The abundance of activities is among the best in Honshu! "Hoshino Resorts - Nekoma Ski Resort"

09 July, 2024
"Nekoma Ski Resort," situated in an area that receives heavy snowfall in the Aizuwakamatsu area, is famous as a snow resort with plenty of activities. As you might expect from a place that advertises itself as a "place where snow enthusiasts gather," there’s a variety of snow activities that you can see, interact with, and enjoy. There are early-morning lifts, which start from 5am, and variety-rich courses that anyone can enjoy. For instance, there’s the non-compacted snow zone where you can ski down the steep slopes of nature to your heart's content, and the "Monster Park," created by a team involved in creating world competition courses. As a result of Hoshino Resorts having participated in the planning of the resort, the facilities surrounding the slopes such as the hotel, restaurants, and ski center are of considerable quality. Here we introduce to you all the amazing aspects of "Nekoma Ski Resort," where both adults and children can thoroughly enjoy playing in the snow.

Slope configurations for intermediate and advanced skiers

Skiers going down a steep course
Nekoma features many slopes aimed at intermediate and advanced skiers. The one we recommend most for beginners is the "Friendly Slope." This course follows a relatively flat path for a Nekoma slope. Part of its appeal is that you can enjoy the dry powdery snow.

Excite 1
Meanwhile, there are many recommended courses for intermediate and advanced skiers. "Excite 1" is an advanced course that has a steep slope and wide course width, where you can enjoy a dynamic skiing experience. The maximum gradient is 28 degrees. The acceleration is pretty full on, so it’ll be hard to ski unless you are a skier capable of braking and turning properly.

Skiers enjoying slalom skiing
"Excite 2" is a competition course with a slalom course. As cold winds are constantly blowing through, the snow has hard ice-like qualities. Although it’s easy to change directions because you can use the edges of your skis, at the same time, it’s also a highly difficult course on which it’s easy to lose your balance.

Deep 1
"Deep 1," in the deep area, is located at the highest elevation where you can enjoy the outstanding powder snow. It’s a course that skiers seeking new snow scramble for, especially the day after a day of snowfall.

Devil Area course
In addition, there is a range of quirky courses such as the Forest Area, where you can zoom through a beech forest; the Flying Area, with continuous steep slopes with large variations; and the Devil Area, full of mogul courses. All of them have difficulty levels suited to intermediate and advanced skiers, so there is no doubt they will provide the best environment for people more accustomed to the snow!

A slalom trail where you can enjoy pro-level race skiing

Slalom trail course
Being able to ski on a competition-like slalom course is also part of Nekoma's charm. The "Pole Bahn," near "Excite 2," is a highly competitive course where you can enjoy slalom skiing, sure to tickle your fancy. If you’re a skier with pro-level skills, you can ski down at speeds as fast as 100 kilometers per hour. Since the courses are at a world-class level, it’s possible to train in the best environment.

Compared to normal skiing, a certain amount of technique is required, so skiers who are allowed to partake in the "Pole Bahn" course are limited to those capable of skiing the "GS Course". Those who want to experience the exhilaration and thrill that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else should definitely give it a try.

"Morning Nekoma," where you can have the wonderful powdery snow all to yourself

Skiers illuminated by the morning sun
Guests who stay overnight or who arrive late at night can enjoy slopes where nobody else has skied on early in the morning, in what is commonly known as "Morning Nekoma." It’s a service that lets you ski 30 minutes earlier than normal opening hours, so during periods of heavy snowfall, you can enjoy fluffy powder snow.

Skiing on a slope that hasn’t been skied on by other visitors is a very rare experience at Honshu ski resorts. If you have time early in the morning, please give it a try.

"Monster Park", created by a world-class team

A full view of the park
The main allure of Nekoma Ski Resort has to be "Monster Park." The various park items have been highly acclaimed worldwide, and it has become a mecca for skiers and snowboarders who wants to refine their skills, not only from Japan, but from all over the world.

A skier getting ready
Behind the creation of the park items is a professional team who has been involved in the creation of world competition courses such as the "Japan Open" and "Asian Open." As well as parks that even beginners can enjoy, there are also items with a high degree of difficulty that pose a challenge to even advanced skiers.

There are many items to arouse one's playful spirit, like a huge, 20-meter jumping platform, and a triple jump platform. Since the inside of the park continues to evolve during the season, taking into account the feedback from skiers and snowboarders, you should definitely try to master some stylish skills here, at the park to end all parks.

A ski center with that will satisfy both single skiers and families

A meal at the Nekoma cafeteria
The appeal of Nekoma is not limited to just the variety of the courses and activities. In the main food court, "Nekoma Cafeteria," there are eleven unique dishes on the menu, including ramen, rice bowls and curry! There are also plenty of desserts, such as at "Yaki-imo Cafe," where you can enjoy a combination of roasted sweet potatoes with ice cream, and "CAFERINA," where you can enjoy over 30 kinds of crepe.

With everything from a stylish ski shop to a family lounge where you can play with your kids, the facilities can accommodate all of your needs.

The very best ski experience at Nekoma, where snow enthusiasts gather

The ski slopes
That's all for our introduction to Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Ski Resort.

These slopes, where snow enthusiasts from around the world gather each year, offers many activities not found at other ski resorts. When you visit the Aizuwakamatsu area, please come and enjoy a skiing experience that can only be had at Nekoma.

Pricing information and schedule may not be up to date and are subject to change without notice. Please check before your trip.

Related ski resorts
Nov. 30th to May 6th
Courses33
Lifts14
Longest run distance2,500 m
Maximum gradient37 °
Courses33
Lifts14
Longest run2,500 m
Maximum37 °

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