【Aizu】6 Recommended Ski Resorts to Visit in Winter

One thing you should not miss when visiting Japan in winter is winter sports. Skiing and snowboarding while surrounded by vast snowy landscapes is a special experience unique to this season.In this article, we introduce useful information for enjoying winter in the Aizu area of Fukushima Prefecture, including an overview of the ski season, six recommended ski resorts, and nearby accommodation options that are convenient to use together with a ski trip.

This guide is written in an easy-to-understand way, even for those who are skiing in Japan for the first time.

Why Skiing in the Aizu Area Is Special

Winter and Snow Conditions in Aizu

Located in western Fukushima Prefecture, the Aizu area is known as one of Japan’s regions with heavy snowfall during winter.

However, winter in Aizu is not just about the amount of snow. The natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere are also major attractions. Compared to large urban ski resorts, the surroundings are calm, allowing visitors to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at a relaxed pace amid snow-covered forests and clear mountain air.

One of the key characteristics of Aizu’s snow is its relatively low moisture content, making it light and easy to ski on. In particular, ski resorts in Minami-Aizu and the Urabandai area tend to maintain low temperatures due to their higher elevation, resulting in stable snow conditions throughout the season.

Another unique appeal of Aizu is the presence of many hot spring areas that have been popular as therapeutic resorts for centuries. After a day on the slopes, you can warm up in an onsen and enjoy local cuisine made with regional ingredients. Being able to enjoy the entire winter stay—not just skiing—is a defining feature of a ski trip to Aizu.

Basic Information for Skiing in Aizu

Here is some basic information to know before visiting ski resorts in the Aizu area.
If you are skiing in Japan for the first time or traveling to a regional area, this section will be especially helpful.

From here, we will introduce five ski resorts that are especially recommended in the Aizu area.

1. Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain

Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in the Aizu area, featuring 33 courses and 13 lifts. The slopes spread across both the north and south sides of Mt. Nekoma, part of the Bandai mountain range, offers different landscapes and skiing experiences in each area.

The 33 courses range from gentle beginner slopes to long runs, steep slopes, powder areas, moguls, and banked courses, each with its own character. In the 2025–26 season, a new tree run zone will be added, further expanding the variety of skiing options.

The north area is located at an elevation of over 1,000 meters and faces north, which helps prevent snow from melting easily. The park area is also well developed, including a “Step-Up Park” that allows beginners to gradually challenge higher-level features.

There is also a “Global Park” with 20-meter-class kickers used in international competitions, as well as long-line parks with artificial terrain, making it enjoyable for a wide range of skill levels.

Dining on the slopes is another highlight.
“The Rider’s,” located halfway up the south area, specializes in burgers and will offer renewed recipes in the 2025–26 season.

Other dining options such as “Bandai Shokudo” and “Nekoma Shokudo” serve hearty meals like curry, ramen, sauce katsu bowls, and salt katsu bowls. Light snacks and crepes are also available.

Rental services are well equipped, and first-time skiers can use the “Hands-Free Rental Set,” which includes skis or a snowboard, boots, wear, a knit cap, goggles, and gloves.

For adult snowboard rentals, Burton STEP ON® bindings are available, allowing for easy attachment. There is also an on-site shop where you can purchase equipment and accessories.

Access is flexible depending on your travel style, including car, train, and bus tours.
From the Tokyo metropolitan area, it takes about 3.5 hours to reach the south area. By car, the resort is about 15 minutes from the Bandai-Kawato Interchange via the Tohoku and Ban’etsu Expressways.By Shinkansen, you can take a local bus from Koriyama Station or use the free shuttle bus from Bandai-machi Station.
Nearby areas such as Urabandai, Aizuwakamatsu, Inawashiro, and Bandai-Atami offer convenient hot spring stops.Relaxing in an onsen after skiing is one of the unique pleasures of this region.

（Picture Reference：Official Webstie　https://www.nekoma.co.jp/）

2.Grandeco Snow Resort

Located in the Urabandai area, Grandeco Snow Resort spreads across a highland at an elevation of over 1,000 meters.
Low winter temperatures and stable snowfall give it a strong reputation for excellent snow quality, even within the Tohoku region. On clear days, you can ski while enjoying views of Mt. Bandai and the natural scenery of Urabandai.

The resort covers approximately 58 hectares, with a maximum run length of about 4,500 meters.

Its courses are well balanced, ranging from gentle beginner slopes to varied terrain that satisfies intermediate and advanced skiers. It is suitable both for relaxed cruising and for improving technical skills.Many courses make use of natural terrain and forested areas, including runs through beech forests and wide open slopes with scenic views.High-speed lifts and gondolas provide smooth access to the upper areas, allowing you to maximize time on the slopes.

Ski and snowboard schools, as well as rental services, are well equipped, making it easy for beginners or returning skiers to enjoy.

Accommodation facilities are located nearby, reducing travel stress and allowing for a relaxed ski stay.By car, access takes about 30 minutes from the Inawashiro-Bandai-Kogen IC.By public transportation, shuttle buses operate from JR Inawashiro Station. Its location in the popular Urabandai sightseeing area also makes it a good base for exploring nearby attractions.

The adjacent “Deco Café” focuses on drinks and offers a comfortable café space that is easy to use for resting or meeting up with others.

Both facilities are open throughout the winter season.

• Cafeteria: 10:30–15:00(Food service until 14:00 on weekdays, 14:30 on weekends and holidays)
• Deco Café: 10:00–15:00

(Photo credit: Official Webstie　https://resort.en-hotel.com/grandeco/snow/ja/)

3.Aizu Kogen Daikura Ski Resort

Aizu Kogen Daikura Ski Resort, located in Minami-Aizu Town, Fukushima Prefecture, is a ski resort known for its slopes that can be enjoyed by a wide range of visitors, from families to intermediate and advanced skiers.

The courses make use of the natural terrain and have a relaxed atmosphere, allowing beginners and families with children to ski comfortably and with confidence.Daikura has approximately 10 to 12 courses in total. With a well-balanced selection of runs that vary in length and steepness, the resort offers gentle beginner slopes as well as intermediate courses where skiers can enjoy a moderate sense of speed.

The longest run is about 1,500 to 2,000 meters, providing a smooth and pleasant skiing experience from top to bottom.

The slopes have a moderate vertical drop and are designed with a good combination of steep and gentle sections、 making them easy and comfortable to ski.

They are approachable even for visitors experiencing snowy mountains for the first time, and skiers can choose runs that match their skill level. The field makes use of natural snow rather than artificial snow, so on the right days, you can also expect soft powder snow conditions.

There is also a kids’ park where children can play in the snow, as well as a sledding area, creating an environment where families with young children can enjoy a full day at the resort.

It is an ideal ski resort for families who want to spend a relaxed day together and for beginners to make their ski debut at their own pace.In terms of facilities, the center house and lodge are well equipped with a shop, souvenir corner, coin lockers, and a rest area where meals are available.

At the restaurant, visitors can enjoy local favorites such as Aizu ramen and curry. Rental services are also available for skis, snowboards, and wear, making it possible to prepare all necessary equipment on site on the day of your visit (small items are available for purchase at the shop).The parking area offers approximately 2,000 free spaces, so visitors arriving by car can do so with peace of mind.

Access is also available by local bus or taxi from the nearest Aizu-Tajima Station. From the slope entrance to the facilities, everything is within walking distance, minimizing travel time and effort.

(Photo credit: Official website　https://daikura.net/）

4.Aizu Kogen Nangō Ski Resort

Aizu Kogen Nangō Ski Resort is a ski area located in the mountain valleys of Minami-Aizu, known for its calm and relaxed atmosphere.Rather than the lively crowds of large-scale resorts, it is a place loved by visitors who want to enjoy the snowy mountains at an unhurried pace.

The slopes are mainly made up of gentle runs, making them safe and comfortable for beginners and families.Even those who are new to skiing or snowboarding, or visiting the snowy mountains for the first time in a while, can enjoy skiing at their own pace here. With fewer steep slopes, there is also room to take in the surrounding scenery while skiing.

The courses are well balanced between runs that pass through forested areas and open slopes with wide views.Skiing through snow-covered scenery surrounded by trees is a unique experience of this area. While the resort may not be flashy, spending time skiing quietly in nature can feel like a special and luxurious moment.

Another attraction of this ski resort is the relatively short lift wait times.For those who want to avoid crowds and focus on skiing itself, it offers a comfortable environment. There is also a snow play area for families, allowing visitors to enjoy not only skiing but also activities such as sledding.

The Rest House (Center House), located in the center of the Nangō Ski Resort slopes, serves as the main facility and is easy to stop by between runs.

Inside the building, facilities such as a restaurant, information counter, first-aid room, rental services, coin lockers, restrooms, and vending machines are all conveniently gathered in one place, allowing even first-time visitors to use the resort with confidence.

One of the highlights of the restaurant is its lineup of original dishes that can only be enjoyed here.

Popular menu items include the specialty “Tomato Omelette with Tomato Sauce,” as well as unique dishes such as tomato cheese ramen and tomato sauce katsu bowls, all made using tomatoes. For those who want a more filling meal, options such as “Half-Pipe Katsu Curry,” stewed katsu bowls, and the limited-quantity special curry rice are also available.

There are also accommodation facilities and hot spring areas scattered around the resort, making it a great destination for a winter trip that combines skiing with enjoying Aizu in winter.For those who value calm and gentle time in the snowy mountains over flashy resorts, Nangō Ski Resort is a well-balanced and comfortable choice.

(Photo credit: Official website　https://www.nango-ski.com/)

5.Aizu Kogen Takatsue Ski Resort

Aizu Kogen Takatsue Ski Resort is a large ski area spread across the mountain valleys of Minami-Aizu Town, Fukushima Prefecture.The long course that runs from the summit at an elevation of 1,650 meters down to the base stretches for approximately 5,000 meters, allowing skiers to enjoy dynamic runs that make full use of the mountain’s natural terrain.

One of the main attractions of this ski resort is its well-balanced selection of courses for a wide range of skill levels.From gentle beginner slopes to runs for intermediate and advanced skiers, every line offers excellent snow quality, letting visitors experience Aizu’s characteristic powder snow with each descent. Long cruising runs and varied slopes are appealing for intermediate and advanced skiers, while wide and open runs provide a safe and comfortable choice for beginners.

In addition, several restaurants and cafés are located throughout the ski area, allowing visitors to enjoy meals that match their skiing style and where they are staying.
Whether you want a filling meal or just a short break between runs, having multiple options is a welcome feature. Here, we introduce two recommended dining spots within the resort.

Cafeteria “Highland”

Located midway up the slopes, “Highland” is a café restaurant that is easy to use as a base for intermediate and advanced skiers.
With 260 seats, it can accommodate many guests and is relatively easy to use even during busy times. The opening hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., allowing visitors to stop by from early in the morning.

Restaurant “Aurora”

Located inside the Ski Center Spacia, “Aurora” is the main restaurant at Takatsue Ski Resort.

With 330 seats, it is the largest restaurant in the ski area and is convenient for meeting up with others or taking a break. The long opening hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., make it easy to use even for those who start skiing early in the morning.

There are also kids’ parks and sledding and snow play areas, making the resort suitable for families.

Even children who are experiencing snow for the first time can fully enjoy the slopes. Meals can be enjoyed at restaurants within the ski area, allowing visitors to balance skiing and breaks comfortably. Warm meals and light snacks provide a good chance to rest and recharge before heading back out for afternoon skiing.

Access takes about 30 minutes by bus or taxi from Aizu-Kogen Oze-Guchi Station.

The resort can also be reached by car via the Tohoku Expressway and access roads, offering relatively convenient access from the Koriyama area and the Tokyo metropolitan area.

(Photo credit: Official website　http://takatsue.jp/)

6.Snow Park

For those who want to enjoy not just skiing or snowboarding, but the snow itself, the Snow Park experience held in the Ashinomaki Onsen area is highly recommended.

【2026 Let’s Play at Ashinomaki Onsen × Snow Park!!】is a limited-time activity where adults and children can fully enjoy playing in the snow together. The event runs from January 20 to February 28, 2026, making it perfect for anyone who wants to casually enjoy winter in Aizu.

At the venue, there are snow-friendly play equipment such as sleds and snow tubes, making it easy for beginners to enjoy. Visitors can fully embrace their inner child and have fun playing in the snow. In addition, an exciting snowmobile tandem experience is also available, letting you feel the thrill of racing across the snowy fields up close.

The activity takes place between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM and lasts about 2 hours. The fee includes the rental of play equipment, so you can join hands-free. Reservations can be made for one person or more, making it perfect for families, friends, couples, or solo travelers.

When participating, it is recommended to wear warm clothing, boots, and gloves that can get wet in the snow. By combining the visit with a stay at a hot spring inn in Ashinomaki Onsen, you can enjoy a luxurious winter experience, warming up in the hot springs after playing in the snow.

Summary｜Enjoying a Japanese Ski Experience in Aizu

The ski resorts in the Aizu area each have their own unique charm, yet share common qualities: excellent snow, warm hospitality, and stress-free enjoyment. Here, you can experience dynamic runs at large-scale resorts or safely enjoy the snow with family and beginners—both are naturally possible in this region.

​​In addition, the ski resorts offer well-equipped dining and rest facilities, rentals, and convenient access, making it easy for first-time skiers or snowboarders, as well as visitors from abroad, to enjoy their stay with peace of mind. Not only the time spent on the slopes, but also meals, hot springs, and nearby sightseeing can be enjoyed, enhancing the overall Japanese ski experience.

A winter trip in Aizu is more than just skiing. Surrounded by nature, culture, and local life, a ski experience at your own pace is sure to make your winter in Japan truly special.

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