#Japan #Shinagawa #JTB Gaiarec #pro skiers #ski experience

JTB Gaiarec Partners with Pro Skiers to Enhance Ski Experiences

In an innovative push to rejuvenate the Japanese skiing industry, JTB Gaiarec, a subsidiary of JTB Group specializing in Special Interest Tours, has partnered with renowned professional skiers to offer unique skiing experiences starting from November 10, 2025.

These exclusive tours will feature Olympic skier Yoshimi Ota as the brand ambassador and fellow pro Yui Katsura as a supporter for the skiing programs. The goal is to merge professional skier instruction with community interaction, aiming to redefine the skiing experience through direct engagement with top-tier athletes.

Context of the Initiative

The Japanese skiing sector is facing significant challenges, primarily due to a decline in youth participation and an aging population. With fewer individuals engaging in skiing and a reduction in beginner-intermediate skiers, the market’s long-term contraction poses serious risks. Moreover, climate change has resulted in reduced snowfall, shortening and destabilizing ski resort operations, contributing to the stagnation of visitor numbers.

Media coverage of skiing competitions is also limited, making it difficult for athletes to ensure stable incomes. Consequently, there is a pressing need to enhance the recognition of regional branding, promote the unique experiences available, and improve the attractiveness of ski resorts.

In response to these challenges, JTB Gaiarec is launching programs that allow participants to engage with and learn from professional skiers. By combining professional insights with practical skiing experiences, the initiative aims to forge a revitalized value within the skiing community.

Not only will JTB Gaiarec utilize its expertise in Special Interest Tours, but it will also incorporate experiential learning that arises from direct engagement with pro skiers, fostering sustainable growth within both the ski industry and the regions housing ski resorts.

Objectives of the Initiative

1. Elevating Experience Through Real Interactions with Professional Skiers

• - Shift from merely skiing to a rich experience of learning, observing, and cheering for professional skiers.
• - Provide invaluable opportunities to learn professional techniques directly during the ski season.
• - Offer diverse interactions during après-ski activities, such as lunch events or ski demonstrations.
• - Set up exclusive ski trails for pro skiers to perform demonstrations, showcasing their skills directly to participants.

2. Supporting Professional Skiers and Contributing to Sustainable Snow Sports Development

• - Establish hospitality tents at competition sites for Yoshimi Ota, enhancing visitors' viewing experiences with comfort and warmth.
• - Create meet-and-greet opportunities with professional skiers ahead of the ski season to spark public interest and excitement in the sport.

3. Building Sustainable Tourism Models Focused on Ski Resorts for Regional Revitalization

• - Deploy mobile lessons by professional skiers across multiple ski resorts to foster interactions among locals and visitors.
• - Collaborate with local organizing committees to promote exchanges between residents and visitors at events.
• - Introduce new offerings at Naeba Ski Resort this season, featuring post-ski activities where pro skiers engage in talk sessions with DJs, embracing the après-ski culture that originated in Europe.

Featured Professional Skiers

Yoshimi Ota

As a JTB Gaiarec Ski Ambassador, Yoshimi Ota aims to inspire attendees by providing direct demonstrations and instructions, instilling a sense of achievement and joy. Her presence encourages junior participants to relish the sport and aspire to become professionals in snow sports.

Profile:

• - Date of Birth: May 31, 1993
• - Hometown: Abashiri, Hokkaido
• - Notable Achievements: Runner-up at the All Japan Ski Championships Giant Slalom, certified as a National Demonstrator by the Japan Ski Association in 2023.

Yui Katsura

As a skiing supporter for JTB Gaiarec, Yui Katsura aims to introduce participants to the thrill of skiing in nature as well as the various cultural aspects of skiing, including après-ski experiences.

National Demonstrator: Highest certification for ski technique and instruction recognized by the Japan Ski Association, with only ten female participants attaining this status.

Product Details

• - Sales Start Date: November 10, 2025
• - Tour Information: Visit the JTB Gaiarec official site for further details. JTB Gaiarec Official Site

About JTB Gaiarec

Founded in 1980 as a specialized company for sports-related products, JTB Gaiarec has evolved as JTB Group's sole expert in Special Interest Tours, focusing on skiing, snowboarding, adventure tourism, and various cultural encounters. The company is dedicated to stimulating curiosity and fostering active and safe travel that allows experiences of the planet's richness.

Inquiries

For more information, please contact:
JTB Gaiarec, Special Interest Tour Department
Phone: 03-6810-1933
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Closed Sundays and holidays)
E-mail: [email protected]