Bandai Ski Resorts

Lakeside skiing and late-season powder

Nestled in the heart of Fukushima prefecture, Mt. Bandai stands tall at 1,816 meters, offering breathtaking views and a ski season that stretches well into May. With its high altitude, this majestic mountain is a haven for skiing enthusiasts, providing an abundance of snow and thrilling slopes for all skill levels. Whether you prefer the front side of the mountain with its panoramic vistas of Lake Inawashiro or the quieter backside with its untouched powder, Bandai Ski Resorts have something for everyone.

How to Get There

Reaching Mt. Bandai is easy thanks to the convenient transportation options available. The closest Shinkansen stop is Koriyama Station, and some hotels in the area offer shuttle services from the station. If you’re coming from Tokyo, the bullet train journey takes around 80 minutes. From Koriyama Station, you can transfer to Inawashiro Station using the Ban-etsu West Line, which takes approximately 40 minutes. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to the ski resorts.

Skiing Omotebandai, the front side

Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai is a modern ski resort located on the front side of Mt. Bandai. Boasting a wide range of skiing activities, this resort is perfect for families and advanced skiers alike. Beginners can start off in the Family Zone, which offers gentle slopes and a supportive environment to build confidence. As you progress, you can tackle the challenging trails and test your skills on steep slopes, moguls, and pole courses. With 22 courses catering to all levels of expertise, Alts Bandai ensures an unforgettable skiing experience. Additionally, the resort offers night skiing, allowing you to hit the slopes even after the sun sets.

Inawashiro Ski Resort, on the other hand, is located on the front side of Mt. Bandai and consists of two interconnected resorts. This well-developed area is a popular tourist destination, offering not only excellent skiing opportunities but also soothing hot springs at traditional Japanese-style inns. For a more serene experience, it’s recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds and enjoy the stunning view of Lake Inawashiro. With its lower elevation, Inawashiro is also a great choice after a fresh snowfall, as the powder remains untouched.

Skiing Urabandai, the backside

For a quieter and less crowded skiing experience, head to the backside ski resorts of Mt. Bandai. These resorts offer an additional two months of skiing, extending the season until May. While they may be smaller in size compared to the front side resorts, they make up for it with their pristine slopes and stunning natural beauty.

One of the notable backside resorts is the Grandeco Snow Resort. Situated within a 500-meter elevation change, this resort guarantees excellent snow conditions throughout the season. With its challenging mogul and slalom runs, it’s the perfect playground for advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking an adrenaline rush.

High-quality powder snow

If you’re a powder enthusiast, Hoshino Resorts Nekoma is the place to be. Aptly named “demonic cat,” this mid-sized ski resort offers an abundance of black runs, catering to advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort’s steepest runs boast a manageable 33-degree gradient, allowing you to carve through the high-quality powder snow with ease. Whether you’re an expert or just starting out, Nekoma guarantees an exhilarating skiing experience.

Conclusion

Mt. Bandai in Fukushima prefecture is a haven for skiers and snowboarders, offering a lengthy ski season and breathtaking views. Whether you choose to ski on the front side with its panoramic vistas of Lake Inawashiro or venture to the quieter backside for untouched powder, Bandai Ski Resorts have something for everyone. From the modern amenities of Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai to the soothing hot springs of Inawashiro Ski Resort and the thrilling runs of Grandeco Snow Resort and Hoshino Resorts Nekoma, each resort offers a unique skiing experience. So grab your gear, hit the slopes, and experience the exhilaration of lakeside skiing and late-season powder at Mt. Bandai.

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