Right now, the focus of skiers and snowboarders worldwide is on Japan's powder snow, often referred to as 'JAPOW.' The snow quality and snowfall levels are at the global top tier. Here, we introduce ski resorts where you can easily experience Japan's powder snow within the ski resort. This season, aim for the best timing just after a fresh snowfall and fully enjoy the powder snow experience.
With its unique terrain and favorable geographical conditions, it stands out as one of Japan's foremost powder snow areas.
Extremely light aspirin snow with less moisture than powder.＜Appi Kogen Ski Resort＞
Appi Kogen is characterized by 'aspirin snow,' which has less moisture than powder snow, providing a smooth and light texture. It doesn't easily clump even when squeezed by hand, allowing for fatigue-free enjoyment of skiing throughout the day. With an annual snowfall exceeding 10 meters, from the start of the season to the spring season, you can fully savor skiing with abundant snow.
One particularly well-regarded area for snow quality within Appi Kogen is the Nishimori slope. In addition to two courses, there is also a tree run zone between the courses. Accessible to the top of the Nishimori slope is the 'Nishimori Cat,' a snowcat that takes you there. This provides a backcountry atmosphere, allowing you to fully experience the Nishimori slope's renowned aspirin snow.
You can enjoy long cruising on wide, single-run terrain with powder snow.＜Geto Kogen Ski Resort＞
Located in the narrowed section of the backbone of Tohoku, the Ou Mountains, Summer Oil Kogen experiences heavy snowfall, surpassing 6 meters of maximum snow depth and totaling over 20 meters. Powder snow is enjoyable from December to February, with the best season for tree runs being from mid-January to mid-February.
Highly recommended is the C3 course accessed by a quad lift. This wide, non-groomed intermediate course allows for long runs in powder after snowfall.
In the tree run area, Shooter 1 to 4 are recommended. These areas come down along a ridge with varying elevations, and the key is to navigate the terrain as if 'shooting' down your intended line."
Microfine snow, lighter than powder snow.＜Hoshino Resort Nekoma Mountain＞
Located in the northern area (formerly known as Nekoma Ski Resort), it boasts the highest snowfall in the area, thanks to the cold air rising from the surrounding lakes. The snow quality is particularly excellent, featuring an extremely light powder snow known as microfine snow. The north-facing slopes receive minimal sunlight, allowing for high-quality powder snow enjoyment even in the afternoon.
Recommended powder courses are Deep 1 and Deep 2 in the northern area. These courses, guaranteed with powder, open the day after heavy snowfall during the peak season, offering ample opportunities to enjoy the powder.
In the southern area (formerly known as Alts Bandai Ski Resort), they offer 'Cat Ride,' taking you to powder courses untouched by anyone using a groomer."
This hidden gem of a powder course is known to those in the know – right here!
amous powder courses attract a crowd soon after snowfall, with tracks forming quickly. That's why lesser-known powder secret spots become noteworthy. Every ski resort has these hidden gems, known only to a select few. Free from crowds, they allow you to enjoy powder at your own pace.
The tree run area within the slopes where you can glide through powder snow＜Appi Kogen Ski Resort＞
Appi Kogen opens the wooded areas between the slopes as a tree run area. There are five areas: Bravo, Attack, Cruise1, Cruise2, and Dragon Tail, totaling 50 hectares. Among them, Dragon Tail not only accumulates snow well but also maintains good snow quality. Additionally, it offers a challenging ride with a length of about 1000 meters. It's important to note that not everyone can ski in the tree run area, as an entry procedure is required.
Let's ride the powder on the ungroomed course, making the first tracks.＜Geto Kogen Ski Resort＞
Another distinctive feature of Geto Kogen is the abundance of ungroomed courses, in addition to the tree run area. Especially, B-1, C-1, and C-5 courses are hidden gems. For those who want to ensure they ride on untouched virgin snow, the recommended option is the First Track, available 10 minutes before the regular gondola operation (paid, limited to 30 participants). Held on weekends during the peak season, targeting the period after snowfall ensures a pristine track where you can carve the best turns.
Powder runs where you can attack with a time difference. ＜Hoshino Resort Nekoma Mountain＞
Devil 2 opens in coordination with the park. While most courses start operating around 8-9 am, Devil 2 opens at 10 am to coincide with the park's opening. Even after enjoying powder on other courses, you can still experience powder on Devil 2.
Things to keep in mind before skiing on powder snow.
There are two types of powder courses available within the ski resort. One is the non-groomed course included in the regular trails, and the other is the powder area (course) located outside the regular trails, such as between courses. While skiing on the regular courses poses no issues, skiing outside designated areas may come with certain conditions. For instance, taking lessons, wearing a bib, and using a helmet might be required. If you plan to ski in the powder areas outside the designated courses, it is recommended to check the ski resort's website in advance for any specific requirements.
Entry procedures are required to ski in the tree run area.＜Appi Kogen Ski Resort＞
The Hachimantai Tree Run Area is a self-responsibility special zone accessible only to those who have approved the local rules and completed the entry procedures. To use the tree run area, you need to fill in the necessary information on an entry form at the entry corner and deposit it in the box. You also must wear the designated armband on your arm.
When skiing in the tree run zone, wearing a helmet is mandatory, and you must adhere to various safety guidelines. Skiing in areas where it is prohibited may result in confiscation of the lift ticket, and if rescue is required, rescue costs may be charged. Therefore, caution is essential.
The tree run area requires wearing a helmet.＜Geto Kogen Ski Resort＞
The tree run area set up outside the courses at the Summer Oil Plateau is divided into four levels, allowing you to enjoy powder snow according to your skill level. Wearing a helmet is mandatory in this tree run area. As for equipment, a mobile phone (with sufficient battery and the ski resort's phone number registered) is required, and wearing protectors is recommended. Additionally, in the case of fresh snow, especially for snowboarders, bringing snowshoes is highly recommended.
I want to challenge powder! Powder beginner-friendly course.
For those who think powder is only for advanced skiers, think again. While steep slopes and deep powder may require advanced techniques, on gentle slopes with not too deep powder, even beginners and intermediate skiers can have plenty of fun. Here, let's introduce some beginner-friendly powder courses.
Tree run course for families: 'Magic Forest' – enjoy skiing with your children!＜Appi Kogen Ski Resort＞
Perfect for kids' tree run debut, 'Magic Forest' is an area situated between trails, like other tree run courses, but with a gentle slope for easy gliding. Spanning the equivalent of two Tokyo Domes and stretching 850 meters, it provides ample excitement. This season, rentals have been revamped with the introduction of the 'Mountain Station,' offering the latest models from Salomon, Atomic, and Armada for rental.
Ideal for powder beginners with an average slope of 10 degrees: the wide, open bowl.＜Hoshino Resort Nekoma Mountain＞
I recommend Peak 4 in the Southern area's Peak and Hoarfrost Zone for powder beginners. With a total length of 980 meters, a maximum slope of 20 degrees, and an average slope of 10 degrees, it's a beginner-friendly course. The wide width makes it easy to navigate, and the higher elevation ensures excellent snow quality, allowing you to enjoy the accumulated powder alongside the course. Additionally, it's reassuring for beginners as you can easily switch to groomed runs if needed.
Various services to enhance your powder skiing experience.
To fully enjoy powder skiing, it's essential to have the right equipment and techniques suitable for powder runs. Especially for those attempting powder skiing for the first time, having beginner-friendly powder courses can provide a sense of security. Utilizing equipment and techniques tailored for powder skiing will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, if it's your first time at a ski resort, skiing with an experienced guide who knows the courses well can help you confidently savor the best powder. Checking the website of the ski resort you plan to visit for powder-specific services is a good idea.
Offering the latest rental boards tailored for powder enthusiasts.＜Geto Kogen Ski Resort＞
At the Geto Kogen Special Rentals, we offer the latest models of skis and snowboards suitable for powder skiing. This includes GENTEMSTICK snowboards, as well as skis from MAJESTY, K2, LINE, and others. Each manufacturer's equipment is available at different rental locations, so be sure to check the detailed information on our website. Additionally, at the Mountain Information desk, we provide rentals for backcountry gear such as snowshoes, probes, shovels, and more.
At the Burton Test Ride Center in the Southern area, we have the latest rental equipment available for you.＜Hoshino Resort Nekoma Mountain＞
We've set up the 'Burton Test Ride Center' for snowboarding at the Southern Resort Center WEST. You can find rentals for powder boards like Burton's Family Tree. For skiing, we plan to offer FACTION rentals at 'FunRide+' inside the Southern Resort Center WEST shop.
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