Ski areas from Japan’s past 過去の日本のスキー場を懐かしむ

Budoh

Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture

ぶどうスキー場　新潟県村上市

Budoh was a ski area in what used to be Asahi Village, now part of Murakami City, in the northern region of Niigata Prefecture. The location is quite close to the border with Yamagata Prefecture. This ski area opened in 1988 and was developed and operated by the village (and then the city). The last day of operation was 9th March 2025. Reasons for closure were the declining number of visitors, ageing facilities and staffing difficulties.

Opened
開設		 December 1988
Closed
 閉設		 9th March 2025
Base elevation
標高最低		 160m
Top elevation
標高最高		 640m
Vertical
標高差		 480m
Steepest slope
最大斜度		 30°
Number of courses
コース本数		 5
Longest run
最長滑走距離		 2,700m
Skill level
初級・中級・上級		 10% beginner
70% intermediate
20% advanced
Ski / board
スキー・スノーボード		 70% ski
30% snowboard
Ski lifts
リフト本数		 2 lifts
Pair 703m
Pair 817m
There lifts are scheduled to be removed
Night skiing
ナイター設備		 There was night skiing at one time

Photographs

Taken in October 2024
写真撮影：2024年10月

Budoh Ski Area (Murakami, Niigata)　ぶどうスキー場（新潟県村上市）
Budoh Ski Area (Murakami, Niigata)　ぶどうスキー場（新潟県村上市）
Budoh Ski Area (Murakami, Niigata)　ぶどうスキー場（新潟県村上市）
Budoh Ski Area (Murakami, Niigata)　ぶどうスキー場（新潟県村上市）
Budoh Ski Area (Murakami, Niigata)　ぶどうスキー場（新潟県村上市）
Budoh Ski Area (Murakami, Niigata)　ぶどうスキー場（新潟県村上市）
Budoh Ski Area (Murakami, Niigata)　ぶどうスキー場（新潟県村上市）
Budoh Ski Area (Murakami, Niigata)　ぶどうスキー場（新潟県村上市）
Budoh Ski Area (Murakami, Niigata)　ぶどうスキー場（新潟県村上市）

Further Information

  • Budoh Ski Area was located in the neighbourhood of the same name in the northern region of Niigata Prefecture
    　
  • The location used to be part of Asahi Village 朝日村
    　
  • Asahi Village became part of Murakami City 村上市 in April 2008
    　
  • Budoh was the northernmost ski area in Niigata Prefecture (that title now goes to Tainai Ski Area)
    　
  • The ski area was developed and operated by the village (and later operated until closing by the city)
    　
  • It opened in December 1988 with one lift
    　
  • The second lift was added in 1990
    　
  • Both lifts were 2-person pair lifts (703m and 817m) and the slopes were mainly suited to intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders with a few fairly steep runs; it was not really suitable for beginners
    　
  • The busiest year for the ski area was apparently 1995
    　
  • Floodlit night skiing in the lower section was introduced in 1996
    　
  • In more recent years, the region has not received consistent snowfall, and in some seasons, operations have been restricted
    　
  • Budoh was unable to open at all during the warm 2019-2020 winter season
    　
  • After being closed for a few years due to COVID-19, it also struggled with snowfall during the 2023-2024 season
    　
  • In June 2024 it was announced that the ski area would open for the 2024-2025 season, but it would be its last
    　
  • Reasons given for the closure were fewer visitors (not helped by limited operations due to snowfall), ageing facilities and difficulties finding enough staff
    　
  • The last day of operation was 9th March 2025
    　
  • Special events were held at the ski area on the last day to commemorate, finishing up with fireworks in the evening
    　
  • 1,300 people attended on the last day
    　
  • The total number of skiers and snowboarders for the 2024-2025 season was 13,230 people
    　
  • The official snow depth on the last day was 229cm
    　
  • The ski lifts and facilities are scheduled to be removed

Google Earth

Google Street View

Google Maps

  • Located by the side of Route in the northern region of Murakami City

  • About 14km from the Asahi Mahoroba IC exit of the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway

  • About 23km from Murakami Station on the Uetsu Honsen line

  • 日本海東北自動車道　朝日まほろばICから的14km

  • 羽越本線　村上駅から的23km

This page was created in October 2024
Last updated on 10th March 2025
2024年10月 作成 　2025年3月10日 更新