Summary of recommended ski resorts in Tohoku |

2024/01/31

The Tohoku region, which comprises Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata, and Fukushima prefectures, is dotted with ski resorts across a wide area. The cold, dry seasonal winds blowing in from the continent create snow clouds as they pass over the Sea of Japan. These snow clouds collide with the Ou Mountains, known as the backbone of Tohoku, and the Echigo Mountains that follow, causing heavy snowfall, resulting in heavy snowfall in the inland areas of Tohoku. We will introduce ski resorts that are unique in their location and topography

INDEX

The Tohoku area is full of mountains for connoisseurs

The ski resorts in the Tohoku region are concentrated inland and share characteristic . While they're not particularly close to Tokyo, skiers and snowboarders are still drawn to the mountains of the Tohoku region because of the unique challenges and the relatively small number of people skiing on the fields.

rivals that of Hokkaido , making it a destination of choice for international skiers . Mystical frost-covered trees can be seen particularly in Yamagata's Zao and Aomori's Hakkoda, while Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima is also beautiful. There are also many scenic hot springs

nearby region is well worth exploring , even in the hopes of finding your own special spot

Photo/Tempei Takeuchi Skier/Riki Nakajima
Courtesy of BRAVOSKI

: Tree runs and ungroomed areas are opening up rapidly
| APPI KOGEN

Appi's distinctive feature is its 21 trails that radiate out from Maemoriyama, an independent peak at 1,304m above sea level, with half of the trails being over 2km long and large-scale. Highly maneuverable gondolas and quad lifts are located at key points to cover this, making access between trails easy. While

the amount of snowfall is not particularly large, the terrain and the 40 degrees north latitude mean that Appi's snow is fine-grained and does not easily harden. Appi has been popular with freeskiers because of the high-quality powder that can be enjoyed over long distances, but in recent years the number of ungroomed and tree-run areas has steadily expanded, and there are .

When there is no snowfall, the ungroomed trails turn into crowded mogul slopes, stimulating the spirit of challenge. Appi is a resort that offers great satisfaction, snow or no snow.

◆Official website: https://www.appi.co.jp/ski/

Six tree-
running areas where you can enjoy the heavy snow to your heart's contentGeto Kogen Ski Resort

Located in the southwestern part of Iwate Prefecture, Geto Plateau is bordered by the Kitakami Mountains to the east and the Ou Mountains to the west. Its terrain is blessed with abundant, dry powder, boasting the highest snowfall in Honshu. Geto's signature heavy snowfall is generously released, a remarkable feat.

While two gondolas and five lifts provide 14 runs, the park has been actively expanding its tree run area year after year since 2015, earning it the unwavering support of powder lovers through its aggressive approach. Currently, there are 13 tree run areas. Each run takes advantage of the varied terrain, allowing visitors to enjoy powder riding in beautiful forests like this. This is perhaps the true joy of Geto.

Taking advantage of the overwhelming snowfall, the park boasts a high-quality park boasting over 20 different items and meticulous maintenance, even early in the season. Both the powder and park are among the best in Tohoku, leading to the saying, "Tohoku is home to Geto."

◆Official website: https://www.getokogen.com/winter/

Hachimantai Resort Panorama & Shimokura attracts a core fan base.

This mountain resort, stretching north of Mount Iwate, is divided into two parts: Panorama Ski Resort and Shimokura Ski Resort. A shuttle bus connects the two, but they are completely different in style. Panorama is for relaxing at a hot spring resort, while Shimokura is for those who love to ski . Shimokura

has just three lifts. Though it's not large, it This is due to the exceptional quality of its courses, not to mention the dry powder snow of Tohoku. The Diamond Course is a 1,000m single run with a maximum gradient of 37 degrees, and is ungroomed, so after a fresh snowfall, you're guaranteed to experience overhead skiing.

When the snowfall is light, the slopes are full of challenging mogul slopes and rough, varied terrain, adding to the motivation to conquer. These exciting courses captivate hardcore skiers.

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

■Hachimantai Resort Panorama & Shimokura Recommended Video

Tengendai Kogen: A long six-month season and the finest powder in Honshu

Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture is located in the southern part of the 2,000-meter-high Ou Mountains. With its summit exceeding 1,800 meters and north-facing slopes, it's no wonder the resort boasts "the finest powder snow in Honshu." This translates into a long season spanning six months, from early December to Golden Week in May.

From the base of the mountain, where the parking lot is located, a ropeway takes you straight to the plateau, 1,350 meters above sea level. The ski resort stretches out beyond, creating the feel of a "piste in the sky." The beautiful scenery, complete with frost-covered trees, also makes Tengendai special.

The vertical layout makes the most of the natural terrain, offering a variety of slopes, including an ungroomed powder zone. Access to the backcountry is also available from the slopes. During the peak season, you can enjoy ultra-long runs of up to 6 kilometers. While it's a bit far from the Tokyo metropolitan area, it's well worth the trip.

◆Official website: http://www.tengendai.jp/winter/w-event.html

Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain, where ultra-fine snow falls

Nekoma Mountain is located in Urabandai, one of Japan's snowiest areas, boasting a long snowfall season of about five months, starting in early December. At an altitude of 1,000m, the north-facing slopes are covered with Nekoma's unique microfine snow, which sticks to the trees and creates the beautiful "frost" scenery that is Nekoma's signature

This area often receives heavy snowfall, and even in April, you can enjoy powder riding with the accumulation of micro-fine snow. There are plenty of ungroomed runs, and "Deep 1" at the top is, as its name suggests, a deep and steep powder spot. The slopes extend in three directions from the bottom. 40% of the slopes are hard runs suitable for advanced skiers, and are plenty of fun to ski.

Nekoma's park is also a specialty. The items and level of the park change as the season progresses. In March, Nekoma Step Up Park, a high-spec park that hosts world-class slopestyle competitions, also appears, attracting professionals to train.

The South Area (formerly Alts Bandai) is located on the south side of the mountain, and in the 2023-2024 season, the Nyaruts Chair, a connecting lift linking the north and south sides, was finally completed. Of course, the 800m snow walking route remains, and the area has been transformed into an environment where you can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, as well as vast slopes bathed in sunlight

◆ Official website / https://www.nekoma.co.jp/

■ Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Ski Resort Recommended Video

EN RESORT Grandeco super comfortable for both skiing and staying overnight.

Grandeco Snow Resort has rebranded and reopened! The appeal of Grandeco is that it is a resort that boasts the luxurious and high-society "EN RESORT Grandeco Hotel," while also offering high-quality skiing. With its base at an elevation of over 1,000m, you can enjoy high-quality snow and a long season

The slope is centered around a 2.4km gondola. All other lifts are hooded quads, a unique feature of Grandeco. They are highly maneuverable, allow for efficient skiing, and don't leave you cold, making them skier-friendly and appreciated. The ungroomed powder zone has been expanded, making it even more fun. The "Slope Park" where children can play has also been improved. The specialty cafes in the food court are also worth checking out. This is a luxurious ski resort that combines functionality on the hard side with quality skiing on the soft side

◆Official website: https://www.grandeco.com/winter/

■Grandeco Snow Resort Recommended Video

Enjoy night skiing every day at Sendai City Slope
Spring Valley Izumi Kogen | SPRING VALLEY

Located just a 40-minute drive from downtown Sendai, this urban ski resort is located at an altitude of 687m. Located on the northern slope of Mt. Izumigatake, the natural snow is of good quality, but snow machines are also used to supplement the snowfall. This allows the resort to consistently maintain good conditions.

The slopes are compact at 18 hectares, but the layout allows for 12 runs with four lifts, including a steep run with a 36-degree slope. The snow park also boasts a wide range of items, making it a Miyagi Prefecture specialty. Another selling point is the night skiing, which is open until 10pm every night. On Friday and Saturday nights, you can ski until 11pm, so you can have plenty of fun even after work.

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

■Spring Valley Izumi Highlands recommended video

[Ski resorts in the Tohoku area]

Appi Plateau
summer oil plateau
Hachimantai Resort Panorama Ski Resort & Shimokura Ski Resort
Tengendai
Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain
Grandeco Snow Resort
Spring Valley Izumi Highlands
Shizukuishi
Zao Hot Springs
Aizu Highlands Takatsue
Onikoube
Atada Plateau

*Information as of the end of January 2024. For details, please refer to the official website of each ski resort.


Top altitude 1,304m	Longest run 5,500m	Elevation difference 684m	Maximum slope 34°


21 courses	9 lifts	1 gondola	ropeway -book


Top altitude 1,070m	Longest run 2,980m	Elevation difference 430m	Maximum slope 36°


14 courses	3 lifts	2 gondolas	ropeway -book


Top altitude 1,130m	Longest run 2,700m	Elevation difference 590m	Maximum slope 37°