In Japan, there are several ski resorts where you can enjoy skiing even in the summer, such as Kagura Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture and Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture. Among them, Gassan Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture is one of the most prominent destinations for spring and summer skiing, with its season running every year from April to early July.

Gassan Ski Resort sits on the slopes of Mt. Gassan in Nishikawa Town, Yamagata Prefecture, at elevations between about 1,600 and 900 meters. The area is famous for its extremely heavy snowfall, which accumulates so deeply that it lingers well into spring. Thanks to this unique environment, Gassan is widely known as one of Japan’s best destinations for spring and even early summer skiing.

During midwinter, the snowfall becomes too intense for ski operations, and the resort remains closed. Even so, the base of Mt. Gassan still attracts visitors for snow trekking, offering a quiet, pristine landscape that highlights the area’s natural beauty.

Because of the significant temperature differences caused by elevation, visitors in spring need to dress warmly. On the other hand, in summer, temperatures can rise, and it is common to see skiers and snowboarders enjoying the slopes in short sleeves or light jackets.

Gassan Ski Resort is a rare destination in Japan where skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in spring and even early summer. The area’s enormous snowfall remains well into the warmer months, allowing the resort to operate from April to around July. It is one of the country’s few spots where visitors can fully experience spring and summer skiing.

The wide, open slopes have minimal tree coverage, creating a spacious feel with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and snowfields. Intermediate and advanced skiers especially appreciate the backcountry-style terrain, which offers dynamic runs in a true alpine environment.

From June, the area also attracts trekkers, with alpine flowers and fresh greenery adding seasonal charm. Because the ski courses sit at roughly 1,600 meters, natural-snow conditions last well into summer. After mid-June, however, the terrain becomes more challenging, making slope conditions most suitable for advanced skiers.

The resort is fairly compact and divided into 3 categories: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Beginner course: Ubasawa Hut Front Slope

Intermediate course (with bumps): Ubagatake Slope, Big Slope
* This is a slope that opens wide. Recommended for skiers of intermediate level or above, because of the bumps in the course.

Advanced course: Ushikubi Slope
* A vast course close to the summit. 50-minute walk to get to the beginning of the slope.

Be sure to check the weather and announcements on the day you are planning to use the course, as any of them may not be available.

Ski Season Lift Ticket Prices (Example) – Below prices are for 2025, and a price revision is planned for 2026.

Gassan Ski Resort does not offer rentals for ski or snowboard equipment, or for ski wear.

Ski and snowboard lessons are not available at Gassan Ski Resort.

There is no snow park near the slopes where families can play. Gassan Snowland is located near Gassan Shizu Onsen, but its operating period ends in late March, so it is closed when Gassan Ski Resort opens in April.

At Gassan Snowland, visitors can enjoy the following activities:
・Tubing
・Banana boat rides (pulled by a snowmobile)
・Snowfield cruises (large sleds pulled by a snowmobile)
・Drift tubing (tubes pulled by a snowmobile)
・Freeride activities (experience tubes, various sleds, and snowboards)
・Snowcat cruises (touring rides in an 8-person snowcat)
For more details, see the official website.

Near Gassan Ski Resort, Gassan Resort Inn features a large public bath using natural spring water, where visitors can relax and warm up after skiing, climbing, or trekking. Day-use bathing is also available.

If you follow the mountain road down from the ski resort, you will reach the Gassan Shizu Onsen area. This thriving hot spring town offers a variety of inns and baths, allowing visitors to enjoy the hot springs not only when staying overnight but also on a day-trip basis.

The waters are said to be beneficial for atopic skin and are also effective for muscle soreness and fatigue recovery, making them perfect after a day on the slopes. Soaking in a hot spring surrounded by beech forests and mountains at the foot of Mt. Gassan is a truly special experience that helps relieve the tiredness from skiing.

You will find restaurants and shops at “Lift Shimoeki,” at the foot of the ski area. At the restaurants, you can taste great food like Konjaku bulb, croquettes, udon, and soba.

Recently, various facilities at the base station have been renovated, making them more convenient and user-friendly.

This area is covered in snow during the winter, so you should not expect any local restaurants, bars, or izakayas.

Near Gassan Ski Resort, local specialties include Gassan soba (Dewa soba), wild vegetable dishes, Gassan bamboo shoots, sake, river fish such as iwana (char), nameko mushroom soup, and Gassan wine. If you have the chance, be sure to try these dishes at a restaurant at the base of the mountain.

There are four main ways to access Gassan Ski Resort from Tokyo: by car; by plane and car; by train and car; or by train and bus. The summary below can help you plan your trip.

The first one is access by car.

・Tokyo → Urawa (about 35 minutes), Urawa → Murata JCT (Via Tohoku Expressway, about 3 hours and 10 minutes), Murata JCT → Nishikawa IC (Via Yamagata Expressway, about 55 minutes), Nishikawa IC → Gassan IC (Via Yamagata Expressway, about 15 minutes), Gassan IC → Gassan (About 20 minutes).

It will take you about 5 hours and 25 minutes to get there from Tokyo, but you can load your car with all your ski equipment and clothing, making it a perfect access method with groups and family.

For those heading directly to Gassan Ski Resort from the airport:

・From Haneda Airport to Shonai Airport, it's about 1 hour, then it's about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car to Gassan.
Total travel time: approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. Price is 11,650 yen (based on the lowest-class airfare, excluding rental car fees).

・From Haneda Airport to Yamagata Airport, it takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. After that, it's approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes by car to Gassan.
Total travel time: about 2 hours and 17 minutes. Price is 11,230 yen (based on the lowest-class airfare, excluding rental car fees).

Traveling by plane and car or bus is significantly faster than by car alone. This option is recommended if you're willing to spend a bit more for a quicker journey.

Here's a more concise version of the access information by train and car:

・From JR Tokyo Station to Gassan: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station (about 2 hours and 50 minutes), then transfer to Sakuranbo Higashine Station via the Yamagata Shinkansen (about 16 minutes). Finally, proceed to Gassan by car (about 1 hour).
Total travel time: about 4 hours and 6 minutes.

・From JR Tokyo Station to Gassan: Start with the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai Station (about 2 hours), then transfer to Yamagata Station via the Senzan Line (about 1 hour and 20 minutes). Continue on to Samue Station using the Sazawa Line (about 30 minutes), and finally, reach Gassan by car (about 50 minutes).
Total travel time: about 4 hours and 40 minutes.

Traveling by train involves multiple transfers, making it less suitable for families or groups. However, it's a great choice if you want to explore the attractions of Yamagata and Sendai during your journey.

Here is the final option, traveling by bus.

From JR Tokyo Station to Gassan:
1. First, take a short train ride from JR Tokyo Station to JR Ueno Station (via JR Keihin Tohoku/Negishi Line, about 8 minutes; 170 yen).

2. Next, board a highway bus from Ueno Station to Yamako Building Bus Terminal (about 6 hours and 53 minutes; 6,900 yen).

3. Continue your journey by highway bus from Yamako Building Bus Terminal to Gassanguchi (about 1 hour and 2 minutes; 1,700 yen).

4. Finally, take the Nishikawa Municipal Bus from Gassanguchi to Ubazawa (25 minutes; 500 yen).

Total time required: about 9 hours and 30 minutes.

While the bus ride takes the longest, it has the advantage of operating as an overnight service, so you can rest during the journey. It also removes the need to rent a car, making it a convenient option for travelers who prefer a simple, direct route.

Around Gassan Ski Resort, there are several sightseeing spots to enjoy beyond skiing and snow activities. Here are some representative destinations that can help you plan a spring or summer trip.

A quiet hot spring area about a 10-minute drive from Gassan Ski Resort. The soft waters help relieve fatigue, and visitors can also enjoy local specialties such as wild vegetable dishes and river fish. In winter, the snow-covered baths create a beautiful view, making it a popular stop after skiing.

A dam lake about a 20-minute drive from the ski resort, offering stunning views of fresh greenery in spring and the blue waters in summer. The famous "Gassan Lake Fountain" is impressive, and the nearby roadside station sells local products such as sake, mountain vegetables, sweets, and Gassan wine.

Gassan Ski Resort also has a directly managed hotel, Resort Inn. It’s the closest accommodation to the slopes, making it the best place to rest after a long day of skiing.

The hotel is located in the midst of nature at 1160 meters above sea level, surrounded by a beautiful landscape. What better place to be close to the ski slopes?

The meals are prepared with ingredients unique to Yamagata Prefecture, like Yamagata beef, and local vegetables. Local beers and local wine are also available.