Summary of recommended ski resorts in Tohoku |

2024/01/31

The Tohoku area, which consists of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata, and Fukushima prefectures, is dotted with ski resorts over a wide area. The cold, dry seasonal winds that blow from the continent generate snow clouds as they pass through the Sea of Japan. These snow clouds collide with the Ou Mountains, which are said to be the backbone of Tohoku, and the Echigo Mountains that follow, causing large amounts of snow to fall, resulting in heavy snowfall in the inland areas of Tohoku. Let's introduce some unique ski resorts based on their location and topography.

INDEX

The Tohoku area is full of mountains for connoisseurs.

Ski resorts in the Tohoku area are concentrated in inland areas and have a common feature . In terms of distance from the city center, it's hard to say that it's close by any means, but skiers and snowboarders are attracted to the mountains in the Tohoku area is because of the unique feeling of skiing and the small number of people skiing on the fields. Because it is.

of powder in Hachimantai is comparable to that of , making it a dream destination for skiers In particular, you can see mysterious frost-covered trees in Yamagata Zao and Aomori Hakkoda, and Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima is also beautiful. also many charming hot springs

nearby Even if skating is the main purpose, there is something emotional about a trip to Michinoku. It seems worth exploring the Tohoku area in terms of finding your own special place

Photo/Tempei Takeuchi Skier/Riki Nakajima
Provided by BRAVOSKI

Appi Kogen ski resort where tree runs and non-compressed snow areas are becoming more and more open

Appi features 21 courses radiating out from Maemoriyama, an independent peak with an altitude of 1,304m, and half of the courses are longer than 2km and big scale.

Gondolas and quad lifts with excellent mobility are laid out at key points to cover it, so access between courses is easy. Although the amount of snowfall is not extremely large, due to the geographical conditions and the benefit of the 40 degrees north latitude, the snow in Appi is fine and hard to clump. Appi has been gaining popularity among free skiers because of its high-quality powder that can be enjoyed for long distances .

When there is no snowfall, the non-compacted snow course turns into a crowded bumpy slope, which will stimulate your spirit of challenge. Whether it rains or not, Appi is very satisfied.

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

GETO KOGEN Ski Resort 6 tree run areas where you can

Natsuyu Plateau is located in the southwestern part of Iwate Prefecture, with the Kitakami Mountains to the east and the Ou Mountains to the west.

The terrain is amazing as it produces a lot of dry powder and is said to have the highest snowfall in Honshu. The great thing about summer oil is that it generously releases heavy snowfall, which is synonymous with summer oil. It has 14 courses with 2 gondolas and 5 lifts, but since 2015 it has been actively expanding its tree run area year after year, and its aggressive efforts have earned it the overwhelming support of powder freaks. There are currently 13 tree run areas. Each course takes advantage of its varied terrain, allowing you to enjoy powder riding in this beautiful forest.

This is probably the best part of summer oil. It also has a high-quality park that takes advantage of the overwhelming snowfall and boasts over 20 types of items and meticulous maintenance from early in the season. Both powder and park are among the best in the Tohoku region, making it known as ``Tohoku has summer oil.''

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

Large
Hachimantai Resort Panorama & Shimokura｜Hachimantai Resort

The mountain resort on the north side of Mt. Iwate is divided into two parts: Panorama Ski Resort and Shimokura Ski Resort. You can go back and forth between the two by shuttle bus, but the type is completely different. Panorama is perfect for lounging at hot spring resorts, but who .

Shimokura has only 3 lifts. Although the scale is not large, there are many enthusiastic fans who visit

here This is because the course is exceptionally good, not to mention the snow quality of Tohoku dry powder. The "Diamond Course" is a 1,000m single slope with a maximum slope of 37 degrees and uncompacted snow, so you can definitely enjoy the overhead after fresh snow. When there is little snow, it becomes a formidable bumpy slope and a bump full of rough changes, which increases your motivation to conquer. The exciting course will captivate the core skier.

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

Hachimantai Resort Panorama & Shimokura Recommended Video

6 months long season and Honshu's finest powder
Tengendai Kogen | TENGENDAI KOGEN

Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture is located in the southern part of the 2,000m class Ou Mountains.

The top is over 1,800m above sea level, and the north-facing slopes are known for their snow quality, which is said to be the finest powder on Honshu. Therefore, it boasts a long season of 6 months from early December to May GW every year. From the parking lot at the foot of the mountain, take the ropeway and approach the plateau with an altitude difference of 1,350m.

The ski resort spreads beyond it, just like the "slope in the sky". The beautiful scenery where you can see frost-covered trees also makes Tengendai special. The vertical layout that makes use of the natural topography has a variety of slopes, and the uncompacted powder zone is also open. There is also an environment where you can go out to the backcountry from the slopes. During the high season, you can enjoy a super long run of 6km. It's a bit far from the metropolitan area, but 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
| HOSHINO RESORTS NEKOMA MOUNTAIN

Urabandai, where Nekoma Mountain is located, is one of the heaviest snowfall areas in Japan, and boasts a long season of about five months starting from early December. At an altitude of 1,000m, the north-facing slope accumulates ultra-fine snow called Nekoma's unique micro-fine snow. This creates the beautiful ``frozen frost'' scenery that is symbolic of Nekoma for trees.

This area often experiences heavy rainfall, and even in April, you can sometimes enjoy powder riding filled with micro-fine snow.

There are plenty of uncompacted snow courses, and the top section, ``Deep 1,'' is a deep and steep powder spot, as the name suggests. The layout of the ski slope extends in three directions from the bottom. With 40% of the slopes being suitable for advanced skiers, the hard-burn slopes offer plenty of challenge. The park is also a specialty of Nekoma. Park items and levels change as the season progresses. In March, a high-spec park called Nekoma Step Up Park, which hosts world championship-level slopestyle competitions, will also open, where professionals will also gather for training.

The south area (formerly Arutsu Bandai) is located on the south side of the mountain, and in the 2023-24 season, the connecting lift ``Nyarutsu Chair'' connecting the south and north was finally completed. Of course, the 800m snow walking route remains, and the environment has changed to one where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, as well as a vast, sunny ski slope.

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

Hoshino Resort Nekoma Ski Resort recommended video

All lifts have hoods, making it super comfortable for skiing and overnight stays
EN RESORT Grandeco

Grandeco Snow Resort is rebranded and open! The appeal of Grandeco is that it is a high-society resort with the luxurious EN RESORT Grandeco Hotel, but it also offers quality skiing. The base altitude is over 1,000m, so you can enjoy high-quality snow and a long season.

The ski slope is centered around a 2.4km gondola. Another feature of Grandeco is that all other lifts are quads with hoods. It's highly maneuverable, skis efficiently, and you don't have to worry about getting cold, which is great because it's skier-friendly. The powder zone of uncompacted snow has expanded, making it even more fun. There is also a ``slope park'' where children can play. Also worth noting is the cafe specialty store in the food court. It can be described as a luxurious ski resort that combines the hard aspects of functionality with the soft aspects of ski quality.

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

■ Grandco Snow Resort recommended video

Spring Valley Izumi Kogen where you can enjoy night skiing every day

A city-based ski resort located at an altitude of 687m, just 40 minutes by car from downtown Sendai.

Since it is located on the northern slope of Mt. Thanks to that, we are always in good and stable condition. The slopes are a compact 18ha layout with four lifts and 12 courses. steep slope course of 36 degrees. The snow park also boasts a large number of items and is a specialty of Miyagi Prefecture. Furthermore, Coco's selling point is night games that are open every night until 22:00. On Friday and Saturday nights, you can ski until 23:00, so you can fully enjoy it even after work.

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

■ Spring Valley Izumi Kogen 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 Plateau
Shizukuishi
Zao Hot Spring
Aizu Plateau Takatsue
Onikoube
Atara 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°


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


14 courses	7 lifts	Gondola -base	ropeway -book