GRANSNOW OKUIBUKI (https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/), one of the largest ski resorts in the Kansai region located in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, recorded 31,328 visitors between November 14, 2025 and December 31, 2025. In its 56th season of operation since 1970, the resort achieved the "highest visitor count from season opening to the end of December" thanks to its "western Japan's earliest opening using artificial snow-making machines."
Record Visitor Numbers Despite Warm Winter and Low Snowfall
This season, while ski resorts nationwide faced significant delays in opening due to warm winter and low snowfall, GRANSNOW OKUIBUKI achieved "western Japan's earliest opening on November 14 (Friday) in autumn" using artificial snow-making machines first introduced last season. By creating slopes ready for skiing from the autumn foliage season and continuing snow production with artificial machines while maintaining snow depth and slope conditions, the resort attracted not only visitors from nearby Kansai and Tokai areas, but also from distant Chugoku, Shikoku, and Hokuriku regions, as well as international inbound tourists seeking to enjoy winter sports early in the season. This resulted in the highest-ever visitor count of 31,328 for the period from season opening through the end of December.
(The resort recorded the highest number of visitors among all 21 ski resorts in the Kansai region according to the Kansai Cable Transportation Association)
Additionally, this season saw a major renovation of the rental house, establishing "Japan's largest rental house with 5,000 sets of equipment available." The facility expanded its selection of latest trend-conscious brand rental equipment for skis, snowboards, and wear, ensuring "anyone can enjoy skiing and snowboarding even if they come empty-handed." The resort strengthened "online sales through web reservations," tripled the number of rental web reservation kiosks to 9 units, promoted "cashless operations," and achieved approximately 10-second reception processing, creating a "smooth, comfortable, and stress-free facility environment."
Moving forward, the resort will continue snow production using natural snow combined with "artificial snow-making and snow production machines" to maintain excellent skiing areas for an extended period until April 12 (Sunday), creating "western Japan's longest operating ski resort for 150 days (5 months) from autumn to spring."
Operating 8 Artificial Snow-Making Machines for 80 Days and Approximately 1,900 Hours to Ensure Early Slope Opening and Maintain Snow Depth
This season, using the 8 artificial snow-making machines from Italian manufacturer TechnoAlpin (world's top market share in artificial snow-making equipment) first introduced last season, the resort operated them for "80 days and approximately 1,900 hours of snow production." While major ski resort areas in Kansai such as Shiga and Hyogo could not open due to warm winter and snow shortage, this enabled "early slope opening" and "maintenance of snow depth with corresponding number of open courses," which attracted more visitors.
About Artificial Snow-Making Machines
Artificial snow-making machines create snow by making ice in giant freezing chambers and crushing it. They can produce snow even at positive temperatures and are also called ICS (Ice Crusher System) or ice crushers.
For details about "artificial snow-making machines": https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/snow-machine/
Grand Opening of Japan's Largest Rental House with 5,000 Equipment Sets - Investment of 980 Million Yen Increases Comfort for Beginners, Families, Youth Groups, and International Visitors
This season features a "total investment of 980 million yen" for facility renovation, opening "the world's most advanced rental house."
The facility expanded 2.5 times from the existing building, newly introducing 1,000 sets of ski and snowboard equipment, boots, and brand wear for a total of "5,000 sets" - Japan's largest, along with 1,200 new coin lockers for a total of "2,500 lockers." Additionally, the facility features "clean and comfortable changing rooms and restrooms," introduction of "high-grade rentals," improved circulation flow within the facility, and installation of "two new escalators" for comfortable movement, creating a state-of-the-art and highly convenient rental facility that allows users to enjoy winter sports comfortably.
This led to increased visits from beginners, families, youth groups, and international tourists from the early period of November and December, contributing to the record-breaking visitor numbers.
Newly Introduced Rental Equipment List
- Skis: 500 sets
- Snowboards: 500 sets
- Ski Boots: 700 pairs
- Snowboard Boots: 300 pairs
- Wear: 1,000 pieces
- Ski Poles: 200 sets
- Helmets: 100 units
Total with existing equipment: Japan's largest 5,000 sets
For details about the "Rental House": https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/rental/
"Beginner's Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding": https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/guide/
Creating an Environment Where Anyone Can Enjoy Skiing and Snowboarding Empty-Handed - Strengthening Web Reservation Online Sales and Installing New Automatic Lift Ticket Vending Machines for Improved User Satisfaction
The resort promotes creating an environment where "anyone can enjoy skiing and snowboarding empty-handed" by strengthening "online sales through web reservations," tripling rental reception kiosks to 9 units, promoting "cashless operations," and achieving approximately 10-second reception processing for "smooth, comfortable, and stress-free facility environment."
Additionally, two new automatic lift ticket vending machines (dedicated credit card terminals) were installed inside the rental house. The lift tickets work smoothly with the "Asia's first automated gate system," achieving a "stress-free day" and improving user satisfaction.
For details about the "Rental House": https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/rental/
For details about the "Automated Gate System": https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/flexgate/
Attractive New Menu Items at Latest Restaurant "Food Park Piste" Popular with Youth and Food Court Popular with Families - 80 Types of World and Japanese Gourmet Dishes Improve User Satisfaction and Attract Repeat Visitors
The latest restaurant "Food Park Piste" popular with youth and the "Food Court" popular with families near Japan's largest kids park feature "world and Japanese gourmet" dishes with 80 menu items. The lineup includes richly topped meat and shrimp dishes, "reward menu" items using Omi beef (one of Japan's three major wagyu brands), and highly popular gourmet options like "authentic pizzas baked in stone ovens."
This season, new menu items include "naan with two types of curry," "cheese-filled carbonara," "charcoal-grilled chicken harami bowl," "chicken bucket sandwich," "double berry cake," and "pineapple and mango cake." These offerings delight skiers and snowboarders who have worked up an appetite from winter leisure activities. By providing special, social media-worthy menu items in a stylish, latest restaurant, the resort has improved user satisfaction and attracted repeat visitors.
For details about "Food Park Piste": https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/centerhouse/foodpark_piste/
For details about "Food Court": https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/centerhouse/foodcourt/
Popular Events Including 50 Million Yen Reward Campaign's "Free Restaurant Meal" Service - Increased "Bus-Free DAY - eco discount" to Maximum 4 Times Per Month Also Well Received
Popular events such as Ladies' Day and Handsome Men's Day, along with the 50 million yen reward campaign's "free restaurant meal" service, contributed to visitor attraction. The "Bus-Free DAY - eco discount" promoting bus use to reduce car travel, exhaust gases, and CO2 emissions for environmental protection was increased to a maximum of 4 times per month, which was well received, and the "synergy with growing environmental awareness" significantly increased bus users.
For "Various Events": https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/event/
For the 50 Million Yen Reward Campaign: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000143.000025847.html
Visitor Count Data - Top 3 in 56 Years
Visitor count from ski season opening to end of December (within calendar year):
- 2025-26 Season: 31,328 visitors
- 2024-25 Season: 30,385 visitors
- 2023-24 Season: 30,082 visitors
About GRANSNOW OKUIBUKI
Located in northern Shiga Prefecture, this is one of the largest ski resorts in the Kansai region with impressive scale and snowfall. Known for excellent access from Keihanshin and Chukyo areas and high altitude with quality snow, the resort features 14 courses utilizing natural terrain, attracting approximately 250,000 day-trip skiers and snowboarders per season. As a self-operated ski resort, it manages all related facilities (lift facilities, restaurants, rentals, ski schools, etc.) in-house. In recent years, the resort has invested in advanced technology including new high-speed lifts, new course development (maximum slope of 46 degrees), artificial snow-making machines, and automated gate systems (ACS) to overcome current ski industry challenges and drive further development.
Facility Overview
Facility Name: GRANSNOW OKUIBUKI
Operating Company: Okuibuki Kanko Co., Ltd.
Address: Okuibuki, Kozu-hara, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture
Phone: 0749-59-0322
Official Website: https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/
Okuibuki Group Site: https://www.okuibuki.jp/
Okuibuki Group Recruitment: https://www.okuibuki.jp/recruit/
