2011 marks the 100th anniversary of skiing in Japan - and Niigata is where it all started.

In January 12, 1911, Major Theodor von Lerch of the Austrian Army gave ski lessons to Japanese people for the first time on Mt. Kanaya in Takada-machi, Niigata (currently part of Joetsu City).  Soon after this soldier training, people of the area began to ski for fun it is believed that this marks the beginning of the history of skiing in Japan.

To celebrate this special year, various projects and celebrations are planned to promote winter sports in Niigata and beyond.

Look out for him on the slopes at resorts in Niigata this winter.

When Japanese speak about him, they pronounce his name as "ri-re-hi", so listen out for that word!

Niigata Prefecture is located on the main island of Japan, Honshu, to the north of Tokyo, stretching for nearly 250km along the coast of the Sea of Japan. The city of Niigata is the largest Japanese city facing the Sea of Japan and plays an important role in trade with other countries such as Russia and Korea.  Niigata is divided into four main geographical areas: Joetsu (south), Chuetsu (center), Kaetsu (north) and the island of Sado off the coast.

Niigata is one of the main ski and snowboard resort areas of Japan with well over 50 operational ski resorts. 

The majority are located in the Myoko area of the Joetsu region and the Yuzawa area of Chuetsu region, though there are other resorts dotted around the mountains of most areas of the prefecture.

Upper photo: Myoko
Lower photo: Naeba (Yuzawa)

NIIGATA PREFECTURE RESORT SPOTLIGHT