Lieutenant Lerch Statue

Simple statue

This is the a simple statue of Col Lerch. He was known to introduce skiing to the region and Japan. The surrounding park is very nice.

The Man in the hat....

The man in the hat is.... Major Theodore Edler von Lerch, statue stands beside highway 5, as you drive in to Kutchan from Niseko, It's on your right hand side just before you reach Max Value Supermark...

A bronze statue that is not a loose character

Original Text

At the entrance of the park along National Highway No. 5, there is a bronze statue of Colonel Lerch wearing skis. Mr. Lerch is a loose character in Niigata Prefecture, so I was surprised that there was a statue in Kutchan. You were also teaching skiing at the Asahigaoka Ski Resort in the town.

Ski culture

Original Text

You can see Colonel Lerch, who is said to have brought ski culture to Japan for the first time. Since toilets are provided, you can take a break for a drive.

Father of Japanese skiing

Original Text

I've been skiing to Kutchan for about 10 years, but I couldn't see it because there was only a heavy snowfall area and it was always buried in snow or hidden in the snow wall. Is it the influence of warm winter this year? There was little snow and I was able to go close and worship the statue. As a statue, it feels like it is often found overseas, but it is not overly dignified, so I was deeply moved to see it.