Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain North Area

Nekoma delivers exceptional skiing with 13+ meters of light Aizu powder that rivals Hokkaido quality, but with a fraction of the crowds you'll find at Niseko. The North Area features 33 runs across 638m vertical spread over 189 hectares, including legitimate steeps like Deep 1 and world-championship-caliber terrain parks. The north-facing slopes hold powder for days, and you'll actually get to ski instead of waiting in lift lines.

Nekoma isn't the best choice for true beginners - reviewers note that beginner terrain can be too flat in sections, and the resort is really built for intermediates ready to progress and powder hunters chasing quality snow. If you're an intermediate skier looking to actually improve your skills, this is ideal with plenty of terrain to grow into. Skip this if you're just starting out and want a gentler learning environment.

Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Koriyama Station (about 90 minutes), then transfer to a local train and finish with a bus or taxi to the resort. The total journey takes around 3 hours door-to-door. This is significantly less traveled than the Niseko route, which is part of why the mountain stays so quiet.

Early January through late February is prime time for the deepest, driest Aizu powder - expect 5-6 snow days per week during this window. The north-facing slopes hold snow quality even during warm spells, and the season runs long into May on higher terrain. Target mid-winter if you want the peak powder experience.

Limited English - you'll find basic English at ticket counters and main facilities, but don't expect much beyond that. This is still very much a Japanese operation, so brush up on basic ski-related phrases or download a translation app. The lack of international crowds is a feature, not a bug, but it means less English infrastructure.

Moderate crowds overall - weekdays feel like a private mountain with minimal lift lines, while weekends and holidays can bring 20-minute waits after 9am. The snow quality-to-crowd ratio is unmatched in Japan since half the skiing world still doesn't know this place exists. Get there early on weekends and you'll have north-facing powder stashes to yourself.

The snow quality-to-crowd ratio is unmatched - you get Hokkaido-caliber Aizu powder with a fraction of the lift lines found at major international destinations. The terrain parks host world championships and are genuinely world-class for freestyle progression. Plus the season runs into May on north-facing slopes, giving you light powder long after other resorts have closed.

Yes, Nekoma offers night skiing on a 2km illuminated course, extending your powder time well after sunset. This is a solid option if you want to maximize your ski days or avoid peak weekend morning crowds. Specific operating hours vary, so check the daily schedule when you arrive.

The lifts lack safety bars, which catches many international visitors off guard - hold on tight and keep your tips up. Don't expect extensive English support or fancy base facilities - this is functional rather than luxurious. Hit the north-facing slopes first thing since they hold powder for days while everyone tracks out the south side by noon, and kids under 12 get free ski rentals making this a budget winner for families.

Yes, the southern area features official tree run zones totaling approximately 20 hectares across three designated zones. These are legitimate tree skiing areas with proper marking and access. The tree zones add serious variety to the terrain and provide protection on windy days when the upper mountain gets scoured.