Tohoku is home to a wide range of distinctive ski resorts, from large-scale complexes with on-site hotels to compact areas where you can fully enjoy terrain shaped by mountains and valleys.

Many resorts also stand out for their long operating seasons. By around May, it is not unusual to see skiers in short sleeves enjoying rare summer skiing conditions.

Another feature unique to Tohoku is the chance to see juhyo (snow monsters), created when supercooled water droplets freeze onto trees.

Some resorts even offer snowcat tours to view these icy formations, making them well worth visiting even if you do not plan to ski.

Another hallmark of Tohoku is the number of ski resorts located near hot spring areas.

You can stay overnight and relax at an onsen resort, or simply stop by a day-use bath in a nearby onsen town after a day on the slopes.

Ski resorts in Tohoku can be broadly divided into six main areas:
・Aomori Area (around Hakkoda and Tsugaru)
・Iwate Area (around Appi Kogen and Hachimantai)
・Akita Area (Lake Tazawa and inland regions)
・Yamagata Area (around Zao and Gassan)
・Miyagi Area (near Sendai and the eastern side of Zao)
・Fukushima Area (around Mt. Bandai and Aizu Kogen)

What truly defines these regions, however, is the Ou Mountain Range running through the center of Tohoku. This range acts as a barrier to seasonal winds, shaping very different snow conditions on each side.

On the Sea of Japan side, mainly Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata, heavy snowfall creates some of the world’s deepest powder. In contrast, the Pacific side, mainly Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima, enjoys more clear days and firm, well-groomed runs.

This natural climate contrast lets skiers choose between deep powder or sunny, fast conditions, one of Tohoku’s biggest draws.

As mentioned above, snow quality in Tohoku varies greatly depending on whether a resort is on the Sea of Japan side, the Pacific side, or at higher elevations.

Aomori, Akita & Yamagata (Sea of Japan side)
Moist air flows in easily from the Sea of Japan, resulting in extremely heavy snowfall. Aomori in particular is one of Japan’s snowiest regions, offering deep powder, while inland areas of Yamagata often see lighter, drier snow.

Iwate & Fukushima (inland highland areas)
With higher elevations and colder temperatures, snow here tends to be firm and dry, creating consistently high-quality conditions. Groomed runs are especially good, making these resorts ideal for long cruising runs.

Miyagi (closer to the Pacific side)
Snowfall is generally more moderate, and conditions are more affected by temperature changes. This area is better suited to enjoying well-groomed, easy-to-ski runs rather than chasing fresh powder.

Aomori Area
・Peak season: January to February
・Shoulder season: Late December, early March

This area is known for heavy snowfall and vast natural terrain, with many resorts geared toward advanced skiers. Ungroomed runs and a strong backcountry feel are common.

Akita Area
・Peak season: January to February
・Shoulder season: Late December, March

With a strong local atmosphere, this area tends to be less crowded than others. It is well suited for those who prefer a relaxed, unhurried ski experience.

Iwate Area
・Peak season: Late December to mid-February
・Shoulder season: Mid-December, late February to March

Home to large-scale resorts such as Appi Kogen, this area is known for excellent course maintenance. Skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts, can enjoy stable conditions.

Yamagata Area
・Peak season: January to February (Gassan: May to mid-June)
・Shoulder season: Late December, March (Gassan: late April, late June to July)

This area stands out for its unique resorts, including Zao’s snow monsters and Gassan’s spring skiing. Steep slopes for intermediate and advanced skiers are also plentiful.

Miyagi Area
・Peak season: January to February
・Shoulder season: Late December, March

Easy access from Sendai makes this area ideal for day trips. It is especially popular with beginners and families.

Fukushima Area
・Peak season: Late December to mid-February
・Shoulder season: Mid-December, late February to March

Large ski resorts are concentrated around Mt. Bandai, with plenty of accommodation and hot spring options nearby. This area is also a classic choice for ski trips from the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Located on the northern slopes of Mt. Iwaki, the highest peak in Aomori Prefecture, Aomori Spring Ski Resort is surrounded by pristine beech forests. One of its biggest draws is the consistently reliable snowfall and light, dry snow quality throughout the season.

The resort features 22 courses, mainly suited to beginner and intermediate skiers. Even first-timers can enjoy a 3.5-kilometer long run starting from an elevation of 921 meters.

Glide down the slopes while taking in sweeping views of the Tsugaru Plain and the Sea of Japan for a truly refreshing experience. Advanced skiers should also consider joining a guided backcountry tour, where expert guides lead you to the best conditions of the day.

Courses
Aomori Spring Ski Resort offers a total of 22 courses set against the dramatic natural backdrop of Mt. Iwaki. Slopes range from gentle runs for beginners to steep terrain and ungroomed areas for intermediate and advanced skiers, with a longest run of about 3,400 meters.

Many courses wind through beautiful beech forests, allowing skiers to enjoy both excellent snow quality and striking scenery at the same time.

Lift Tickets & Rentals
Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・1-day pass: Adults 7,800 yen, Seniors 6,500 yen, Children 4,600 yen

Typical Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 5,500 yen, Children 3,000 yen
・Wear set, jacket and pants (1 day): Adults 4,000 yen, Children 3,000 yen

Ski & Snowboard School
Aomori Spring’s ski and snowboard school offers level-based group lessons for beginners through advanced riders. Junior programs and private lessons are also available.

Lessons run from mid-December to the end of March and require advance reservations. Both morning and afternoon sessions are offered.

Family-Friendly Information
For families, the resort features gentle slopes and designated beginner areas that are ideal for children’s first ski experience. Rental services and rest areas are well equipped, allowing families to enjoy skiing and snow play in a relaxed setting.

Access
The resort is about a 20-minute drive or taxi ride from JR Ajigasawa Station. Hotel guests can also use a paid, reservation-only shuttle bus from Aomori Airport, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes one way and must be booked at least three days in advance.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Aomori Spring offers a variety of dining options, including Japanese and Western cuisine made with local ingredients, hotel buffets, and a café and bar, all with views of the Sea of Japan.

Accommodation is available at Rockwood Hotel & Spa, located at the foot of Mt. Iwaki. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms with views of the Sea of Japan or Mt. Iwaki, along with relaxing onsen baths.

Lake Tazawa, known as the deepest lake in Japan, is one of Akita Prefecture’s most famous sightseeing spots. Located on its eastern side, Tazawako Ski Resort boasts stunning views of the lake from all 13 of its courses.

The resort offers a wide variety of terrain, including gentle, wide slopes ideal for families, three ungroomed courses for advanced skiers, and a mogul course that has hosted World Cup events. This range makes it easy for skiers of all levels to find runs that suit their ability.

All on-site signage is displayed in multiple languages, making the resort especially welcoming for international visitors. Beyond Lake Tazawa itself, the area is also rich in nearby attractions, with Mizusawa Onsen, Nyuto Onsen, and the samurai district of Kakunodate all within about 30 minutes, adding plenty of cultural appeal to a ski trip here.

Courses
Tazawako Ski Resort features a total of 13 courses suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.

Wide, gentle beginner runs such as Shirakaba and Mizusawa are ideal for families and ski schools, while the Kokutai Course offers a scenic long run with views over Lake Tazawa.

For advanced skiers, areas like Kuromoriyama and Ginrei Paradise provide deep snow and varied terrain, allowing a wide range of skill levels to enjoy the slopes.

Lift Tickets & Rentals
Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・1-day pass: Adults 5,300 yen, Seniors 4,400 yen, Junior & senior high school students 3,300 yen, Elementary school students 1,700 yen

Typical Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 5,000 yen, Children (elementary school age and under) 3,200 yen
・Wear set, jacket and pants (1 day): Adults 4,000 yen, Children (elementary school age and under) 2,500 yen

Ski & Snowboard School
Tazawako Ski School offers lessons for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. In addition to group lessons, private lessons are available, along with kid-friendly programs that include snow play.

Lessons are conducted primarily in Japanese, with inquiries for English lessons also accepted. Advance reservations are recommended, making this a solid choice for first-time skiers and those looking to improve their fundamentals.

Family-Friendly Information
Tazawako Ski Resort is well equipped for families, with wide, gentle beginner slopes that allow for safe and stress-free practice. Next to the Ski Center Lera, the Chibikko Park offers plenty of snow play options such as sledding and snow striders.

Ski schools are available for children from preschool age, making the resort especially suitable for a child’s first ski experience.

Access
The resort is about 30 minutes from JR Tazawako Station by regular bus. For those arriving by air, the shared “Akita Airport Liner” taxi from Akita Airport is a convenient option and must be reserved by 12 PM the day before.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Several restaurants are located around the slopes, serving hearty local “gelande food” and filling meals. Accommodation options are plentiful in nearby hot spring areas such as Tazawako Kogen, Nyuto Onsen, and Mizusawa Onsen.

Many lodgings offer stay packages that include adult lift tickets, making it easy to combine skiing with hot springs, regional cuisine, and beautiful lakeside scenery. This area is ideal for travelers looking to enjoy both active days on the slopes and relaxing evenings in Akita’s famous onsen towns.

Located in northwestern Iwate Prefecture, Appi Kogen Ski Resort is one of Japan’s largest ski areas, with 26 courses and a total run length of 43 kilometers. The longest descent from the summit stretches over 5 kilometers, making it ideal for skiers who enjoy long, uninterrupted runs.

Wide slopes are carefully groomed, allowing for smooth and comfortable skiing throughout the day. Snow quality is another highlight, with light, dry “aspirin snow” often compared favorably to Hokkaido.

For those seeking fresh powder, the resort offers ungroomed courses of around 2 kilometers where you can enjoy soft turns and flying snow. Advanced skiers can also challenge themselves in designated tree-run zones, which require prior registration.

Another appeal is the resort’s international atmosphere, with many foreign staff members working both on the slopes and at the adjacent hotels, making it especially welcoming for overseas visitors.

Courses
Appi Kogen Ski Resort is one of Tohoku’s largest ski resorts, offering a total run length of 43.1 kilometers across 26 courses.

The terrain is well balanced, with roughly 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% advanced runs. Long courses from the summit and varied slope layouts are major highlights.

Groomed runs are meticulously maintained, while powder skiing is also available. With tree-run zones and a snow park on offer, skiers and snowboarders of all levels can enjoy the resort.

Lift Tickets & Rentals
Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・1-day pass: Adults 9,500 yen, Children (elementary school age and under) free (IC card deposit required)

Typical Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 7,000 yen, Children 4,500 yen
・Wear set, jacket and pants (1 day): Adults 6,000 yen, Children 4,000 yen

Ski & Snowboard School
The official Appi Kogen ski and snowboard school offers lessons in Japanese and multiple languages, catering to beginners through advanced riders. Group and private lessons are available, along with the popular Crayon Shin-chan Kids School for children aged 3 to 9.

All programs are reservation-based and designed to help guests improve safely while having fun. This makes the resort a reliable choice for both first-timers and returning skiers.

Family-Friendly Information
Appi Kogen Ski Resort is packed with attractions for children. The Crayon Shin-chan Plaza features a snow escalator, making sledding and balance bike play easy and accessible.

The Magic Forest, Honshu’s only tree-run course designed specifically for kids, turns skiing into an adventure by letting children search for hidden characters. Snow activities like banana boat rides add even more excitement, and free lift tickets for elementary school children make family trips especially appealing.

Access
Appi Kogen Ski Resort is easy to reach by public transportation. From JR Morioka Station, take the JR Hanawa Line for about 60 minutes and get off at JR Appi-Kogen Station, which is located right in front of the resort.

During the winter season, regular buses also operate from JR Morioka Station and take about 60 minutes, offering a convenient alternative to trains.

Restaurants & Accommodation
A wide range of dining options can be found both on and off the slopes. Food courts at Appi Plaza and the Resort Center serve everything from ramen and udon to pizza and café-style meals.

Accommodation options include large resort hotels such as ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort and ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Appi Kogen, as well as a variety of other lodgings. With onsen, restaurants, and sports facilities all on site, Appi Kogen is a popular choice for travelers looking for a full-service ski resort stay.

Located in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, Geto Kogen Ski Resort is known as one of Japan’s snowiest ski areas. In addition to excellent snow quality, it boasts an impressive “reset rate,” where tracks are quickly covered by fresh snow, sometimes delivering near no-track conditions run after run.

The resort is especially popular with advanced skiers thanks to its expanding tree-run zones, where you weave through forests on natural terrain. Five designated areas are set aside for tree runs and are also well suited for photography.

At the same time, there are gentle slopes and beginner-friendly courses where you can cruise while enjoying views of beech forests, making the resort comfortable for families as well.

Access is easy, with a free shuttle bus running from JR Kitakami Station, served by the Shinkansen. On-site skier-only accommodation is also available, offering a budget-friendly way to stay close to the slopes, and free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the entire resort.

Courses
Geto Kogen Ski Resort features 14 groomed courses along with 14 designated tree-run areas, making it a large and diverse snow field.

The terrain ranges from beginner to advanced, with everything from long cruising runs to highly varied course layouts. Ungroomed areas and tree runs allow skiers and snowboarders to fully enjoy powder conditions and the resort’s exceptional snow quality.

Thanks to this variety, the resort remains engaging even on busy days, offering enough terrain to keep visitors skiing all day without getting bored.

Lift Tickets & Rentals
Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・1-day pass: Adults 6,800 yen, Seniors 5,400 yen, Junior & senior high school students 4,400 yen, Elementary school students 3,400 yen

Typical Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 6,000 yen, Children 4,200 yen
・Wear set, jacket and pants (1 day): Adults 5,200 yen, Children 3,500 yen

Ski & Snowboard School
Geto Kogen’s ski school is officially certified by the All Japan Ski Federation and offers level-based lessons from beginner to advanced. Group lessons cover everything from basic snowplow turns to parallel skiing and carving.

Standard lessons are available for elementary school age and up, with half-day and full-day options. All lessons are reservation-based and led by qualified instructors who focus on safe, steady skill improvement.

Family-Friendly Information
A dedicated kids’ slope is located right next to the main runs, and children can be watched from the second-floor food court. When kids need a break from snow play, an indoor kids’ area with plastic play equipment and trampolines is available.

On weekends and public holidays, a soft inflatable slider is also set up. A supervised snow-play childcare program is offered as well, where staff look after children and guide them through sledding and snow-bike activities.

Access
A free shuttle bus runs from JR Kitakami Station, which is served by the Shinkansen. No advance reservation is required, making it easy to visit even on short notice.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Dining options include a second-floor food court serving ramen, Western-style curry, rice bowls, soba, udon, and the popular Soratobu Burger. A café and pub are also open on the slopes.

Ski-in, ski-out accommodation is available within the resort, offering a stylish and casual stay. Options such as Premium Stay Go and mixed dormitories feature shared kitchens and laundry facilities, making them ideal for groups. After skiing, guests can relax in the on-site open-air hot spring bath, then unwind at the pub for a classic winter resort experience.

Located in Yamagata Prefecture within Bandai-Asahi National Park, Gassan Ski Resort is famous as Japan’s premier summer skiing destination, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. The resort typically opens in early April, just as most ski areas close, and remains open until early July.

Skiing on lingering snow while surrounded by fresh green beech forests is a rare experience unique to summer skiing at Gassan. As the resort lies within a national park, the slopes are not groomed, and natural moguls formed by accumulated snow define the terrain.

By June, these bumps become more pronounced, creating challenging conditions that feel far removed from standard resort skiing. Visitors who prefer more manageable terrain may find April and May to be the best time to enjoy Gassan’s distinctive slopes.

Courses
Set at an elevation of around 1,600 meters, the slopes at Gassan Ski Resort allow skiing on natural snow even in spring and summer. From mid-June onward, conditions become increasingly challenging and are best suited to confident, advanced skiers.

・Beginner course: Ubasawa Hut Front Slope
A gentle area located near the hut, suitable for warming up and basic practice.

・Intermediate courses (with moguls): Ubagatake Slope, Dai-Shamen
These open, spacious slopes feature natural moguls, making them ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers looking for variety and rhythm.

・Advanced course: Ushikubi Slope
Located near the summit, this wide and rugged course offers a true backcountry-like feel. Access requires about a 50-minute hike before skiing down, adding to the challenge and sense of adventure.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
The prices below are for the 2025 season. Prices are scheduled to be revised for 2026.
・Flexible 1-day pass: Adults 5,800 yen, Children 3,500 yen

Gassan Ski Resort does not have a permanent rental shop on site. Ski and snowboard equipment should be reserved in advance through external rental services.

Ski & Snowboard School
Gassan Ski Resort does not offer ski or snowboard lessons.

Family-Friendly Information
There is no dedicated snow park or family play area near the slopes. This resort is best suited to experienced skiers and snowboarders rather than families with young children.

Access
Gassan Ski Resort is about a 50-minute drive from JR Sagae Station. During the operating season, a town-run bus service is available.

From the Shonai Kotsu highway bus, get off at Nishikawa Bus Stop, then transfer to the Gassan Shizu Onsen Line. After about 45 minutes, get off at Ubasawa and walk 15 to 20 minutes to the ski area.

Restaurants & Accommodation
At the base area near the lower lift station, you will find a small shop and restaurant. Warming comfort foods such as tama konnyaku, croquettes, udon, and soba are available.

Gassan Ski Resort operates its own lodging, Gassan Resort Inn, which is the closest accommodation to the slopes and ideal for resting after a full day of skiing. Further down the mountain is the Gassan Shizu Onsen area, a traditional hot spring village with multiple inns. Visitors can enjoy overnight stays or stop by for a day-use onsen bath.

Spreading across the Yamagata side of the Zao Mountain Range, Zao Onsen Ski Resort is one of Japan’s largest ski areas, covering an expansive 305 hectares. Its sheer size makes it difficult to ski every course in a single day.

The resort offers a wide variety of terrain, from carefully groomed runs to courses that take advantage of natural topography, as well as expert-only slopes with gradients reaching up to 38 degrees.

A standout highlight is the Juhyo Field Course, which stretches down from the summit. Here, you can ski alongside juhyo, or snow monsters, formed when seasonal winds coat evergreen trees with frozen droplets and snow.

These striking natural sculptures only appear under specific wind and temperature conditions, drawing skiers from around the world each winter. After a day on the slopes, unwind in the historic hot spring town at the base of the mountain and soak in Zao’s renowned onsen.

Courses
Zao Onsen Ski Resort is one of Tohoku’s largest snow resorts, offering 26 varied courses laid out to suit beginners through advanced skiers.

Highlights include the Juhyo Field Course and long-distance runs, with a maximum vertical drop of 880 meters and a longest run of about 9,000 meters. With night skiing available and terrain that adapts well to changing snow conditions, the resort caters comfortably to all skill levels.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・1-day pass: Adults 7,500 yen, High school students and seniors (60 and over) 6,700 yen, Children (junior high school age and under) 3,800 yen

There are more than 10 rental shops around the resort area offering ski and snowboard sets, as well as wear rentals. Since services and pricing vary by shop, it is best to contact individual stores directly.

Ski & Snowboard School
Zao Onsen Ski Resort is home to several officially certified schools operating across the mountain. Options include SAJ-accredited schools such as Zao Ski School, with lessons available for beginners through advanced skiers, as well as snowboarders.

Instructors are well regarded for their technical guidance and focus on safety. Lessons are held in multiple areas, and advance reservations or inquiries can be made through the official school listings.

Family-Friendly Information
The resort is well suited for families, with a free kids’ snow park inside the ski area that is popular for snow play. Gentle beginner slopes and wide runs also make it a good choice for first-time skiers.

Rest areas and dining facilities are located throughout the resort, allowing families to comfortably spend a full day on the mountain.

Access
From JR Yamagata Station, take a Yamagata Kotsu bus for about 40 minutes. Get off at Zao Bus Terminal, then walk about five minutes to reach the ski area.

From Yamagata Airport, the direct Oishii Yamagata Airport Sightseeing Liner is available. The journey takes about 60 minutes and requires advance reservation by 5 PM two days before travel.

Restaurants & Accommodation
More than 10 restaurants and eateries are located on and around the slopes, serving everything from Yamagata specialties to Western dishes, soba, and udon. Summit-area restaurants also offer scenic views of the snow monsters, making them convenient for lunch or breaks.

Accommodation options are plentiful in the Zao Onsen town, ranging from hotels and traditional ryokan with hot springs to lodgings within walking distance of the slopes. After skiing, visitors can enjoy onsen hopping and a relaxing stay in one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts.

Located in southeastern Yamagata Prefecture, Tengendai Kogen is known for its long ski season, often lasting through Golden Week. Three lifts are aligned vertically all the way to the summit, creating impressively long courses.

Skiers can enjoy downhill runs of up to 6 kilometers with a vertical drop of around 900 meters. Parts of the slopes are intentionally left ungroomed, allowing for light, floating turns on fresh snow.

The resort also offers snow hike experience tours starting from an elevation of 1,350 meters, with sweeping views over the Yonezawa Basin. Using snowshoes or traditional Japanese kanjiki, participants can walk across pristine snowy landscapes for a different kind of winter adventure.

Courses
Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort has four courses that take full advantage of a 900-meter vertical drop, offering a wide variety of skiing experiences.

By taking the Tengendai Ropeway to the upper slopes, skiers can enjoy long downhill runs of up to about 6 kilometers, stretching from Tsugamori to the Yunotaira Course.

Courses are well balanced across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, with options for powder skiing and mogul runs. The resort’s long operating season, which extends into spring, is another major draw.

Lift Tickets & Rentals
Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・1-day pass: Adults 5,500 yen, Seniors (55 and over) 4,400 yen, Children (elementary school students) 4,100 yen

Typical Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 3,800 yen, Children 2,550 yen
・Wear set, jacket and pants (1 day): Adults 4,500 yen, Children 4,000 yen

Ski & Snowboard School
Tengendai Kogen Ski School is SAJ-certified and offers lessons for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers. Options include general lessons, junior programs, beginner courses, as well as private and group lessons, with half-day and full-day formats available.

Registration is handled at the Arubu Tengendai 2F information counter. Instruction focuses on safety and steady skill development, covering everything from basic techniques to practical on-snow application.

Family-Friendly Information
With wide, gentle slopes and easy ropeway access, Tengendai Kogen is well suited for families enjoying skiing or snow play together. The Family Park offers sledding, sliders, and mini-ski runs, making it safe and fun even for young children.

Rest areas and light dining options are available near the slopes, allowing families to spend a full day comfortably. Seasonal snow events are sometimes held, and child-friendly pricing makes this resort especially appealing for family trips.

Access
From JR Yonezawa Station, take a Yamagata Kotsu bus bound for Shirabu Onsen for about 50 minutes. From Yumoto Station, transfer to the ropeway and ride for about 6 to 10 minutes to reach the slopes.

Restaurants & Accommodation
At Arubu Tengendai near the slopes, you will find a large public bath, rest areas, and the Shirakaba restaurant, which serves meals made with local ingredients.

Accommodation options include stays at Arubu Tengendai and inns or pensions in the nearby Shirabu Onsen area. Many feature traditional Japanese-style rooms and scenic natural views. Discounted accommodation plans and packages that include lift tickets may be available, and day-use hot spring bathing is also possible.

Located on the Miyagi side of the Zao Mountain Range, Sumikawa Snow Park is known as a ski area where you can witness the rare natural phenomenon of juhyo, or snow monsters. Although compact with just eight courses, the resort makes excellent use of natural terrain such as valleys and forests, along with a carefully designed terrain park, to offer a wide range of skiing styles.

Beyond regular slope skiing, the resort offers unique experiences including backcountry tours and snowcat tours that take you up toward Mt. Katta before skiing back down. These guided options add an adventurous edge not often found at smaller ski areas.

Even non-skiers are drawn to the popular Juhyo Viewing Tour, which uses a snowcat to reach the snow monster fields at around 1,600 meters in elevation. Walking among the towering, frost-covered trees is a powerful winter experience and a highlight of visiting the Zao area.

Courses
Mountain Field Miyagi Zao Sumikawa Snow Park offers eight courses with a well-balanced layout: 40% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 20% advanced terrain.

The slopes are mainly groomed, with a longest run of about 3,000 meters and a maximum gradient of 35 degrees for those seeking a challenge. Wide, well-maintained runs make this an excellent area for beginner and intermediate practice, and the groomed snow conditions are highly regarded by both skiers and snowboarders.

Lift Tickets & Rentals
Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・1-day pass: Adults 4,400 yen, Children 2,700 yen

Typical Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 4,000 yen, Children 2,500 yen
・Wear set, jacket and pants (1 day): Adults 4,000 yen, Children 2,000 yen

Ski & Snowboard School
At Zao Sumikawa Snow Park, lessons are offered by two groups, ZAOC and M’s Guide. Programs cover everything from basic skills for first-timers to step-up instruction for those looking to improve.

Instructors focus on both technique and safety, with lessons available for individuals or groups. The setup is especially supportive for beginners and those new to skiing or snowboarding.

Family-Friendly Information
With a high proportion of beginner and intermediate courses, Zao Sumikawa Snow Park is well suited for families. Kids’ slopes and snow play areas allow children to enjoy the snow alongside gentle skiing practice.

The resort also offers activities such as snowcat tours toward Mt. Katta to view Zao’s famous snow monsters, as well as snowshoe experiences. These options make it easy for families to plan a full day on the mountain, even with non-skiers.

Access
From JR Sendai Station West Exit, take a bus bound for Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa for about 1 hour. Get off at Togatta Onsen, then transfer at the Togatta Onsen Tourist Information Center to a free shuttle bus, which runs twice daily and takes about 40 minutes.

Restaurants & Accommodation
The slope-side lodge at Zao Sumikawa Snow Park includes dining spaces such as Kumowaku Terrace, which are convenient for breaks and light meals. Classic ski-area dishes like ramen, curry, and rice bowls are available.

While there is no on-site accommodation at Sumikawa itself, many hotels and ryokan are located nearby in the Togatta Onsen area and the wider Zao region. Staying in a hot spring inn and combining onsen relaxation with skiing is a popular option, with a wide range of meal-inclusive lodging plans available.

In December 2023, Alts Bandai and Nekoma Ski Resort were connected by a linking lift and reopened as Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain. Spanning both the north and south sides of Mt. Nekoma, it is now one of Japan’s largest ski areas, with 13 lifts and 33 courses.

The Bandai Area (formerly Alts Bandai) offers sweeping views of Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, while the Urabandai Area (formerly Nekoma Ski Resort) sits on higher-elevation north-facing slopes known for lighter snow and a longer season that often lasts into spring.

The biggest draw is the freedom to move seamlessly between these two distinct areas, allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy varied terrain and snow conditions all in one expansive resort.

Courses
Nekoma Mountain combines the former Alts Bandai and Nekoma Ski Resort into one expansive ski area, offering 33 courses served by 13 lifts.

The terrain ranges from gentle beginner runs to slopes for intermediate and advanced skiers, with the north-facing area known for its light, dry “micro-fine snow.” The two areas are connected by lifts, allowing for long runs, tree skiing, and varied terrain in a single day.

Terrain parks are also available, making the resort enjoyable for everyone from first-timers to experienced riders.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・1-day pass: Adults 6,300 yen, Seniors 5,800 yen, Junior & senior high school students 4,500 yen, Elementary school students 3,000 yen

Typical Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 5,500 yen, Children 3,500 yen
・Wear set, jacket and pants (1 day): Adults 5,000 yen, Children 3,300 yen

Ski & Snowboard School
Lessons at Nekoma Mountain are offered through the Nekoma Mountain Snow Academy, with programs for skiers and snowboarders aged 3 through adults. Level-based group lessons are available from first-timers to advanced riders, with 105-minute sessions focused on specific course areas.

Programs for junior high school students and older are also offered, and some plans include free equipment rental. Lesson dates are limited and announced on the official website.

Family-Friendly Information
Nekoma Mountain offers a family-friendly environment with multiple gentle beginner courses that are ideal for practice and first-time skiing. Dedicated areas for sledding and snow play allow children to enjoy the snow even without skiing.

Lift tickets are free for preschool-aged children, making it easier for families to visit together. Rest areas are available throughout the resort and base centers, allowing families to relax and spend the day comfortably.

Access
Bus services are scheduled to operate from Bandaimachi Station, Koriyama Station, and Aizuwakamatsu Station. The free shuttle from Bandaimachi Station and the paid route bus from Koriyama Station require advance reservations, while the route bus from Aizuwakamatsu Station does not.

Details and schedules will be announced on the official website once finalized.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Multiple restaurants and cafés are located on the slopes and inside the resort centers, serving classic ski-area meals such as curry, ramen, and rice bowls. Nearby dining spots also offer views of Lake Inawashiro and Mt. Bandai, with menus featuring local ingredients.

Accommodation options include slope-connected hotels such as Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel, which is popular for its buffet dining and onsen baths. Perks like a 2 PM checkout are especially convenient for skiers, and both Japanese- and Western-style rooms are available for short or extended stays.

Ski resorts in the Tohoku region offer two very different appeals shaped by climate. On the Sea of Japan side, you will find heavy snowfall and deep powder, while the Pacific side is known for clearer skies and well-groomed runs.

This guide highlights nine standout resorts, including Appi Kogen in Iwate, famous for its exceptional snow quality and long courses, Zao Onsen in Yamagata, where you can ski through surreal snow monsters, and Fukushima’s Nekoma Mountain, which has evolved into one of Japan’s largest ski areas after linking two resorts. Rare destinations like Gassan, where skiing continues from April into summer, are also featured.

Another hallmark of Tohoku is how many ski resorts sit close to hot spring towns. The combination of mountain scenery, winter sports, and relaxing onsen is what makes skiing in this region especially rewarding.

Information in this article was originally published in 2020 and updated in December, 2025. Please check official websites for the latest details.