Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki (Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture), one of the largest ski resorts in the Kansai region, has undertaken a major renovation of its rental facilities, totaling 980 million yen, in preparation for its opening in the 2025-26 season. The rental house, which is 2.5 times larger than before, is equipped with 5,000 ski and snowboard rental sets, making it one of the largest in Japan, and creating an environment where you can visit empty-handed with peace of mind
5,000 rental sets available! "No stockouts" - empty-handed service available
The main newly introduced rental items are as follows:
- Skis and snowboards: 500 each
- Ski boots: 700 pairs, Snowboard boots: 300 pairs
- Apparel: 1,000 pieces (in trendy earth tones)
- Stocks and helmets provided
This will create a lineup that satisfies beginners, intermediate and advanced riders alike, and some high-end models will also be available for rental
Improved access and expanded facilities for a stress-free experience
Focus is also being placed on improving convenience, with the following improvements being made to the new facility:
- Flow design that allows direct access from the second floor to the slopes
- Two new Fujitec escalators installed
- Adding 1,200 coin lockers to the total of 2,500
- Newly installed state-of-the-art toilets and changing rooms greatly improve comfort
- Increased the ratio of online reservations from 40% to 80%, significantly shortening reception times
The fastest in Western Japan! Opening on November 14th, with a maximum of 150 days of operation
The resort is scheduled to open on Friday, November 14th, 2025, the earliest opening date in Western Japan. With the latest snow-making equipment, including eight artificial snow machines from Techno Alpin, the world-renowned snowmaker, the resort will be able to produce up to 525 tons of snow per day, and is expected to have the longest opening days in Western Japan at 150 days
In addition, 37 snow machines (manufactured by SMI) are in operation, capable of covering approximately 80% of the slopes with artificial snow, ensuring a stable snowfall, including in the kids' park
Grand Snow Radio is now open! Bringing entertainment to the slopes
The much talked about "Grand Snow Radio" has been launched inside the rental house. It will feature music from professional DJs active on FM stations, information on the slopes, and even guest appearances by celebrities, YouTubers, and athletes, further enhancing the entertainment value of the ski resort
Great food! A cutting-edge restaurant offering over 80 different gourmet dishes
The facility features a stylish restaurant called "Food Park Piste" and a family-friendly "Food Court," offering a lineup of approximately 80 international and Japanese gourmet dishes. New menu items include "Charcoal-grilled Chicken Skirt Steak Rice Bowl," "Rich Spicy Hormone Hot Pot," and "Panini."
Information
Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki (formerly Oku-Ibuki Ski Resort)
Oku-Ibuki, Kozuhara, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture
Official website: https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/
TEL: 0749-59-0322