Hoshino Resorts' ski resorts, Alts Bandai, and Nekoma Snow Park & Resort, will be reborn as Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain when the two resorts are connected by a connecting lift for the 2023-24 season onwards.
NEKOMA Mountain includes the north and south of Mt. Nekomadake and will be one of the largest ski resorts in Japan with 13 lifts and 33 courses. There are two areas where guests can freely ski: the Bandai area (the former Alts Bandai Snow Park & Resort) with views of the majestic Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, and Urabandai area (the former Nekoma Snow Park & Resort), which is characterized by its high altitude and extremely light snow that can be enjoyed until spring. Lift tickets and season tickets will be sold on the official website from September.
Characteristics of NEKOMA Mountain
Two different areas straddling Mt. Nekomadake from north to south
NEKOMA Mountain allows visitors to move freely between the two differently characterized areas: the Bandai area (formerly known as Alts Bandai Snow Park & Resort) and the Urabandai area (the former Nekoma Snow Park & Resort). The Bandai area is a pleasant place to ski on a clear day, right in front of Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro. There are intermediate-level long trails, snow escalators for beginners, and theme parks, offering various ways to spend time at the ski resort.
The Urabandai area, located on the northern slope of Mt. Bandai, is characterized by its unique topography and high-quality “microfine snow” which is brought about by the environment. The area also has a large amount of snow for a long ski season from early December to early May.
A ski slope that can be enjoyed by first-time skiers to advanced skiers
NEKOMA Mountain offers a wide variety of courses and facilities to meet the needs of all winter sports lovers, regardless of their level. There are plenty of lessons and rentals for kids and beginners trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Recommended for first-time skiers, there are also snow escalators.
Example services recommended for first-time skiers and beginners
・Yukids 70
This is a program for children to get used to skiing by following 70 steps with the instructor. This program can also be continued at RISONARE Yatsugatake and Tomamu.
・Free snow escalators
The snow escalators near Bandai Area's ski base are free of charge for everyone. The gentle slopes are perfect for skiing and snowboarding practices before taking the lift. There is also an area dedicated to sledding, available for use as often as you like.
Course variations for intermediate and advanced skiers
Another feature of NEKOMA Mountain is the variety of courses for intermediate and advanced skiers. a 2km long compacted snow slope a steep, uncompacted snow slope, and parks that can be enjoyed by different levels of snow to suit the conditions of the day.
Guests can enjoy the slopes according to the snow conditions of the day, such as a 2km long compacted snow slope, a steep non-compressed snow slope, and a terrain park that can be enjoyed depending on their level.
Example of services for middle and advanced skiers
・Night skiing on a 2km long course
A 2km long course worth the ski with a lively night every Saturday with fireworks in the background. Moreover, a night-time limited terrain park will also appear in late January.
- Night ski opening period: December 31, 2023, Saturdays from January 6 to March 3, 2024, January 7, February 11, February 23
- Night ski opening hours: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
・A terrain park where world-class athletes gather
This terrain park is created by staff members who have been part of producing parks for world championships, making it a high-level park with challenging yet enjoyable slopes. The park will be set up from the first day of opening. In high season, there will be different items for all levels to enjoy.
Early bird lift tickets and season tickets are sold from September on the new official website
Latest information on slopes, reservation of lessons and rentals, introduction of sightseeing around the area, etc will be shared on the new official website.Also, lift tickets can also be purchased from the website. Online lift tickets do not require a wait in line at the ticket booth and are issued from the machines using a QR code.
Overview of Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain
Slope area: 189 ha
Number of courses: 33
Total runway distance: 39 km
Maximum elevation gain: 638 m (Top 1338, foot 700 m)
Maximum slope angle: 37°
Number of lifts: 11 pair lifts, 2 quads, 1 snow escalator
Opening Period: December 1, 2023 - May 6, 2024 (Bandai Gate: December 22, 2023 - April 7, 2024)
Lift Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Price of Lift Tickets: Adult: 5,500 JPY, Junior & Senior High School: 3,900 JPY, Elementary School: 2,500 JPY, Senior citizens: 5,000 JPY
Address: 6838-68 Kiyohiro Sarashina, Bandai, Yama-gun, Fukushima (NEKOMA Mountain South Gate)
About Hoshino Resorts
Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand “HOSHINOYA,” hot spring ryokan brand “KAI,” countryside resort hotel brand “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel brand “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” or other unique lodgings.
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