Photo: Koichi Ishimori
Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki is a ski resort that boasts easy access from the Chukyo and Kansai regions, being 50 minutes from Nagoya, 80 minutes from Kyoto, and 100 minutes from Osaka. It is also one of the largest ski resorts in the Kansai area, offering a lineup of powder and steep slopes that are popular with advanced skiers. Incidentally, it is ranked number one in the nation in a popular ski resort ranking on a certain website※It has also been selected( Weathernews' 2020-21 nationwide ski resort popularity rankings).
This time, we'll take a closer look at what kind of ski resort Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki is and why it's become such a hot spot. Our skier was Satsuki Ito, a local of Oku-Ibuki who has competed in the global mogul competition scene, including the World Cup and World Championships
What is Grand Snow Oku Ibuki?
Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki is a hot ski resort in the Kansai area that is currently garnering a lot of attention and popularity. It's only 50 minutes from Nagoya, 80 minutes from Kyoto, 100 minutes from Osaka, and just 30 minutes from the interchange for those who drive in the Kansai and Chubu regions, making it the perfect place for a day trip. The parking lot is mega-sized, with a capacity of 2,700 cars, and there's even an elevator that takes you directly to the slopes, making transportation from the parking lot easy
It's also easy to get to by train or bus. It's a 55-minute shuttle bus ride from JR Maibara Station, where the Shinkansen also stops, and direct buses are also available from JR Kyoto Station and Osaka Station
Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki is expected to welcome approximately 250,000 visitors in the 2021-22 season. This puts it on a scale comparable to well-established ski resorts in eastern Japan, such as Naeba Ski Resort and Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort. Even though tourism remains difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki continues to attract 6,000 visitors on weekends and a steady 2,500 visitors every day on weekdays
Secret of Popularity ① ~ Incredible Snowfall
The cover of the Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki brochure states, "Snowfall of 11.82 meters - the most in Japan!" You might be wondering, "The most in the world in Shiga Prefecture?" But where does this come from? It's Mount Ibuki, the mountain with the world's highest snowfall. Located on the border between Shiga and Gifu prefectures, this famous peak stands 1,377 meters above sea level (the highest peak in Shiga Prefecture) and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains. Because Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki is located at the foot of Mount Ibuki, it receives an amount of snow that is hard to believe is in the Kansai region
The fact that "Oku-Ibuki's powder is amazing" is actually well known among skiers and snowboarders living in the Kansai and Chukyo areas. Satsuki Ito, a mogul athlete who is also a local of Oku-Ibuki and has been active both domestically and internationally, comes to hunt for powder on snowy weekend mornings
Satsuki Ito is delighted with the powder at Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki
The day the STEEP editorial team visited for the shoot was a weekday in early February. Fresh snow had fallen the day before, and as you can see, the top area of the slope was trackless. As if on purpose, Ito Satsuki brought not mogul skis but fat skis for powder. As she made rhythmic powder turns, sending up spray, she exclaimed with a smile, "Wow! Powder feels so good! The snow is so slippery! It's so much fun!"
Secret of Popularity 2: The steep and deep courses for advanced skiers are fun
Contrary to the cute slope map, Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki boasts a wide variety of free skiing courses, including powder, steep slopes, and long runs. Of the 14 courses, four are expert courses, one of which is reserved for skiers. Another selling point of the ski resort is that on clear days you can see the beautiful Mount Mitake and the Hakuba Mountains in the distance
It boasts the steepest slope in Japan, with a maximum gradient of 46 degrees, as well as ungroomed courses, tree runs through beech forests, a mogul run that has given birth to an Olympia skier, and of course a snow park, making it a truly versatile resort with plenty of room to enjoy skiing to suit your level and preferences
Introducing the highly acclaimed Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki powder course!
For STEEP users, we asked them to introduce their recommended course, "If you're looking for powder, this is the place!"
Heavenly 46°
Distance: 400m Slope: Maximum 46°/Average 43° Facing north
With a maximum gradient of 46°, it is the steepest in Japan! It is a course reminiscent of backcountry skiing and is aimed at experts, but it is a special spot that is only open when there is plenty of snow and the conditions are good. Unfortunately, it was closed on the day we visited, so Ito Satsuki introduced it at the entrance
As you can see in the photo, from the entrance to the course you follow a narrow corridor for a while. When you reach the top, it's so steep that you can't see the bottom, which is thrilling. In the mornings when fresh powder has accumulated here, it looks like the photo above. When the course is open, it's the best No. 1
Mont Blanc
Distance: 500m Slope: Maximum 30°/Average 25° Facing north
This ungroomed course is perfect for powder riding after snowfall. From the Mont Blanc Pair Lift drop-off point, you ski down the ridge to the left. Facing north, the course tends to maintain good snow conditions. The secret to its popularity is that it can be completed with just one lift. You can also enjoy a magnificent panorama from the top of the course
Tengu Rock Course
Distance: 900m Slope: Maximum 30°/Average 22° Facing north
This is a long course that starts at the top of the slope and slides down to the bottom. A large rock resembling a Tengu's eboshi (Japanese long-nosed goblin) is the landmark. The course is basically packed snow, but there is a triangular spot in the middle of the course where powder accumulates a little to the right. The patrol is commonly known as "Onigiri" (rice ball), and after snowfall it becomes a powder spot popular with locals
Sky View Course
Distance: 300m Slope: Maximum 20°/Average 13°
This course is at the top of the slope (1,250m) and can be reached by taking three lifts from the bottom. On a clear, sunny day, you can see the spectacular view from Shiga Prefecture all the way to the Northern Alps of Nagano Prefecture. You can enjoy a tree run while savoring the tranquility in the beautiful primeval beech forest and spend a relaxing time. There are few people, so there is a good chance that powder snow will still be there. You can enjoy the trees and powder snow as you spin around on the Sky View Lift
Champion Course
Distance: 500m Slope: Maximum 33°/Average 30°
This championship course, "for skiers only," has been frequented by Ito Satsuki since she was a child. 500 meters long, the face has an average gradient of 30 degrees, and is lined with beautiful, hard moguls. It is one of the most famous courses in the Kansai region, having produced many top athletes who have gone on to compete on the world stage. Many mogul enthusiasts come from far and wide just to ski this course. Of course, after snowfall, it becomes a pristine powder line
Secret of Popularity 3: Gourmet food that will make you want to try every single dish
Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki's popularity isn't just due to the quality of its courses. The exceptionally extensive gourmet food on the slopes is also something to behold
The Food Park Piste and Food Court in the Center House has a spacious space with seating for 1,300 people and a stylish interior. They offer a wide variety of unique international dishes. All of the dishes are gorgeous and Instagram-worthy, and the quality of the food is also excellent
These were the three main dishes chosen by the STEEP film crew at the food court that day
You can also enjoy a wide variety of over 80 gourmet dishes, including hot pizza and paella baked in a stone oven, Western-style omelet rice, Omi beef steak bowl, kalbi ramen, authentic sweets, and the unique flavors of Okuibuki, made with an abundance of fresh ingredients in collaboration with local farms. They also serve local craft beer, so some people spend the day relaxing mainly eating and enjoying the cafe. Drinks like coffee are just 100 yen! You'll find yourself wanting more and staying longer
According to Satsuki Ito, an expert on Okuibuki cuisine
, "Everything on the menu is really delicious. They look stylish too. Plus, they have an all-you-can-eat day where you can eat for free on the slopes! If you have a one-day lift ticket, you can eat as much as you want for free all day! It's unbelievable, isn't it? Some people spend the whole day eating and drinking at the food court and don't even have to ski! I know how they feel (laughs)."
The secret to its popularity #4: The people behind the idea of putting interesting ideas into practice right away!
There's always something happening, it's so exciting
Looking at the Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki event calendar, you'll be amazed at the variety of events. There is a "Ladies' Day" and a "Handsome Men's Day," where even men can get lift tickets for 2,500 yen. There are also other huge discount services that offer lift tickets for nearly half price, such as Couples' Day, Half-Price Lift Day for High School Students Only, Free Lift Tickets Day, Couples' Day, and Half-Price Lift Day for High School Students Only
What's more, there are even amazing special days, such as free bus rides and free meals. In addition, there are always great deals and interesting things happening, such as festival-like events and campaigns that everyone can enjoy, lessons and competitions
These are the people behind this
In fact, Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki is a family business, currently in its third generation since the founder. Oku-Ibuki's current momentum is entirely due to the strong leadership of this family. Chairman Kusano Jouji is 72 years old and an active skier, skiing 60 days a year, but he is also a strategist with a knack for reading human psychology. His eldest son, Jota, is the company president, and he personally patrols the site in his mobile like this, and is even in charge of operating the artificial snow machines. And his second son, Joji, who is the managing director, is also in charge of public relations, always active within the ski resort, snapping photos here and there. He also devotes himself to sending out detailed messages on social media
They are sensitive to user needs and immediately put into practice what they think is best. Their incredible ability to attract customers is not just due to the quality of their courses and the fun of their mountains, but also due to the fact that they continue to provide a variety of services that reach the hearts of their users with a strategic and extremely fast execution ability
The warm-hearted attitude of "We will do anything we can to make our guests smile" has created a unique home-like atmosphere at Oku-Ibuki. Satsuki Ito is, of course, one of the family. With a beaming smile, she told us about the fun of Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki, which she calls "her beloved home."
The Ito Sisters x Grand Snow Oku-Ibuki
Mogul Festival
will be held on Sunday, March 5th, 2023!
A mogul skiing class where you can learn moguls from the Ito sisters! We offer two classes: advanced and intermediate courses where you can ski down the moguls beautifully and coolly, and aim to improve your air skills, as well as a beginners' class where you can receive thorough instruction even if you are experiencing moguls for the first time! Come meet the moguls of Oku-Ibuki and the Ito sisters
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Satsuki ITO
She started skiing at the age of two and discovered moguls at the age of five. She placed second in the dual moguls at the 2015 World Cup Lake Tazawa, making her first appearance on the podium. She is also known as one of the "Ito Sisters (Azusa, Miki, Satsuki)," a group of Japanese female freestyle skiing moguls athletes. She has been working towards competing in the Olympics, but is currently pursuing a more free-form style of skiing alongside her work.
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Instagram: satsukiito
■Information
Grand Snow OkuibukiOkuibuki,
Kozuhara, Maibara City, Shiga PrefectureOfficial
website: https://www.okuibuki.co.jp/Official
social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube