Laughs
From fire-breathing dragons to half-boiled eggs on skis, the world of ski resort mascots is far weirder and far more wonderful than most people realize. Across the globe, resorts have dreamed up outlandish characters to charm kids, entertain visitors and embody their mountain’s spirit, often with results that defy logic and delight everyone.
#7 Schmidolin: The Fire-Breathing Dragon of Schmittenhöhebahn in Zell am see, Austria
Few ski resorts can say their mascot literally breathes fire, but Schmittenhöhe’s Schmidolin is no ordinary lizard. This green, wide-eyed dragon is the pride of Zell am See in Austria’s Salzburg Alps, where he roams the slopes spreading both cheer and smoke. The legend says Schmidolin is still learning how to control his fiery breath, which often leads to playful chaos around the mountain.
Kids can join “Schmidolin’s Adventure Trail,” a family-friendly zone filled with obstacles, treasure hunts and photo ops featuring the clumsy young dragon himself. In summer, he’s the star of a mountain quest game; in winter, he’s seen gliding alongside ski school groups, waving to beginners. Schmidolin may not be the most graceful creature on the slopes, but he’s one of the most unforgettable.
No. 6: Okomin – The Acorn-Hatted Stoat of Shiga Kogen, Japan
Deep in the mountains of Nagano at Shiga Kogen, where Japan’s winter magic runs wild, lives Okomin, a snow-white stoat with an acorn hat and an appetite for mischief. Known as the “Fairy of Shiga Kogen,” Okomin is part mascot, part mountain spirit, and all personality.
This short-tempered yet lovable creature is said to wander the slopes searching for tasty treats, vanishing as quickly as it appears. True to its real-life animal counterpart, Okomin’s fur turns pure white each winter to blend with the snow, the perfect disguise for a sneaky stoat.
Okomin embodies the whimsical side of Japan’s ski culture, blending playfulness and oddly fashionable. Whether you spot it on a lift sign, a souvenir plush or darting through your imagination, this acorn-capped critter is impossible to forget.
No. 5: Yappy Yapadu – The Yeti of Joy from St. Johann, Austria
Meet Yappy Yapadu, the blue-furred yeti of St. Johann in Tirol who’s made happiness his full-time job. With his bright smile, goofy antennae, and single shiny tooth, Yappy has become the cheerful face of Austria’s self-proclaimed “Region of Happiness.”
According to local lore, Yappy was born in the snowy Himalayas before journeying to the Alps in search of what happiness really means. Somewhere between learning to ski, exploring Tirol’s mountains and making friends on the slopes Yappy discovered his answer. Happiness lives in the memories we make outdoors with your friends.
You’ll find Yappy everywhere in St. Johann, from kids’ ski schools to hiking trails, plastered on plush toys and even starring in his own Yappy Song. Equal parts mascot, mountain spirit and life coach, Yappy Yapadu is proof that joy, like skiing, is best shared.
No. 4: Hantama-kun – The Half-Boiled Egg of Hunter Mountain Shiobara, Japan
Japan’s ski mascots are known for being weirdly adorable, but Hantama-kun might take the crown, or, in this case, the eggshell. The official mascot of Hunter Mountain Shiobara in Tochigi Prefecture, Hantama-kun is a half-boiled egg who spends his days shredding the slopes on skis or a snowboard, yolk proudly exposed.
His trademark move? Sprinkling salt on himself. It’s a playful nod to the classic Japanese onsen tamago, the soft-boiled egg cooked in natural hot springs and a wink at the region’s famous hot baths. Resort guests love watching the cheerful egg zip around the snow, pausing dramatically to season himself mid-turn.
No. 3: Wolli – The Woolly Wonder of Zermatt, Switzerland
At the base of the mighty Matterhorn, amid luxury chalets and endless alpine views, one unlikely star steals the spotlight. Wolli, the cheerful black-nosed sheep of Zermatt. With his fluffy white coat, big friendly eyes and signature red overalls, Wolli has become the unofficial ambassador of Swiss mountain charm.
Inspired by the real-life Valais blacknose sheep, a beloved local breed often called “the world’s cutest sheep.” Wolli was created to bring warmth and personality to Zermatt’s family-friendly slopes. His name graces Wolli’s Park, a dedicated beginner area where young skiers can take their first turns in a safe, storybook setting. He’s also the face of the Wolli Card, a resort pass for kids that includes discounts, events and a world of fluffy perks.
But Wolli’s fame stretches far beyond ski school. He stars in animated videos, storybooks, plush toys and even resort signage that reads “Welcome to Wolli’s World.” Whether he’s dancing at festivals or greeting guests at the lift station, Wolli represents everything about Swiss magic.
No. 2: Kamonohashi – The Platypus Warrior of Hanazono, Japan
Deep in the snowy paradise of Niseko’s Hanazono Ski Resort lives Kamonohashi, a platypus with a passion for powder and a flair for the dramatic. Wearing ski goggles and a red Kendo headband, this Australian-born warrior has traded the Outback for the slopes, bringing both charm and chaos to Hokkaido’s mountains.
Kamonohashi was created to represent the resort’s Australian–Japanese partnership, embodying two worlds that collided to form one of Japan’s most international ski destinations. His backstory tells of a traveling fighter skilled in every snow sport imaginable, carving turns with precision, mastering the art of Kendo on snow and spreading good vibes wherever he goes.
Kamonohashi captures the bold, offbeat creativity that defines Niseko. He’s proof that even a platypus can carve out legend status in Japan’s ski world.
No. 1: Naski: The Pickled Green of Nozawa Onsen, Japan
At Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture, Japan’s mascot creativity reaches peak flavor with Naski, a skiing personification of the region’s beloved vegetable, nozawana, a local variety of pickled mustard green. With a bright green head, rosy cheeks and a permanent smile, Naski hits the slopes looking like a lovable cross between broccoli, lettuce and pure joy.
Created to celebrate Nozawa’s agricultural roots, Naski blends food culture with ski culture in the most delightfully bizarre way possible. He’s often seen skiing through the village streets during festivals, greeting families at events and starring in resort promos that remind visitors to enjoy both the snow and the local specialties.
Playful, proud and distinctly Japanese, Naski captures everything bizarre and wonderful about mountain mascots. Whether you see a vegetable or a vegetable with skis, one thing’s certain, Naski leaves a lasting impression and a trail of smiles wherever he goes.
These bizarre creatures mascots are far more important than entrainment or a furry costume in the snow. They give ski resorts a sense of character and connection that stretches beyond the lifts. Each one reflects the imagination and pride of its community while sparking curiosity in a new generation of skiers and riders. In a time when winter sports are changing fast, they keep the spirit of the mountains grounded in fun, nostalgia and a shared love for the places that make it all possible.
