Geto Kogen Ski Resort in Kitakami, Iwate, is one of Tohoku’s premier snow resorts, renowned for its abundant snowfall and premium powder snow. Featuring tree-run areas across 16 zones, along with well-designed courses and facilities, it offers an environment that satisfies beginners to advanced winter sports enthusiasts alike. This article introduces the highlights of the upcoming 2025-26 season and showcases everything that makes Geto Kogen Ski Resort so appealing.
Geto Kogen Ski Resort, Famous for Its Abundant Snowfall
Geto Kogen Ski Resort is a Tohoku snow resort known for its abundant snowfall, so much so that it’s said to have snow even during mild winters. Located in a mountain valley where snow clouds pass through and shaped by terrain that gathers snow, the resort can see over 5 meters of snow during peak season. This rich natural environment produces premium powder that attracts skiers and snowboarders alike. Typically, stable snowfall continues from late November through spring, and its favorable climate ensures high-quality snow throughout the season, even in warm winters.
From On-Piste to Tree Runs! Diverse Ski Area Layouts
Geto Kogen Ski Resort features 14 courses and 16 tree-run areas. Enjoy the unique slopes and abundant premium powder snow that make this resort so appealing.
A Wide Variety of Course Options
The ski area features 14 courses suitable for beginners to advanced skiers. From gentle slopes to challenging runs, everyone can choose courses that match their skill level, making it safe for beginners. With a snow park and kids’ park, groups and families can also enjoy skiing at their own pace and ability.
One of Tohoku’s Largest Tree-Run Areas
The highlight of Geto Kogen is its tree-run area, spanning 16 zones over 55 hectares—roughly the size of 12 Tokyo Domes. Recently renovated, this tree-run area is now one of the largest in Tohoku, offering untracked powder snow amidst pristine beech forests. Under the “Grow Up Treerun” concept, the area is divided into four difficulty levels (Lv.1–Lv.4), allowing everyone from first-time tree-run skiers to advanced riders to progress at their own pace. The newly added Powder Terrace from the 2024–25 season provides fat skis and powder boards, so even those without their own gear can enjoy the unique floating sensation of powder skiing.
Make the Most of Geto Kogen! Recommended Programs
Geto Kogen offers a variety of events and programs throughout the season. Among them, these programs are especially popular, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a satisfying experience no matter when they visit.
First Track (Weekends & Holidays Only)
“FIRST TRACK” lets you enjoy the pristine, untouched slopes first thing in the morning and is available on weekends and holidays. Participants can board the gondola 10 minutes before it officially opens and experience the slopes at their freshest.
The participation fee varies depending on the amount of snowfall, adding a fun twist to the program.
Heavy Snow Treerun Guide / Treerun Experience Program
At Geto Kogen, experienced guides lead tours to the best-condition treerun areas. These guided tours are perfect for those who want to ride the prime spots of the day or enjoy treeruns safely.
For those with prior treerun experience, there’s the Heavy Snow Treerun Guide, while beginners can try the Treerun Experience Program. This ensures everyone can enjoy the adventure, regardless of skill level.
HAPPY TURN
From early March to late April, Geto Kogen is also known as the “Mecca of Moguls,” with numerous mogul lines created each spring. In every area, ski school staff carefully shape the pitches, providing challenging moguls perfect for practicing and improving your technique.
Comfortable breaks and stays with fully equipped facilities and services
At Geto Kogen, the center house not only features a food court and rental counters but also includes hot springs and lodging facilities. You can enjoy a comfortable time both on the slopes and while taking a break at the center house.
Rental Counter
On the first floor of the center house, there is a rental counter offering a wide range of ski and snowboard equipment in various sizes. The lineup includes beginner sets as well as professional-grade skis and snowboards designed for powder. They also offer “hands-free sets” with accessories included, allowing you to enjoy skiing or snowboarding comfortably even if you arrive empty-handed.
Food Court / Café
On the second floor of the Center House, the food court offers a hearty lineup of meals that warm you up after a day on the slopes, including ramen, curry, and rice bowls. In the 2024 season, the burger shop "Sorato Bu Burger" opened, serving carefully crafted burgers with original sauces.
On the first floor, the "Café & Pub" serves delicious pizzas made from scratch, among other items. After lift operations end, the Café & Pub transforms into a pub, offering a wide selection of drinks in a cozy atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your memories of the day.
Geto Kogen Onsen "Usagimori no Yu"
After a full day on the slopes, you can warm up from head to toe at the natural hot spring facility Usagimori no Yu, located inside the center house. The facility also features an open-air bath with stunning views and a sauna, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of skiing or snowboarding.
Lodging directly connected to the center house
One of the highlights of Geto Kogen is its three types of lodging directly connected to the center house. You can choose according to your stay style: the budget-friendly “Mixed Dormitory,” the “Private Dormitory” ideal for groups, or the hotel-style “Premium Stay – Go.”
After fully enjoying the slopes, you can relax comfortably in your room without having to travel far from the ski area, making your stay even more convenient and enjoyable.
Geto Kogen offers top-quality snow, extensive tree runs, hot springs, and lodging—delivering an exceptional all-around ski experience.
Geto Kogen Ski Resort, renowned as a “heavy snowfall zone,” boasts abundant snow, premium powder, and one of the largest tree run areas in Tohoku. Beyond the exceptional slopes, its well-equipped facilities and services cater to winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. In the 2025–26 season, don’t miss the chance to experience the unmatched snow quality and thrilling runs that can only be found here.