Location: GETO KOGEN
The Ou Mountains, the backbone of the Tohoku region, stretch for 500km from north to south across each prefecture, resulting in a rich variety of terrain and dry, light powder snow. In addition to the quality of the mountains and snow, the area is also rich in the simple, Michinoku atmosphere that is unique to Tohoku. Many overseas filmmakers and riders are fans of the powder snow and travel atmosphere that can only be experienced in Tohoku. Another reason for the support of enthusiastic users is that the areas are relatively uncrowded. Let's take a look at the endlessly fascinating powder snow fields of Tohoku
Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort | Aomori Prefecture
A mountain ski resort with both tree runs and backcountry
Like Asahidake in Hokkaido, this is a hardcore mountain ski resort with no trace of a resort-style ski area. The ski area only has one ropeway and one lift, and surprisingly, there is no groomed snow run, so the entire area is a powder field. The upper part of the slope is steep, and beyond that is a forest of frost-covered trees. You can enjoy a long run of up to 7km while feeling the untouched, majestic nature
Another attraction of Hakkoda is the ease and plentiful off-piste skiing. You can quickly gain altitude by ropeway, and from the summit station there are at least five routes radiating out, offering endless variety. However, this is only for guided tour participants or skiers who are familiar with the area; it is safer for beginners to Hakkoda to take a guided tour. The Hakkoda Guide Club has an established reputation for its excellent operations
Another advantage of Hakkoda is the length of its powder season. Even when other areas experience spring-like conditions by late March, Hakkoda is still in peak season. It is not uncommon to find deep snow even in May
Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort's famous powder course
Video 0:22~0:56 Direct Course
0:57~1:57 Forest Course
・Direct course
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 11 degrees / Distance: 3500m / Slope orientation: -
This is the most popular course in Hakkoda. There are no steep slopes, and the slope is just right, eventually leading to Hakkoda Park. Be careful, as there are some narrow sections along the way
・Forest Course
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 8 degrees / Distance: 5000m / Slope orientation: -
The run is a long 5km, with the first 1km being a wide, steep slope, followed by a gentler section through the forest. You can enjoy a light tree run while admiring the fantastic frost-covered trees of Hakkoda. However, on the day after a heavy snowfall, you may need to pedal on a gentler slope
・Tour route (Prince, Central, Jokagura, Bronze Statue, Hakkoda Onsen, Hokibatai route)
This tour route takes advantage of Mt. Hakkoda's topography and snow conditions to select slopes suitable for skiing. You can enjoy comfortable and varied skiing on large, treeless slopes and through the forest. However, due to the natural conditions, there are dangerous areas such as snow cornices and crevasses. It is safer not to enter the mountain alone
http://www.hakkoda-ropeway.jp/service/ski
Appi Kogen Ski Resort | Iwate Prefecture
The ever-expanding ungroomed courses and tree running areas of
Appi in Tohoku
Appi Kogen is known as "Appi in Tohoku" as a resort complex with beautiful, sparkling corduroy runs, some of the longest courses in the country, and high-end hotels. 21 courses radiate out from Maemoriyama, an independent peak at 1,304m above sea level, and half of the courses are over 2km long. Looking at the course map, you'll be amazed at the scale of the course
Thanks to its topographical conditions and its location at 40 degrees north latitude, Appi's snow is fine-grained and does not harden easily. In recent years, Appi has steadily expanded its ungroomed snow and tree run areas, and now has five areas. Not only is the terrain varied, but there is also a wide variety of trees, making tree runs where you can enjoy the beauty of Tohoku's nature a truly special experience
Appi Kogen Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Varied tit course
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 23 degrees / Distance: 900m / Slope orientation: East
Speaking of interesting places in Appi, this place in Nishimoriyama comes first. It is the largest powder zone in Appi, and of course the entire area is ungroomed. Because it is at a high altitude, high-quality powder accumulates. With a maximum gradient of 32 degrees, it is a steep slope with spray and is of excellent length
・2nd Sailer Course A
Maximum gradient: 34 degrees, average gradient: 16 degrees / Distance: 2300m / Slope orientation: East
The second Sailer course, A, B, and C, are all long courses that are perfect for beginners, but course A is particularly exciting and technical. The upper part of the course is steep and ungroomed, resulting in deep powder. There are natural moguls from the center, and powder remains on both sides of the course. From the middle of the course, you can enjoy skiing off the walls
・Tree Run Zone
Attack, Bravo, Cruise1, Cruise2, Dragon Tail
Appi's two-run zone is constantly expanding. It's a new attraction that will appeal strongly to skiers. The five areas now total 600,000 square meters! There are two vast tree fields in Nishimoriyama at the back, and three in Maemoriyama at the front. You can't beat the long runs that only Appi can offer
◆Official website: https://www.appi.co.jp/
Hachimantai Resort Panorama & Shimokura | Iwate Prefecture
The famous "Shimokura Wall"
attracts many skiers looking for the finest powder.
This highland resort stretches out on the north side of Mt. Iwate and is made up of Panorama Ski Resort, which spreads out behind the base of Hachimantai Mountain Hotel, and Shimokura Ski Resort, which unfolds on the eastern slope of Shimokurayama, a corner of Hachimantai. Both ski resorts are about a 10-minute ride away by free shuttle bus, and the lift tickets are the same, so you can come and go as you please. Panorama is the place to enjoy a relaxing resort life in hot springs, while Shimokura is the place to go if you want to tackle powder snow. Each resort is unique in its own way
Located on the eastern slope of Mt. Shimokura at an altitude of 1,177m, Shimokura Ski Resort is well-protected from winds and boasts a 99.4% lift operation rate. The resort is also home to the finest, most moisture-free powder known as "ultralight powder." In addition to the slopes, the resort also offers four types of tree run areas where you can fully enjoy the powder
Additionally, by using the lift to access Shimokura Ski Resort, local guide clubs offer a variety of backcountry programs in the Hachimantai backcountry area. Shimokura is a paradise in Tohoku for hardcore powder snow lovers
・Diamond course
Maximum gradient: 37 degrees, average gradient: - degrees / Distance: 1020m / Slope orientation: East
It's a single run with a length of about 1,000m and a maximum gradient of 37 degrees! One of the steepest faces in Japan, this famous run in Shimokura is known as "Shimokura's Wall." Because it's ungroomed, you're guaranteed to experience overhead skiing after a snowfall. There are also points for hitting the slopes and jumping. When there's little snow, the run becomes full of challenging mogul slopes and rough, varied terrain, increasing your motivation to conquer
・Tree run area DROP
Maximum gradient: 37 degrees, average gradient: - degrees / Distance: 1020+m / Slope orientation: East
The forest south of the Diamond Course has been opened as a tree run area. The terrain is richly undulating, with steeper slopes the higher you go, large beech trees growing at perfect intervals, and the snow is excellent. Located along the No. 3 lift, you can go back and forth between the slopes and the drop area by using the lift, which is another attractive feature
・Tree running area CRUISE
Maximum gradient: - degrees Average: - degrees / Distance: 2000+m / Slope direction: North
This cruise runs through the forest to the north along a silky, curving course that starts from the top of Shimokura Ski Resort at an altitude of 1,130m. The slope is relatively gentle, with the trees open and easy to ski on, and the run is 2km long. As the name suggests, you can enjoy comfortable and luxurious tree-lined cruising
◆Official website: https://www.hachimantai.co.jp/winter/
Geto Plateau | Iwate Prefecture
The 14 tree run areas are the perfect combination of Japan's heaviest
snowfall and powder tree runs.
Located in the southwest of Iwate Prefecture, Geto Plateau is bordered by the Kitakami Mountains to the east and the Ou Mountains to the west. The terrain is blessed with abundant dry powder, making Geto Plateau the "heavy snow" region, recording the highest snowfall in Honshu. Starting in November, the plateau receives 1.5 meters of natural snow, making it one of the fastest snowfalls in Japan. By December, the snowfall exceeds 5 meters in an instant, and during the peak season in January and February, it can reach nearly 10 meters
With snow falling nonstop every day, the slopes are constantly being reset with fresh powder. During Geto's peak season, the "powder reset rate" is an astonishing 52% in December, 72% in January, and 64% in February
There are 14 general runs served by two gondolas and three lifts, but in recent years the tree run area has been expanded year by year, bringing the total to 14. The beautiful forest, woven with a rich terrain full of undulating streams, has courses that make use of the varied terrain, allowing you to enjoy powder riding in the beautiful forest
・Tree Run Area Shooter
Maximum gradient: 38 degrees, average gradient: 22 degrees / Distance: 595m / Slope orientation: -
Entering from the middle of the A1 course, this thrilling area overcomes large and small undulations and descends along the ridge. The area has been significantly expanded since the 2018 season, with the shooter divided into a total of four areas, each corresponding to the number of valleys
There are various ways to enjoy the area depending on where you aim. Shooter - As the name suggests, aim for the line you aim for and shoot it down. The trees are densely packed just before you leave the area, so you should be able to take a relatively smooth line all the way to the end. After snowfall, you can enjoy a track-free area all morning on weekends, and all day on weekdays
・Tree run area BEECH
Maximum gradient: 25 degrees, average gradient: 17 degrees / Distance: 865m / Slope orientation: -
This is an area where you can tree run at a comfortable speed. The start is lined with several steep ridges, allowing you to perform a variety of tricks using the undulations. The slope gradually becomes gentler in the middle, but the trees are spaced farther apart, allowing you to pass through smoothly. When it snows, you can enjoy knee-high and waist-high pow
・C3 course
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees Average: - degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: -
C3 is a wide, intermediate long run with a single run that is slightly steep. The snow is generally ungroomed, and it's a medium slope where you can enjoy long powder cruising. Depending on how you ski, you can enjoy a variety of different ways. Right after the quad lift starts operating, you can carve turns on the smooth run!
Mount Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort | Akita Prefecture
Enjoy a beautiful powder run in a fantastical forest of frost-covered trees while admiring the majestic mountain ranges of the famous Ou Mountains.
Located almost in the center of Akita Prefecture, Mount Moriyoshi is a ski resort overlooking the majestic mountain range of the famous Ou Mountains, affectionately known locally as "Mount Akita." The entire slope is beautifully covered in frost-covered trees, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while skiing comfortably. The "extra-large frost-covered trees" near the summit gondola station are a spectacular sight, giving you a sense of the breath of nature. Near the summit, which is reached by a 3.5km gondola, there are beautiful clusters of frost-covered trees. This scenery, the abundant snowfall and high-quality powder snow are unique to Moriyoshi-Ani
Moriyoshi-Ani Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Challenge course
Maximum gradient: 28 degrees, average gradient: 16 degrees / Distance: 850m / Slope orientation: -
An ungroomed course where you can enjoy a variety of terrain, including fresh snow and moguls
・Paradise Course
Maximum gradient: 25 degrees, average gradient: 12 degrees / Distance: 2,800m / Slope orientation: -
A comfortable long course with beautiful frost-covered trees overlooking the Ou Mountain Range
◆Official website: https://www.aniski.jp/
Tengendai Plateau | Yamagata Prefecture
This is a powder slope in the sky, with the highest quality snow in Honshu
Located on the backside of Mount Bandai, the Tengendai Plateau has an elevation of over 1,800m at its peak and a north-facing slope, which means that the snow quality is said to be "the best powder in Honshu," and it boasts an impressive amount of snowfall. It also boasts a long season that lasts six months, from early December to Golden Week in May. At the base are Shirabu Onsen and Shintakayu Onsen, which have the atmosphere of hidden hot springs, and the environment after the climb is also impeccable
From the foot of the mountain where the parking lot is located, you can take a ropeway straight up to the plateau, which is 1,350m above sea level. The ski resort spreads out beyond, giving it the feel of a "piste in the sky." The beautiful scenery, complete with frost-covered trees, is also one of Tengendai's attractions. The long, vertical layout offers a variety of slopes, and even an ungroomed powder zone is open to the public. In the high season, you can enjoy an ultra-long run of 6km. There is also an environment where you can go out into the backcountry from the slopes
・Tsugamori East Wall
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 12 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: North
Experience the finest powder snow only possible at an altitude of 1,820m. A vast virgin forest of tsuga diversifolia and mariesii trees stretches out before you, and the tree run course weaves through the frost-covered trees. At the top is a powder zone that doesn't require compaction, and below you you can enjoy a panoramic view of Yamagata's famous peaks, including Iide, Asahi, Gassan, Chokai, and Zao
・White birch powder zone
Maximum gradient: 21 degrees, average gradient: 14 degrees / Distance: 600m / Slope orientation: North
The ungroomed line stretches down the left side of the slope. With its undulating slopes, moderate steepness, and width, it's perfect for long runs of powder. On weekdays, even if the area is bustling with students taking ski lessons, the ungroomed line is deserted, and on weekdays after snowfall, the powder can remain until the afternoon
+PLUS "2023 Nishiazumayama x Tengendai Plateau x Shirabu Onsen Area Reborn Project"
The first track tour, dubbed the "Nishi-Azumayama x Tengendai Plateau x Shirabu Onsen Area Reborn Project," which began in the 2021-2022 season, will continue into the 2022-2023 season! A 15-passenger sightseeing snow-compact vehicle takes you to Kita-Moudai, an elevation of 1,820m, where you can enjoy guided powder riding on the east and west walls of Tsugamori. Advance reservations are required (reservations accepted until 4:00 PM the day before) and are limited to nine people. This tour is open to advanced guests staying at the "Albu Pension" in Tengendai Plateau
| time | 7:20～8:20 |
| Fee | 3,500 yen per person |
| held | Every Sunday from January 8th (Sun) to February 26th (Sun) 2023 |
*For more details, click here
◆Official website: https://www.winter.tengendai.jp/
Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort | Miyagi Prefecture
A 4.3km long cruise overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Un-groomed areas are also scattered throughout.
Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort is about an hour's drive from Sendai city. It is the largest ski resort in Miyagi Prefecture. Spread across the northeastern ridge of Mount Eboshi in the Zao mountain range, it offers a wonderful location with panoramic views of the Sendai Plain and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. You can enjoy a pleasant 4.3km long cruise while taking in the majestic nature of Tohoku. The resort is also renowned for the quality of its light powder, which is unique to Tohoku
As for the 2022-2023 season, two-time Olympic Games participant and current national team coach, Takashi Endo, will be the course director, and a mogul course will open at Ishiko Slope. This will be of great interest to mogul lovers
Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort's famous powder course
・Dynamic Course (1-3)
Maximum gradient: 35 degrees, average gradient: 22 degrees / Distance: 450m / Slope orientation: -
This dynamic course offers a 4.3km downhill run from the top of the slope, with views all the way to the Pacific Ocean
・Nature Zone
Maximum gradient: 24 degrees, average gradient: 12 degrees / Distance: 650m / Slope orientation: -
・Challenge course
Maximum gradient: 35 degrees, average gradient: 25 degrees / Distance: 700m / Slope orientation: -
This is a steep slope that represents Miyagi Zao Eboshi. Because the snow is ungroomed, you can enjoy deep, steep powder rides with a maximum of 35 degrees after snowfall
◆Official website: http://www.eboshi.co.jp/
Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Ski Resort | Fukushima Prefecture
Perfect for those who want to enjoy both ultra-fine micro-fine snow
The season starts early at the end of November, and you can enjoy skiing for about five months until Golden Week in May. The north-facing slopes at an altitude of 1,000m from the base are covered with Nekoma's unique "microfine snow," which is made up of ultra-fine particles
The slopes extend in three directions from the bottom, making it a rare, technical ski resort with 40% of the slopes suitable for advanced skiers. There are also plenty of ungroomed runs, so powder lovers will find the steep faces addictive. Nekoma's park is also a specialty. The park's items and level change as the season progresses. When the snow is of good quality, landing from jumps is less strenuous, making it easy to practice. Another convenient and great value is the ability to freely travel between Hoshino Resort Alts Bandai on the other side with a common lift ticket
・Deep 1
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 14 degrees / Distance: 1200m / Slope orientation: North
This is Powder Heaven, the highest elevation resort in the resort, with plenty of fresh micro-fine snow accumulating on its courses. As its name suggests, it's deep, with a course length of 1,200m and a slope of up to 30 degrees, creating faces that send up overhead spray. After the snowfall, there's bound to be a scramble for powder, but if you get up early, you're sure to get your fill of it
Forest 2
Maximum gradient: 21 degrees, average gradient: 11 degrees / Distance: 350m / Slope orientation: -
A tree running course in a beech forest. The depression-like terrain allows for a varied run. After snowfall, it can turn into a deep powder field. Be careful not to get bogged down in unexpectedly deep powder
Forest 3
Maximum gradient: 21 degrees, average gradient: 15 degrees / Distance: 900m / Slope orientation: -
If you want to have fun exploring the terrain in Nekoma, this is the place! This course is full of ups and downs. On both sides of the course are streams with towering walls. The course is long enough that you can enjoy rhythmic cruising while hitting the walls
◆Official website: https://www.nekoma.co.jp/