Inter-Chamber Ski and Snowboard Networking Retreat

Summer has passed quickly and seeing the next winter approaching, it is time again to prepare for the next Inter-Chamber Ski and Snowboard Networking Retreat for the weekend of 12/13 February 2022.

This year’s edition had to be canceled due to Covid-19 restrictions, for 2022 we are very optimistic that the event will take place.

We are now inviting any interested chambers to join this event as co-organizers or supporters. Five chambers have already declared their support.

The event is a family friendly, open networking opportunity to enjoy the great Japanese outdoors with friends and business partners alike. Skiing and Snowboarding is a plus, but definitely not a must. We regularly have participants from all generations, roughly half Japanese, half foreigners, everybody have a relaxed and fun time.

VENUE:

Lotte Arai Resort area

Located in Niigata, the ski area is known for its great snow. It’s very conveniently located from travel from Tokyo, roughly 25 minutes from the Shinkansen station in Joetsu-Myoko.

Fixed schedule:

Saturday 12 February 2022, 10 am:

Inter-Chamber Ski and Snowboard Race. We usually have some 50 to 60 participants from all ages, with the youngest being four or five years old. The “race” is a simply set giant slalom, easily manageable even for those who did not ski or snowboard for several years.

Saturday 12 February, 2022, 6 pm – 9 pm:

Evening award and networking party. With usually some 100 to 120 participants, exciting raffle prizes, awards for the winners of the morning race, great food and drinks, this is for most of us  the highlight of the retreat. Additionally to participating chamber members, we will invited local dignitaries such as the mayor of Myoko city, representatives from Niigata prefecture etc.

Location: LOTTE Arai Hotel, https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/ja/location.html

The ski area is adjacent to the hotel and the hotel also holds a couple of other great facilities and activities.

Besides the two set program points mentioned above, participants can freely decide the rest of their schedule; also arrival / departure is up to each participant.

Many choose Friday or even Thursday evening (Friday 11 February 2022 is a Japanese holiday!), but others just arrive Saturday morning or afternoon, participating just in the party and staying longer on Sunday. Of course, nearby Myoko-City has a lot of additional highlights: https://myokotourism.com/

Accommodation and transport:

We have negotiated special accommodation rates with the LOTTE Arai resort hotel for this weekend ranging from JPY 20,000/night (single rooms) to JPY 31,000/night (family rooms for two adults, two kids) – both plus tax.

As always, accommodation and mode of travel are up to each participant, hence they can adjust to their needs. Of course we will put recommendations for hotels and different transportation modes on the flyer and on our event website.

Costs for the events:

Ski race contribution: JPY 2,500 for adults, JPY 1,250 for under 20 years old

Evening networking party: JPY 6,000 for participants over 12, JPY 3,000 for children between 6 and 12 years, free for children under 5 years, all prices plus tax.

All costs are costs we pay for the event, nothing added from our side.