural dangers and unpredictable accidents. Please be aware that the ski resort cannot be held responsible for any injuries resulting from accidents, etc.
2. Participants will be refused entry if their physical abilities are affected by alcohol consumption, poor health, pregnancy, etc. Please note that if you have a physical disability, you may be subject to certain restrictions upon notification and consultation.
3. Please note that activities may be subject to change (cancellation or suspension) due to weather, snow accumulation, conditions, mechanical troubles, etc., and may differ from the images shown.
4. If the facility, equipment or tools are damaged due to the customer's negligence, the customer will be held liable for compensation.
5. Please be sure to agree to the terms and conditions on the application form before participating in the activity. Also, please be sure to follow the instructions of the staff to ensure your safety.
6. The customer is solely responsible for any damage or loss caused by the selection, maintenance, adjustment or use of the equipment and tools we lend to the customer. Furthermore, we do not fully guarantee the customer's safety while using the equipment and tools.
7. The only sleds that may be used on the Sled Ride Course are Snow Riders, Zipfies, and Snow Racers, which are rented from Minakami Kogen Ski Resort (bringing your own is not permitted). Before starting, please make sure that there are no people ahead of you on the course and that there are no Snow Liners heading to the Kindergarten kids' park. Please make sure that you and your guardian take care to prevent collisions.
8. Bringing skis or snowboards onto the Sled Ride course is prohibited.
9. Please be aware that any accidents or injuries that occur within the Sled Ride course will be dealt with between the parties involved or at the individual's own risk.
10. "Ski Bokkarl" and "Snow Drive" are not available on the "Sled Ride Course." They are only available on the "3rd Romance Lift" Okkirikomi Course.
11. When riding the "3rd Romance Lift" with a sled, please follow the instructions of the staff.
12. Please refrain from eating, drinking or smoking within the activity area.

Follow the rules and enjoy safe and fun sports!

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