Ski Area Safety Regulation

Ski Area Safety Regulation

Article 1（Scope of Application)

This agreement concerns the use of the ski resort managed by Nihon Harmony Resorts KK (Hereinafter referred to as "the ski resort"), pursuant to the provisions of the Niseko Hanazono Resort Service Terms and Conditions. Matters not provided for in these Terms and Conditions shall be governed by laws and regulations or by general custom.

Article 2 (Dangers Inherent in Snow Sports)

The user of the ski resort (hereinafter referred to as "you") shall understand that all snow sports, including skiing and snowboarding, have the following risks inherent in them.

  1. Hazards associated with the weather such as snowfall, blizzards, rainfall, and dense fog, etc.
  2. Hazards related to terrain such as cliffs, slopes, bumps, ditches, creeks, etc.
  3. Dangers due to snow quality and snow surface conditions, such as icy slopes, deep snow, crevasses, and avalanches.
  4. Hazards from natural obstacles such as standing trees, stumps, bushes, rocks, and exposed ground.
  5. Collision risks with man-made structures such as lift posts, artificial snowfall equipment, signage ropes, mats, etc.　
  6. Risks of collision with snow vehicles.
  7. Risks associated with using the snow park.
  8. Danger from excessive speed.
  9. Danger from self-inflicted falls.
  10. Danger from collisions with other users.
  11. Risks associated with fatigue, alcohol consumption, medication, or poor physical condition.
  12. Hazards due to improper use of equipment.
  13. Other similar hazards.
Article 3 (On the Occasion of Skiing/Snowboarding)
  1. You shall anticipate the inherent dangers of snow sports as described in the preceding article and shall avoid such dangers while skiing.
  2. You shall always look ahead and be ready to stop or turn at any time.
Article 4 (Getting on and off the lift)
  1. You shall read the notices on the bulletin board carefully and get on and off the lifts accordingly.
  2. Should you have any concerns about getting on and off the lifts, please notify the staff members and get the necessary assistance.
  3. Pre-school children must ride with a parent or guardian.
  4. You shall use appropriate gear suitable for snow sports.
  5. You shall be careful not to bump into or hit others when getting on and off the lifts.
  6. You should remain on the chairlift when you are unable to get off.
Article 5 (Compliance with Signs and Instructions)

You shall obey all warnings, cautions and patrolling signs, notices, announcements, and course maps and follow the instructions of the ski resort staff members.

Article 6 (Prohibited Acts/Behavior)

The following acts/behavior are prohibited:

  1. Skiing/ Snowboarding in areas where skiing is prohibited
  2. Entering or skiing into and on closed courses
  3. Climbing into the ski area when the ski area or ski course is closed due to inclement weather or other reasons
  4. Skiing in close proximity to trees, lift posts, artificial snowfall machines, nets, ropes, mats, etc.
  5. Skiing/Snowboarding in close proximity to other guests.
  6. Interfering with other guests’ enjoyment.
  7. Approaching snow vehicles, including snowplows (course maintenance vehicles).
  8. Obstructing the lift operation (rocking chairs, jumping off, acting irresponsibly, or turning around, touching the posts with poles, unnecessarily slamming skis and snowboards, moving up and down stair handrails unnecessarily, carrying an infant on one's back without using appropriate equipment on the chairlift, etc.)
  9. Skiing/Snowboarding when under the effects of alcohol consumption, medication, etc.
  10. Standing or sitting on the ski course for an extended period of time.
  11. Engaging in commercial activities at the ski resort without the permission of the ski resort.
  12. Flying a drone without permission from the ski resort.
  13. Discarding or leaving empty cans, cigarette butts, or other items outside of designated areas.
  14. Releasing dogs or other animals onto the ski resort.
  15. Allowing children to act alone without the supervision of a parent or guardian.
  16. Other similar activities.
Article 7 (Obligation to slow down)

You must slow down under the following circumstances:

  1. Where there is a signage stating “SLOW”.
  2. Where terrain or obstacles make it difficult to see ahead
  3. Where there is not enough snow cover, such as at the beginning of the season or in late spring.
  4. When visibility is poor due to snowfall, blizzard, dense fog, sunset, etc.
  5. When it is difficult to see the height of bumps/dips of the snow surface due to weather conditions.
  6. When approaching natural obstacles such as trees, stumps, bushes, rocks, exposed terrain, etc.
  7. When approaching man-made structures such as mats, lift poles, artificial snowfall equipment, nets, ropes, etc.
  8. Where the ski course merges or where the ski course is narrow.
  9. When approaching the bottom station of a lift.
  10. When the ski course is crowded.
  11. When approaching a children's area.
  12. When approaching ski patrol or operating snow vehicle on duty.
  13. When skiing in dangerous areas which require you to slow down.
Article 8 (Obligations when Skiing/Snowboarding)

Users shall ski/snowboard in accordance with the following clauses:

  1. In the case of starting out, merging from another course, or crossing a course, the skier/snowboarder from the upper part of the course shall have priority.
  2. While skiing/snowboarding, keep an eye on the skiers/snowboarders in front of you and maintain a safe distance from them.
  3. When you are overtaking, consider the unexpected movements of the person being overtaken and leave enough space between you and the person you are overtaking.
  4. In the event of a fall, move to the side of the slope as quickly as possible.
  5. When stopping, climbing, or descending on the slopes, use the edge of the slopes.
  6. Should there be ski patrol or snow vehicles on duty, give priority to their duties and operations.  You must stop or slow down and not to block the way if required.
  7. Skis and snowboards must be equipped with brakes or restraining devices to prevent runaway skis and snowboards injuring other skiers/snowboarders.
  8. The ski resort is not responsible for any accidents outside the ski resort management area. Skiing and snowboarding must be undertaken with an understanding of and in compliance with the "Niseko Local Rules" as set forth by the local community.
Article 9 (Obligations in the use of the Snow Park)

When using the Snow Park, you shall comply with the following clauses:

  1. You shall follow all notices posted on the bulletin board.
  2. You shall ski/snowboard within the limits of your abilities and skills.
  3. When starting a run, you shall check the safety of the area around the landing point.
  4. Helmets and other necessary protective gear must be worn.
Article 10 (Responsibilities of Chaperons and Instructors)

A person who guides, supervises, or cares for an individual, group, or organization to and within the ski resort (hereinafter referred to as "Chaperon /Instructor") shall be responsible for the following and shall take the initiative in complying with these Terms and Conditions:

  1. Chaperons/Instructors shall not only instruct the participants skiing/snowboarding skills, but also shall comply with these Terms and Conditions and how to ski/snowboard safely.
  2. Chaperons/Instructors shall not instruct the participants in a way or location that interferes with other guests.
  3. Chaperons and instructors shall take into consideration the weather, snow conditions, course conditions etc. in advance and shall not assign inappropriate tasks or expose participants to danger.
Article 11 (Participants Responsibilities)
  1. Participants have no priority over other guests.
  2. The participant shall not only follow the instructions and cautions of the chaperon or instructor but shall also conduct himself/herself in accordance with the items stipulated in these Terms and Conditions.
Article 12 (Responsibilities of parents/guardians and chaperones of children)
  1. Parents and chaperones shall assess their children's abilities and keep them out of danger.
  2. Parents and chaperones shall make every effort to teach their children about the matters stipulated in these Terms and Conditions.
Article 13 (Cooperation in the event of an accident)
  1. The person involved in an accident and any witnesses shall immediately report the accident to the ski patrol and other staff members of the ski resort.
  2. In the event of an accident, all guests are expected to make every effort to assist the accident victim.
  3. All parties and witnesses to an accident shall identify themselves to each other.
  4. In the event of an accident, the ski resort may identify any party or witness involved.
Article 14 (Safety equipment)

You shall make every effort to wear appropriate safety equipment such as helmets.

Article 15 (Recommendation of Insurance)

It is recommended that you purchase appropriate disability health and property insurance which provides cover for accidents which you may be involved with.

Article 16 (Burden of Search and Rescue Expenses)

In the event that the ski resort receives a request for search and rescue from you and you have violated these Terms and Conditions, or you become lost outside of the ski area or outside the ski resort, (hereinafter referred to as the "Missing Person/Victim"), or the ski resort receives a request for search and rescue from your family member, friends, or acquaintance of the missing person, and the ski resort conducts search and rescue activities for the missing person, the ski resort shall charge the missing person for the labor costs, snow vehicle operation costs, lift operation costs, lighting and electricity costs, and all other expenses incurred for such search and rescue activities.

Article 17 (Claim for Damages)

In the event the ski resort suffers damages due to your willful misconduct or negligence, or your failure to comply with the law or these Terms and Conditions, we will claim compensation from you for such damages.

Article 18 (Refusal of Use)

The ski resort shall refuse your use of the ski resort in any of the following cases:

  1. In case that the application for use of the ski resort does not comply with these General Terms and Conditions.
  2. If you make any special request/burden regarding the use of the ski resort that we are unable to accommodate, we shall refuse your use of the ski resort.
  3. The ski resort shall not permit the use of the ski resort where the use of the ski resort is against the law, public order, or good morals.
  4. The ski resort shall not allow the use of the ski slopes by skiers/snowboarders who are under the influence of alcohol or otherwise deemed unsafe to use the ski resort.
  5. In the event of the natural disaster or other unavoidable reasons that interferes with the use of the ski resort.
  6. Disobedience to the instructions of the ski resort staff members, such as ski patrol.
  7. If you are in a designated organized crime group, a designated organized crime group member, or a member of an antisocial organization under the "Law Concerning Prevention of Unjust Acts by Organized Crime Groups" (enacted on March 1, 1992).
  8. In any other case there shall be a justifiable reason other than those described in the preceding clauses.
Article 19 (Restrictions on use)

The ski resort may restrict the use of all or part of the ski slopes when the weather conditions or other unavoidable reasons hinder the safety of the ski slopes.

Article 20（Liability)
  1. The ski resort is not liable for any accidents outside the ski resort management area. If a rescue operation is deemed necessary by the ski resort, regardless of whether a request is made, all expenses related to this will be charged to the party concerned.
  2. In case that the ski resort incurs any damage or expense due to your failure to abide by these rules and Japanese law, we shall require the compensation and payment of the expense incurred.
  3. The ski resort is not responsible for any damage and theft from ski racks or parking areas.
  4. The ski resort is not responsible for any accidents that occur between customers in the parking lot of the ski resort.
  5. The court of jurisdiction for any disputes regarding the use of this ski resort shall be the court with jurisdiction over the location of the ski resort.
Article 21 (Modification of Terms and Conditions)

These Terms and Conditions are subject to change. A notice to the effect that the Terms and Conditions are subject to change, the content of the Terms and Conditions after the change, and the effective date of the change will be announced at the time of the effective date. The Company will make this information known on the Internet or by other appropriate means at the time of the effective date.

Nihon Harmony Resorts KK
Niseko Hanazono Resort