A summary of Gunma's recommended ski resorts: Great potential for powder snow and freeriding

2024/01/31

have been popular with snowboarders until now . Due to the intriguing natural terrain, in recent years they have become increasingly popular with freeskiers who enjoy not only powder but also terrain. Gunma Prefecture has snow resorts in three areas in the north: Katashina, Minakami, and Agatsuma. Let's take a look at what kind of slopes there are.

INDEX

Gunma is the only place where you can find powder, hard snow, and terrain

The Katashina area is one of the snowiest areas in the Kanto region. Surrounded by mountains, Oze National Park stretches out to the north of the Katashina area. The Minakami area is attractive for its easy access from the Minakami IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway and its high-quality snow. The Agatsuma area is home to long-established, famous hot springs such as Kusatsu Onsen and Manza Onsen, making it a paradise for hot spring lovers.

Gunma Prefecture's ski resorts are not particularly flashy, but they are all unique and top-notch. Due to its proximity to the Joetsu border, the snow quality is good and there is an abundance of snow. The chances of hitting powder are particularly high during the peak season from January to February.

The cold weather tends to maintain hard runs, but there are also spots nearby where you can enjoy powder and terrain. Gunma is also rich in natural terrain, and it could even be said that playing on natural walls is a culture that originated in Gunma. There are not many all-around ski resorts in the whole country where you can enjoy hard runs, powder, and natural terrain all in one ski resort

Photo/Tomokazu Kuwano Skier/Akira Sasaki
©BRAVOSKI

Marunuma Kogen: A paradise for playing on natural terrain

Serious skiers rave about the 4km long course from the ropeway summit station to the base of the mountain, calling it "the most exciting." Along the natural terrain, you can rhythmically swerve left and right against the walls. The 4km downhill course, where you drift and play like flowing water, is truly exhilarating.

The combination of various types of walls and changing snow conditions ensures that the conditions are never the same, no matter how many times you go. You'll never get bored, and you'll find yourself engrossed in playing with the terrain. Many of Gunma's ski resorts share the common theme of offering natural ski slopes, and Marunuma is a prime example of this.

At an elevation of 2,000m, Marunuma is also renowned for its excellent snow quality. On powder days, the entire resort can be accessed efficiently with a single ropeway. My goal is to be able to enjoy all 13 runs from top to bottom, taking on a variety of different lines.

◆Official website: https://www.marunuma.jp/winter/

■Marunuma Kogen Recommended Video

White World Oze Iwakura: A big-scale skiing experience that's perfect for powder and moguls!

White World Oze Iwakura is renowned for its dry powder skiing in the Kanto region. Even on chilly days, the snow quality is said to rival that of Hokkaido. Despite its large scale, boasting a diverse 16 courses, the resort boasts a wide, wide design. The course layout is excellent, and a single gondola can cover most of the courses, making it convenient.

Enjoy all types of riding, from powder to steep slopes, moguls, long runs, and groomed runs. Of course, you can also use the lift to fine-tune your favorite runs, allowing you to customize your style of skiing to suit your preferences.

Powder lovers will be delighted with six ungroomed runs. The "National Athletic Meet Men's Course" is particularly challenging, boasting a 1.8km long, 29-degree steep section. The 3.2km "Milky Way" also offers plenty of terrain to explore. It's simply fun!

◆Official website: http://www.oze-iwakura.co.jp/ski/

■White World Oze Iwakura Recommended Video

Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort: A powder ski resort perfect for families with children

Photo/Tomokazu Kuwano Skier/Kenichi Minegishi
Courtesy: BRAVOSKI

Accessible in about two hours from the Nerima Interchange on the Kan'etsu Expressway, Hodaigi is only 1,400 meters above sea level, but the entire slope faces north, making it less susceptible to wind, resulting in high-quality snow. That said, the slopes are generally gentle, making them ideal for families. This means that powder snow isn't very competitive.

Uncompressed runs make up 40% of the total, including the ultra-steep "Eagle Course" at 40 degrees at the top. From long courses offering a comfortable free run to playing off the walls at the side of the courses, there's plenty to satisfy any skier.

The lower slopes boast a 17-wave pattern that's sure to delight young skiers, as well as a safe play area for toddlers. This ski resort is a delightful place where parents can enjoy powder while their children play.

◆Official website: https://hodaigi.jp/

OGNA HOTAKA: A hidden gem of powder snow at an altitude of over 1,800m

Photo/Tomokazu Kuwano
Provided by: BRAVOSKI

If snow is forecast and you're looking for guaranteed powder in the Katashina area, Oguna Hotaka, located on the southeastern slope of Mount Hotaka and over 1,800 meters above sea level, is highly recommended. Because the ski resort isn't particularly well-known, it's a hidden gem of a powder spot in the Gunma area.

Oguna Hotaka has 13 runs. As an old ski resort that opened before deforestation regulations were enacted, the runs are exceptionally wide, offering an indescribable sense of scale.

If you're looking to tackle powder, head to the top of the "Slalom Course" or "Expert Course" first thing in the morning. The ultra-wide powder field is truly impressive. After enjoying the powder, or if there's no powder, a pleasant 3,500-meter cruise from the top is a great option.

◆Official website: http://ognahotaka.jp/

■ Recommended video for Oguna Hotaka Ski Resort

Kawaba, a powder snow and amusement park just two hours from the city center

Kawaba is nestled in Gunma's famed 2,158m-high Mount Hotaka. Just a two-hour drive from central Tokyo, you'll arrive in a world of white! Despite its convenient access, Kawaba is one of Gunma's snowiest areas. In addition to the heavy snowfall, the base elevation of 1,870m allows the snow to accumulate dry. The low temperatures during midseason also contribute to the excellent snow quality, contributing to its popularity. Kawaba offers 10 runs that take advantage of the rich terrain and some of the best snow quality in the Kanto region.

"OFF THE PISTE," offering an off-piste experience in a limited, managed area within the slopes, is a hugely popular spot. While a training course is required, you can enjoy powder riding that's hard to find on groomed runs.

Kawaba's iconic parks are also home to three different themed parks, and the mogul runs are overseen by the long-established freestyle shop "JOCKS." Kawaba is an all-you-can-play snow amusement park that will captivate serious freeriders.

◆Official website: https://www.kawaba.co.jp/snow/

■ Kawaba's recommended video

Tambara Ski Park is a must-see for beginners

Photo/Tomokazu Kuwano Skier/Shew Ichihashi
Courtesy of BRAVOSKI

Tanbara is known as a beginner-friendly ski resort, with 80% of its runs being designed for beginners. Conveniently located just two hours from central Tokyo, and with the well-equipped ski center at the base of the mountain, it's bustling with families on weekends.

This is what makes it such a popular destination for freeriders. Few people venture off to ski the 15-degree slopes. Tanbara's snow quality is exceptional. At its peak, at 1,550 meters, the resort receives high-quality snow from the Tanigawa Mountain Range, and the snowfall is plentiful. This means

you can explore the untouched, small powder puddles everywhere. The snow park, too, is designed as a "beginner-friendly park," offering a wide variety of ski equipment in all sizes and conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience. It's a hidden gem perfect for beginner freeskiers and snowboarders, offering a casual powder and park practice experience.

◆Official website: https://www.tambara.co.jp/winter/

■ Recommended videos for Tambara Ski Park

Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort: A blissful time filled with powder snow and hot springs

Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort, based in the nationally famous Kusatsu Onsen Hot Springs, is said to be the first ski resort in Japan to have a lift installed. With a history of over 100 years since its opening, it's no surprise that it's a pioneer of hot spring ski resorts. A five-minute drive from the ski resort is a charming hot spring town, and hot spring hopping is also a major attraction.

Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort is located in the western part of Gunma Prefecture, at an altitude of 1,600m, and has a long, deep slope that spreads out at the foot of Mt. Aoba. The high altitude ensures consistently good snow quality, and when fresh snow accumulates on the steep slopes of Mt. Tengu, powder hunters flock to the resort.

◆Official website: https://www.932-onsen.com

Experience the sacred backcountry at
Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort by Hoshino Resorts | TANIGAWADAKE TENJINDAIRA by HOSHINO RESORT

Mount Tanigawa is a mountain that mountain lovers dream of. Surrounded by majestic mountains reaching heights of over 2,000 meters, the twin peaks of Mount Tanigawa stand out in the distance. The scenery is so breathtakingly beautiful it's almost beyond words, and the panoramic view alone is worth the trip. Upon disembarking the Mount Tanigawa Ropeway, you'll find the twin peaks of Tenjin Pass on the right and Takakurayama on the left, with the slopes stretching out in the valley between them.

The rugged terrain and climate of the Tanigawa Mountain Range, which lies along the Joetsu border, produce superb powder snow, with excellent conditions. In years with early snowfall, skiing is possible from late November, and the season is open until early May, making it an appealing long season. With 30% of the slopes ungroomed and 70% reserved for intermediate and advanced skiers, it's perfect for powder lovers. The area is also home to extensive backcountry skiing.

◆Official website: http://www.tanigawadake-rw.com/gelande/

*Information current as of the end of January 2024. Please refer to the official website of each ski resort for details


Top altitude 2,000m	The longest run is 4,000m	Elevation difference: 600m	maximum slope 32°


13 courses	8 lifts	1 gondola	Ropeway - Book


Top elevation : 1,703m	The longest run is 3,200m	Elevation difference: 697m	maximum slope 40°


16 courses	10 lifts	1 gondola	Ropeway - Book


Top altitude 1,400m	The longest run is 2,600m	Elevation difference: 570m	maximum slope 40°