STEEP is currently selling a special package called " GO GREEN + SNOW PASS " which includes summer activities and winter lift tickets . Here, we will introduce all the summer attractions of "EN RESORT Grandeco (hereinafter referred to as Grandeco)," which is participating in this project.
STEEP Special Value Ticket | ¥5,100 (tax included)
[Set Contents]
① Round-trip ticket for the Urabandai Ropeway
② 1-day lift ticket for the 2026-2027 season (adult)
What is GO GREEN+SNOW PASS?
Located in Urabandai, Fukushima Prefecture, Grandeco is a mountain resort boasting spectacular views of Mount Bandai and some of the best snow quality in Tohoku. Its
greatest strength lies in its diverse course structure, satisfying skiers of all levels, from beginners to intermediate skiers, with a 3.5km long course that can be comfortably enjoyed from the summit, to tree runs that can be challenged by beginners and intermediate skiers.
The adjacent hotel offers convenient access directly to the slopes and is renowned for its excellent hospitality, including hot springs and saunas, allowing guests to relax comfortably even after skiing.
Where has the scorching heat of the lowlands gone? An absolute summer retreat at an altitude of over 1,000m
The most distinctive feature of Grandeco in the summer is its overwhelming coolness, thanks to its location at an altitude of approximately 1,040m to 1,390m, the highest in the Urabandai area
In recent years, extreme heat has become the norm. The natural coolness that Grandeco boasts makes it an extremely valuable modern summer resort. The base hotel is already located at an altitude of over 1,000m, and the area around the mountaintop station reached by the ropeway is approximately 1,400m
Thanks to its excellent location, temperatures at the base of the mountain rarely exceed 30 degrees Celsius, even during the peak summer season.
Near the summit, temperatures remain a surprisingly comfortable 25-26 degrees Celsius. While the benefits of latitude and altitude are certainly a factor, the rich natural environment surrounded by deep forests is arguably the biggest reason for the refreshing breeze characteristic of highlands.
A fleeting glimpse in winter, 15 minutes in summer. A luxurious aerial stroll overlooking three of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains
In winter, the gondola is a vital means of transportation to the slopes, but in summer, it transforms into the "Urabandai Ropeway."
By deliberately slowing down its operating speed, it becomes a 15-minute aerial stroll, allowing riders to fully appreciate the three famous mountains surrounding Grandeco: Mount Bandai, Mount Adatara, and Mount Nishi-Azuma. This change in ride time is sure to be a refreshing surprise for skiers who regularly ski here.
Skiers are inevitably captivated by the beauty of Mount Bandai in front of them, but during the off-season, when there's no need to rush, you can take your time to look around.
Not only Mount Bandai, but also Mount Adatara to the east and Mount Nishi-Azuma behind the ski resort offer a magnificent panorama of three of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains looming close by—a view not to be missed.
Furthermore, Grandeco is nationally renowned for the magnificent autumn foliage. Summer, which falls just before that time, offers the charm of quietly enjoying the deep green breath of the lush lacquer trees, maple trees, beech trees, and conifers
The secluded paradise at the summit is traversed by trails that wind horizontally and upwards
Around the mountaintop station where you get off the ropeway, there are numerous walking and hiking routes that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to experienced hikers
Beyond the mountaintop station, a walking path covered with wood chips has been constructed, making it easy on the legs and back to cross the ski slopes. In the past, bridges had collapsed due to floods, and some sections were closed to traffic, but the long-awaited full restoration is scheduled for the summer of 2026, and the resort is fully prepared to welcome guests in perfect condition
This pleasant trek takes about an hour and a half at a leisurely pace, taking you through beautiful primeval beech forests and the Dekodaira Marshland to Hyakkan Shimizu, the source of Onogawa Springs, one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters.
The spring water bubbling up here is the snow we once skied on in winter, which seeped into the mountains and, after time, has emerged onto the ground. You can experience the mystical moment when the blessings of winter snow transcend time and reappear before your eyes in a transformed form.
This beautiful promenade is perfect for a stroll with your dog. Grandeco has created a pet-friendly environment where you don't need to put your dog in a cage; you can ride the gondola with your dog as long as they are on a leash.
Incidentally, they are also working on a unique initiative that allows you to ski on the slopes with your dog in winter, so being able to stay at the resort with your beloved partner throughout the season is a real treat for dog lovers.
Furthermore, from July to August, the area around the mountaintop becomes a valuable stopover point for the chestnut tiger butterfly, known as the "migratory butterfly." This is because their favorite food plants grow in abundance within the ski slopes, and in September they embark on a journey of approximately 3,000 kilometers to as far south as Okinawa and Taiwan. Their graceful flight is a special sight only found in summer, and observation events for children are held during the summer holidays
For those who find a light stroll insufficient, a challenging trekking route is recommended, starting from Grandeco and tackling Mount Nishi-Azuma (2,035m), one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. The traverse route from the summit station, via Nishidaiten, to the Tengendai ski resort on the Yamagata Prefecture side is particularly popular. Trekking to see what this area, which becomes a beautiful forest of frost-covered trees in winter, reveals in summer will surely be a rewarding experience
Canoeing, saunas, and hot springs. Enjoy the surrounding area with Grandeco as your base
It's also worth noting that the instructors who diligently teach at the ski school during the winter months are highly active as guides for local activities during the summer
Leveraging their guiding qualifications, they offer a wide range of water activities, including private guided tours of the nearby Onogawa Fudo Falls and wetlands, as well as canoe and SUP lessons in partnership with Lake Onogawa at the foot of the mountain. It's definitely worth staying overnight to fully enjoy the Urabandai area, rather than just a day trip
The plan for what to do after enjoying these activities is also meticulously planned. The Grandeco Hotel, adjacent to the ski resort, boasts exceptional convenience. In addition to a relaxing stay, guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, hassle-free BBQ, and the sauna at the Dekodaira Onsen "Buna no Yu" to soothe their minds and bodies
This hotel, which has direct access to the ski slopes, offers hot springs and saunas that can be used for day trips. After enjoying a luxurious hike or water activities, you can indulge in a superb sauna experience and enjoy the fresh air in the open-air bath—the ultimate reward that combines nature and hot springs. It's sure to be an irresistible moment of bliss for sauna lovers
This STEEP-exclusive special value ticket was created with the hope that skiers and snowboarders would visit Grandeco during the green season, which is full of charm in both summer and winter. It's a special package that includes the Urabandai Ropeway and a 1-day lift ticket for the 2026-2027 season
STEEP Special Value Ticket | ¥5,100 (tax included)
[Set Contents]
① Round-trip ticket for the Urabandai Ropeway
② 1-day lift ticket for the 2026-2027 season (adult)
If you're planning to buy early bird lift tickets for the season, be sure to grab these tickets early and enjoy Grandeco from summer through autumn
A message from the Grandeco staff
"I think many people are still unaware of the locations and activities that our ski resort offers in the summer.
During the green season, a magnificent landscape unfolds that is completely different from winter, and we also have an environment where you can spend time with your pet dog without a cage throughout the year.
We especially want skiers to know about this wonderful location. Please come and visit Grandeco in the summer to make new discoveries, refresh yourself, and escape the heat!"
Yukihisa Watanabe, Grandeco Snow Resort
Information
Grandeco Snow Resort
Grandeco Snow Resort
Operating Period: Summer Season August 1st (Sat) - August 30th (Sun), 2026; Autumn Foliage Season October 10th (Sat) - November 8th (Sun)
Closed: None (However, operations may be suspended due to bad weather or other conditions)
*Pets allowed
Official website:https://resort.en-hotel.com/grandeco/ja/
Official social media:Instagram|Facebook | X