Ski resort operators across the nation have been raising lift ticket prices due to surging energy rates, driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The electricity bill for running ski lifts has been a heavy burden for these resorts, as have the fuel costs to run snow-compacting vehicles for maintaining the slopes. Worried that raising lift fees may discourage more people from skiing in the future, resort operators and local governments are looking for ways to attract new customers to their ski grounds.
"We have been doing what we can to benefit local residents, so raising prices is very regrettable," said Toshiaki Toya, manager of Togakushi Ski Area in Nagano.
