Hoshino Resort Alts Bandai - often known as the original name 'Alts Bandai' - is located on the south-western slopes of Mt Bandai in Bandai town. Alts Bandai is relatively new, only opening in 1992. Fine views of the nearby Lake Inawashiro can be enjoyed from the resort. Apparently 'Alts' comes from 'Aer - Lux - Terra - Sol'.
The upper part of the
Hoshino Resort Alts Bandai resort is geographically close to the upper part of Alts Bandai on the other side of the mountain, but they are not lift or (ski) course connected. Since the 2018-2019 season, they tried a new 'walking course' between the two in the spring season. The 800m route between the top of the two resorts takes about 15 minutes in normal conditions and it should be open for the 2020-2021 season.
The two ski areas are owned by the same company and joint lift tickets are available. Be sure to have a valid ticket if you intend to right lifts at both ski areas!
The Alts Gondola lift will not be operating during the 2020-2021 season.
Many of the ski and snowboard resorts in Fukushima are found on or near Mt Bandai and Mt Adatara to the north of Lake Inawashiro and the region is generally known as Aizu. The other ski hills can be found scattered across the western region or to the south-west of Lake Inawashiro.