Table of Contents
- The breathtaking scenery will blow you away!
- Simple course that beginners will enjoy
- There are three courses for you to take on, according to your level
- If you’re lucky, you might even get to see "yellow fall"!
- The Ski Center is a resting place for the family
- As it’s a ski resort located in the mountains, we recommend that you go by car
- A slope composition known for its simplicity
The breathtaking scenery will blow you away!
The main allure of "Urabandai Ski Resort" has got to be the scenery. The first thing you see when you arrive at the slopes is the majestic view of the 1,816-meter-high Mt. Bandai. When you look at it from directly below, you’ll surely be moved by its overwhelming presence.
With Mt. Bandai behind you, you can enjoy a spectacular sweeping landscape with no obstructions. The spectacular view overlooking the entire Bandai area is the perfect photo spot. We recommend you take a photo as a souvenir of your visit.
Simple course that beginners will enjoy
There’s a total of three courses. There’s also a separate sledding slope. The resort features a simple slope configuration that anyone can enjoy - from beginner to advanced skiers.
In addition, as the end point of each course is the same, there’s no chance of you ending up somewhere unexpected. The fact that you don't have to worry about children getting lost is one of the reasons why it’s gaining popularity among family groups.
On the other hand, as there’s little course variations, it’s not recommended for those who want to enjoy courses with variety. The common way to enjoy the resort is to focus on skiing on one particular course, rather than trying out various different courses.
There are three courses for you to take on, according to your level
The beginner course is a wide course that continues along a gentle, gradual slope. There are hardly any steep slopes or moguls, and it is comfortable even for first-time skiers because of the well-compacted snow. The ski lift connections are also good, so it is also recommended for repeated practice.
The intermediate course is Urabandai's main course, boasting a total length of 1,200 meters. When the weather is clear, it commands a fine view of the vast landscape. It starts off steep, but gradually becomes a gentler slope. The balance of inclination is just right, and it is a popular course where you can enjoy a satisfying skiing experience.
The 500m-long advanced course, which starts from close to the summit, is a course of intense variation down a natural slope. Although the distance is relatively short, you can enjoy a thrilling skiing experience.
If you’re lucky, you might even get to see "yellow fall"!
Yellow fall is the yellow ice waterfall that occurs during the coldest season. It is a phenomenon that appears when water from which sulfur and iron precipitates out is frozen, and it can only be seen under the right conditions.
The best time to see it is from early to mid-February. As it becomes more likely to occur when the cold is particularly severe, if you really want to see it, you should time your visit accordingly. There are even skiers who head to Urabandai just to see it for themselves.
The Ski Center is a resting place for the family
The ski center at the foot of the slope is a place for relaxation designed with an emphasis on comfort. The restaurant, which seats 380 people, is surrounded by glass on all sides so you can enjoy the perfect view. As this ski resort is not so large, congestion at meal times is less than that of other resorts. Another advantage is that the Ski Center lies at the end point of the courses, so if you're feeling tired, you can take a rest straight away.
In addition, there are extensive indoor facilities, such as rest areas, a rental shop, and an indoor training ground. It’s compact enough for you to fully enjoy in one day, so be sure to go and check it out when you visit.
As it’s a ski resort located in the mountains, we recommend that you go by car
As Urabandai Ski Resort is in a location where access by rail is poor, we recommend that you go there by car. When going by car, it is 25km from the Koriyama Interchange and takes around 30 minutes. Although the roads tend to be in good condition, you’ll be passing through snowy roads, so please drive carefully.
There are also hotels in the Urabandai area which run free shuttle buses to and from the ski resort. As the availability of shuttle buses and operating times vary depending on the hotel area, it’s a good idea to check beforehand.
A slope composition known for its simplicity
Urabandai Ski Resort has very simple slopes. The course types and lift placements are very easy to understand, so it’s also particularly popular among families. One negative point is that there’s not a lot of course variations, but many skiers are attracted by the breathtaking landscapes and simplicity.
You could say that it’s a resort that is perfect for those skiers who think, "I'm not worried about the number of courses, I just want to have fun in the snow with everyone!"
Pricing information and schedule may not be up to date and are subject to change without notice. Please check before your trip.
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