Location: GETO KOGEN
The Ou Mountains, the backbone of the Tohoku region, extend 500km from north to south in each prefecture of Tohoku. In addition to the quality of mountains and snow, there is plenty of simple Michinoku atmosphere unique to Tohoku. Among overseas filmmakers and riders, there are many fans who are in love with the powder and travel atmosphere that can only be tasted in Tohoku. And one of the reasons why it is supported by enthusiastic users is that it is relatively uncrowded. Let's take a look at Tohoku's powder fields, which are full of charm.
Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort | Aomori Prefecture
Tree run backcountry and double
mountain ski resort
Like Asahidake in Hokkaido, it is a hardcore mountain ski resort that does not look like a resort-like ski resort. There is only a ropeway and one lift in the ski area, and surprisingly there is no compacted snow barn, so the entire area is a powder field. The upper part of the slope is steep, and beyond that, a frost-covered forest spreads out. Enjoy a 7km long run while feeling the grandeur of untouched nature.
Another attraction of Hakkoda is the ease with which you can ski off-piste. Gain altitude quickly on the ropeway, and at least 5 or more routes can be taken radially from the summit station, so you can enjoy endless variety. However, this is for guided tour participants or skiers who are familiar with the area, and it is safer for Hakkoda beginners to use a guided tour. The Hakkoda Guide Club has a reputation for excellent operations.
Another strength of Hakkoda is the length of the powder season. Until the end of March, Hakkoda is still the top season even if other areas are in spring conditions. It is not uncommon to have deep snow even in May.
Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort's famous powder course
Video 0:22~0:56 Direct Course
0:57~1:57 Forest Course
・Direct course
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 11 degrees / Distance: 3500m / Slope direction: -
The most popular course in Hakkoda. There are no steep slopes, and the moderate slope continues for a long time, leading to Hakkoda Park at the end. Be careful as there is a narrow part on the way.
・Forest course
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 8 degrees / Distance: 5000m / Slope orientation: -
It is a long run of 5km, with a wide steep slope for about 1km at the beginning, followed by a gentle forest part. You can enjoy a light tree run while looking at the fantastic frost-covered trees of Hakkoda. On the other hand, the next day when there was a lot of snowfall, it was necessary to row on a gentle slope.
・Tour route (Miyasama/Chuo/Jougakura/Bronze statue/Hakkoda Onsen/Houkibatai route)
A tour route that takes advantage of the topography and snow conditions of Mt. Hakkoda to select slopes suitable for skiing. You can enjoy comfortable and versatile skiing on large slopes without trees and between forests. On the other hand, due to the natural conditions, there are dangerous spots such as snow cornices and crevasses. It is safer not to enter the mountain alone.
http://www.hakkoda-ropeway.jp/service/ski
Appi Kogen Ski Resort｜Iwate Prefecture
is Appi in the ever-expanding non-compacted snow course and tree run area
Tohoku
Appi Kogen is known as a complex resort with a beautiful corduroy barn that shines, a number of Japan's leading long courses, high-end hotels, etc. "There is Appi in Tohoku". Maemoriyama, an independent peak with an altitude of 1,304m, has 21 courses radiating out, and half of the courses are longer than 2km. Looking at the course map, the sense of scale is overwhelming.
Thanks to the topographical conditions and the 40 degrees north latitude, the snow in Appi is finely textured and hard to clump. In recent years, Appi's non-compacted snow and tree run areas have been steadily expanding, and now there are 5 areas. In addition to the terrain changes, there are many types of trees, and the tree run, where you can feel the natural beauty of Tohoku, is exceptional.
Appi Kogen Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Yamagara course
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 23 degrees / Distance: 900m / Slope direction: East
When it comes to interesting places in Appi, Coco in Nishimoriyama comes first. This is the largest powder zone in Appi, and of course the entire area is uncompacted. Due to the high altitude, high-quality powder piles up. The maximum slope is 32 degrees and the length is perfect with a steep slope where the spray rises.
・Second Sailer Course A
Maximum slope: 34 degrees Average: 16 degrees / Distance: 2300m / Slope orientation: East
The 2nd Sailer course is a long course with all ABCs strong, but the A course is particularly exciting and technical. The upper part is a steep slope with uncompacted snow and deep powder. There are natural bumps near the center, and powder remains on both sides of the course. From the middle of the course, you can also enjoy hitting the wall.
・Tree run zone
Attack, Bravo, Cruise1, Cruise2, Dragon Tail
Appi's touring zone is expanding rapidly. It is a new Appi selling that can strongly appeal to the sliding school. The total area of 5 areas is 600,000㎡! There are two vast tree fields on Nishimoriyama in the back and three on Maemoriyama in front. It's irresistible to enjoy the long runs unique to Appi.
◆ Official HP / https://www.appi.co.jp/
Hachimantai Resort Panorama & Shimokura｜Iwate Prefecture
The famous "Shimokura Wall"
cores gather for the finest powder
A highland resort on the north side of Mt. Iwate, this resort consists of Panorama Ski Resort behind the base Hachimantai Mountain Hotel and Shimokura Ski Resort on the eastern slope of Mt. Both ski resorts are about 10 minutes by free shuttle bus, and lift tickets are common, so you can come and go freely. Panorama is for enjoying a relaxing resort life in hot springs, and Shimokura is for skiing on powder.
Shimokura Ski Resort is located on the eastern slope of Mt. In addition, the best powder with extremely low moisture called "Ultra Light Powder" is piled up. In addition to the course, there are also 4 types of tree run areas where you can fully enjoy the powder.
In addition, local guide clubs offer a variety of backcountry programs in the backcountry area of Hachimantai by using lifts to access Shimokura Ski Resort. Shimokura is a Tohoku paradise for core powder fans.
・Diamond course
Maximum slope: 37 degrees Average: - degrees / Distance: 1020m / Slope direction: East
A 1,000m-class single slope with a maximum slope of 37 degrees! One of the best steep faces in Japan is Shimokura's famous course called "Shimokura Wall". Because of the uncompacted snow, you can definitely enjoy the overhead after the snowfall. There are also hits and jump points. When there is little snow, it becomes a formidable bumpy slope and a bump full of rough changes, which increases your motivation to conquer.
・Tree run area DROP
Maximum slope: 37 degrees Average: - degrees / Distance: 1020 + @ m / Slope direction: East
The forest on the south side of the Diamond Course is open as a tree run area. The terrain is rich in undulations, and the higher you go, the steeper it becomes. Large beech trees grow at good intervals. Because it is along the 3rd lift, it is also attractive that you can go back and forth between the slope and the drop by turning the lift.
・Tree run area CRUISE
Maximum slope: -degrees Average: -degrees / Distance: 2000＋＠m / Slope direction: North
CRUISE where you can ski in the northern forest along the silky course that runs curving from the top of Shimokura Ski Resort at an altitude of 1130m. It is a relatively gentle slope, and the density of the trees is open, making it easy to slip, and the skiing distance is 2km. As the name suggests, you can enjoy a comfortable and luxurious tree-run cruising.
◆ Official HP / https://www.hachimantai.co.jp/winter/
Summer Oil Plateau｜Iwate Prefecture
The 14 tree run areas are the strongest match of Japan's largest
snowfall + powder tree run
Located in the southwestern part of Iwate Prefecture, the Natsuyu Plateau is surrounded by the Kitakami Mountains to the east and the Ou Mountains to the west. The topography of the summer oil plateau is so heavy that it rains a lot of dry powder and records the highest amount of snowfall in Honshu. There is 1.5m of natural snow from November, and the speed with which the snow sticks 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 falling continuously every day. The "POWDER reset rate" during the high season of summer oil is 52% in December, 72% in January, and 64% in February.
It has 14 general courses with 2 gondolas and 3 lifts, but in recent years the tree run area has been actively expanded year by year, and now has a total of 14 areas. A beautiful forest woven by rich, undulating mountainous terrain is a course that takes advantage of the varied topography, and you can enjoy powder riding in the beautiful forest.
・Tree Run Area Shooter
Maximum slope: 38 degrees Average: 22 degrees / Distance: 595m / Slope orientation: -
A thrilling area where you enter from the middle of the A1 course, overcome large and small undulations, and descend along the ridge. Significantly expanded from the 2018 season, the shooter is divided into a total of 4 areas with the number of valleys.
You can enjoy various ways at the place you aim. Shooter ~ As the name suggests, let's capture by "shooting" at the target line. The denseness of the trees is just before passing through the area, so you should be able to capture the line relatively smoothly until the end. After the snowfall, you can enjoy no-track all day long on weekdays and all morning on weekends.
・Tree run area BEECH
Maximum slope: 25 degrees Average: 17 degrees / Distance: 865m / Slope orientation: -
An area where you can tree run at a comfortable speed. There are several steep ridges at the start, and various tricks are possible using the undulations. The slope gradually becomes gentler in the middle part, but the gap between trees is wide and you can pass smoothly. You can enjoy knee paws and hip paws when it snows.
・C3 course
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: - degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope direction: -
The C3 course is an intermediate long course with a wide course width and a single slope with a slight slope. The basics are non-compacted snow, and you can enjoy long cruising in powder. You can enjoy various ways depending on how you slide. Immediately after the quad lift operation, you can carve a turn on the men's turban!
Moriyoshisan Ani Ski Resort｜Akita Prefecture
A beautiful powder run in a fantastic frost-covered forest while gazing at the majestic mountain range of the famous Ou mountain range
Located almost in the center of Akita Prefecture, Mt. Moriyoshi is a ski resort overlooking the majestic mountain range of the famous Ou mountain range, known locally as "Mt. Akita". The entire slope is covered in rime and is beautiful, allowing you to ski comfortably while enjoying the scenery. The “extra-large frost-covered trees” near the Gondola Sancho Station is a spectacular sight that makes you feel the breath of nature. A group of beautiful frost-covered trees near the summit connected by a 3.5km gondola. This landscape, abundant snowfall and fine powder snow are unique to Moriyoshi Ani.
Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort Powder Specialty Course
・Challenge course
Maximum slope: 28 degrees Average: 16 degrees / Distance: 850m / Slope orientation: -
A non-compressed snow course where you can enjoy changes such as fresh snow and bumps.
・Paradise course
Maximum slope: 25 degrees Average: 12 degrees / Distance: 2,800m / Slope orientation: -
A comfortable long course with beautiful frost-covered trees overlooking the Ou mountain range.
◆ Official HP / https://www.aniski.jp/
Tengendai Kogen｜Yamagata Prefecture
This is the powder ski slope in the sky with the highest quality snow on Honshu.
Located on the back side of Mt. Bandai, Tengendai Kogen boasts a spectacular amount of snow in addition to the quality of snow that is said to be "Honshu's finest powder" because the top is over 1,800m above sea level and slopes facing north. We are also proud of the long season that lasts for six months from early December to May GW every year. Shirabu Onsen and Shin-Takayu Onsen, which have a secret hot spring atmosphere, are the base, and the environment after the tour is perfect.
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". Another attraction of Tengendai is the beautiful scenery where you can see frost-covered trees. The vertically long layout has a variety of slope configurations, and the uncompacted powder zone is also open. During the high season, you can enjoy a super long run of 6km. Furthermore, there is also an environment where you can go out to the backcountry from the slopes.
・Tsugamori East Wall
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 12 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: North
You can taste the finest smooth powder that can only be found at an altitude of 1,820m. A tree run course in which a large virgin forest such as Japanese hemlock and Rhododendron japonicum spreads out, and you slide through the toothbrush rime. There is a powder zone at the top where the snow is not compacted, and a large panorama of Iide, Asahi, Gassan, Chokai, Zao and Yamagata's famous peaks spreads out below.
・Shirakaba powder zone
Maximum slope: 21 degrees Average: 14 degrees / Distance: 600m / Slope orientation: North
An uncompacted snow line that extends to the left side of the slope. With undulating slopes, moderately steep slopes, and wide widths, long run powder feels great. On weekdays, even though the area is crowded with student ski classes, there are few people on the non-compacted snow line, and on weekdays after a snowfall, powder may remain until the afternoon.
＋PLUS "2023 Mt. Nishiazuma x Tengendai Kogen x Shirabu Onsen Area Reborn Project"
The first track tour called "Mt. Nishiazuma x Tengendai Kogen x Shirabu Onsen Area Reborn Project" which started in the 2021-22 season will continue in the 2022-23 season! A 15-passenger sightseeing snow compactor will take you to Hokubodai at an altitude of 1,820m, and you can enjoy a powder ride on the east and west walls of Tsugamori with a guide. Limited to 9 people with an advance reservation system (reception until 16:00 the day before). Advanced guests staying at "Albu Pension" in Tengendai Kogen are eligible.
| time | 7:20～8:20 |
| price | 3,500 yen/person |
| hold | Every Sunday from January 8th (Sun) to February 26th (Sun), 2023 |
◆ Official HP / https://www.winter.tengendai.jp/
Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort｜Miyagi Prefecture
A 4.3km long cruise with a view of the Pacific Ocean is
also dotted with uncompacted snow zones
Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort is about an hour by car from Sendai city. It is the largest ski resort in Miyagi prefecture. Spreading out on the northeast ridge of Mt. Eboshidake in the Zao Mountain Range, this is a nice location where you can overlook the Sendai Plain and the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. In addition, it is a light powder unique to Tohoku, and has a reputation for its quality.
The topic of the 2022-23 season is the opening of the Cobb Course on the Ishiko Slope, with Takashi Endo, who has competed in two Olympic Games and is currently the coach of the national team, as the course director. Cobb lovers will be irresistibly interested.
Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort Powder Specialty Course
・Dynamic course (1-3)
Maximum slope: 35 degrees Average: 22 degrees / Distance: 450m / Slope orientation: -
A dynamic course with a 4.3km downhill view from the top of the slopes to the Pacific Ocean.
・Nature Zone
Maximum slope: 24 degrees Average: 12 degrees / Distance: 650m / Slope orientation: -
・Challenge course
Maximum slope: 35 degrees Average: 25 degrees / Distance: 700m / Slope orientation: -
A hard steep slope representing Miyagi Zao Eboshi. Because it is uncompacted snow, you can enjoy steep and deep powder rides up to 35 degrees after snowfall.
◆Official HP／ http://www.eboshi.co.jp/
Hoshino Resort Nekoma Ski Resort｜Fukushima Prefecture
best for those who want to enjoy ultra-fine micro fine snow
The season starts as early as the end of November, and the heavy snow ski resort has a long season of about five months until Golden Week in May. At an altitude of 1000m at the base, the north-facing slopes are covered with ultra-fine particles of snow called "micro-fine snow" unique to Nekoma.
The slopes are laid out in three directions from the bottom, making this a rare technical ski resort where 40% of the slopes are for advanced skiers. There are also plenty of non-compacted snow courses, so even powder lovers will be addicted to the steep face and powder skiing. The park is also a specialty of Nekoma. Park items and levels change as the season progresses. If the snow is of good quality, it will be easier to practice because landing from a jump is less stressful. It is also convenient and advantageous that you can freely come and go with Hoshino Resort Alts Bandai on the opposite side with a common lift ticket.
・deep 1
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 14 degrees / Distance: 1200m / Slope orientation: North
A powder haven with the highest altitude of all the resorts, and plenty of fresh micro-fine snow on the course. As the name suggests, it is deep, with a course length of 1200m and a slope of up to 30 degrees. After a snowfall, the battle for powder is inevitable, but if you wake up early, you will surely be caught in the powder.
・Forest 2
Maximum slope: 21 degrees Average: 11 degrees / Distance: 350m / Slope orientation: -
Tree run course in beech forest. You can enjoy a variety of runs in the depression-like terrain. After it snows, it can become a deep powder field. Don't let your feet get caught in unexpected depths.
・Forest 3
Maximum slope: 21 degrees Average: 15 degrees / Distance: 900m / Slope direction: ー
If you want to play terrain with Nekoma, this is the place! An undulating course. Both sides of the course are swamp terrain with towering walls. I want to enjoy rhythmic cruising while hitting the wall with enough length.
◆ Official HP / https://www.nekoma.co.jp/