スキー界の未来を切り拓く！100年続く野沢温泉スキークラブの挑戦

 

How to support by credit card: English Guide

 

 

 

Nozawa Onsen Ski Club commemorates its 100th anniversary

 

Thank you for visiting the crowdfunding site of the Nozawa Onsen Ski Club.

 

The club was established at the end of the Taisho Era (1912-1926) and has played an important role in connecting snow with economic development and industry. After constructing our first ski lift in 1950, the Nozawa Onsen Ski Club went on to build seven additional lifts, expanding the slopes and creating a world-class ski resort. While operating the ski resort and enjoying skiing, the club has also nurtured the growth of numerous world-class talented skiers.

 

In 1963, the Nozawa Onsen Ski Club entrusted the operation of the ski area to the Nozawa Onsen village. However, we have continued to support the ski industry both locally and nationally, with a particular focus on training athletes and organizing competitions. The Nozawa Onsen Ski Club has kept pace with the modern development of the village and has successfully hosted major events such as Interskiing, the Nagano Olympic biathlon competitions, and numerous FIS races. We will proudly celebrate our 100th anniversary in December 2023.
 

 

As the Nozawa Onsen Ski Club commemorates its 100th anniversary, the Japanese ski industry is facing a critical juncture. Various federations, associations, and regions are encountering challenges in raising funds for athlete training and development, making it increasingly difficult to sustain the existing training systems. Several factors contribute to this predicament, including a decline in the skiing population (from 12 million in 2001 to 6 million in 2021*1), diminishing snow resources, and a declining birthrate, resulting in the ski industry's downsizing compared to previous years.

The current structure and system are proving inadequate to effectively strengthen and popularize the industry. The Nozawa Onsen Ski Club has long been supporting athletes, from Nozawa Onsen Junior (elementary school students) to top-level competitors, through a consistent coaching system. However, the prevailing trends have made it challenging to continue the training system as it has been in the past.

Seizing the opportunity of its 100th anniversary, the Nozawa Onsen Ski Club is transforming into a new organization dedicated to sustainable and effective human resource development and athlete training. The club aims to adapt to the changing landscape of the ski industry, innovating its approaches to ensure a brighter future for skiing in Japan.
 

 

 

The challenge of the "NEXT 100 Project,"

 

The Nozawa Onsen Ski Club is determined to evolve. Over the course of 100 years, the club has not only fostered athletes through skiing but also witnessed their ongoing contributions to Nozawa Onsen even after retirement. This enduring involvement can be attributed, in large part, to the village's rich tradition of passing down culture and customs, exemplified by the celebrated Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Festival. It is through the diligent efforts of the villagers to ensure the festival's success and the preservation of their cultural heritage that the ski club's activities, deeply rooted in local affection, have thrived for a century.

 

 

In Nozawa Onsen, there is a skiing program known as "Junior Junior" specifically designed for children in the first through third grades. Every week, these children come together to practice skiing, supported by local parents. Upon completing the Junior Junior Program, they have the opportunity to progress into various sections including Alpine skiing, Cross Country skiing, Jumping (Nordic Combined), freestyle skiing, and snowboarding. From this point onward, they will continue to specialize in their chosen discipline, but they will also have the chance to participate in training and gain experience across the different sections during their Junior Junior activities.

 

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Nozawa Onsen has gained recognition as a hub for nurturing Olympic athletes across various skiing disciplines. Each discipline boasts its own dedicated training environment, and the Nozawa Onsen Ski Club ensures the provision of consistent coaching and financial support for high school students and beyond.

This successful cycle of athlete development owes much to the unwavering commitment of local ski coaches who harbor a profound affection for their hometowns and selflessly devote their time outside of regular employment. The cooperation of ski resorts, town halls, and the local community is also crucial to the sustained progress of this system.

As a result of this well-established training cycle, a multitude of Olympic and World Cup athletes have emerged from Nozawa Onsen, showcasing their exceptional skills on the global stage while competing against the finest athletes from around the world.

 

In 1992 and 1994, Takanori Kono, a member of the Nozawa Onsen Ski Club, achieved remarkable success by winning gold medals in the Nordic combined event. Following his retirement from competitive skiing, he transitioned into a leadership role and served as the head coach of the Japanese national team for an extended period, securing medals at two Olympic Games. Currently, he plays a pivotal role in the Japanese skiing world as the head of the competition headquarters within the All Japan Ski Federation.

Another esteemed athlete, Mikio Katagiri, participated in three Olympic Games, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. After retiring from his professional career, he dedicated himself to coaching the Japanese national team and became an Olympic coach, making substantial contributions to the development of Japanese skiing. Moreover, he served as the president of the ski club and subsequently assumed the presidency of Nozawa Onsen Corporation, the entity responsible for operating the Nozawa Onsen ski resort. Through these roles, he has fervently worked towards the advancement and growth of the region.

 

Numerous other exceptional athletes have emerged from the training cycle of the ski club, and even in their retirement, they continue to make valuable contributions to the development of Nozawa Onsen in various capacities. Their enduring dedication serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the club's training and the deep bond between the athletes and the community.

 

 

However, with the changing times, it has become apparent that our development system needs to evolve for the future. Nozawa Onsen Ski Club have embraced the challenge of the "NEXT 100 Project" to drive the advancement and enrichment of athlete development through skiing and mountain sports for the next 100 years.

 

 

 

NEXT100 Project Roadmap

The core objective of the NEXT100 Project is to foster the development and enhancement of our environment, ensuring that the club remains an institution that nurtures exceptional individuals. Our aim is to create a conducive environment where children who have grown up practicing skiing and engaging in mountain sports can thrive and make a meaningful impact both globally and within Nozawa Onsen. Ultimately, we aspire to produce world champions by the time the club celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2043.

Through strategic initiatives and comprehensive planning, we are committed to providing the necessary resources, training programs, and support systems to cultivate the next generation of athletes. This includes collaborations with local organizations, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and optimizing training facilities to maximize the potential of our athletes. With the NEXT100 Project, we are determined to shape a future where our club continues to flourish and produce outstanding individuals who excel on the world stage.

 

 

We are committed to perpetuating the cycle of development that the club has long supported. However, our goal is not merely to maintain the status quo, but to enhance it further. We will continue to nurture individuals through mountain sports, providing them with opportunities to engage in a wide range of activities and pursue their passions. Our aim is to create a dynamic environment that empowers individuals to thrive and actively participate in diverse endeavors. By expanding horizons and fostering personal growth through mountain sports, we aspire to unlock new possibilities and open doors to endless opportunities.

 

 

While senior athletes are supported by the All Japan Ski Federation, the Japan Olympic Committee, and supporting companies, the organizations that nurture junior and kids athletes are limited to local clubs and club teams.

 The Nozawa Onsen Ski Club has created a pathway of support for ages 3 to 18. Based on this, Nozawa Onsen Ski Club will create a training method, collaborate with ski resorts, and build a rental system, aiming to provide a consistent coaching and training system for all children who love to ski.

 

 

This pathway encompasses three primary objectives:

1. Enhancing coordination and systems for the promotion of mountain sports.
2. Elevating the standard of competitive sports.
3. Establishing a lifelong connection between children and mountain sports.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Club firmly believe that this framework will enable us to better comprehend children's development in sports and optimize their nurturing environment. It is a nurturing system that can be uniquely cultivated in Nozawa Onsen, where we possess the foundation to support individuals of all ages. As we embark on our 100th year, we will harness the strength, experience, and knowledge of our club members to drive the success of the NEXT100 Project. Nozawa Onsen Ski Club greatly appreciate your support as we take this new step toward shaping the future of Nozawa Onsen Ski Club and the Japanese ski industry.

 

target

 

First target: 3 million yen
Our initial focus is to secure 3 million yen in funding. With this financial support, we will commence the creation of a comprehensive player development method and enhance our training facilities.

 

Drawing upon our extensive experience in player development within our club, along with the collaboration of industry experts, we aim to establish Japan's first player development method specifically tailored for early-age athletes. This method will form the foundation for player development, encompassing the implementation of an improved training system and the enhancement of coach capabilities throughout the process.
Furthermore, we recognize the importance of providing a top-notch training environment. To achieve this, we will allocate resources towards upgrading our training facilities, ensuring they serve as optimal training grounds for our athletes.

 

 

Second target: 6 million yen

Our next objective is to raise 6 million yen to launch an equipment rental system. This initiative aims to create an inclusive environment where all children who have a desire to ski can easily begin and sustain their skiing journey.
The rental system will provide access to essential skiing equipment, removing barriers and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder children's participation in the sport. In the future, we have plans to expand the rental system to include helmets and other equipment, thus promoting safety while fostering opportunities for children to take on competitive skiing challenges.
By establishing this rental system, we aim to make skiing more accessible and enable children to fully embrace the joy and excitement of the sport, regardless of their financial circumstances.

 

 

Third target: 10 million yen　

 

Our third objective is to raise 10 million yen to support overseas expeditions for all sections, establish overseas bases, and provide sports English education.
Nozawa Onsen Ski Club has produced many great athletes, and their experience representing Japan overseas has made Nozawa Onsen and its ski club what it is today. We will create a training environment where not only some athletes but also many athletes from their junior years can experience activities overseas and gain a global perspective and mindset. In addition, in order to make our overseas activities sustainable, we will formulate and utilize overseas activity bases. In order to fully utilize this environment, we will also create opportunities for English language education through sports.

 

 

 

Message

 

Kyosuke Kono

Director of Nozawa Onsen Ski Club (in charge of next100 reinforcement), Alpine skiing coach, former Japan Alpine skiing representative

　　

 

Project members (Nozawa Onsen Ski Club board members)