#Japan #Fukui #CHILL JAPAN #Snowboarding #Burton Snowboards

CHILL JAPAN Concludes 2025 Snowboarding Program

In an inspiring culmination of efforts, CHILL JAPAN has successfully wrapped up its 2025 snowboarding program, receiving invaluable support from ski resort staff, volunteers nationwide, and numerous benefactors. The program offered a memorable snowboarding experience to 27 children from schools affected by the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, providing an exciting opportunity for young students from Kashima Elementary School, Toriya Elementary School, and Kakanishi Elementary School, along with Nakano Noto Junior High School.

Held over two days from March 31 to April 1, 2025, the children enjoyed two full days of snowboarding at Ski Jam Katsuyama in Fukui Prefecture, creating beautiful memories and fostering a spirit of resilience and joy in their lives.

Overview of the 2025 CHILL JAPAN Snowboarding Program

The snowboarding program saw enthusiastic participation from various children’s care facilities and free schools across multiple dates and locations:

• - January 19-20, 2025: Rokko Mountain Snow Park, Hyogo Prefecture

- Participating children from care facilities and free schools in Hyogo and Osaka Prefectures.
- Supported by Rokko Mountain Snow Park and Burton Snowboards.

• - February 7-8, 2025: Chikusa Kogen Ski Resort, Hyogo Prefecture

- Children from local care facilities participated in this event, enhancing their snow sports skills.
- Partnerships included Chikusa Kogen Ski Resort and Burton Snowboards.

• - February 23-24, 2025: Fujimi Panorama Resort, Nagano Prefecture

- A diverse group of children from Nagano, Tokyo, and Saitama's care facilities took part.
- Collaborators such as Fujimi Panorama Resort and Burton Snowboards supported the efforts.

• - March 2-3, 2025: Tambara Ski Park, Gunma Prefecture

- Children from care facilities in Tokyo and Saitama gained vital skills on the slopes.
- This initiative was made possible with support from Tambara Ski Park and Burton Snowboards.

• - March 25, 2025: Niseko Tokyu Gran Hirafu, Hokkaido

- Hokkaido children from care facilities participated in a memorable snowboarding experience, facilitated by several sponsors.

• - March 28, 2025: Ryuo Ski Park, Nagano Prefecture

- Again, children from local care facilities enjoyed abundant snow and fun.

• - March 31 - April 1, 2025: Ski Jam Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture

- This was the highlight, welcoming children from disaster-impacted regions to enjoy a day on the slopes.

• - April 8, 2025: Geto Kogen Ski Resort, Iwate Prefecture

- Twelve children from Miyagi Prefecture's free school also had an unforgettable day of snowboarding.

Every event was aimed at providing children a rare chance to experience snowboarding, while also reinforcing social connections and self-confidence through sports.

Looking Ahead

CHILL JAPAN has ambitious plans to introduce new activities, including skateboarding, slacklining, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), to further enrich children's lives through engagement in board sports. The organization seeks to continue expanding these experiences, making a positive difference in many children's life trajectories.

About CHILL

Founded in 1995 by Jay and Donna Burton, the creators of BURTON Snowboards, CHILL aims to provide opportunities for children to thrive through board sports. Initially focusing on children who lost their families during the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, CHILL has grown into an international initiative operating in 24 cities across ten countries.

In Japan, their operations focus on inviting children affected by various disasters, such as the Great East Japan Earthquake and Kumamoto Earthquake, to ski resorts annually.

Get Involved

CHILL is actively seeking volunteers who can coach and enjoy various board sports, such as snowboarding and skateboarding, alongside children. The organization also welcomes corporate partners willing to support its mission. Engaging with CHILL means contributing to the growth and self-empowerment of children receiving support through these experiences.

Support and Donations

Currently, over 25,000 children live in care facilities, with many unable to attend regular school. CHILL aims to offer as many children as possible the chance to engage in board sports to foster their self-esteem and growth, requiring substantial support from the community.

Every contribution, be it through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, plays a vital role in CHILL's mission. Thank you to everyone who has supported CHILL JAPAN to date, helping reach over 111% of fundraising goals, accumulating ¥3.35 million in donations from 158 generous supporters. Your encouragement means everything to our mission, and we strive to keep building a vibrant community where children's smiles and adventurous spirits flourish!