"Even if it's not snowing anywhere else, it's pouring down hard in Geto," "I hear the heavy snowfall in Geto is insane..." I wonder when we started hearing such reputations. Geto Kogen Ski Resort has recorded the highest snowfall in Japan, and for the past three seasons has been the fastest to fully open in Honshu, showing off its incredible "snowfall." Powder snow is a given, but they also have "heavy snow." And now, the ski resort boasts an incredibly vast tree run area. Let's take a closer look at Geto, which continues to evolve as a one-of-a-kind area with this ultimate package of "heavy snow + powder + tree run."
Just how heavy is the snowfall in Geto?
The average annual snowfall at the summit area of Geto has exceeded 22m over the past nine years. This is the equivalent of a seven-story building, and is truly astonishing. Here is a graph of the snowfall during the season:
Starting in November, when many ski resorts are running their snow machines at full capacity, the area receives 1.5 meters of natural snow, making it one of the fastest snowfall areas in Japan. By December, the snowfall exceeds 5 meters in the blink of an eye, and during the peak season in January and February, the snow piles up to nearly 10 meters. With snow falling continuously every day, the slopes are constantly refreshed with pristine powder
The "powder reset rate" during the peak season in Geto (as reported by Geto Kogen Ski Resort in 2022) is astonishing. If you go there, you'll likely hit powder
The reason why Geto has such a high chance of encountering powder snow is not just because it snows so often, but also because even on days when it doesn't snow, winds blow dry powder at night, covering skied tracks and resetting the slopes. In other words, because there's a chance of resetting in any weather, the chance of encountering powder snow is significantly higher. This creates excitement and anticipation for powder lovers, and if you're going skiing, you'll probably want to go a little further to get there
Why is Geto a "heavy snow"?
The Sea of Japan is warm even in winter because of the warm currents that flow through it. When cold winds blow from Siberia into the air above the sea, which is full of water vapor, rain clouds are formed over the sea. These rain clouds are carried by the wind and enter the land of the Tohoku region, and when they hit the high mountainsides, they bring snow
The Geto Plateau is located in the Ou Mountains, known as the backbone of Tohoku, stretching 500km from north to south. Snow clouds flowing in from the Sea of Japan dry out as they fall on the Ou Mountains, before passing through to the Pacific Ocean. If the mountain range were wider, snow would fall over a wider area, but the Geto Plateau area is located exactly at the narrowest part of the mountain range, so snow clouds tend to gather together and the snow falls in a small area. The illustration above makes it easy to visually understand how snowfall is concentrated in a small area on the Geto Plateau!
Another reason is that the Ogara Moriyama and Maezukamiyama mountains are located right in front of the ski resort, making it easier for snow clouds to stagnate. Geographically, this area is a huge snowdrift
A unique powder tree run in heavy snow
The "face" of Geto, on par with the heavy powder snow, is the tree runs on the slopes. Geto Kogen Ski Resort is a dream environment, with a beautiful forest woven with rich, undulating terrain like a stream, and the vast tree field is available for skiing
Experience the beauty and scale of this forest through the video!
The joy of skiing through this beautiful primeval beech forest, kicking up a puff of powder, is hard to put into words. You'll find yourself thinking, "I just want to try skiing at least once!" and "I have to go to Geto!"
The 2022-2023 season marks the eighth year since the ski resort opened its tree run area. Geto has now become a hugely popular resort, competing for the top spot in Japan for powder and tree run lovers, but what was the story behind this? Let's hear a little bit about the inside story
"Grow Up Treerun" is a great system that allows you to step up in the area level.
Each of the 14 tree run areas has its own unique charm, and naturally, the difficulty level varies. With so many areas to ski, it can be hard to know where to start or how to proceed, and you might even worry about whether your riding skills are up to the task when you jump into the forest with no clear view of what's ahead
So Geto came up with the groundbreaking concept of "Grow Up Treerun." Named "Grow Up Treerun," it was a completely new concept in which users could step up according to the difficulty levels of the tree run area. This conceptualized tree running not just as a way to have fun, but as a skill level for skiing, with levels set in the area. This was a fresh idea that had never been seen before, and it captured the hearts of users, making Geto a base for spreading tree run culture
How Grow Up Treerun works and its value
The nine areas are divided into levels 1 to 4 depending on the difficulty of the slope, tree density, natural terrain, etc. In the tree run area, natural trees and unevenness remain, making it difficult to see what's underneath the snow, and wind can cause snow to pile up, creating a variety of conditions. Of course, there are hidden risks, so to ski safely and comfortably, you need the skills to be able to handle any snow quality or terrain change and to be able to ski as you wish
As you can see from the diagram above, even first-time tree runrs can easily determine where to start and choose an area that suits their level. This is reassuring as it helps avoid the risk of accidents and injuries. Once you've mastered your current level, it's clear where you should aim for next
This gradual progression naturally increases motivation. You'll feel a sense of joy and accomplishment as your skiing skills and adaptability improve. It's a really great system. The more you ski, the better your technique will be and the higher your level will be. At the same time as improving your skiing skills, you'll also hone your "tree hunting" skills, not powder hunting
Geto aims to become a holy land
for tree running with its diverse and powerful tree running area.
Boasting a large scale, Geto's tree run area has continued to expand thanks to the enthusiastic support of many fans, and in the 2020-21 season, four new areas were added: "Garden" and "Alta" on the far left, "Heart" at the top, and "Extreme" on the right, plus the new "Cascade" area, now covering the entire ski resort, for a total of 14 areas. This is the Geto Tree Run Area for the 2022-23 season
Each of the 14 areas is unique and attractive
The tree run areas are lined up from left to right on the map above.
If we were to describe their features in a simple way, we could say it like this:
● "Garden" where you can ski safely between courses
● "Alta" which can be turned around on the first lift and has excellent mobility
● "Shooter" is the most difficult course and is the first goal for powder hunters
● "Heart" where kids can also ski with a wedge
● "Summit" where you enter from near the observation deck at the top of the mountain
● "Beach" where you can enjoy the longest powder in the area
● "Stream" with a series of natural pipe-shaped ridges
● "Rabbit" with a moderate row of beech trees
● "Extreme "
● "Cascade" with a wide variety that kids can enjoy with a wedge if they are accompanied by a parent
▼ The video shows each area in detail and is very impressive!
Let's take a closer look at each area with rare information
Next, let's take a closer look at the specifications and strategies for each area. Tree density, difficulty, and danger levels are published on the official Geto Kogen website. The radar charts of length, slope, amount of snow, interesting terrain, and adrenaline level were scored by Sugawara Mitae, "the president who skis at Geto Kogen more than any other in Japan." Furthermore, expert Sugawara also provided some comments on his special "strategies" for each area
[Garden] Garden
The area between the A1 and A2 courses has been newly opened as a tree run area. The forest is a mix of beech, cedar, wild cherry, and other trees, making it a fun place to observe nature. The compact size makes it easy to use the first pair lift for easy rotation, and there's no need to worry about getting lost
Total length: 230m Ave/Max 15°/26°
Tree density: Medium
Difficulty: ★★
Danger level: ★★
Exit merge route: A1
[Recommended by experts] This
is not an area you should aim for, but rather an area to stop by after enjoying skiing on the A1 groomed runs, to warm up your legs a bit. You can get around by using the No. 1 Gondola or No. 1 Pair Lift, and the further you go from the lift, the less competition there is.
[Alta] Alta
This area is next to Shooter. The northeast-facing slope provides consistently good snow quality, with a maximum gradient of 37 degrees and plenty of steep points and undulations, making it a great place to ski. The deeper stream-like areas can be used as natural pipes, but be careful as there are also some steep drop-offs
Total length: 400m Ave/Max 20°/37°
Tree density: Medium
Difficulty: ★★★
Danger level: ★★★★
Exit merge route: A3
[Recommended by experts]
Access the slopes by taking the first pair or gondola. Narrow valleys and large gaps are scattered throughout the slope, making it easy for skiers to overlap their lines, but by avoiding these areas, you increase your chances of finding untracked slopes.
[Shooter]
After a fresh snowfall, powder hunters typically ask, "Let's go for a shooter run." The signature area of Geto Tree Run has expanded over time, and is now so wide that it's divided into four areas, ①②③④, based on the number of valleys.
Here, as befits the name "Shooter," the real thrill for advanced skiers is attacking the line they've aimed for as if "shooting." There are a variety of ways to enjoy the run, including a thrilling descent along the ridge over various undulating terrain.
The entry point is long, so it's best to carefully drop off from the front. There are several ridges running through the area, and it's easy to fall into a valley while skiing, but if you persevere and continue along the ridges, you'll find uncharted territory
Total length: 595m Ave/Max 22°/38°
Tree density: Shooter ❶ is low, ❷, ❸ and ❹ are medium
Difficulty: ★★★★
Danger level: ★★★★
Exit junction course: A4
[Recommended by experts]
Take the first gondola for a tour. The entry point is long, so it's best to carefully drop off from the front. There are several ridges running through the area, and it's easy to fall into the valley while skiing, but if you persevere and continue along the ridges, you'll find uncharted territory.
[Heart] Heart
The tree run area just below the first gondola summit station is a forest paradise where kids can even wedge their way through the gentle slopes without worrying about going too fast. If you're a beginner tree runr, start here to learn the basics
Total length: 160m Ave/Max 8°/10°
Tree density: Medium
Difficulty ★
Danger level ★
Exit merge Course: A1
[Recommended by experts]
Access from Gondola No. 1. You can also enter as a little detour.
[Summit] Summit
As the name Summit suggests, you enter from the observation deck at the top of the mountain. The slope is gentler than Shooter, but the quality of the snow is well-known. The slope changes and there are ups and downs, so depending on the line you take, you can enjoy a variety of ways to play. If you stray from the designated line marked, there is an avalanche point, so be sure to stick to the border line
Total length: 687m Ave/Max 16°/35°
Tree density: Medium
Difficulty: ★★
Danger level: ★★
Exit merge route: A4
[Recommended by experts]
Take the first gondola for the tour. The start is gentle, so we recommend skipping it and entering from the middle of the route to A4. If you enter from the observation deck, it's better to go to the beach on the left, where you can maintain your speed.
[Beech] Beach
"Beach" is the English name for beech trees. This is a fascinating area where you can ski long distances while experiencing nature to the fullest through a primeval beech forest. The start is steep, with a maximum gradient of 38 degrees, but the gradient becomes gentler from the middle onwards. The 865m long cruise features a continuous series of varied terrain and even trick spots. It's incredibly fun and exciting
Total length: 865m Ave/Max 17°/38°
Tree density: Low
Difficulty: ★★★
Danger level: ★★★
Exit merge route: A4
[Recommended strategy by experts]
Enter from the first gondola. We recommend moving left and right from the entry flag before dropping. On the gentle slopes along the way, follow the tracks of other climbers to accelerate and attack the next drop.
[Stream] Stream
The start is lined with several steep ridges, which gradually become gentler in the middle and merge with the peach. The valley-like terrain creates a natural pipe, allowing for smooth riding. There is also a vast bowl-shaped area near the border with the beach, where you can make big turns. There are also many old beech trees, creating a fantastical atmosphere
Total length: 450m Ave/Max 18°/39°
Tree density: Medium
Difficulty: ★★★
Danger level: ★★★
Exit course: Beach junction
[Recommended by experts]
You can make a round trip using the first and second gondolas. There are fewer entries in the morning, so it's also a good idea to aim for an earlier time. → Check the signs early and get through smoothly without slowing down.
[Rabbit] Rabbit
Rabbit is located in the forest just beyond the B3 course. Its name comes from Usamoriyama, which is just above it. It's a compact area, so you won't end up like a rabbit lost in the forest. The runs are short, but the slopes are undulating and varied. You might even see some mash. The old beech trees add to the atmosphere, so even beginners can ski down the Geto tree runs with confidence
Total length: 255m Ave/Max 21°/33°
Tree density: Medium
Difficulty: ★★
Danger level: ★★
Exit merge course: B2
[Recommended by experts]
Access is generally via the first gondola, but you can also enter from the quad lift. If you move a little to the side from the entry flag, you should be able to find an untracked spot. There are also fewer entries in the morning here, so it's a good idea to aim for an early start.
[Extream] Extreme
The area's appeal lies in its efficient access via the quad lift. Located on the right side of the slope, away from other tree run areas, it's likely to be empty. The slope starts off gentle and gradually gets steeper, with plenty of terrain changes throughout the 750m long run. The density of the trees changes from section to section, making for a fun, rhythmic cruising experience
Total length: 750m Ave/Max 14°/40°
Tree density: Medium
Difficulty: ★★★★
Danger level: ★★★★
Exit junction course: C3
[Expert Recommended Strategy]
This is an area that can be navigated efficiently using the quad lift. The exit of the area is a single path that is somewhat of a traverse, so if you are not good at traversing, we recommend heading towards the exit towards the end. The south-facing slope of the ridge should be avoided on warm, sunny days.
[Cascade] Cascade
A newly opened area next to Extreme, offering plenty of variety. The beginning is gentle and the trees are well spaced, making for a comfortable run. From the middle, the slope twists and drops off to the right, increasing in steepness. After that, it becomes gentle again, and finally drops off repeatedly before returning to the C4 course. If you go too far left in the middle, you'll end up in an open area that could trigger an avalanche, so be careful. Keep an eye out for the arrow signs as you ski
Total length: 700m Ave/Max 18°/35°
Tree density: Medium
Difficulty: ★★★
Danger level: ★★★
Exit merge route: A4
[Recommended by experts] This
area is across the valley from Extreme and can also be reached by quad lift. The entry point is wide, so there's bound to be untouched powder everywhere. The slope gets steeper in the second half, so adjusting your speed is essential.
We asked the president, Japan's number one snow skier, how to tackle heavy powder snow
Behind the identity (uniqueness) of Geto Kogen Ski Resort's pride and joy of "heavy powder snow" and its goal of "aiming to be the best tree run in Japan" is an indispensable person: Mr. Sadahide Sugawara, CEO of Kitanihon Resort Co., Ltd., the company that operates the ski resort. Mr. Sugawara has been the president and helmsman of the resort since 2013, but he is also "Japan's greatest skier at Geto."
It was thanks to Sugawara's initiative that Geto launched the concepts of "heavy snow" and "tree runs" and attracted unprecedented attention. We asked Sugawara, who goes out to the slopes every morning during the season, how he approaches the slopes
"The routine for enjoying geto varies depending on the season, weather, and the amount and condition of the snow, but I think the most standard way to enjoy it is something like this
First, the first pair list on the left side (as seen from the bottom) moves. The A3 course along this lift is ungroomed, so on snowy days, you can run two runs here first thing in the morning before the gondola starts moving
It seems that hardcore local skiers have about three different routines. From what I can tell, the first is to take one run on the No. 1 pair lift and wait for the gondola to open. The other is to line up at the front of the No. 1 gondola first thing in the morning, enjoy the ungroomed snow on A4 and B2, and then line up for the No. 2 gondola. On weekdays, you'll get the ungroomed snow on B3, C1, and C3 from the No. 1 gondola, then enjoy the powder on a quad circuit before heading to the tree area
Most people take the second gondola and head to the ungroomed runs of C3 and C1. B2 is also ungroomed, so they first enjoyably drop two or three runs there, then head to the tree area. This is probably the third pattern
I'm often asked, "Where is the best powder that remains until the very end?" I'd say it's the edge of "Shooter." It's a trackless run until the very end of the day! Powder also tends to remain on C1 and C5. And it tends to remain on "Stream" as well
In terms of timing, if you're in the season and don't mind it not being sunny, January might be the best time. If you're looking for a chance of powder on a sunny day, then late February is the best time. The conditions are also very good in February. Even in March, the north-facing shady courses are still good. Geto's heavy snow powder tree run is amazing, so I hope many people will experience it
Sadahide Sugawara
Representative Director of Geto Kogen Ski Resort (Kita Nippon Resort Co., Ltd.). Originally from Akita Prefecture, he worked as a mogul ski instructor and managed several ski resorts before taking over as the operations manager of Geto Kogen Ski Resort in 2013. During the season, he heads out to the slopes every morning to check the conditions, and in fact acts as a "Mountain Guide" showing Geto around. He is also responsible for promotional work, such as creating Geto tree run brochures and websites
If you want to make the most of your day, use the ski resort's guide service
Want to make the most of today at Geto? MOUNTAIN INFORMATION is here to meet the requests of guests like you. They handle reservations and provide information on the various activities offered at the resort. Naturally, the guides are staff who know Geto better than anyone else. In winter, tree runs, mountain guides, snowmobiling, snowshoe tours and more are available
Treerun Area Guide
To allow guests to enjoy the vast and diverse tree run area at a level suited to their level, two programs are offered: the "Tree Run Experience Program" and the "Heavy Snow Tree Run Guide." If you have no experience with tree runs and are a little nervous, try the "Tree Run Experience Program." The program is held at Summit Beach, and a guide will teach you the basics of tree running and skiing. The fee is 4,000 yen, including insurance.
If you have experience, try the "Heavy Snow Tree Run Guide." A local guide from Geto will guide you through a variety of areas for two hours to the best spots, taking into consideration the snow conditions of the day and the weather from the night before. Even if there is no snowfall the night before, you might find some amazing powder snowdrifts!
For both tours, reservations must be made in advance on weekends and holidays, or you can register on the day if there are openings. The tour is limited to five people, so you can enjoy Geto Forest efficiently and to your heart's content
Mountain Guide
Veteran guides who are familiar with Geto will respond to guests' requests and take them to unexplored powder spots that only locals know about and can go to. Of course, you can also request to enjoy skiing on the slopes with efficient lift operation. There is a wide range of gear rentals, so you don't have to worry about going out empty-handed. They will support everyone from beginners to experts
RESORT INFO
■Basic information about the slopes
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| Top elevation 1,070m | The longest run is 2,980m | Altitude difference 430m | maximum slope 36° |
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14 courses | 3 lifts | 2 gondolas | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official website: https://www.getokogen.com/winter/
Official social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
■Access
*The information posted is as of December 2022