Gunma Prefecture's ski resorts aren't particularly special in terms of the size of their slopes or the extravagant facilities, but they are all unique and top-notch. Being close to the Joetsu border means the snow quality is excellent and there's a good amount of snow. The chances of hitting powder are especially high during the peak season from January to February. The area is also rich in natural terrain, and skiing on natural barriers in particular can be said to be a culture that originated in Gunma. With powder, terrain, and even hard runs, the all-round capabilities are unmatched. We've picked out some of the best ski resorts in the Gunma area
Katashina Oguna Hotaka Ski Resort
Fill your stomach with fluffy natural powder from an altitude of 1,828m!
Katashina Oguna Hotaka Ski Resort, located in Katashina Village, Gunma Prefecture, is just two hours from Tokyo, close to the greater Tokyo area, yet the top of its slopes reaches an impressive 1,828m above sea level. In addition to its convenient access, the quality of its snow is impeccable. It is a popular little-known spot for powder lovers, where you can enjoy fluffy natural powder to your heart's content without having to fight for it
Another attraction is the fantastic view from the top and the long course, which is up to 3.5km long. With a compact size of 6 lifts and 13 courses, there is a good balance of courses from beginner to advanced, so it can be enjoyed by people of all levels and inclinations. The courses make use of the natural terrain, such as walls, so visitors never get bored, and many fans describe it as "a very comfortable ski resort that feels like home."
Katashina Oguna Hotaka powder specialty course
・Slalom course
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 22 degrees / Distance: 400m / Slope orientation: Southwest
Starting in the 2022-2023 season, this course will be ungroomed and will not require any compacted snow! The course is wide overall, making it perfect for creating large, satisfying tracks. There are also steep sections with a maximum gradient of 30 degrees, allowing you to enjoy overhead powder. This is sure to become a hot spot that will attract many powder lovers
・6th slope
Maximum gradient: 25 degrees, average gradient: 18 degrees / Distance: 750m / Slope orientation: East
Although it is not an ungroomed course, the snow is smooth and powder is often found only on this slope. On days when it snows, the snow quality and depth are excellent. It is also located at the top of the slope, so the view is outstanding
・Wedeln course
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 22 degrees / Distance: 300m / Slope orientation: Northeast
The course is small, but because of its bowl shape, powder tends to accumulate. As a result, it is the deepest course on the resort. Over time, the slopes can become mogul-filled, but taking a wild approach to them is part of the fun
◆Official website: https://k-hotaka.jp/ogna/
Kawaba
There will also be a first ride by an off-piste cat in a limited area!
Located two hours from Tokyo on the Kan'etsu Expressway, Kawaba is the closest ski resort to Numata Interchange and highly popular with visitors from urban areas for its convenience. With an elevation of 1,250m at its base and 1,870m at its peak, it is one of the highest ski resorts in the Kanto region, and is popular for its exceptionally smooth, natural snow. The vast slopes are dotted with a wide variety of courses suitable for beginners and advanced skiers alike, and the total run from top to bottom of the resort is approximately 3,300m, making it an ideal place to enjoy ultra-long runs
While the high-quality park and mogul courses have become icons of Kawaba and attract regulars, OFF THE PISTE is a favorite among powder lovers. It's a hugely popular powder spot, offering an off-piste feel in a limited, managed area within the slopes. Furthermore, there are efficient options for enjoying powder riding, such as cat skiing and fast tracks, making it the perfect environment for pursuing freeriding
Kawaba's famous powder course
・OFF THE PISTE
"OFF THE PISTE" is an attraction area for powder snow only, reserved for advanced skiers. There
are three managed areas scattered throughout the slopes, allowing you to safely enjoy the off-piste experience to your heart's content. To ski in this area, you must watch a designated video in advance, sign an agreement on-site, and pay 1,000 yen.
・Takade Skyline
Maximum gradient: 29 degrees, average gradient: 23 degrees / Distance: 1350m / Slope orientation: South
This is a long run of 1,350m from the top of the slope, where you can enjoy moderately steep slopes and powder riding on ungroomed snow. On clear days, the panoramic view of the Kanto Plain is also attractive. You can get a lot of runs by using the Takate Pair Lift
・Unnamed Peak Downhill
Maximum gradient: 26 degrees, average gradient: 25 degrees / Distance: 720m / Slope orientation: West
This ungroomed course branches off from the end of the Mumeiho Triple Lift and descends to the starting point of the Crystal Express, which leads to Skier's Left. The slope is perfect for kicking up powder and skiing. You can also use the lift to spin around
+PLUS Fast Track
Before the general opening, you can take a quick approach to the top of the slope on their stylishly decorated snowmobile. You can enjoy the magnificent panoramic view from the top and ski down the empty slopes first thing in the morning. Another attractive feature is that it operates every day during the season. Of course, the best time to go is the morning after it snows. (Advance online reservation required)
Hours: Weekdays from 7:30 / Weekends and holidays from 7:00
Price: First Track only 2,000 yen/person (breakfast voucher included)
First Track + 1-day lift ticket + 1,000 yen meal voucher + 500 yen gift certificate + breakfast voucher 7,200 yen/person
Event period: During ski resort operating hours (tentative, please check)
Inquiries: https://www.kawaba.co.jp/snow/activity/first-track/
◆Official website: https://www.kawaba.co.jp/snow/
Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort
Minakami Town is known for its numerous snow resorts, hot springs, and Mount Tanigawa, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains. With its highest point at 1,400m, the ski resort boasts abundant snowfall and world-class powder snow
The resort offers a wide variety of course layouts, from challenging runs with a maximum slope of 40 degrees to gentle runs that are safe for beginners. There is also a snow park and a kids' land with a snow escalator. This is a well-balanced ski resort that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from advanced powder-loving skiers to families with children
Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Eagle Course
Maximum gradient: 40 degrees, average gradient: 25 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: North
This advanced course, with a maximum gradient of 40 degrees, descends to the left after exiting the No. 7 lift. With a moderate average gradient of 25 degrees, it offers a fun cruising experience, smashing powder into the walls on the sides of the course. You can also enjoy deep powder on the steep faces that cannot be groomed
・Downhill course
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 24 degrees / Distance: 750m / Slope orientation: North
Located immediately to the right after getting off the No. 7 lift, this is an advanced course with a maximum gradient of 32 degrees. Because it is a steep slope and cannot be packed down, deep powder is guaranteed after snowfall. The north-facing slope maintains good snow conditions. With an average gradient of 24 degrees and ample course width, it is perfect for enjoying high-speed turns
・Paradise Course
Maximum gradient: 35 degrees, average gradient: 20 degrees / Distance: 680m / Slope orientation: North
This is an advanced course that starts midway down the Panorama Course to the right of the summit of the 7th lift. The steep face, with a maximum of 35 degrees, is ungroomed and cannot be packed down, so there's a chance to enjoy waist-deep powder the morning after a snowfall. Another joy is skiing while taking in the beautiful, expansive scenery that stretches out into the distance
◆Official website: https://hodaigi.jp/
Tanigawadake Tenjindai by Hoshino Resorts
A mountain ski resort that has overwhelming support from hardcore skiers
Surrounded by mountains over 2,000 meters high, Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort is spread out between the two peaks of Tenjin Pass and Takakurayama. This mountain ski resort has been popular with hardcore skiers for many years, so much so that during the peak season in January and February, you can expect to fight for the first track on weekends
The backcountry area extending from the main peak, Mt. Tanigawa, can be accessed from a special gate on the left hand side of the summit. A mountain climbing permit and backcountry equipment are required, and the backcountry area is frequented by dedicated skiers. The steep, stream-like slopes and the risk of avalanches are quite high, so caution is required when skiing with a backcountry
Once you get off the ropeway, you'll find yourself faced with a vast snowfield. There are only three lifts, but the undulating terrain has many challenging steep slopes, making for a great deal of fun skiing. The harsh weather conditions of the Tanigawa Mountain Range bring an overwhelming amount of snow to the slopes, resulting in the highest quality powder snow. Another feature is the long season, which runs from early December to early May
The latest news is that the resort will be managed by Hoshino Resorts from the 2022-2023 season. Season pass holders will receive great benefits, such as free skiing at Hoshino Resorts Group ski resorts such as Alts Bandai, Nekoma, and Tomamu, as well as free parking and exclusive accommodation plans with up to 40% off at Hoshino Resorts accommodations
Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort by Hoshino Resorts' famous powder course
・Tajirizawa Course
At 4km long, this course is full of excitement and an impressive scale, allowing you to ski the entire section that is usually reached by ropeway. With the rich natural terrain unique to mountainous areas and deep powder accumulated in the streams, it has gained such iconic support that it is said that "Tenjindai means Tajirizawa." Another reason for its popularity is that you can ski while experiencing the beauty and wildness of nature, including waterfalls and trees
At 4km long, this course is full of excitement and an impressive scale, allowing you to ski the entire section that is usually reached by ropeway. With the rich natural terrain unique to mountainous areas and deep powder accumulated in the streams, it has gained such iconic support that it is said that "Tenjindai means Tajirizawa." Another reason for its popularity is that you can ski while experiencing the beauty and wildness of nature, including waterfalls and trees
・Tenjin Toge Lift (Front of the Toge) Advanced Course
Maximum gradient: 28 degrees, average gradient: 22 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: North
This refers to the steep slope area to the right of the bottom of the ski resort, almost at the tree line. Three lines radiate out from Tenjin Pass, which has an elevation of 1,502m at its top, and this is the first place to go for powder after a snowfall. The maximum slope is 34 degrees. Known as the pass front course, the runs are uneven. This is the main area for powder skiing. Because they are all wide, you don't really feel the slope, but the skiing is still challenging
・Tenjin Toge Lift (behind the Toge) Intermediate Course
Maximum gradient: 28 degrees, average gradient: 22 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: North
This is a groomed slope known as the Togeura Course. The average slope is 18 degrees. After a snowfall, even intermediate skiers can enjoy powder skiing on this line. The view from the Tenjin Toge lift station is also amazing
◆Official website: http://www.tanigawadake-rw.com/tenjindaira/
Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort
Enjoy playing on the powder snow terrain
Marunuma, with its top elevation at 2,000m, is also renowned for its excellent snow quality. On powder days, the entire ski resort can be accessed by a single ropeway, making it extremely efficient
The greatest attraction of Marunuma Kogen is the course design that makes use of the rich natural terrain and allows you to "play while flowing." The combination of various types of walls and changing snow conditions means that the conditions are never the same no matter when you go, so you'll be engrossed in playing with the terrain
The most exciting and highly praised course is the 4km long course from the ropeway summit station to the base of the mountain. You can slide rhythmically along the natural terrain, hitting the walls on both sides. You can't experience this 4km downhill course anywhere else, floating and playing like flowing water
Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Silver course
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 17 degrees / Distance: 755m / Slope orientation: West
This undulating, ungroomed course starts in a bowl shape, with interesting three-dimensional terrain on both the left and right sides. The slope gets steeper as you ski down. The normal run is a long, continuous mogul slope, attracting mogul skiers and mogul enthusiasts. After snowfall, you can enjoy steep powder rides, but large moguls remain on the skier's right slope, so caution is advised when skiing
・Lower Rose Course
Maximum gradient: 25 degrees, average gradient: - degrees / Distance: 630m / Slope orientation: West
When there is a certain amount of snowfall, the course is opened as an ungroomed course. There are large walls on the skier's left and small, gentle walls on the right side, so you can make big turns at high speeds using the terrain on both sides. The slope is also constant, making it easy to control your speed and ski smoothly
◆Official website: https://www.marunuma.jp/winter/
White Valley Ski Resort
Premium Powder Days " are amazing, with most of the mountain open to ungroomed snow
It's easily accessible, just 3km from JR Minakami Station and 7km from the Minakami Interchange on the Kan'etsu Expressway. Nearby ski resorts include Tanigawadake Tenjindai and Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort, but both are about 30 minutes from the Minakami Interchange. White Valley is less than 5 minutes away, and just 90 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area, making it the closest powder slope to the city center. That's because White Valley has a special day called "Premium Powder Day," where 90% of the upper slopes are open to the public as ungroomed snow. Such a bold venture is rare
White Valley Ski Resort's famous course
Fighting
Experience nature firsthand in this lawless area, an advanced course reminiscent of side country
·champion
The course makes use of the natural terrain, and there's fun to be had tackling rough terrain even when there's not fresh snow
+PLUS Premium Powder Day
We will be holding a "Premium Powder Day" where 90% of the upper slopes will be ungroomed! Announcements will be posted on our website, Twitter, and Facebook the day before
◆Official website: https://www.whitevalley.jp/