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Aizu Kogen in Fukushima Prefecture is a major heavy snowfall area located in the southwestern part of the prefecture, near the border with Tochigi. Over 90% of the surrounding area is covered in lush forests, and it’s home to four unique ski resorts: Takatsue, Daikura, Takahata, and Nango.
Sure, it’s tucked away in the mountains, so getting there isn’t exactly a breeze, but the quality of the snow is top-notch, earning it a loyal fanbase. It doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of places like Niseko or Hakuba, but it’s got a cozy, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for anyone who just wants to focus on skiing or snowboarding without all the extras.
Want to know what makes the Aizu Kogen ski resorts so special? Ambassadors Nyantaro and Chi-chan are here to show you around!

Let’s introduce the two people who will be showing us around Aizu Kogen this time!

Nyantarou

Meet the ambassadors of Aizu Kogen's four ski resorts! These two are all about action sports like snowboarding, camping, and skateboarding. Their free-spirited riding style is pure entertainment to watch!

Chi-chan

Sure! Here's a casual and cool translation of your text:
"She's a mompreneur running her own apparel brand and rocking the whole 'stylish camping' vibe that no one else can quite pull off. Plus, she’s a former snowboarder, and her skills on the slopes totally surprise people given her cute look! This season, she was appointed as an ambassador for four ski resorts in Minamiaizu."

Alright, let’s dive into what makes Aizu Kogen so awesome!

from Nyantarou

"Chi-chan, you became an ambassador for the four ski resorts this year—what’s your impression of Aizu Kogen?"

from Chi-chan

"Up until now, I used to go riding more in Niigata or Nagano, so I kind of thought it might be a bit far..."

from Nyantarou

"Yeah, at first, I also thought ski resorts in Fukushima sounded kind of far. But Aizu Kogen is right next to Tochigi, so once you actually make the trip, it doesn’t feel as far as you’d think!"

from Chi-chan

"Totally! Takatsue Ski Resort, which is the closest one, is only about 3.5 hours from the Tokyo area. Once you get used to it, it's actually pretty quick! Plus, if the snow quality is good and it's not crowded, it's totally worth the trip!"

from Nyantarou

"Takatsue Ski Resort is one of the biggest in Tohoku, with 15 courses spread over a 5km slope! It's famous for its awesome 'Takatsue Powder' – top-notch snow – and the views are amazing, so definitely worth checking out!"

Takatsue Ski Resort, one of the largest in Tohoku, is waiting with the best powder!

The powder zone near the top of Takatsue Ski Resort has a nice slope and is super easy to ride. The snow quality is some of the best in Honshu, and it’s a total dream for powder lovers. The resort is long and vertical, with a 700m elevation difference between the top and bottom. From the summit, you get a 360-degree panoramic view of 10 of Japan's 100 famous mountains – definitely a must-see! Besides the powder, there are 15 courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced. Plus, there’s a half-pipe, snow park, and cross course, so don’t be afraid to give them a try!

The fun-filled "Wai Wai Park" kids' park will have the whole family smiling!

Takatsue Ski Resort has a great kids' park too (entrance fee: 500 yen, 300 yen with a lift ticket, free for kids under 2). There's a special conveyor belt, so both the kids and parents can easily enjoy themselves. You can pick from a variety of sleds, like snow sliders or tire tubes, and find your favorite one! The inflatable elephant with a slide is super popular with the kids, and they’ll have so much fun they won’t want to leave. Plus, there’s a dedicated rest area, so if anyone gets tired, they can take a break whenever they need.

from Chi-chan

"Both the powder and the kids' park look so much fun!"

from Nyantarou

"If we're talking powder, Daikura Ski Resort with its off-piste courses is definitely worth checking out! With 12 courses ranging from steep slopes to mellow ones, the variety on the mountain is well-balanced, making it fun for everyone. Highly recommended!"

from Chi-chan

"Daikura Ski Resort has a high elevation and faces the northeast, huh? That sounds promising!"

Daikura Ski Resort has wide course layouts and a great variety of slopes to enjoy!

Daikura Ski Resort sits at a high elevation of 1,200m, with slopes facing east and surrounded by 1,000m mountains, so the snow stays in great condition. The high-quality powder and the 12 diverse courses are loved by everyone, from kids just starting out to seniors. The natural terrain offers a variety of fun runs, and the "Daichan Park" is super popular with families and little ones. After all that fun, you can grab a bite at either the cozy, homey First Lodge Cafeteria or the Center House cafeteria, where you can enjoy great views of Daikura from the base.

Make the most of Daikura with all the service days and enjoy it at a great deal!

Daikura Ski Resort has all kinds of service days, so take advantage of them to slide for less! The 17th of every month is "Daikura Day," where anyone can get a 1-day lift pass for just 2,000 yen! Then, every Tuesday is "Senior Day," Wednesday is "Ladies' Day," and Thursday is "Men's Day," with discounted lift tickets (some exclusions apply). On weekends, if you show up in full cosplay, you get your 1-day lift pass for half price! Plus, there's the "Happy Birthday" deal, where you can get a special birthday offer even if your birthday month is different. There are plenty of other service days too, so be sure to check them out!

from Chi-chan

With all these awesome service days, you can hit the slopes more often and get better super fast!

from Nyantarou

"With lift ticket prices going up all over the country, it’s so nice to have deals like this! ♪ By the way, Chii-chan, what kind of riding style do you like?"

from Chi-chan

"I basically want to ride all-around, but freeride is my absolute favorite! Of course, I love carving too."

from Nyantarou

"Then, I definitely recommend Takahata Ski Resort! You can enjoy that awesome inland powder and a super fun 3.5km downhill!"

from Chi-chan

"Since the 22-23 season, they’ve just opened up to snowboarders at this ski resort, which used to be skiers-only. There’s still so much potential to explore, so I’m excited to check it out!"

If you're looking for serious riding, Takahata Ski Resort is super popular with intermediate to advanced riders!

Takahata Ski Resort, located at an elevation of 1,240m, offers a mix of terrain and just the right amount of steep slopes for a seriously fun ride. It's got plenty of courses for intermediate and advanced skiers. The entire resort is designed to make the most of the natural terrain, so there's always something new to discover, and that's why so many return year after year. There’s everything from the longest 3.5km course with plenty of challenge, to private rental courses, waves, moguls for beginners, and steep moguls – 10 courses in total with tons of variety. The ski school offers great programs for everyone, from newbies to those looking to level up. It takes a little longer to get there, but the fun is definitely worth the drive. You won’t have to deal with crowds, and the spacious, open slopes are waiting for you!

The Motion Recorder helps boost your skills!

The "Motion Recorder" is a service that uses high-speed cameras set up around the resort to capture your runs. AI and machine learning programs automatically edit the footage and send it straight to your phone or computer. You can download the video files and post them to social media, plus it’s great for tracking your progress and training. Takahata Ski Resort is offering a free trial of the Motion Recorder, so this is the perfect chance to try it out! It's a great way to check out your technique, improve your form, and boost your skiing or snowboarding skills. Plus, you can save the video, making it a perfect keepsake from your trip to Takahata!

from Chi-chan

"Wow, getting to use such cutting-edge tech for free is awesome! Checking out your own riding on video is definitely going to help improve your carving this season! By the way, Nyantaro, you’re great at flat tricks and park stuff, right? Where do you usually practice?"

from Nyantarou

"I usually practice my flat tricks and park stuff at Nango Ski Resort. Their park is one of the biggest in the area! They even have a beginner-friendly hike-up park, perfect for first-timers, kids, and ladies, so it’s great for riders of all levels!"

Nango Ski Resort has a 1km family-friendly slope and a great freestyle park area on the middle part of the mountain, so you can enjoy powder, park, and even the half-pipe all in one spot. It’s not the

Nango Ski Resort has a 1km family-friendly slope and a great freestyle park area on the middle part of the mountain, so you can enjoy powder, park, and even the half-pipe all in one spot. It’s not the biggest resort, but the park setup is top-notch, with high-quality features for all skill levels, plus a half-pipe. The wide courses make it perfect for beginners and families too, and the kids' park right in front of the center house means you can keep an eye on the little ones while they play. The views from the summit are amazing, and the "Nango Blue" sky on clear days from Tengan Mountain is definitely worth checking out for those perfect Insta shots!

The handmade dishes using Nango tomatoes are super popular!

he restaurant is famous for its tasty and hearty meals, all featuring Nango tomatoes, a local specialty. Nango tomatoes are known for their perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a firm, juicy texture – they’re a nationally recognized brand. You definitely don’t want to miss their original dishes like "Tomato Omelette" and "Tomato Cheese Ramen," which you can only get here! There are two restaurants: one at the Center House and another at Nango Lodge (open on weekends only). Fuel up with some delicious "Nango meals" made with love by local moms, and then hit the slopes to enjoy all the skiing and snowboarding!

from Nyantarou

The "Tomato Ramen" is absolutely amazing – it’s so good that people actually come just to try it!

from Chi-chan

The park vibes and slope-side food are on point! Ski resorts around Aizu Kogen, including Nangou, each have their own must-try signature dishes. Checking out those "gela-shoku" menus is definitely part of the fun when hitting up Aizu Kogen!

from Nyantarou

Exactly! It’s not just the ski resort – the food, hot springs, and the warm hospitality of the people in the Aizu Kogen area are all part of the charm. I really hope you get to experience all of that!

from Chi-chan

That sounds awesome! I’ll be hitting the slopes in Aizu Kogen a lot this season too! You can find all the latest updates from each ski resort on Instagram, so definitely check it out and come have some fun!

Check out info on the 4 ski resorts in Aizu Kogen here!


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