``Yuki Toro Festival'' will be held on February 25th in front of Makado Onsen Ski Resort ``Attaka House Makado no Mori'' (Jitsuzukiyama, Noheji Town, TEL 0175-64-0778 ).

This event aims to dispel the negative image that local residents have about snow and create an opportunity for them to reconsider it as a tourist resource. Masaki Momota, chairman of the Yukitoro Festival executive committee, said, ``When a friend from Osaka came to Noheji, he was very excited to take pictures of the snowy landscape.I thought that snow and the countryside could be used to revitalize the region.'' .

Talks began in earnest in October last year. When Mr. Momota was talking with a construction company about snow removal this winter, the topic of events involving snow came up. ``I decided to volunteer as the executive committee chair because I thought it might be an opportunity to revitalize the area.I'm making preparations while consulting with people around me and getting advice,'' Momota said. The name of the event was chosen because snow removal is called ``yuki torokashi'' in the local dialect.

On the day of the festival, there will be a snow play area with snow slides, snow huts and igloo experiences, and restaurants will be selling miso soup and coffee made with young scallops. There will also be a corner where you can experience winter camping, such as bonfires and wood-splitting.

Mr. Momota says, ``You can enjoy stick bread at the bonfire booth and grill the vegetables you bought.Each corner has a high degree of freedom, so I want you to enjoy Noheji's winter in your own way.The theme is ``Rural.'' Although there are some inconveniences due to the nature of the event, I hope that people will see that as part of the fun.''

The event is held from 10:00 to 17:00. free entrance.