Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain was a new snow resort for the 2023-2024 season! In 2023, two popular established ski areas, Alts Bandai and Nekoma, combined with a new ski lift to make up one of the largest snow resorts in the Tohoku region. The new resort features 33 courses extending north and south across three mountains, Mt. Bandai, Mt. Nekomagadake, and Mt. Umaya. High-quality snow, a wide variety of courses, and a full range of facilities meet the needs of everyone who loves winter sports, from people making their ski slope debuts to more advanced skiers seeking powder.

Three new official tree run courses have opened for the 2025-2026 winter season. Nekoma Mountain joins Ikon Pass from 25/26 Winter.

Ski Area Statistics

Base: 700m

Summit: 1338m

Vertical: 638m

Ski runs: 33 runs in total, 39km skiable area

Ski lifts: 13 in total

Fine powder snow

The North Area (Nekoma) is famous for high-quality "micro-fine" powder snow. This snow is brought about by the dry inland climate, an altitude of over 1000m, and the cold air cooled by the nearby lakes and marshes. In addition to the abundant snowfall, the runs face north, so the snow usually maintains excellent snow quality. More than 20cm of fine snow can fall overnight, depending on the day. Once you experience this micro-fine snow's soft feel, you will become addicted to it!

Once you experience this micro-fine snow's soft feel, you will become addicted to it!

Tree run

Step away from the groomed runs and into a silent winter wonderland. This season, Nekoma Mountain invites you to explore our brand-new tree run zones, carefully opened to showcase the natural beauty of the Bandai region. Imagine gliding through ancient trees draped in frost, with nothing but the sound of your breath and the spray of light-as-air snow. These new areas offer a variety of terrain—from gentle, wide-spaced glades for those new to tree riding, to dense, rhythmic forests for the seasoned pro. With stunning views of Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro as your backdrop, your forest odyssey begins here.

Snow park

The park is created at Nekoma Mountain as soon as possible upon the ski area's opening. The staff of Nekoma Mountain have worked on world competitions such as the Asia Open. There are several parks where everyone from beginners to athletes can enjoy and improve their skills. The Flowing Park is where you can enjoy varied terrain play, and the Step Up Park is where you can choose items according to your level of skiing. In addition, the Global Park lets you challenge world-class items.

Accommodation

The Bandaisan Onsen Hotel is directly connected to the slopes, making it super convenient for guests. In addition to delicious meals and hot springs, there are plenty of spas for guests to relieve fatigue and the day's fun activities. Furthermore, in the winter season, we offer skier-friendly special offers such as late check-out at 2pm and free skiing in the early morning. Even people finding it difficult to carry a lot of luggage on a ski trip can enjoy skiing comfortably by staying at the hotel.

Rental

In addition to the standard rental of skis, snowboards and wear, other items, such as sledges and snow scoots, are available to rent. You can also try out the latest Burton gear at the Burton test ride centre.

School

"Will my child be able to ski well?" This will turn the anxiety of parents into the joy of watching their child grow. "Yuki Kids" is a new skiing experience program offered by Hoshino Resorts this winter that will help children improve naturally and surely while having fun. Let's find out the secret behind it. Continuing lessons at related "Hoshino Resorts Yatsugatake" and "Hoshino Resorts Tomamu" is possible, which offer similar programs.

Cuisine

We've completely revamped our signature burger recipe from the ground up! This is a must-try classic that's worth the trip alone. You'll find it conveniently located halfway up the mountain in the South Area, making it easy to access from both areas.

Culture

The beautiful Aizu region, where NEKOMA Mountain is located, is a tourist spot with a samurai culture passed down since ancient times. As well as skiing and snowboarding during your visit, you can also enjoy apres-ski and culture during your stay.

Tsuruga Castle

This is one of Japan's ‘100 castles' and the symbol of nearby Aizuwakamatsu City. The castle, originally built about 630 years ago, is famous as an impregnable castle built against the fierce attack of the new government forces during the Boshin War. The inside of the 5th-floor castle tower is now a museum. In April 2023, it was upgraded with a digital technology experience. The castle is about 30 minutes by car from South Gate.

Japanese smelt fishing

During the winter, the surface of Lake Hibara in Urabandai, located in the northern area, freezes over, making it possible to enjoy smelt fishing. The smelt you catch can be fried and enjoyed at a restaurant. About 7 minutes from the North Gate.

Kitakata ramen

The Aizu region is famous for Kitakata Ramen, which is widely considered among Japan's top three ramen noodles. It is characterized by its thick, curly noodles; each store has a unique taste and toppings. Also, in Kitakata City, the birthplace of the ramen, there is a tradition of eating ramen in the morning, and some shops open around 8:00 in the morning and are bustling with people! A bowl of hot ramen is also recommended after a day on the slopes.

More information about the region is available from the official website.

Reasonable and convenient... let's go!

A one-day lift ticket is 5,700 yen for an adult. This is considerably cheaper than other popular resorts such as Niseko or Hakuba and an excellent deal for a big snow resort. Special cheaper lift tickets are also available if purchased before early November; checking the official website is recommended. In addition to the Bandaisan Onsen Hotel, where you can ski in and out, there are many other lodgings within a 10 to 30-minute drive of the ski lifts. From pensions to hotels for around 8,000 yen per night, you can choose according to your travel style and budget.

More information:

• Website

• Information on SnowJapan