Travel report for Alts Bandai - the largest-scale ski resort in the Aizu Area

05 October, 2021
We made a trip to Alts Bandai, one of the largest ski resorts in the Aizu Area! There are 29 courses on the vast slopes of this ski resort. It’s so large, in fact, that you won’t be go down them all in a day, no matter how hard you try. Because you can see Mt. Bandai from anywhere on the slopes, we found ourselves getting more excited about photography as well. There’s also an enormous resort center attached to the ski resort - so there’s all kinds of things to enjoy. This is a mountain resort that will let you become one with the great outdoors. In this article, we’ll be introducing you to the best spots at Alts Bandai.

A woman enjoying the scenery at Bandai Observation Corridor
Head up to the summit on the main lift, the Alts Express, and you’ll be dropped off in the midst of an extraordinary photo spot, with Mt. Bandai stretching out before you.

You can just come up here to walk around the summit and enjoy some trekking, even if you don’t have the gear for skiing/snowboarding!

The Hoarfrost Area, another amazing view from the summit

Ski lift going up to the Hoarfrost Area
Unlike the Bandai Observation Corridor, this is a place you have to get by skiing/snowboarding. Transfer lifts twice and get to the summit, and right in front of you will be an area with trees covered in hoarfrost.

Mt. Bandai, which is closer than in the other location, will seem so close you can touch it, and the view itself is powerful and awe-inspiring.

This is a rarer spot, one that takes over 30 minutes from the base of the mountain, and available only to those above beginner level. But it’s definitely worth it, so we hope you give it a try!

Slopes of compacted snow where you can enjoy the powder snow, an Alts specialty

Slope of compacted snow
The thing Alts is the most famous for is its beautifully and densely compacted snow.

The main course, Zunai, located right next to the Alts Express, is an extraordinary 2,000-meter course.

The course, located on the ridge of the mountain, has a good steepness and a balanced width, and will give you a great view of Lake Inawashiro as you cruise down the slope.

Single Cat Ride, for an experience of the untouched outdoors

Snow compactor
Single Cat Ride is a service that lets you head to a fresh new slope on a snow compactor. This will allow you to enjoy the slopes in all their untouched, natural beauty.

This service is only three times a day - 9:00 am, 10:00 am, and 11:00 am. It’s very numbers-limited as well, with only 10 people max for each ride!

Because the snow is mostly non-compacted, you’ll have to be at an intermediate level or above, depending on the conditions of the snow. If you’re confident in your ability, we recommend you try out this exquisite powder snow at least once!

Large-scale slopes for dynamic activities

Alts Bandai was an absolutely amazing ski resort, one that lives up to its name as the largest-scale snow resort in the southern Tohoku Area.

The many courses, with their use of the natural terrain, will bring you back to that childhood feel of joy and exploration, and let you enjoy skiing/snowboarding to your heart’s content! We hope you enjoy the vast area and awe-inspiring sceneries of this ski resort.

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
Dec. 23rd to Mar. 26th
Courses22
Lifts8
Longest run distance2,500 m
Maximum gradient37 °
Courses22
Lifts8
Longest run2,500 m
Maximum37 °