The ski resorts in Gunma Prefecture are not particularly flashy in terms of slope size or facilities, but they are all unique and full of character. Because it is close to the Joetsu border, the quality of the snow is good and the amount of snow accumulated is abundant. Especially in the high season from January to February, the probability of hitting powder is high. The natural topography is also rich, and it can be said that the culture of playing on the walls of nature in particular originated in Gunma. Equipped with powder, terrain, and even hard burn, its all-around power is unmatched. I picked up ski resorts in the Gunma area that have such power.
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
From the 2022-23 season, it will be a non-compressed snow course! Overall, the course width is wide, so it is perfect for drawing a pleasant big trace. There is also a steep part with a maximum slope of 30 degrees, so you can enjoy overhead powder. There is no doubt that it will be a hot course where many powder freaks will gather.
・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 HP / https://k-hotaka.jp/ogna/
Kawaba
Also a first ride by off-piste cat in a limited area!
2 hours by Kanetsu Expressway from Tokyo. Kawaba, which is the closest to Numata IC and convenient, is highly supported by users from the metropolitan area. With an altitude of 1250m at the base area and 1870m at the summit, it is one of the highest ski resorts in the Kanto area, and is popular for its extremely smooth natural snow. The vast slopes are dotted with a wide variety of courses that can be enjoyed by both advanced and beginner skiers.
High-quality parks and mogul courses are the icons of Kawaba and attract regular customers, but "OFF THE PISTE" is favored by powder fans. It is now a very popular powder spot where you can enjoy the feeling of off-piste in a controlled limited area on the slopes. In addition, efficient content such as cat skiing and fast track are prepared to fully enjoy powder riding, and the perfect environment is in place to pursue free riding.
Kawaba's famous powder course
・OFF THE PISTE
"OFF THE PISTE" is an attraction area exclusively for advanced users.
You can safely enjoy plenty of off-piste feeling in the management areas scattered in 3 places on the slopes. To ski in this area, you need to watch the specified video in advance, sign the agreement and pay 1000 yen on site.
・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 opening to the general public, you can approach the top of the slopes in one go with our proudly decorated snowmobile. You can ski an empty barn first thing in the morning while enjoying the magnificent panorama from the top. It is also attractive that it is held every day during the season. Naturally, the next morning after it snowed is the target. (advance web reservation required)
Time: Weekdays from 7:30 / Weekends and holidays from 7:00
Price: Fast track alone 2,000 yen/person (with breakfast ticket)
Fast track + 1-day lift ticket + 1,000 yen meal ticket + 500 yen gift certificate + breakfast ticket 7,200 yen / person
Holding: During the ski resort business period (scheduled / confirmation required)
Inquiries: https://www.kawaba.co.jp/snow/activity/first-track/
◆Official HP/ 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 Tenjindaira by Hoshino Resorts
A mountain ski resort that attracts overwhelming support from core skiers
Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort is surrounded by mountains with an altitude of 2,000m and spreads between the two peaks of Tenjintoge and Takakurayama. This mountain ski resort has been popular with hardcore skiers for many years, to the point that the high season weekends in January and February can be a battle for fast track skiing.
The backcountry area extending from Mt. Tanigawa, the main peak, is accessed through a dedicated gate on the left side of the summit. Climbing reports and BC equipment are essential, and core skiers kick their feet to the BC area. Due to the steep slopes, the steep slopes, and the risk of avalanches, it is a tough slope, so you need to be careful when skiing on the BC.
When you get off the ropeway, a vast snow field spreads out. There are only 3 lifts, but the terrain is undulating, and there are many tough steep slopes, so it is very slippery. The severe weather conditions in the mountainous area of the Tanigawa mountain range bring an overwhelming amount of snow and powder snow of the highest quality to the ski slopes. The long season from early December to early May is also a feature.
The latest topic is that the management has changed to Hoshino Resort from the 2022-23 season. Season pass holders can ski at Hoshino Resort Group ski resorts such as Alts Bandai, Nekoma, and Tomamu for free, as well as free parking and a limited accommodation plan with up to 40% off Hoshino Resort accommodation. It comes with a big bonus.
Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort by Hoshino Resort Powder Specialty Course
・Tajiri swamp course
With a total length of 4km, this is a spectacular scale and fun course that allows you to ski the whole section that is normally moved by ropeway. With the rich natural topography unique to mountainous areas and the deep powder that accumulates in streams, it has gained such iconic support that it is said that "Tenjindaira is synonymous with Tajiri swamp." Another reason for its popularity is that you can ski while experiencing the beauty and wildness of nature, such as waterfalls and trees.
With a total length of 4km, this is a spectacular scale and fun course that allows you to ski the whole section that is normally moved by ropeway. With the rich natural topography unique to mountainous areas and the deep powder that accumulates in streams, it has gained such iconic support that it is said that "Tenjindaira is synonymous with Tajiri swamp." Another reason for its popularity is that you can ski while experiencing the beauty and wildness of nature, such as waterfalls and trees.
・Tenjin Pass Lift (front of the pass) advanced course
Maximum slope: 28 degrees Average: 22 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: North
Right from the bottom of the ski area, it refers to a steep slope area that is almost at the forest limit. Three lines radiate out from Tenjin Pass, which has an altitude of 1,502m. Maximum slope of 34 degrees. It is called the mountain pass front course, and the bahn is uneven. This is the main area for powder skiing. All of them are spread out, so you don't feel the slope, but the slip response is perfect.
・Tenjin Pass Lift (behind the pass) Intermediate course
Maximum slope: 28 degrees Average: 22 degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: North
A slope where snow is compacted, called the Togeura Course. The average slope is 18 degrees. Even intermediate skiers can enjoy powder skiing after it snows. The view from the Tenjin Pass lift platform is also wonderful.
◆Official HP／ http://www.tanigawadake-rw.com/tenjindaira/
Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort
Terrain in powder snow becomes more fun
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.
Among them, the 4km long course from the ropeway summit station to the foot of the mountain is highly acclaimed as the most interesting. While following the natural terrain, you can slide while hitting the left and right walls rhythmically. Like flowing water, you can never enjoy the 4km downhill riding while drifting.
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 Day most of the mountain is left uncompacted, is amazing!
Good access, 3 km from JR Minakami Station and 7 km from Kanetsu Expressway Minakami IC. Tanigawadake Tenjindaira and Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort are nearby, but both take about 30 minutes from the Minakami IC. White Valley can be reached in less than 5 minutes, and it can be said that it is the closest powder slope to the city center, as it can be reached in 90 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area. This is because White Valley has a special day called "Premium Powder Day" where 90% of the upper slopes are open to uncompacted snow. Such a bold attempt is rare to hear.
White Valley Ski Resort's famous course
・Fighting
You can feel nature in the only lawless area. An advanced course like side country.
·champion
A course that makes use of the natural terrain, there is fun to attack the wasteland even if it is not fresh snow.
＋PLUS Premium Powderday Premium Powderday
"Premium Powder Day" will be held where 90% of the upper part of the slope will be a non-compressed snow area! The event will be announced on HP, Twitter, and Facebook by the day before.
◆ Official HP / https://www.whitevalley.jp/