"Even if it's not raining elsewhere, it's raining heavily." When did you start hearing that kind of reputation? Natsuyu Kogen ski resort has recorded the highest amount of snowfall in Japan in the past, and has been the fastest in Honshu for the past three seasons, showing the amazing “plenty of rain”. "Powder" is natural, and in addition, it is "heavy snow". And now, the ski resort boasts a huge tree run area. "Heavy snow + powder + tree run", let's approach Natsuyu, which continues to evolve as a unique area with this strongest package.
How heavy is the summer oil?
The average annual snowfall in the Natsuo summit area has exceeded 22 m in total over the past nine years. This is the equivalent of a seven-story building, which is surprising. Here's a graph of snowfall during the season.
There is 1.5m of natural snow from November, when many ski resorts are in full operation of the snow machines, and the speed of the snow is one of the best in Japan. In December, the snow quickly exceeds 5m, and in the peak season of January and February, the amount of snow that approaches 10m is piled up. The face of the slopes is always reset by the fresh powder from the snow that continues to fall continuously every day.
Looking at the “POWDER reset rate” in the high season of Natsuyu (Announced Natsuyu Kogen Ski Resort, 2022), it is amazing. If I go here, I have a high chance of hitting the powder.
In addition, the high encounter rate of summer oil powder is not only because there are many snowy days, but even on days when it is not snowing, dry dry powder is blown away by the wind at night and covers the slippery track. This is because the slope is often reset. In other words, it can be reset in any weather, so the powder encounter rate will be much higher. This is exciting and anticipating for powder lovers, and if you go to ski, you may want to go here even if it's just a little longer.
Why is summer oil called "heavy snowfall"?
Warm currents flow in the Sea of Japan, so it is warm even in winter. When a cold wind from Siberia blows into the air above the sea, which contains a lot of water vapor, rain clouds are formed on the sea. These rain clouds are swept away by the wind and enter the land of the Tohoku region, and when they hit the surface of high mountains, they cause snow to fall.
The Ou Mountain Range, which is said to be the backbone of the Tohoku region, stretches 500km from north to south where Natsuyu Plateau is located. Snow clouds that flow in from the Sea of Japan cause snow to fall on the Ou Mountains, dry out, and then pass out to the Pacific Ocean. If the mountain range is wide, it will bring snow to a wide area, but since the area around the summer oil plateau is exactly the constricted part of the mountain range, snow clouds tend to gather, and the snow is concentrated in a narrow area. Looking at the illustration above, it is easy to visually understand the image of snowfall concentrated in a narrow area of Natsuyu Kogen!
Another reason is that "Ogara Moriyama" and "Maetsukamiyama" are located in front of the ski resort, making it easier for snow clouds to stagnate. This area is geographically just a gigantic snowdrift terrain.
A heavy snow powder tree run like no other
The tree run on the slopes is the “face” of Natsuyu, which stands shoulder to shoulder with heavy snow powder. Natsuyu Kogen Ski Resort has a beautiful forest woven by rich terrain rich in undulations like a stream, and the vast tree field is a dreamlike environment where you can ski.
Let's experience the beautiful forest and the sense of scale in the video!
The joy of skating through this beautiful primeval beech forest while rolling up Buff Buff powder is indescribable. "Anyway, I just want to skate!" "I have to go to summer oil!"
The 2022-23 season marks the eighth year since the ski resort opened the tree run area. Natsuyu has now become one of the most popular resorts in Japan for users who like powder and tree runs.
Step up at the level of the area
"Grow Up Treerun" is a really good system
Each of the 14 tree run areas has a different flavor and, of course, varying degrees of difficulty. With so many places to ski, it's hard to know where to start and how to ski, and I'm a little worried about whether my riding skills will be able to cope with jumping into an unpredictable forest.
Natsuyu came up with the epoch-making concept of “Grow Up Treerun”. Under the name "Grow Up Treerun", we have established a completely new concept in which users step up along the difficulty level of the tree run area. With this, tree run is not just one of the ways to play, but set the level in the area and conceptualized it as a skill of sliding. This was a fresh idea that had never existed before, grabbed the user's heart, and made summer oil a base for transmitting tree orchid culture.
How Grow Up Treerun Works and Its Value
Nine areas are divided into levels from Level 1 to Level 4 according to the degree of difficulty of skiing, such as slope, density of trees, and natural terrain. In the tree run area, the natural trees and unevenness are left as they are, and there are various conditions such as the situation under the snow is not visible, and the snow is blown by the wind. Of course, there are hidden risks, so in order to ski safely and comfortably, it is necessary to have technology that can handle any type of snow and changes in terrain and allows you to ski as you wish.
Looking at the diagram above, this makes it easy for people who are new to Tree Run to decide where to start, and you can choose an area according to your level. You can rest assured that you can avoid risks such as accidents and injuries. Once you have conquered your current level, it is obvious where you should aim next.
This kind of step-by-step style will naturally increase your motivation. You can enjoy the joy and sense of accomplishment as you improve your skiing skills and responsiveness. It's a really good system. The more you slide, the more your technique improves and you level up. At the same time as gliding technique, "tree hunting" skills, which are not powder hunting, are also honed.
A diverse and powerful tree run area that Natsuyu is proud of, aiming to become a sacred place for
The summer oil tree run area, which boasts a large scale, has continued to expand with the enthusiastic support of many fans. With the addition of "Extreme" and 4 areas, and the new "Cascade", there are now a total of 14 areas that cover the entire ski resort. This is the summer oil tree run area for the 2022-23 season.
Each of the 14 areas is unique and attractive
The tree run area is lined up like this from left to right on the map above.
If you try to express its features in a simple way, it seems that you can express it like this.
● "Garden" where you can slide between courses with peace of mind
● "Alta", which can be turned on the first lift and has excellent mobility
● "Shooter", the highest difficulty that powder hunters aim for
● Even if kids are bogen "Heart"
"Summit" where you can enter near the observatory at the top of the mountain ●"
Beech" where you can enjoy the longest powder in the area ●
"Stream" where natural pipe-shaped ridges line up
●Beech trees "Rabbit" with trees lined up
"
with a variety of natural topography ● "Cascade" with a lot of variety that Bogen Kids can enjoy if parents are with them
▼ The videos showing the details of each area are powerful!
Let's approach each area with rare information
Next, let's take a closer look at the specs and how to attack one by one. The tree density, difficulty, and danger are published on the Natsuyu Kogen official website. The length, slope, amount of snow, interesting topography, and adrenaline index in the radar chart were scored by Mr. Mita Ei Sugawara, ``President who skis on Japan's No. 1 oil plateau''. In addition, Mr. Sugawara, a master, commented on the special "strategy" of the area.
[Garden] Garden
A new tree run area has been opened between the A1 and A2 courses. Nature observation is also fun in the forest where various trees such as beech, cedar, and wild cherry blossoms coexist. Because of its compact size, you can use the first pair of lifts to turn it round and round, and at the same time you don't have to worry about getting lost.
Total Length: 230m Ave/Max 15°/26°
Density of Trees: Medium
Difficulty ★★
Danger ★★
Exit Merge Course: A1
[Recommended strategies for masters]
Rather than a target area, this is an area where you can take a detour after skiing comfortably on the A1 compacted snow slope. The first gondola and the first pair lift can be used, and the farther you go from the lift, the less competition there is.
[Alta] Alta
The area next to the shooter. Because the slope faces northeast, the quality of the snow is stable and the maximum slope is 37 degrees. You can play as a natural pipe in the deep swampy part, but be careful as there is a steep drop point.
Total Length: 400m Ave/Max 20°/37°
Wood Density: Medium
Difficulty ★★★
Danger ★★★★
Exit Merge Course: A3
[Recommended strategies for masters]
Access by first pair or gondola. It is dotted with narrow valleys and large gaps, and it is easy for the lines to run to overlap.
[Shooter] Shooter
After the fresh snow falls, the standard for powder hunters is, "Would you like a shooter?"
The signboard area of Summer Oil Tree Run has been expanded and expanded, and it has become a wide scale divided into 4 areas ①②③④ with the number of valleys. Here, the real pleasure of advanced players is to attack the target line as if it were a "Shooter". There are various ways to enjoy yourself while enjoying the thrill as you descend along the ridge over the large and small undulations.
Since the entry point is long, it is better to carefully drop it from the front. There are many ridges running, and it is easy to fall into the valley when you are skiing, but if you persevere and proceed on the ridges, you should be able to find unexplored land.
Total length: 595m Ave/Max 22°/38°
Density of trees: Shooter ❶ is low, ❷❸❹ is medium
difficulty★★★★
Dangerous★★★★
Exit junction course: A4
[Recommended strategies for masters] Go around
in the No. 1 gondola. Since the entry point is long, it is better to carefully drop it from the front. There are many ridges running, and it is easy to fall into the valley when you are skiing, but if you persevere and proceed on the ridges, you should be able to find unexplored land.
[Heart] Heart
The tree run area directly below the No. 1 gondola mountaintop station is a forest paradise where kids can ski even on bogen because the slope is gentle and you don't have to worry about going too fast. If you are an entry user who is new to Tree Run, check out the basics such as the knowledge of Tree Run here.
Total length: 160m Ave/Max 8°/10°
Density of trees: Medium
difficulty ★
Danger ★
Exit junction course: A1
[Tactics recommended by masters]
Access from No. 1 gondola. There is also an entry in the mood for a little detour.
[Sumiit] Summit
As the name of the summit suggests, entry is from the observatory at the top of the mountain. Although the slope is gentler than Shooter, it has a reputation for good snow quality. There are slope changes and undulations, and you can enjoy various ways of playing depending on the line you take. There is an avalanche point if you deviate from the marked line, so keep the borderline and have fun.
Total length: 687m Ave/Max 16°/35
Density of trees: Medium
difficulty ★★
Danger ★★
Exit merge course: A4
[Recommended strategies for masters] Go around
in the No. 1 gondola. Since the beginning is gradual, we recommend skipping it and entering from the middle of the way to A4. In the case of entry from the observatory, it is better to keep the speed on the left beach side.
[Beech] Beach
Beach is the English name for beech. An attractive area where you can ski long distances while enjoying nature in the virgin beech forest. There is a steep slope with a maximum slope of 38 degrees at the start, and the slope becomes gentle after the middle stage. Insanely funny and exciting.
Total Length: 865m Ave/Max 17°/38°
Wood Density: Low
Difficulty ★★★
Danger ★★★
Exit Merge Course: A4
[Tactics recommended by masters]
Entry at the first gondola. It is recommended to drop after moving left and right from the entry flag. The loose side on the way should trace other people's tracks and accelerate to attack the next drop.
Stream
There are several steep ridges at the start, and the slope gradually becomes gentler in the middle and joins the peach. You can enjoy flowing riding because it is a natural pipe due to the valley-like topography. There is also a large ball-shaped area near the boundary with the beach, where you can make big turns. There are many old beech trees, and the fantastic atmosphere is also attractive.
Total Length: 450m Ave/Max 18°/39°
Density of Trees: Medium
Difficulty ★★★
Danger ★★★
Exit Merge Course: Beach Merge
[Recommended strategies for masters]
Can be toured with the 1st and 2nd gondolas. Since there are few entries in the morning, it is also ant to try to aim early. → I want to check the signboard early and leave smoothly without slowing down.
[Rabbit] Rabbit
Rabbit is located in the forest just beyond the B3 course. Usagimoriyama just above is the origin of the name. It's a compact area, so you don't have to become a rabbit lost in the forest. Although the run distance is short, there are ups and downs and you can enjoy the changes. Mash can also appear. The old beech trees are also full of atmosphere, and even beginners can ski safely on the summer oil tree run.
Total Length: 255m Ave/Max 21°/33°
Density of Trees: Medium
Difficulty ★★
Danger ★★
Exit Merge Course: B2
[Recommended strategies for masters]
Access from the first gondola is common, but you can also enter from the quad lift.
If you move a little sideways from the entry flag, you should be able to find a no track. There are few entries in the morning here as well, so it's a good idea to aim early.
[Extreme] Extreme
Above all, it is an area that is attractive because it can be approached from the quad lift and it can be turned efficiently. Since it is located on the right side of the slope and away from other tree run areas, there is a high possibility that this area will be vacant. The slope gradually becomes steeper from loose, and the topography changes abundantly throughout the 750m long course. The density of the trees changes for each section, so cruising with a sense of rhythm is fun.
Total Length: 750m Ave/Max 14°/40°
Density of Trees: Medium
Difficulty★★★★
Dangerous★★★
Exit Merge Course: C3
[Recommended strategies for masters] An
area where you can efficiently turn with a quad lift.
The exit from the area is a straight road with a bit of a traverse, so if you are not good at traversing, we recommend heading towards the exit towards the end. Avoid south-facing slopes of the ridge in warm, sunny weather.
[Cascade] Cascade
A new and varied area opened next to Extreme. The early stage is gentle and the trees are widely spaced, so you can ski comfortably. From the middle stage, the slope twists to the right and descends, increasing the slope. After that, it becomes gradual again and finally returns to the C4 course as if falling repeatedly. If you push too hard on the left side in midfield, you'll end up in an open area that can trigger an avalanche, so be careful. Let's ski without missing the signboard with the arrow display.
Total Length: 700m Ave/Max 18°/35°
Wood Density: Medium
Difficulty ★★★
Danger ★★★
Exit Merge Course: A4
[Recommended strategies for masters]
You can also use a quad lift in the area across the valley from Extreme. The entry point is wide, so there should be pristine powder everywhere. In the second half, the slope increases, so speed adjustment is essential.
I asked the master "president" who is sliding Japan's best summer oil how to attack heavy snow powder
There is an indispensable existence behind the identity (uniqueness) of “heavy snow powder” and the direction of “aiming for the best tree run in Japan” that Natsuyu Kogen Ski Resort boasts. Mr. Sadahide Sugawara, the representative director of Kitanihon Resort Co., Ltd., the operator of the ski resort. Mr. Sugawara is the president who has been steering the operation since 2013, but he is also "the best skier in Japan."
It was Mr. Sugawara's gimmick that Natsuyu came up with the concepts of "heavy snowfall" and "tree run" and attracted unprecedented attention. We asked Mr. Sugawara, who goes out to the slopes every morning during the season, how to attack.
“Of course, the routine to enjoy the summer oil varies depending on the season, weather, amount and condition of the snow, but the standard recommended way to wash it is like this.
First of all, the first pair list on the left when viewed from the bottom moves. The A3 course along this lift is not compacted snow, so on days when it snows, you can run about two runs in the morning until the gondola starts moving here.
Core local users seem to have about 3 patterns of routines. First of all, as far as I know, the first pattern is to wait for the gondola to open after one lift at the first pair lift. Another pattern is to line up at the front of the first gondola early in the morning, and then line up in the second gondola after eating the uncompacted snow of A4 and B2. On weekdays, after enjoying the uncompacted snow of B3, C1, and C3 from the first gondola, enjoy the powder on the quad tour, and then head to the tree area.
Most people take the 2nd gondola and aim for the C3 or C1 non-compacted snow course. B2 is also non-compacted snow, so I dropped a few snow here first. Is it the third pattern to go to the tree area from there?
Where is the last powder left in good condition? I'm often asked, but is it around the end of "Shooter"? No track until the end of another day! C1 and C5 also tend to leave powder behind. And "stream" is also easy to remain.
In terms of timing, if it's in season and you don't mind the sunshine, January might be the best time to visit. If you want the probability of powder on a sunny day, it's the second half of February. Conditions are very good in February. Even in March, the north-facing shady course is still good. Natsuyu’s Heavy Snow Powder Tree Run is the best, so I hope many people will experience it.”
Sadahide Sugawara
Representative Director of Natsuyu Kogen Ski Resort (Kitanihon Resort Co., Ltd.). Born in Akita Prefecture, after working as a mogul ski instructor and managing multiple ski resorts, he has been in charge of operation of Natsuyu Kogen Ski Resort since 2013. During the season, he goes out to the slopes every morning to check the conditions, and actually acts as a “Mountain Guide” to guide Natsuyu, as well as doing promotional work such as summer oil tree run pamphlets and web production.
If you want to enjoy the day to the fullest, use the guide service operated by the ski resort.
I want to enjoy summer oil to the fullest on this day! "MOUNTAIN INFORMATION" responds to such guest requests. Reception and guidance for various activities offered at the resort. The guides are, of course, the staff who know Natsuyu better than anyone else. In winter, tree runs, mountain guides, snowmobiles, and snowshoe tours are available.
Treerun Area Guide
We offer two programs, the "Tree Run Experience Program" and the "Heavy Snow Tree Run Guide," so that guests can enjoy the vast and diverse tree run area according to their level.
If you have never experienced a tree run and are a little worried, try the "Tree Run Experience Program". Summit Beach is the implementation area, and the guide will teach you the basics of tree run and skiing. The fee is 4,000 yen including insurance. If you are an experienced person, go to "Heavy Snow Tree Run Guide". A local summer oil guide will take you to the best spot from among the various areas, considering the snow quality of the day and the weather from the night before, for 2 hours. Even if it didn't snow the night before, you might find an amazing powder drift!
In both cases, reservations can be made in advance on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, or same-day reservations are possible if space is available. The capacity is 5 people, so you can fully enjoy the summer oil forest efficiently.
Mountain Guide
A veteran guide who is familiar with summer oil will respond to the wishes of guests and take them to unexplored powder spots that only locals know or can go. Of course, you can also request to enjoy skiing with efficient lift rotation on the slopes. Gear rentals are also available, so you don't have to worry about going out empty-handed. It supports from beginners to experts.
RESORT INFO
■ Basic information on the slopes
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| Top altitude 1,070m | Longest run 2,980m | Elevation difference 430m | Maximum slope 36° |
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14 courses | 3 lifts | 2 gondolas | ropeway -book |
◆ Official HP / https://www.getokogen.com/winter/
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