Tucked away in the wilds of Urabandai, Fukushima, EN RESORT Grandeco is a true winter wonderland! We're talking fluffy powder, wide-open slopes, and a super long season – so much to get excited about! Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned pro, the ultimate snow adventure is waiting for you.
Seamlessly designed to be one with nature, the EN RESORT Grandeco Hotel offers the pure indulgence of ski-in/ski-out. Step outside and let the breathtaking, snow-covered world capture your heart.
Based on the concept of "Act and Rest," the resort invites you to be active with skiing and snowboarding, then find true relaxation for your mind and body with our hot springs and delicious cuisine. We're here to introduce the best way to experience EN RESORT Grandeco.
Ski right out of the hotel and into a winter wonderland! ☆
On your check-in day, you can get everything sorted in the morning! Just finish the check-in process, grab your lift tickets, stash your bags in a locker, and you can hit the slopes right away.
Step out of the hotel and straight onto the slopes. That's the magic of ski-out! Time for a quick warm-up run down to the gondola station! ♩
Let's hop on the gondola and head into the winter wonderland!
The heavenly powder of Grandeco ♡ A moment enveloped in the magic of the snow.
Grandeco's slopes are a true paradise for powder lovers. The snow here is so light and fluffy, it's incredible! It’s all thanks to its blessed location in Urabandai, Fukushima.
The upper part of the resort has these amazing long, wide, gentle slopes. It's awesome because even beginners can enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery while cruising down. And since it's a long run, it's perfect for newbies who are looking to level up their skills!
And of course, there are plenty of courses for advanced riders, too. With such a great variety of runs, every level of skier and snowboarder will have an amazing time. The best part is that you can have a blast with your friends, even if you're all at different skill levels!
Okay, since we're at Grandeco, I'm dying to ski that amazing powder! Can't contain the excitement as we go through this adventure-like path called "Road to Powder." And now... off to the powder runs!
When you're carving through that fluffy snow and the spray is flying everywhere, it’s like you’re ripping through a cloud. The feeling is just SO addictive. That’s the thing about powder—once you're hooked, you can never quit. Seriously, it’s a black hole.
Okay, we've had our fill of epic powder, so now it's time to chill out with some lunch at "Buna Buna." The snowy scenery outside the window is super calming. Just perfect.
You have to try the pizza here, it's baked in a proper kiln and comes out piping hot. So good! And when you see that cheese stretch... oh man, it'll kick your appetite into high gear.
Their pasta is so good too, packed with tons of ingredients. I couldn't resist taking a picture. It even comes in a super cute bowl, perfect for your Instagram feed.
For our post-lunch treat, we had apple pie and hot chocolate. So cozy and delicious.
This is what I call a luxury winter dessert time. Absolutely heavenly! ♡
There's a trail that takes you straight from the ski area right to the hotel's entrance. I just couldn't get over how amazing the ski-in/ski-out is. It's such a luxury!
Fun for non-skiers too! Snow activities & a welcome terrace to enjoy.
Don't worry if some of your crew or the kids aren't into skiing! Grandeco is packed with other fun snow activities. For example, with "Snowmobile Rafting," you get towed by a snowmobile for a super fun and speedy ride over the snow!
It's one of those activities where everyone piles in and you just can't stop laughing. Seriously, this thrilling ride on the snow will have everyone screaming with excitement. You're gonna love it!
When we got back to the hotel, we discovered this awesome little spot!
There’s a fire pit you can hang out around, and they give you marshmallows to roast as a welcome treat. The way the warm, sweet marshmallow just melts in your mouth... ahh, so good. Pure bliss! ♡
And when you ride the swing right there, you feel like you're in a movie. A total escape from everyday life. This is exactly the kind of fun you can only have at a resort, isn't it? ♩
Refresh your mind and body in the amazing onsen (hot springs)!
The onsen here, "Buna no Yu," is the real deal. It has a sauna and a cold bath, letting you totally find your zen. And the outdoor bath with a view of the snow is just incredible. We got to chatting and couldn't help but take a super long bath.
After the bath, we chilled for a bit in the relaxation area.
There's also a ping-pong table, so for those who still have energy, you can keep the fun going late into the night! ♩
Time for a perfect night with a fancy dinner ♡ The buffet & bar are ready to give you the best time ever.
Once you're all toasty from the hot springs, your stomach will definitely be rumbling. Dinner at the Grandeco Hotel is a buffet, and they've got this incredible lineup of food using lots of fresh, local stuff. Seriously, seeing all the vibrant dishes... I honestly don't know where to even begin!
Okay, you HAVE to get the roast beef. It's so unbelievably tender, it just melts in your mouth. The fat is just right, and it's pure happiness with every bite.
And don't even get me started on the desserts! They have this special one called "Mizutama" that you can't find anywhere else.
Apparently, the whole idea came from this famous spring nearby called "Onogawa." It's one of Japan's top 100 natural waters. The chefs wanted people to taste how amazing the water from Urabandai is, so they whipped up this dessert to really capture its clean, pure flavor.
The view of the snow after dark from our window is just stunning. A fancy resort trip like this is the perfect way to treat yourself for the daily grind. Everyone needs to spoil themselves sometimes, right? ♡
When you're feeling this happy and satisfied, there's just one thing to do. That's right: Cheers!
Honestly, just talking about all the awesome memories from the day while feeling so blissful... that's a perfect moment right there. ♡
There's a bar in a corner of the lounge too, so if you just want to relax and have some quiet, adult time, this spot is for you. It's only open on certain days, though.
The snowy scenery outside the big windows looks so dreamy and romantic. You'll love the atmosphere!
Got a birthday or anniversary coming up? You should totally book a suite at Grandeco.
This luxe space will take your special day to the next level. Go make the best memories ever! ♩
After a great night's sleep, it's time to charge up your energy for the morning at the breakfast buffet!
Once you wake up, it's buffet time! With a huge lineup of Japanese food, Western dishes, and desserts, you can't help but get excited for the day ahead. ♡
So this is something special to Fukushima: "Asa-Ra." Yep, it's ramen... for breakfast. It's their cool and unique custom, and this is your chance to try it!
Okay, so everyone, even the staff, was raving about the "rice flour bread." The texture is insane—so soft and chewy, it's like, is this bread or is it mochi? It's so addictive, you can't just have one. I heard the trick is they toast it two times.
Ski-in, ski-out and have those breathtaking morning views all to yourself!
Once you're all charged up from a delicious breakfast, it's straight to the slopes! The ultimate perk of Grandeco's direct access? Getting to be the first one on the mountain!
Carving down a freshly groomed run first thing in the morning with stunning scenery all around... I mean, what a treat! We were literally smiling from ear to ear.
The "Tree" course is awesome for beginner-intermediate folks who want to give tree runs a try. The slope is nice and gentle, and the trees are spaced far apart, so it’s super chill. That feeling of gliding between the trees... it’s like you’re on a little adventure.
In the middle of the "SNOW SURF PARK" course, you'll find this awesome photo spot that has that classic, nature-filled Grandeco feel. Here's a little secret: sit down when you take the pic, and Mt. Bandai will show up right inside the frame. Definitely give it a go! ♩
Since Grandeco is known for its awesome snow, of course they have a "SNOW SURF PARK" and a "FREE RIDE PARK" all set up. It's the perfect place to get your snow surfing and freestyle fix.
Have a blast on the waves and kickers built right into the natural 3D terrain! ♩
With courses for every skill level, you can have a blast with your friends or sneak in some practice on your own. Why not find your own unique way to have fun?
You get so caught up in the fun that before you know it, it's noon. We were like, "Okay, one more run before lunch!" So we went to the "View Course," and wow, it's a total hidden gem here. The view of Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro just spreads out in front of you, and skiing down feels absolutely amazing, like it sets your spirit free. ♡
Faced with a view this stunning, you can't help but sigh. Of course, we had to get a picture to remember the moment. ♡
Need a touch-up after skiing? Grandeco's got you covered. The ladies' powder room is fully stocked with a Dyson hair dryer, a curling wand, and a flat iron.
You know how your hair and makeup just get wrecked after a while? It's like, "I'm having a blast, so whatever!"... but deep down, you still want to look good. This is honestly such a thoughtful touch and makes all the difference.
Headed to the cafeteria and stumbled upon a cute photo-op and a lineup of MOSS boards for rent. If you've been wanting to try one, this is your chance to test it out on Grandeco's epic powder snow! ♩
And guess what we found? An award plaque from SURF&SNOW!
So, it turns out that last season, Grandeco snagged a TRIPLE CROWN, ranking #1 in the Tohoku area for:
Best Ski Resort for Families
Best for Beginners
Best for Kids' First Time
And get this, they also ranked 2nd for "Best Resort for Non-Skiing Fun" and 3rd for "Best Powder Snow." They're basically dominating the charts! No wonder this place is so popular!!
For our much-awaited lunch, we went to the "Cafeteria." It's a huge place with 400 seats, so you never have to worry about it being crowded. It’s perfect for taking a nice long break and just enjoying a chill lunch.
Feeling super hungry? They've got a great lineup of hearty stuff like donburi (rice bowls) and ramen that'll really fill you up!
Outside the main cafeteria, you can get crepes—the ultimate ski slope snack! ♡
The "Deco Crepes" are the real deal; they're made with fresh, carefully selected fruit, none of that frozen stuff. It's such a perfect indulgence with all that fresh fruit and fluffy whipped cream.
Need a place to chill after skiing or just want a private spot to rest? The rental rooms here are awesome for that!
They've got five different rooms, all different shapes and sizes, so they're perfect whether you're with family or your whole crew.
Okay, once we were back at the hotel and ready to go, we hit up the DECO SHOP for some souvenirs.
They have a ton of stuff—local Fukushima specialties like ramen and Akabeko dolls, plus lots of things you can't find anywhere else! So much to choose from!
The lobby is super spacious and has some really comfy sofas, so it's the perfect place to chill while you wait for the shuttle bus. ♩
Bonus: They also have great rentals and lessons, perfect for beginners!
It's official! Grandeco is the #1 spot for beginners in the Tohoku region, according to the SURF&SNOW RANKING.
Their rental and lesson options are top-notch, so if you're thinking about getting into skiing or snowboarding but have zero equipment, they've totally got your back.
On top of that, they offer tons of lessons for newbies from pro instructors, so you can learn without any stress. Even on your very first snow adventure, Grandeco’s got your back, letting you go all out and have an amazing time! ♩
Of course, the pro lessons are awesome for advanced riders too. With slopes that are perfect for taking your skills to the next level, let's see some serious improvement!
An unforgettable winter. A perfect girls' trip. All made possible at Grandeco.
How does a winter escape to EN RESORT Grandeco sound?
The incredible snow, nature, food, and onsen all promise an unforgettable experience.
Grab your favorite people and plan the perfect getaway to embrace the magic of winter and leave feeling completely refreshed. You deserve it! ♡
EN RESORT Grandeco Snow Resort
Known for having some of Tohoku's best powder, this incredible snow is a natural gift from Urabandai, created by its high altitude and cold climate.
The resort offers 10 different courses and 5 snow parks. Beginners can drop in with a breathtaking view of Mt. Bandai, and experts can play endlessly in the epic powder. A truly top-tier snow resort for all levels.
Written and shot by Remi Fukamachi
utdoor Photographer, born in 1996.
Kicked off her career in 2016.
Currently splits her time between Texas, USA / Niseko, Hokkaido / and Tokyo, Japan, mainly shooting snowboarding, hotels, and brand campaigns.
She is best known for her work "Between Culture and Civilization," a documentary on the Aboriginal people of Australia.