Yuzawa Naeba Alpine Ski World Cup

Some of the world's best skiers heading to Japan

Community writer

Lots of stickers and flags in town showing support for the event

Sports events can bring lots of visitors to a region. This could well be the case on February 12, 13 & 14 which sees the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup come to Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, Niigata. Some of the world's top ski racers will come to Naeba to compete in the men's Slalom and men's Giant Slalom events.

It is a rare chance to see a World Cup Ski Race in Japan (the last one was held at Shiga Kogen in Nagano in 2006). Coincidentally, the very first FIS Alpine Ski World Cup was held at Naeba in 1973, the year after the Winter Olympics in Sapporo.

It promises to be a fantastic event and has been in the works since 2013 with lots of hours of planning going into its organization. It will take place on the main face of Naeba Ski Resort and should offer great viewing for skiers and non-skiers alike. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday February 12th, with the Giant Slalom on the Saturday and the Slalom on the Sunday.

There is always a special atmosphere at these races and it is hoped there will be a great turn out to welcome an Alpine Ski World Cup race back to Japanese soil.