#Japan #Snowboarding #Nanao #Kids Sports #NPO CHILL

NPO CHILL Introduces the 2026 Snowboarding Program

NPO CHILL has made an exciting announcement regarding its 2026 Snowboarding Program, aimed specifically at inviting middle school students from Nanao City, a region affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. This initiative is part of CHILL's long-standing commitment to provide children, particularly those from children's homes and free schools, with opportunities to engage in board sports.

The program will be hosted at the Nanao Colossa Ski Resort, the only ski area open this winter after the restoration of its ski lifts damaged during the earthquake. CHILL believes that by providing children with such experiences, they can help bridge the gap of opportunities and foster a sense of community.

As CHILL celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023, the organization has garnered support from an increasing number of volunteers and supporters. Starting in 2024, along with snowboarding, skateboarding, and slacklining, CHILL will introduce a new Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) program. The goal is to spread joy and engagement among children through exciting sports experiences.

The 2026 Snowboarding Program will comprise 18 planned sessions at various ski resorts across Japan, including the following key dates:

• - January 18-19, 2026: Rokko Mountain Snow Park, Hyogo Prefecture
• - January 31 - February 1, 2026: Fujimi Panorama Resort, Nagano Prefecture
• - February 7-8, 2026: Nanao Colossa Ski Resort, Ishikawa Prefecture (for Nanao City middle school students)
• - February 15-16, 2026: Chikusa Kogen Ski Area, Hyogo Prefecture
• - February 27-28, 2026: Tambara Ski Park, Gunma Prefecture
• - March 7, 2026: Aizu Kogen Takatsue Ski Area, Fukushima Prefecture
• - March 17-18, 2026: Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido
• - March 24-25, 2026: Ski Jam Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture
• - March 28, 2026: Ryuo Ski Park, Nagano Prefecture
• - April 2026: Geto Kogen Ski Resort, Iwate Prefecture (dates to be confirmed)

Through these sessions, CHILL aims to foster confidence among children as they explore new sports and gain skills, ultimately helping them to overcome challenges and envision brighter futures.

The activities of CHILL are made possible through the support of international partners, Japanese companies, and numerous volunteers nationwide. If you are interested in their mission or wish to support or volunteer, please visit the official CHILL JAPAN website. The organization is committed to expanding its reach and inviting more children to its events, and your support can help make that a reality.

About CHILL

Founded in 1995 by Jake and Donna Burton, pioneers of BURTON snowboarding, CHILL provides children with the chance to engage in board sports and encourages them to discover their potential beyond boundaries. Initially established to offer snowboarding experiences to children who lost their families in the Great Hanshin Earthquake, the program has grown to operate in 24 cities across nine countries. Since being officially recognized as a non-profit organization in Japan in 2003, CHILL has invited children from regions affected by disasters, including the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Kumamoto Earthquake, to enjoy skiing. In recent years, CHILL has been welcoming children from child welfare facilities and free schools to experience not only snowboarding but also skateboarding, slacklining, and SUP, striving to ensure that as many children as possible have the opportunity to enjoy board sports.

Volunteer Opportunities

CHILL is on the lookout for warm-hearted volunteers to assist with activities such as snowboarding, skateboarding, slacklining, and SUP, providing support to children as they engage with these sports. They are also seeking partner companies willing to support these initiatives. By joining CHILL, you can help foster personal connections and confidence in children through sports experiences. To volunteer, please apply via the provided link.

Donation Request

Currently, about 25,000 children are living in children's homes, with approximately 250,000 secondary school students relying on free schools for education. CHILL aims to provide as many children as possible with experiences in board sports to help them gain confidence and personal growth. Your contributions are invaluable to this mission. Donations can be made through the provided link.