Tohoku boasts a variety of unique winter resorts, ranging from large ski destinations with ample accommodation options to smaller resorts that creatively utilize the natural terrain of mountains and valleys for their courses.

Some Tohoku ski resorts offer extended seasons, with the possibility of skiing in short sleeves as late as May!

Tohoku ski resorts are the exclusive locations to witness the natural wonder known as "juhyo" or frost-covered trees, often referred to as "snow monsters." Some resorts even provide "juhyo tours" via snowmobile for non-skiers to enjoy the breathtaking views.

One standout aspect of skiing in Tohoku is the exceptional snow quality. The exceptionally light snow creates a sensation of floating as you gracefully descend the slopes.

In recent years, numerous ski resorts have introduced "unpressed snow" areas, including Tree Run Zones, where enthusiasts can experience the region's finest powder snow. Keep in mind that registration may be required for access to these courses, so it's advisable to check in advance.

Another great feature of Tohoku ski areas is their proximity to hot spring resorts, known as "onsen" in Japanese. We highly recommend indulging in a relaxing soak after a rewarding day of skiing or snowboarding!

The Aomori Spring Ski Resort is surrounded by old-growth beech forests and located on the northern slope of Mt. Iwaki, the highest peak in Aomori Prefecture.

One of the charms of this fantastic Tohoku skiing area is the steady amount of snowfall and smooth snow quality that they receive throughout the season.

There are 14 available courses, ranging from beginner to intermediate. There is even a 3.5km long beginners’ course that starts from an altitude of 921 meters. Make tracks as you ski your course, accompanied by a superb view of the Tsugaru Plains and the Sea of Japan.

For advanced skiers, back-country tours are recommended. A guide familiar with the mountain areas will take you through the slopes with the best conditions on that day. There are also English-speaking guides available.

Access
It takes about 20 minutes to get to Aomori Spring Ski Resort from Ajigasawa Station on the JR Lines via car or taxi, and if you are staying at the hotel, you can also take the paid shuttle bus service that departs from Aomori Airport and Shin-Aomori Station on the JR Lines every hour. The journey will take about 1.5 hours one way and seats must be reserved at least three days in advance.

Rentals
The resort's gondola station also serves as a rental shop, where you can rent gear.

Lift Tickets
To get the most of your day at the resort, consider getting the 1-day lift pass that grants access to the lifts from open to close.

Lake Tazawa, one of Akita Prefecture’s most famous tourist attractions, is said to be the deepest lake in Japan.

Located in the eastern part of the area, Lake Tazawa Ski Resort boasts an excellent location where each of the 13 ski courses offers a stunning view of Lake Tazawa.

Choose the course that suits your level and preference. They range from beginner to advanced and even include family-friendly, wide, gentle slopes, three unpressed snow courses for advanced skiers, and even the course where the Moguls World Cup is held.

All facility information is available in multiple languages to support foreign guests. Other famous cultural attractions in the area include Mizusawa Onsen, Nyuto Onsen, and Bukeyashiki Samurai Residence Street, all within 30 minutes from this Tohoku ski resort.

Access
Tazawako Ski Resort is about a 30-minute bus ride from Tazawako Station on the JR Lines. If you'll be traveling via airplane, use the Akita Airport Liner shared-taxi service (reservation required before 12 p.m. on the previous day) from Akita Airport for a quick and convenient transfer.

Rentals
Looking for rental gear? The ski center inside has got you covered, allowing visitors to rent gear for up to three days if so required.

The center also rents out ski gear, boots, poles, and other items individually for advanced skiers who may have forgotten to bring one thing or another.

Lift Tickets
A good variety of ski passes are being offered here, such as 4-hour passes and 1-day passes. These allow you to use any of the six ski lifts spread throughout the resort's slopes.

And there's more! If you show the lift pass ticket bearing the current day's date to local facilities such as Restaurant Orae, a beer restaurant along the Tazawako beach or the day trip hot springs at Tazawako Sports Center, you'll be able to get discounts or door gifts depending on availability. How's that for a pleasant surprise?

The Appi Kogen Ski Resort, located in the northwestern part of Iwate Prefecture, is one of Japan's largest ski resorts, with 21 courses and a total run distance of 43 kilometers. The maximum course distance from the summit is over 5 km long.

The snow covering the spacious course area is carefully pressed for maximum ease and comfort when skiing for an extended time. If you prefer light snow close to that of Hokkaido, try the 2km long unpressed snow course, and kick up some powder snow!

Advanced skiers may want to try the special Tree Run Zone, which has several entry procedures and requirements. There are also many foreign language speaking staff members at the ski resort and the hotels.

Access
Appi Kogen Ski Resort is ideally situated in an accessible location. Simply hop on a train on the Hanawa Line from JR's Morioka Station and ride for about an hour to Appikogen Station, which is right at the doorstep of the resort. During ski season, buses will be scheduled to run from Morioka Station to the resort directly as well, and the journey will take about an hour, giving visitors yet another convenient transport option to pick from.

Rentals
Inside the resort, Appi Plaza is the place to go to rent a set of skis or snowboard, or just ski wear. If you'll be staying overnight in the resort's hotel, you'll enjoy a 1,000 yen discount on any rental packages.

Lift Tickets
How about the lift passes? There are plenty of options; each gives you access to different lifts. In addition, starting from the 2023-2024 season, each purchase will require a 500 yen deposit, which will be returned when you return the lift pass card.

Geto Kogen Resort in Iwate Prefecture's Kitakami City is located in an area with some of Japan's heaviest snowfall.

It's not just about the quantity, of course! The quality of the snow here is top-notch as well, and surfaces often remain smooth and trackless even seeing much action.

Advanced skiers frequent this resort because of its exhilarating treeland area, where they can look forward to an exciting ride downslope in between dormant tree trunks.

This is also the largest ski resort in Tohoku, boasting a total of 13 ski areas, including a family-friendly gentle slope located along a beechwood forest that is suitable for beginners to cruise along and sightsee at the same time.

To make full use of your time here, use the skier beds in the resort to recharge your batteries for the next bout of skiing whenever you feel tired. You'll also be delighted to know that wifi is conveniently available throughout the premises.

Access
To get to the resort, take the free shuttle bus from Kitakami Station, which is connected to the Shinkansen lines. No advance reservation is required, so feel free to just hop on!

Rentals
To make things even more convenient for all, right at the entrance of the resort is a ski rental facility. The popular "Empty-Handed Set," as its name suggests, is designed for visitors who wish to pack light and bring just themselves to the resort. It comes with a pair of skis, ski wear, gloves, goggles, and a knitted hat.

If you're the sort who likes to plan ahead, make a reservation for the ski set online at least a day before and you'll be able to collect your items immediately upon arrival without needing to join any snaking queues. This saves time and allows you to gear up at leisure.

Lift Tickets
Here, too, is a variety of lift passes you can choose from, such as the 1-day pass, 5-hour pass, or night pass that can be used between 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Get the one that suits your itinerary best!

Another time-based pass to consider is the twilight pass, which can be used between 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is quite popular among those intending to ski all day and night.

Mount Gassan Ski Resort is located in Bandai Asahi National Park, where skiers and snowboarders gather from around the globe to enjoy summer Tohoku skiing. It is open in early April, when regular ski areas close, until late July. The experience of skiing on the last remaining snow on the slopes surrounded by fresh green beech trees is a valuable part of summertime skiing.

Because it is a national park, the grounds are not specially maintained, leaving natural bumps in the snow-covered slopes, resulting in more of a “wild ride” experience than you would get by skiing in a resort. The unevenness is even more prominent throughout June, so if you prefer less of a bumpy ride, we recommend visiting between April and May.

Access
Getting to Gassan Ski Resort is a 50-minute journey by car from Sagae Station on the JR Lines, or a municipal bus that runs during ski season. The municipal bus runs on the Gassan Shizuonsen Line and departs from Nishikawa Bus Stop, a stopping point for Shonai Kotsu highway buses. The journey takes about 45 minutes. Disembark at Ubasawa and you'll spot the resort in the immediate vicinity.

Rentals
If you're looking to rent gear like skis, ski wear, or gloves, note that the rental shop here works on a reservation-only basis. That means you can't simply walk in and ask for available gear - you'll have to notify the shop in advance what gear you'll be needing, so that the staff can get the items ready for you on the day of your arrival.

Lift Tickets
As for lift passes, pick from either a 1-day pass, morning pass, or afternoon pass. The passes have been well-thought-out to give the best value to skiers who need to stick to a meticulous schedule.
When green season strikes in the first half of June, the ski lifts will cease operation for a time in preparation for the next snow season, so remember to check the official webpage for more details on operating hours before planning a trip down!

Zao Onsen Ski Resort is located on the Yamagata side of the Zao Mountain Range. With a total area of 305 hectares, it is one of Japan's largest ski resorts, boasting an area so expansive you couldn’t run all the courses in a single day if you tried.

That being the case, there are various courses available, including carefully prepared courses built according to the land's topography and super-advanced courses with maximum slopes of 38 degrees.

The recommended course is the “Juhyo Course,” or “Ice trees” course, which runs down from the top of the mountain. These frost and ice-covered trees are also sometimes called “Juhyo” or “Snow Monsters.”

Seasonal winds blow through the conifer trees, creating the “ice tree snow monsters” that form when water drops and snow mix and harden. Many skiers from all over the world visit each year to see these wonderful artworks of nature that are only created under particular wind and temperature conditions. After skiing, immerse yourself in the famous hot springs that dot the foothills to soothe your muscle fatigue.

Access
A 40-minute bus ride from Yamagata Station on the JR Lines will get you to Zao Bus Terminal. Get off here and walk for about 5 minutes to reach the ski resort. If you're taking a flight, there is a sightseeing liner that ferries visitors directly to the ski resort from the airport that you can consider as well. The journey is about one hour and reservation is required at least one day in advance, before 5 p.m.

Rentals
More than 10 shops near the facility rent out skis, snowboards, ski wear, and other relevant items and accessories. The specific package or item available differs from shop to shop, so simply ask one of the shop staff for more information if you're interested in renting something.

Lift Tickets
To get to the top of Mount Zao from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, you can use the ski lifts, sky cable, or ropeway. The lift pass is valid on all lifts found in the resort, and there are more than 10 types of passes available during regular ski season (17 December, 2022 to 21 March, 2023) for your choosing, such as the 1-day pass, 2-hour pass, or night pass.

Note that during the warmer final season period (April 1, 2023 onwards), only a 1-day pass (Adults: 4,000 yen; Children: 2,000 yen) is available for purchase.

Tengendai Kogen, located in the southeastern part of Yamagata Prefecture, is a ski resort with a long snowy season that lasts until Golden Week in May each year.

Three lifts are installed vertically to the top of these courses, the longest one boasting a maximum length of 6 kilometers and an altitude of 900 meters.

The slopes aren't overly packed with snow, so you can enjoy the feeling of flying through light, fresh snow. There is also a “Snow Hike” tour of Tengendai Kogen, which overlooks the Yonezawa basin from 1,350 meters above sea level. Take a walk through the snowy fields wearing traditional Japanese snowshoes called “kanjiki."

Access
To get to the ski slopes, hop on a Shirabu Onsen-bound Yamako Bus from Yonezawa Station on the JR Lines. After about 40 minutes, the bus should arrive at Shirabu Yumoto Station, where you can transfer to the ropeway and reach the slopes in about six minutes.

Rentals
In terms of rental services, the resort offers a rental package consisting of skis, ski poles, and boots on a per-use basis (Adults: 3,800 yen per use; Ages 12 and below: 2,550 yen per use).

Sleds are also available at 550 yen per use. However, if you've forgotten gloves and goggles, you'll have to buy them from the shop instead of renting.

For those taking part in activities needing snowshoes, these are available for rent as well (1,500 yen per use, reservation required).

Lift Tickets
The 1-day passport here is valid for both the ropeway and ski lifts.

Visitors who are here for winter mountain climbing or to sightsee the snow-covered trees and only need to use the lifts once can purchase the ropeway/lift round trip pass (Adults: 4,200 yen; Ages 12 and below: 3,100 yen) at a lower price for some savings.

The lifts may not be operational on some days due to power outages or strong winds, so always check the official website for updates before setting off for your trip!

Sumikawa Snow Park is located on the Miyagi Prefecture side of the Zao Mountain Range. It is another great Tohoku ski resort where you can see the rare natural "Snow Monster" phenomenon.

Although it is a bit more compact, this resort offers eight courses that make use of the varied topography, such as swamps, forests, and well-maintained parks. Various tours are also available, including a backcountry tour and a Snowcat tour where you can ride a snowcat up to Mount Katta.

The “Ice Tree Tour” is popular with tourists who don't wish to ski or snowboard and takes you to a field of ice trees at an altitude of 1,600 meters via snowmobile. Stroll through the fields for a glimpse of these powerful Ice Tree forests.

Access
Hop on an Active Resorts Miyagizao-bound Miyako Bus from the West Exit of Sendai Station on the JR Lines and ride for about an hour to Togattaonsen. After getting off the bus, take the free shuttle bus (only two round trips per day) from Togattaonsen Tourist Center and you'll reach the resort in about 40 minutes.

Rentals
Skis and snowboard sets (3,500 yen for one day) can be rented at the ski slopes. You'll need to produce identification documents to proceed with the rental, so don't forget to bring them along!

Lift Tickets
There are six types of lift passes you can purchase, such as a 1-day pass or 3-hour pass. A special price of 3,000 yen for a 1-day pass is also available for those between 13 to 29 years of age.

In fact, if you're thinking of going for the 1-day pass, consider getting it in a set that also comes with a free shuttle bus service only available during ski season that takes you directly to and from the resort in about two hours via Sendai Station on the JR Lines (6,200 yen for this one!).

There are also other discount ticket bundles that cater to senior visitors or those interested in sightseeing the snow-covered trees in the area. Check them out on the official website and see which is the best one for your plans!

In December 2023, "Alts Bandai" and "Nekoma Ski Resort" merged, launching Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Ski Resort. It's a ski paradise with 13 lifts and 33 slopes around Nekomagatake! You've got the Bandai area, offering stunning views of Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, and the Urabandai area, known for its light snow and long ski season. It's a seamless blend of two incredible zones, all in one fantastic destination!

Although it is located in the south of Tohoku, this ski resort boasts a dry inland climate, an altitude of over 1,000 meters, a north-facing slope, and smooth powdered snow brought by chilled lakes.

Micro-fine, high-quality powder snow here piles up generously, making for a comfortable, good-quality ski down that attracts many fans from far away. The business operates for an extended period, all the way until Golden Week. There are even spring-only services such as free ski and snowboard rentals available.

Access
Plans are underway to operate buses from Bandaimachi Station, Koriyama Station, and Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. At Bandaimachi Station, a free shuttle bus service will be available, but you'll need to book in advance. The same goes for the route bus from Koriyama Station. However, no reservations are needed for the route bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. Keep an eye on the official website for more details as they're confirmed.

Rentals
Inside the resort, you'll find a rental corner that only rents out equipment for use on the current day. One of the more popular packages is the "Empty-Handed Set" (10,000 yen for one day) which contains a full set of essential items like boards, gear, and goggles.

Lift Tickets
A 1-day lift pass will set you back 5,500 yen.

Season
From December 1, 2023 to May 6, 2024 (Iwate Gate: December 22, 2023, to April 7, 2024), operating hours are as follows:
- Daytime Operation: 8:30 AM to 4 PM
- Night Operation: 5 PM to 9 PM
Starting from March 25, 2024, there will be a change in operating hours due to the spring season. For detailed information and the operating hours of each lift, please refer to the Lift & Course Guide.

Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture is one of the heaviest snowfall areas in around. It’s a treasure trove of powder with plenty of good quality snow, despite its sunny, south-facing slopes.

The main run at this Tohoku ski resort is the 3,000m long “Downhill Course,” with its 800m drop in altitude. One of the most popular runs is the “Expert Course,” which consists entirely of natural powder. Known as one of the most difficult courses, every snowfall covers it in a deep layer of fresh powder with tons of drifts.

The “Champion Course,” is short but steep with a clear view of the foot of the mountain spreading out below. In addition to these three, there are plenty of different powder runs to choose from.

The Base Camp has great places to eat lunch, like at the Ramen Corner, which has a huge and varied menu, or Mount House Wolves, specializing in rotisserie chicken. The mid-slope Restaurant Downhill serves classic dishes like curry or noodles, along with a superb view.

There are numerous guest houses, hot spring inns, and hot spring facilities nearby. Uonuma no Sato brewery, maker of “Hakkaisan” sake, has an interesting snow room storage area, as well as a café that serves local beer and soba noodles. It’s perfect for some apres-ski fun!

Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort extends down the slopes of Niigata’s Mt. Myoko and is home to the county’s longest run, with a length of 8,500m and a drop of 1,124m.

The 1,000m “Super Giant Trail” is the prime powder run, and other specialty runs include the “Tengu Oshiki,” “Jigokudani,” and the rough terrain “Super Mogul Course.”

About 80% of the 17 courses are beginner and intermediate courses, making Myoko Suginohara a vibrant ski area great for skiers of all levels! Be sure to add this Tohoku ski resort to your list of winter spots.

The “Sugi Park” snow park also has a reputation for high quality. Restaurants can be found near the lifts and the Suginohara parking area including Sanroku Restaurant Myoko, which has a menu full of dishes made with local ingredients. The Ramen Corner is just right for those who want a hot and hearty bowl of noodles.

In the middle of the Mitahara zone, there’s also a privately owned restaurant. At the foot of the mountain, there’s a guesthouse area, which is convenient for hot spring day trips.

Also in Niigata, Naeba Ski Resort has a luxury atmosphere with numerous hotels at the base of the mountain. Naeba is connected to the adjacent Kagura Ski Resort by the 5,481m-long “Dragondora” lift – the longest in Japan – to make Mt. Naeba the country’s largest snow resort.

Even during periods of lighter snow, skiing conditions are kept stable with artificial snow. The area in front of the hotels is broad and allows for a relaxing end to your run.
In collaboration with the women's apparel brand Roxy, the “Roxy Snow Park” is a popular spot with Instagram-ready Roxy signage and benches.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from early January to early April, "Ladies' Day passes" for the Naeba area are only 3,500 yen - perfect for enjoying one of the finest Tohoku ski resorts with the gals!

There are approximately 30 restaurants in the ski resorts and hotels altogether, offering a wide range of dishes from simple ramen, pizza, and kebabs to gourmet meals such as yakiniku, sushi, buffets, izakaya food, and Chinese dishes.

We highly recommend Cocktail Lounge Chatelaine, where you can enjoy tea time and original cocktails with a gorgeous view of the slopes.

The Naeba Prince Hotel also has two hot spring facilities: “Naeba-no-Yu,” which is reserved for hotel guests, and “Hiuchi-no-Yu,” an open-air bath that can be used by day trippers. “Relax care” offers massages and shiatsu to relieve the fatigue of skiing and snowboarding. From late December to late March, there are “Slope Launched Fireworks” every Saturday, as well as many other events that make Naeba Ski Resort an attractive winter destination.

Shizukuishi Ski Resort is located in inland Iwate Prefecture, where the snow is a little wetter. One of the best resorts in northeastern Japan, it has the distinct characteristic of being the venue for the 1993 Alpine World Ski Championships.

The 4,500m-long course extending from just below the peak of Mt. Takakura is a famous run used for men's downhill events.

There are eleven different ski trails, including a slope for families and beginners, and a giant slalom course where you can enjoy powder after a fresh snowfall. Shizukuishi Snowland features many activities and visitors can go tubing or ride the “Polar Carousel.” There's even a "Snow Ninja Dojo" which is great for kids!

From the rooms on the Iwateyama side of the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel, you can get a clear view of one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains, Mt. Iwate. Local delicacies and other fine meals are available at the French Cuisine Kobushi and Prince Room restaurants.

The facility also has a hot spring, the Shizukuishi Takakura Onsen, which has sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate springs to soften the skin and warm yourself up. If you reserve a room at the hotel, it's even easier to take part in some of the resort’s other interesting activities like the “Sunrise” and “Powder Ski” snowcat ski tours that take customers to designated areas for ungroomed skiing, or the Shizukuishi Galaxy Ropeway’s stargazing tour.

Fukushima Prefecture’s Grandeco Snow Resort boasts some of the highest quality snow in Japan. Clouds pass over the Ou Mountains from the Sea of Japan and blanket the range in the fluffy, slick “Kamiyuki” powder.

The base of the slope is just over 1,000m above sea level and the top reaches an elevation of 1,590m above sea level. The long December to April season is a major draw and from the longest run of 4,500m, and you can enjoy exhilaration and refreshment while overlooking Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro. About 85% of the 13 courses are beginner or intermediate courses, so novices and families can have a good time.

The summit is easily reached via lift where beginners can cruise down the long “Rainbow 3500” trail. An added bonus is that all lifts are hooded.

There are many specialty lunches served in the Cafeteria where you can partake in a bowl of “Golden Sio Ramen,” from the famed Kitakata ramen restaurant Kiichi. This is supervised by the famous “Kiichi” restaurant of Kitakata Ramen.

The resort’s rental system is modern and supports various QR payments. The Urabandai Grandeco Tokyu Hotel is just a few steps from the slopes. Since it’s located in Bandai Asahi National Park, this resort hotel provides guests with easy access to the great outdoors.

The hotel dinner is a full course of French and Japanese cuisine including ingredients from Fukushima. You can enjoy a comfortable stay with ample facilities such as an indoor pool and jacuzzi that can be used throughout the year, as well as hot springs that can be used on day trips.

Exploring Tohoku's captivating winter wonderland is made even more convenient and cost-effective with a range of recommended train passes. These passes offer travelers a seamless way to access the region's diverse ski resorts, hot spring getaways, and scenic wonders.

Make your trip extra memorable by booking one of these recommended winter experiences!

Text by: SHOE PRESs