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About Nekoma Mountain
Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, located in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. The resort was created by connecting the former Alts Bandai (South Area) and the former Nekoma Ski Resort (North Area) by lifts, forming one vast ski area. With a total of 33 courses ranging from beginner-friendly slopes to advanced terrain, the resort offers something for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The North Area, situated at elevations over 1,000 meters, is especially known for its heavy snowfall and excellent snow conditions. From the slopes, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Inawashiro and Mount Bandai, making it a spectacular photo spot on clear days.
The name “Nekoma” comes from Mount Nekoma, where the resort is located. Nekoma Mountain quite literally spans the “Nekoma” area from south to north, creating a wide and varied skiing field. The resort is typically open for about five months, from late December through early May each year. Although Nekoma Mountain is a relatively new ski resort that launched from the 2023–24 season, its immense scale already places it among the top 10 largest ski resorts in Japan, attracting large numbers of winter sports enthusiasts.
Highlights
At Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain, a total of 13 lifts operate across the resort. Among them, the newly built connecting lift, “Nyarutsu Chair,” is especially convenient, allowing easy travel between the North and South areas. You can move across the slopes in just a few minutes, it is easy to enjoy a wide variety of terrain—from gentle beginner slopes and steeper intermediate-to-advanced runs to freestyle parks—depending on your mood and skill level. Both areas also offer many wide, open courses suitable for beginners and intermediates, making the resort enjoyable for everyone from young children to adults, including families skiing or snowboarding together.
Kids’ parks are available in both the North and South areas, offering safe and easy-to-use facilities for families to enjoy playing in the snow. Sledding zones and beginner ski practice areas are clearly separated, allowing children to play safely. For kids who may find chairlifts challenging, the resort also provides snow escalators, which gently carry riders uphill simply by standing on them. These are free to use and very popular with families. Lifts such as the First Chair in the South Area and the Friendly Cat Express in the North Area are particularly well suited for beginners and families, making Nekoma Mountain an excellent place to learn and practice skiing.
At the same time, the resort also features serious terrain visited by professional riders from around the world. One of Nekoma Mountain’s greatest strengths is that it allows skiers and snowboarders of all levels—from complete beginners to professionals—to enjoy the mountain safely while steadily progressing at their own pace.
The snow quality is true powder snow, and the upper part of the North Area, known for its heavy snowfall, can retain snow even into April. During April, the resort enters the “Spring Nekoma” season, when selected courses remain open, making the most of the valuable remaining snow while offering a unique late-season skiing experience.
There are plenty of courses for all skill levels, so everyone can enjoy the slopes together!
Bandai is one of Japan's premier snow-rich regions, offering an impressively long ski season that spans approximately five months.
Recommended Ways to Spend Your Time
Weekdays are relatively quiet, making them ideal for those who want to ski or snowboard at their own pace. From late March onward, the resort enters a special period known as “Spring Nekoma.” During this time, guests with a valid lift ticket for the day may receive special perks, such as free rental of wear and boards, depending on availability.
Guests staying at Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel enjoy the added benefit of early slope access before general opening hours. This is a great option for those who want to make the most of the morning and enjoy freshly groomed runs in the early hours.
In the South Area, night skiing is available until 8:00 p.m., offering a magical experience on illuminated slopes from the late afternoon onward. Night skiing under the clear winter sky is especially memorable and is sure to be enjoyed by couples and groups of friends. If you have a full-day lift ticket, you can add night skiing for an additional ¥1,000.
After a day on the slopes, warm up at one of the nearby hot springs. Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel features a modern large public bath, perfect for relaxing tired muscles. Not only overnight guests but also users of the rental camper van plan can enjoy special access to the hotel’s hot springs, pool, and lounge facilities. There are also many other hot spring options in the area, such as Fujinoyu near Aizuwakamatsu Station on the South Area side, and Urabandai Lake Resort on the North Area side. Enjoy the snow-covered mountains while also indulging in the hot springs and local cuisine of the Aizu region, and make the most of your winter ski trip.
Spot Information
Spot Name: Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain
Operating Hours:
- Regular lift operation: 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (including night skiing).
- Spring season (from March 28 onward):
Weekdays from 7:30 a.m.; weekends and public holidays from 5:55 a.m.
Lift Tickets:
- 1-Day Pass:
Adults: ¥6,300 (¥5,700 with advance online purchase)
Junior high & high school students: ¥4,000–¥4,500
Elementary school students: ¥2,700–¥3,000 - Night Skiing Pass: ¥2,500 flat rate
(Day pass holders can add night skiing for an additional ¥1,000.)
Parking:
- South Area: Free on weekdays; ¥1,000 on weekends, public holidays, and during the year-end/New Year period (South A Parking only).
- North Area: Free on weekdays; ¥1,000 on weekends, public holidays, and during the year-end/New Year period.
A shuttle bus connects the South Area parking lots with the resort center.
Additional Information:
The connecting lift between the South and North Areas, the “Nyarutsu Chair,” has an early final boarding time.
- Regular: last boarding at 3:20 p.m.
- March 29–30: South 3:00 p.m. / North 3:10 p.m.
- March 31–April 6: South 3:00 p.m. / North 2:20 p.m.
Please be careful—if you miss the final connection, you will not be able to return to the other area.
Access
Address:
- South Area (formerly Alts Bandai):
6838-68 Sarashina Kiyomizudaira, Bandai-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima 969-3302, Japan - North Area (formerly Nekoma Ski Area):
1163 Nekomayama, Hibara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima 969-2701, Japan
Access:
- By Car:
Approximately 15–35 minutes to the South Area from the Inawashiro-Bandai-Kogen IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway. To the North Area, allow about 50 minutes on local roads from the Koriyama or Aizu area. - By Public Transportation:
From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, take a local bus to the South Area (about 45 minutes; ¥1,000 one way for adults). Shuttle bus services are also available.
Nearby Accommodations
SPOT
From gentle slopes for beginners to steep terrain for intermediate and advanced riders, plus a freestyle park, there’s a course for everyone to enjoy their own style of riding.