Volunteer Work
Written on October 11th, 2023 by Eliot Cochrane
Volunteer Work
Setting Up For Winter
The leaves are changing color and the nights are getting colder. The covers are starting to come out as the AC’s are no longer needed and the covers for the bushes around the house are brought out to be checked and mended before being placed out for the season. It’s fall and that means we are all getting ready for winter to begin.
Typically, at the bigger ski resorts, the trail maintenance work is done by a contractor that might have a brush hog that can prep the trail before the snow falls. In addition to this, all the winter preparation for hiring ski instructors, ski patrol, and general staff are all under the watchful eye of HR. Contrasted against a smaller ski area, these bigger areas have much more to offer in terms of experiences and services but all of those come with a cost. Whether it be labor and/or money, that balance of customer experience also comes with costs handed to the consumer.
Preparing a small ski area for the season in Japan is a labor of love that involves careful planning and attention to detail. Beyond the snowfall and picturesque landscapes, there are essential steps and considerations, including recruiting volunteers, inspecting lifts, and ensuring proper insurance coverage, that can often be overlooked. Let’s look into the crucial aspects that allow us to ski every season.
Photo: Wide shot view during trail maintenance.
Trail Maintenance
A well-maintained trail is the lifeblood of a ski area. A well-cut trail can be the difference between opening in mid-November or opening in early December. As well as any skier can relate, when a stray branch that didn’t get cut suddenly finds the base of their ski to leave a friendly reminder of the dangers of skiing too early in the season.
Focused on removing obstacles, repairing permanent fixtures / fencing, and marking potential hazards, the work done in the preseason gives large payoffs throughout the season. Japan’s unique weather conditions like heavy snowfall, sea effect snow, snow monsters, and low temperatures lead to varied conditions skiers will encounter.
Photo: Looking up a chairlift in the fall.
Lift Inspection
Lift safety is a top priority for any ski area regardless of size. Meeting the standards and guidelines for safety by the manufacturer and also the governing bodies requires endless inspections for the safety of the skiers. Ski areas collaborate with certified technicians to conduct meticulous inspection on lifts, including cables, brakes, safety mechanisms, and structural integrity.
As a way to cut down costs to make the ski area financially viable. Volunteers will the aid to a certified technician from the manufacturer. This will be for things like mounting chairs on the chairlift and also doing any measuring, marking, and notation. Both the technician and the volunteers take this seriously as problems that happen can be life endangering.
Japan is well regarded for their safety in other industries and the skiing industry is no different. Skiing is a cherished pastime as maintaining safety on the hill is the best course of action to continue to grow the sport. Maintaining the highest safety standards is not just good practice, it builds trust and reputation to keep skiers coming back year after year.
Photo: Local volunteers clearing grass at base of ski area.
Volunteers
Like many small local skiing destinations all over the world, one of the unique aspects in Japan is the reliance on community spirit. Gathering year and year, teams of dedicated volunteers cut trails, clear trash, and maintain facilities. These dedicated members, often local enthusiasts, share a love for the sport and hope for people to enjoy the sport just as much as them.
Some of these areas may entirely be run by volunteers. Not just the maintenance of the facility but also the financial operations and staffing is often done by local residents. In exchange for their services many volunteers get perks such as their kids ski for free. So it isn’t just giving back all the time. There are benefits for volunteering too!
Their efforts not only reduce operational costs but also create a strong bond within the community. Japanese culture is reliant on communities and the ski community is one of the most welcoming in Japan. No matter the level, no matter the intensity, anyone who loves skiing will always be welcome.
Photo: Result of ski area cut by hand.
Preparing a ski area for opening in winter isn’t an easy task. Many ski clubs are small but enthusiastic and prepare for the slope for everyone in the community to enjoy. Inspecting facilities, maintaining lifts, and cutting trails are done, so the skiers can enjoy their time on the slopes. Hopefully these will leave a lasting impression for the next generation of skiers to take up the sport with as much passion.
