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Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts

Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts

Gunma
4.2
1,708 reviews

Overview

Mt.T is where you go when you want to remember what skiing felt like before lift lines and Instagram crowds ruined everything. This is Hoshino Resorts' love letter to backcountry skiers - 1,500cm of annual snowfall at 1,502m elevation, with the kind of sidecountry that makes Hokkaido locals drive 8 hours from Sapporo.

Getting There
2-2.5 hours from Tokyo via Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen, then local bus/taxi to ropeway base - JR Pass covers the long haul

Quick Facts

Season
Late November - Early June
Crowds
LOW
English
2/5
Lifts
5
Rating
4.2/5.0
(1,708 reviews)
Command & Control
Plan your visit with official info.

Stats

Peak Elevation
1502m
Vertical Drop
754m
Total Runs
10

Terrain Distribution

30%
Grn
40%
Red
30%
Blk

Features

  • Tree Runs
  • Equipment Rental

About This Resort

Terrain

What's the Skiing Like at Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts?

Ten marked runs are just the appetizer - the real feast is in the trees, chutes, and bowls that sprawl beyond the boundaries. The 4km top-to-bottom run is fun, but you're here for the 30-50 degree sidecountry slopes that hold powder for days after storms. Fair warning: this isn't groomer heaven. The terrain demands respect.

Vibe Check

What's the Atmosphere Like?

Hardcore powder hunters and Japanese backcountry obsessives who treat skiing like religion. Weekdays feel like your private mountain; weekends bring the Tokyo powder brigade who've been tracking storm forecasts all week. Zero glitz, maximum stoke - this is skiing stripped down to what actually matters.

"The resort can be fun place to visit after a fresh snow day with good weather and the view of Tanigawadake is quite impressive. It is also a different creature from the other ski resorts in the area which makes it a nice change of environment."

— Google Review

Best For

Who Should Ski Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts?

  • Backcountry skiers ready to graduate from groomer life - the sidecountry here is legitimately world-class
  • Powder addicts who've done Niseko to death and want to ski with actual Japanese locals instead of Australian tourists
  • Advanced skiers who prioritize snow quality over amenities - you'll trade English menus for untracked lines

Skip If

Who Might Want to Skip Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts?

  • You need your hand held with English signage and bilingual staff - this is Japan skiing for grown-ups
  • You're bringing kids who need gentle greens and snow play areas - the terrain here doesn't mess around
  • You want resort village vibes and apres-ski scenes - the base facilities are spartan even by Japanese standards

Real Reviews

What Visitors Say

The Good

  • Incredible backcountry and sidecountry terrain with legitimate steeps and deep powder stashes
  • Long 4km run back to base provides sustained vertical and varied terrain
  • Spectacular mountain views of Tanigawadake range, especially on bluebird days

Heads Up

  • Lift ticket prices nearly doubled under Hoshino management - now among the highest on mainland Japan
  • Limited base facilities compared to other major resorts - minimal dining and amenities
  • Frequent lift closures due to harsh weather and avalanche control on the exposed Tanigawa range

Timing

When's the Best Time to Visit?

January through February for peak powder conditions, with the 1,500cm annual snowfall creating incredible depth mid-winter. The long season runs November to June thanks to high elevation, but avoid New Year week crowds and check the two-day weekly closures for avalanche control.

Watch Out

Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Not checking the weekly closure schedule - the resort shuts down two full days per week for avalanche control
  2. Expecting extensive English support and resort amenities - this is a mountain-focused operation with minimal frills
  3. Underestimating weather conditions - the Tanigawa range gets harsh storms that can shut down lifts frequently

Pro Tips

Insider Tips

  1. Weekdays are sacred here - their official marketing literally says 'Maximize Your Powder: Weekdays are for Mt.T!' for a reason
  2. Skip the 9000 yen day pass if you're not dawn patrol - check if they still offer shorter passes like the old system
  3. The resort closes two full days per week for avalanche control - check the schedule before making the trek from Tokyo

Off the Mountain

Food & Après-Ski

Dining

Bare-bones base lodge with basic eatery - this isn't a dining destination. Seasonal campaigns sometimes include special gondola dining experiences, but expect functional mountain food rather than culinary adventures.

Nightlife

None - the mountain focus is purely on skiing and backcountry access with minimal village atmosphere

Field FAQ

It varies. Niseko has a gate system (RESPECT THE GATES). Hakuba is generally open but requires self-responsibility. Some traditional resorts strictly ban it. Check the local 'Local Rules' pamphlet or risk losing your pass.

Ticket windows and major hotels? Yes. That amazing ramen shop around the corner? Cash only (Yen). Always carry at least ¥10,000 in cash.

Most major Japanese resorts offer extensive night skiing. Niseko and Rusutsu are famous for it. The floodlights are powerful enough to see the texture of the snow.

Yes. Most rental shops in international hubs (Niseko, Hakuba, Myoko) stock powder skis and boards. In smaller, local resorts, the selection might be limited to carvers.