Gunma Prefecture's ski resorts aren't particularly special in terms of the size of their slopes or the extravagant facilities, but they are all unique and top-notch. Being close to the Joetsu border means the snow quality is excellent and there's a good amount of snow. The chances of hitting powder are especially high during the peak season from January to February. The area is also rich in natural terrain, and skiing on natural barriers in particular can be said to be a culture that originated in Gunma. With powder, terrain, and even hard runs, the all-round capabilities are unmatched. We've picked out some of the best ski resorts in the Gunma area
Katashina Oguna Hotaka Ski Resort
Fill your stomach with fluffy natural powder from an altitude of 1,828m!
Oguna Hotaka Ski Resort, located in Katashina Village, Gunma Prefecture, is only two hours from Tokyo and is in the suburbs of the Tokyo metropolitan area, but the top of the slopes is actually 1,828m above sea level. In addition to convenient access, the quality of the snow is perfect. It is popular among powder enthusiasts as a little-known spot where you can fully enjoy the fluffy natural powder without fighting over the powder.
It is also attractive that you can enjoy a wonderful view from the top and a long course of up to 3.5km. With a compact size of 6 lifts and 13 courses, there are well-balanced courses for beginners to advanced skiers, so anyone can enjoy it. The course, which makes use of the walls and other natural topography, keeps visitors from getting bored, and there are many fans who say that it is a "very comfortable ski resort that feels like home."
Katashina Oguna Hotaka powder specialty course
・Slalom course
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 22 degrees / Distance: 400m / Slope orientation: Southwest
Starting in the 2022-2023 season, this course will be ungroomed and will not require any compacted snow! The course is wide overall, making it perfect for creating large, satisfying tracks. There are also steep sections with a maximum gradient of 30 degrees, allowing you to enjoy overhead powder. This is sure to become a hot spot that will attract many powder lovers
・Slope 6
Maximum slope: 25 degrees Average: 18 degrees / Distance: 750m / Slope direction: East
It's not an uncompacted snow course, but the snow is so smooth that only this No. 6 slope is often covered with powder. The quality and depth of the snow is perfect on days when it has fallen. Located at the top of the slope, the view is outstanding.
・Wedern course
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 22 degrees / Distance: 300m / Slope direction: Northeast
The size of the course is small, but the bowl shape makes it easy for powder to accumulate. Therefore, in terms of depth, it is No. 1 in the hall. Over time, the slopes may turn into bumpy slopes, but it's also fun to attack them wildly.
◆Official website: https://k-hotaka.jp/ogna/
Kawaba
There will also be a first ride by an off-piste cat in a limited area!
Located two hours from Tokyo on the Kan'etsu Expressway, Kawaba is the closest ski resort to Numata Interchange and highly popular with visitors from urban areas for its convenience. With an elevation of 1,250m at its base and 1,870m at its peak, it is one of the highest ski resorts in the Kanto region, and is popular for its exceptionally smooth, natural snow. The vast slopes are dotted with a wide variety of courses suitable for beginners and advanced skiers alike, and the total run from top to bottom of the resort is approximately 3,300m, making it an ideal place to enjoy ultra-long runs
While the high-quality park and mogul courses have become icons of Kawaba and attract regulars, OFF THE PISTE is a favorite among powder lovers. It's a hugely popular powder spot, offering an off-piste feel in a limited, managed area within the slopes. Furthermore, there are efficient options for enjoying powder riding, such as cat skiing and fast tracks, making it the perfect environment for pursuing freeriding
Kawaba's famous powder course
・OFF THE PISTE
"OFF THE PISTE" is an attraction area for powder snow only, reserved for advanced skiers. There
are three managed areas scattered throughout the slopes, allowing you to safely enjoy the off-piste experience to your heart's content. To ski in this area, you must watch a designated video in advance, sign an agreement on-site, and pay 1,000 yen.
・Takate Skyline
Maximum slope: 29 degrees Average: 23 degrees / Distance: 1350m / Slope orientation: South
A long run of 1,350m from the top of the slopes, where you can enjoy powder riding on moderately steep slopes and uncompacted snow. The view of the Kanto Plain on a clear day is also attractive. You can earn a lot because you can turn it hard with a high-handed pair lift.
・Nameless mountain downhill
Maximum slope: 26 degrees Average: 25 degrees / Distance: 720m / Slope direction: West
An uncompacted snow course to the starting point of the Crystal Express, which branches off from the end of Mumei Triple Lift and descends to Skier's Left. A slope where you can roll up the powder and ski comfortably. You can use the lift to spin around.
+PLUS Fast Track
Before the general opening, you can take a quick approach to the top of the slope on their stylishly decorated snowmobile. You can enjoy the magnificent panoramic view from the top and ski down the empty slopes first thing in the morning. Another attractive feature is that it operates every day during the season. Of course, the best time to go is the morning after it snows. (Advance online reservation required)
Hours: Weekdays from 7:30 / Weekends and holidays from 7:00
Price: First Track only 2,000 yen/person (breakfast voucher included)
First Track + 1-day lift ticket + 1,000 yen meal voucher + 500 yen gift certificate + breakfast voucher 7,200 yen/person
Event period: During ski resort operating hours (tentative, please check)
Inquiries: https://www.kawaba.co.jp/snow/activity/first-track/
◆Official website: https://www.kawaba.co.jp/snow/
Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort
Minakami Town is known for its many snow resorts, hot springs, and Mt. Tanigawa, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. With a top altitude of 1,400m, this ski resort boasts an abundance of snow and world-class powder snow.
There is a wide variety of course layouts, from challenging courses with a maximum gradient of 40 degrees to gentle courses that are safe for beginners. There is also a kids land with a snow park and a snow escalator. It is a well-balanced ski resort that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from advanced skiers who love powder to families with children.
Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Eagle course
Maximum slope: 40 degrees Average: 25 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope direction: North
An advanced course with a maximum gradient of 40 degrees that descends to the left after getting off the 7th lift. With a moderate slope of 25 degrees on average, you can enjoy cruising by hitting the wall on the side of the course while slushing powder. You can also enjoy deep powder on steep slope faces that cannot be compacted.
・Downhill course
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 24 degrees / Distance: 750m / Slope orientation: North
An advanced course with a maximum slope of 32 degrees is located immediately to the right after getting off the 7th lift. Deep powder is a promise after a snowfall, as snow cannot be compacted on steep slopes. Good snow conditions are maintained due to the north-facing slopes. With an average slope of 24 degrees and a wide course width, it's perfect for enjoying high-speed turns.
・Paradise course
Maximum slope: 35 degrees Average: 20 degrees / Distance: 680m / Slope orientation: North
A course for advanced skiers that descends from the middle of the panorama course on the right side of the 7th lift summit. The maximum steep face of 35 degrees does not allow compacted snow to enter, so there is a chance to enjoy waist pow the next morning after a snowfall. It is also a pleasure to ski while looking at the spacious and beautiful scenery beyond the field of vision.
◆ Official HP / https://hodaigi.jp/
Tanigawadake Tenjindai by Hoshino Resorts
A mountain ski resort that has overwhelming support from hardcore skiers
Surrounded by mountains over 2,000 meters high, Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort is spread out between the two peaks of Tenjin Pass and Takakurayama. This mountain ski resort has been popular with hardcore skiers for many years, so much so that during the peak season in January and February, you can expect to fight for the first track on weekends
The backcountry area extending from the main peak, Mt. Tanigawa, can be accessed from a special gate on the left hand side of the summit. A mountain climbing permit and backcountry equipment are required, and the backcountry area is frequented by dedicated skiers. The steep, stream-like slopes and the risk of avalanches are quite high, so caution is required when skiing with a backcountry
Once you get off the ropeway, you'll find yourself faced with a vast snowfield. There are only three lifts, but the undulating terrain has many challenging steep slopes, making for a great deal of fun skiing. The harsh weather conditions of the Tanigawa Mountain Range bring an overwhelming amount of snow to the slopes, resulting in the highest quality powder snow. Another feature is the long season, which runs from early December to early May
The latest news is that the resort will be managed by Hoshino Resorts from the 2022-2023 season. Season pass holders will receive great benefits, such as free skiing at Hoshino Resorts Group ski resorts such as Alts Bandai, Nekoma, and Tomamu, as well as free parking and exclusive accommodation plans with up to 40% off at Hoshino Resorts accommodations
Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort by Hoshino Resorts' famous powder course
・Tajiri swamp course
At 4km long, this course is full of excitement and an impressive scale, allowing you to ski the entire section that is usually reached by ropeway. With the rich natural terrain unique to mountainous areas and deep powder accumulated in the streams, it has gained such iconic support that it is said that "Tenjindai means Tajirizawa." Another reason for its popularity is that you can ski while experiencing the beauty and wildness of nature, including waterfalls and trees
At 4km long, this course is full of excitement and an impressive scale, allowing you to ski the entire section that is usually reached by ropeway. With the rich natural terrain unique to mountainous areas and deep powder accumulated in the streams, it has gained such iconic support that it is said that "Tenjindai means Tajirizawa." Another reason for its popularity is that you can ski while experiencing the beauty and wildness of nature, including waterfalls and trees
・Tenjin Toge Lift (Front of the Toge) Advanced Course
Maximum slope: 28 degrees Average: 22 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: North
This refers to the steep slope area to the right of the bottom of the ski resort, almost at the tree line. Three lines radiate out from Tenjin Pass, which has an elevation of 1,502m at its top, and this is the first place to go for powder after a snowfall. The maximum slope is 34 degrees. Known as the pass front course, the runs are uneven. This is the main area for powder skiing. Because they are all wide, you don't really feel the slope, but the skiing is still challenging
・Tenjin Toge Lift (behind the Toge) Intermediate Course
Maximum slope: 28 degrees Average: 22 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: North
This is a groomed slope known as the Togeura Course. The average slope is 18 degrees. After a snowfall, even intermediate skiers can enjoy powder skiing on this line. The view from the Tenjin Toge lift station is also amazing
◆Official website: http://www.tanigawadake-rw.com/tenjindaira/
Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort
Enjoy playing on the powder snow terrain
Marunuma, which has a top elevation of 2,000m, is also known for its excellent snow quality. On powder days, you can go around the whole ski resort with just one ropeway, so it's very efficient.
The greatest attraction of Marunuma Kogen is the course design that makes the most of the rich natural terrain and allows you to play while flowing. With a combination of various types of walls and changing snow quality, the situation is never the same no matter when you go, so you will be absorbed in playing with the terrain.
The most exciting and highly praised course is the 4km long course from the ropeway summit station to the base of the mountain. You can slide rhythmically along the natural terrain, hitting the walls on both sides. You can't experience this 4km downhill course anywhere else, floating and playing like flowing water
Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Silver course
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 17 degrees / Distance: 755m / Slope direction: West
Uncompacted snow course with swells. The beginning is a mortar shape, and the three-dimensional terrain on both sides of the left and right is interesting. The slope increases as you descend. The usual barn has long bumpy slopes and moguls and mogul enthusiasts gather here. After it snows, you can enjoy a steep powder ride, but there are still large bumps on the slopes of Skier's Light, so be careful when skiing.
・Lower Rose course
Maximum slope: 25 degrees Average: - degrees / Distance: 630m / Slope direction: West
When there is more than a certain amount of snowfall, it is opened as a non-compressed snow course. The skier's left has a large wall on the angle, and the right side has a small and gentle wall, so you can draw large turns at high speed while using the terrain on both sides. Since the slope is constant, it is easy to control the speed and it is a slippery place.
◆ Official HP / https://www.marunuma.jp/winter/
White Valley Ski Resort
Premium Powder Days " are amazing, with most of the mountain open to ungroomed snow
It's easily accessible, just 3km from JR Minakami Station and 7km from the Minakami Interchange on the Kan'etsu Expressway. Nearby ski resorts include Tanigawadake Tenjindai and Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort, but both are about 30 minutes from the Minakami Interchange. White Valley is less than 5 minutes away, and just 90 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area, making it the closest powder slope to the city center. That's because White Valley has a special day called "Premium Powder Day," where 90% of the upper slopes are open to the public as ungroomed snow. Such a bold venture is rare
White Valley Ski Resort's famous course
Fighting
Experience nature firsthand in this lawless area, an advanced course reminiscent of side country
·champion
The course makes use of the natural terrain, and there's fun to be had tackling rough terrain even when there's not fresh snow
+PLUS Premium Powder Day
We will be holding a "Premium Powder Day" where 90% of the upper slopes will be ungroomed! Announcements will be posted on our website, Twitter, and Facebook the day before
◆Official website: https://www.whitevalley.jp/