How many skiers and snowboarders have actually skied on a summer slope? This time, one of our editorial staff members, who has a long history of winter skiing but has never tried summer skiing, tried summer skiing for the first time at Kagura Summer Slope! We'll show you what it was like and introduce some recommended ways to spend your time at Naeba Prince Hotel, a charming summer resort.
Introduction
For some reason, I had never had the chance to try summer skiing, and up until now I'd avoided it, not because I hadn't tried it, but because I hadn't even tried it. This time, when I was given the opportunity to do an interview, I took the plunge
and gave it a go, but in the end, I couldn't even get the slightest hint of carving. This was despite the fact that I'd heard it was the perfect place to practice carving. While protecting my camera from the sprinklers buried in the course, and having heard that it would hurt if I fell, I started by focusing on filming, putting safety first and maintaining a V-shape.
Kagura Summer Slope: One of the largest in Japan
Mitsumata Kagura Ski Resort is located in the Mitsumata area of Kagura Ski Resort, one of Japan's leading mountain resorts, Mt. Naeba. The summer slopes are at an altitude of 900m. They are open for seven months in winter and three months in summer, making it a rare opportunity to ski all year round.
The course is approximately 1,100m long and 25-50m wide, making it one of the largest in Japan. The family course, with an average gradient of 11 degrees and a maximum gradient of 18 degrees, is covered with Italian resin mats called "PISLAB." Summer skiing using artificial mats has been introduced in parts of North America and Asia, but it is only in Japan that it has become so widespread. It can be said to be a unique culture in Japan, where there are no high-altitude glacier ski resorts.
There are so many benefits to skiing in the summer!
Although I didn't enjoy carving or improve my skills during my few experiences, which also served as research, I realized that once you get the hang of it, it can be a great way to train during the off-season and also as a summer activity. I would like to introduce the appeal of summer skiing once again.
1. Ideal for improving your skills
Kagura Summer Slope where you can practice under stable conditions unaffected by snowfall, boasts some of the widest and longest runs in Japan, offering exceptional skiing. It offers a wide variety of terrain, including 10 consecutive waves, 10 consecutive moguls, and a 120-meter long 30 consecutive moguls. The
advantage is that you can maintain your skiing sense even during the off-season and start the season with your feet already broken in. Some say that as an activity, it's a different experience in a good way, offering the fun of learning a new sport while also offering learning opportunities that are uniquely different.
The grippy PISLAB mats eliminate the ability to cheat, and your movements are directly transmitted to your skis, allowing you to clearly identify your own skiing habits. Furthermore, because they offer more sliding resistance than snow, you'll unintentionally practice at a slower speed, allowing you to thoroughly refine your basic movements. They also likely help improve your sense of balance, leg strength, and core strength.
Above all, depending on the amount of water, spring snow and icy snow can be mixed underfoot, so you have to be on your toes for even a moment, and it's sure to be a great training exercise for your ability to adapt and your positioning.
2. A unique experience you can't have in winter
The extraordinary feeling of skiing on slopes surrounded by greenery, the seasonal atmosphere created by butterflies and birds, and the exhilaration of skiing while feeling the fresh breeze of the plateau are all things you can only experience on a summer slope. Even if you're not skiing, you can enjoy lunch or a stroll on the cool plateau, and with lift tickets free for elementary school students and younger, it's recommended as a family summer outing and activity.
3. Check your equipment and tools
Being able to check the fit of your boots and the feel of your boards before the season is extremely helpful. If you can get into winter with not only your technique but also your equipment in top condition, you can enjoy the season longer and safely. Another appealing feature is that you can easily try out summer-only rental gear.
4. A place for interaction
In addition to being able to exchange information with fellow enthusiastic skiers who enjoy skiing even in the summer, you can also enjoy a leisurely lunch on the restaurant's terrace. The cool, open space encourages lively conversation.
Trying summer skiing for the first time!
You can rent all your summer skiing gear at Mitsumata Station, located next to the parking lot. They have everything from skis and boots to protectors, and the staff will carefully adjust your gear to suit your level, so even beginners can feel at ease. There are also changing rooms and lockers on-site, which is convenient. It was a hot day, so they were offering free shaved ice.
Rentals are provided and managed by Clev, a large winter and outdoor sports specialty store in Niigata.
As you head to the top of the mountain by ropeway, you'll see lush greenery below. Immediately after disembarking, you'll see the pure white slopes. The moment you step off, you'll feel a relaxed atmosphere that's quite different from winter. There's plenty of space to put your belongings, and the time flows more slowly. Everyone is enjoying skiing at their own pace, and the atmosphere is free and peaceful.
Stepping onto the mat, I felt nervous at the slippery feeling of sliding even with my boots, but I somehow managed to put on my skis and get started.
The long course, 1,100m in length, gives a sense of accomplishment even after just one run, and the length naturally encourages improvement. The slope increases a little along the way, but it's reassuring because you won't be able to go as fast as in winter.
On narrow courses, there is a concern of collision due to differences in the arc of turns, but Kagura's summer slopes are among the widest in Japan, and you can practice to your heart's content using the wide courses, from large turns on skis to freestyle tricks on snowboards. There were also moments when you could feel the nature that is unique to summer, such as a butterfly crossing your feet while you were skiing.
One run will get you completely soaked from head to toe, but feeling the breeze on the lift feels so comfortable, like lying on the beach after a swim.
In contrast to the calm lifting time, a high-pitched noise echoed in the pistol lab every time a board was moved. It sounded like a zipper being quickly opened and closed. Perhaps skilled skiers couldn't hear it, but I was so embarrassed and laughed at the noise I was making that I couldn't concentrate on skiing, so I ended up calling it a day after four runs.
After skiing, you'll have to be careful when carrying your skis, as they'll have shavings from the mat stuck to them. Sunglasses or goggles are useful because you might get splashed in the face with water from the sun or water sprinklers. You'll also need to show your lift ticket when descending, so be careful not to let your skis get ruined by the water.
Afterwards, we took a walk around the area. The weeds around the course were growing rapidly due to the watering, but the area had been well maintained thanks to the mowing in the heat. The rest house was not as crowded as it would be in winter, and we could enjoy a lunch menu made with summer vegetables and local ingredients. There was also a space where children could take off their boots and read books.
We saw some regulars bringing tents and shaved ice machines and spending the day relaxing outside.
"Tips on how to skate" learned at the school
As I was walking along feeling down because I couldn't ski properly, I spotted a ski school staff member tuning up my skis outside. I decided to speak to them and they told me the most important thing: to "wait for your skis."
After catching the board, can you wait for the board to come in naturally? And can you find the courage to point the board down? On the snow, we tend to rely on speed and edges, but that won't get you skiing well.
Kagura Ski School so you don't end up regretting not joining a school from the beginning !
I want to stay as a set! Naeba Prince Hotel
After enjoying playing with gravity, take some time to contemplate the universe and the stars.
Take the HOSHIZORA Gondola at Naeba Prince Hotel to the summit at an altitude of 1,500m, and you'll find yourself in an extraordinary world in a quiet forest that is usually off-limits.
The starry sky elicited cheers, and some children even asked, "How are stars formed?" This experience, which stimulates curiosity and a sense of exploration, is sure to become a more precious memory than just a summer holiday.
In addition to admiring the starry sky from the terrace, you can enjoy a unique menu at the star-themed HOSHIZORA Cafe, read a book with your children, or spend a special evening however you like.
Staying overnight means even more fun! The vast grounds offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, with 38 different options, including buggies, mountain biking, pools, slides, SUP, and cycling. You can also soothe your fatigue in the natural hot spring "Naeba no Yu," which is available exclusively to guests, and enjoy gourmet food at six diverse restaurants.
Niigata Prefecture is also attractive during the green season!
Niigata Prefecture aims to become a "snow-raising resort."
Ski resorts throughout the prefecture are "mountains without snow" when viewed from the perspective of ski resorts, but what we felt through this coverage was that they have great potential as playgrounds and learning spaces, taking advantage of the abundant nature and vast grounds. The outdoor fields are packed with things to do in the summer, and are a place that can satisfy everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to families, young people, and couples. Located just two hours from central Tokyo, they are easily accessible and can be thoroughly enjoyed even on a day trip.
This summer, experience new things and make memories in the snowy country of Niigata!
Information
Naeba Prince Hotel
202 Mikuni, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture
TEL: 025-789-2211
Official website | Naeba Prince Hotel
Kagura Ski Resort (Mitsumata Station)
742 Mitsumata, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture
TEL: 025-788-9221
Official website | Kagura Ski Resort