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've never had the chance to try summer skiing before, and I've always avoided it, not because I'd tried it, but because I'd never actually tried it. This time, I was given the opportunity to do some reporting, so I decided to give it a go, but the result was that I couldn't even begin to describe carving. This was despite the fact that I'd heard it was perfect for practicing carving.
Protecting my camera from the sprinklers embedded in the course, and also because I'd heard that "falling hurts," I started by prioritizing safety and focusing on filming while maintaining a "V" shape with my skis.
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
offers stable conditions for practice, unaffected by snowfall.Kagura Summer Ski ResortWith its wide and long courses, it boasts some of the largest runs in Japan, providing an
unforgettable skiing experience! The course offers a variety of runs, including 10 consecutive waves, 10 consecutive moguls, and a 120m-long 30-mogul run. A major advantage is that you can maintain your skiing feel during the off-season and start the season already warmed up. Some describe it as a completely different activity in a good way, offering the fun of learning a new sport while gaining valuable lessons from its unique characteristics. The
grippy PISLAB mats leave no room for error, directly transmitting your movements to the skis, allowing you to better understand your own skiing habits. Furthermore, the increased resistance compared to snow unintentionally leads to slower-speed practice, allowing you to carefully review basic movements. This is likely to contribute to improving 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!
Summer skiing equipment can be rented at "Mitsumata Station" next to the parking lot. They have everything from specialized skis and boots to protective gear, and the staff will carefully adjust everything to your skill level, so even beginners can feel at ease. Changing rooms and lockers are also available for convenience. It was a hot day, and they were offering free shaved ice.
Rentals are provided and managed by "Kureb," 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 as my boots were slippery, but I managed to put on my skis and start.
The 1,100m long course gives you a sense of accomplishment just by skiing down it once, and its length naturally encourages improvement. The slope increases slightly along the way, but you can't go as fast as in winter, so it's safe.
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 stroll around the area. The weeds around the course were growing rapidly because of the watering, but the area was well-maintained thanks to the grass cutting done in the heat. The rest house wasn't as crowded as in winter, and we enjoyed a lunch menu featuring summer vegetables and local ingredients. There was also a space where children could take off their boots and read books.
We even saw some regulars who had brought tents and shaved ice machines and were spending the whole 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."
The key is whether you can wait for the board to naturally come in after you've caught it, and whether you have the "courage" to point the board downwards. On the snow, it's easy to rely on speed and edges, but that won't get you anywhere.
I learned a lot of other "aha!" moments and tips on how to handle the equipment, but to avoid regretting not joining a ski school from the beginning, I highly recommend Kagura SkiSchool!
I want to stay as a set! Naeba Prince Hotel
After enjoying gravity-based play, take some time to contemplate the universe and the stars.
Take the Naeba Prince Hotel's "HOSHIZORA Gondola" up to the mountaintop at an altitude of 1,500m, and an extraordinary world unfolds in the quiet forest, a place you wouldn't normally enter.
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 isalso attractive during the green season!
Niigata Prefecture aims to become a "snow education resort."
While the ski resorts throughout the prefecture are essentially "mountains without snow" if viewed from the perspective of a ski resort, what I felt during this interview was their great potential as playgrounds and learning spaces, utilizing their rich natural environment and vast grounds. This outdoor field, packed with things to do in the summer, is a place that can satisfy everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to families, young people, and couples. With excellent access, just about two hours from the city center, it 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