Local Guide
 Ski & Activity spots to enjoy winter in Inawashiro and Urabandai (2025-26 edition)

The Inawashiro/Urabandai area is a mountain range of high peaks and is located inland. It is a sacred place for skiers, boasting a large amount of snowfall and top-class snow quality in Japan. The ski resorts are located near highway interchanges, making them easily accessible for Direction. Winter activities other than skiing and snowboarding are also available. Here are some spots where you can fully enjoy Inawashiro and Urabandai in winter.

Two ski resorts are connected. Big slopes spreading north and south of Nekomagatake.

 A wide variety of course layouts for beginners to experts on the slopes with spectacular views of Mt.
A wide variety of course layouts for beginners to experts on the slopes with spectacular views of Mt.

Two of Fukushima Prefecture's representative ski resorts, Alts Bandai Snow Park & Resort and Nekoma Ski Resort, will be connected by a connecting lift, opening in December 2023 as one of the largest ski resorts in Japan. The two slopes, which have different faces and are located north and south of Nekomagatake in the Bandai mountain range, can now be freely accessed.
In addition to 33 courses with abundant variations and 13 lifts, there are also plenty of pressurized snow burns, steep unused snow courses, and parks where you can enjoy action skiing such as jumps. The area is well equipped for all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced skiers.

South area with a spectacular view of Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro spreading out before your eyes.

Enjoy a pleasant 2.4 km cruising run with a spectacular view of Mt.
Enjoy a pleasant 2.4 km cruising run with a spectacular view of Mt.

The greatest feature of the south area is that you can enjoy open skiing with a spectacular view of Mt. From 2025, the long-awaited tree run ban will be lifted. With an area the size of four Tokyo domes, visitors can enjoy the powder and terrain to their heart's content.

If you get hungry, head to "The Rider's," a Restaurant halfway down the slope. The Rider's Burger, the signature item on the menu, is a simple yet mouth-watering dish with a perfect balance of lean and fat, grilled to a savory perfection.

The north area is characterized by micro fine snow that captivates skiers.

 Guaranteed powder course with lifts operating only when it snows
Guaranteed powder course with lifts operating only when it snows

The northern area is located on the northern slope of Mount Bandai, which rises over 1,000 meters above sea level, and its unique topography and environment produce fine powder snow called "microfine snow. The area has a large amount of snowfall and can be skied from early December to Golden Week, making it suitable for a long season. There are steep slopes, powder, and snow parks, and more than 90% of the 11 courses are suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers. Among them, the famous "Excite 1" course, commonly known as the "Nekoma Burn," is popular among core fans for its steep, pressurized slopes with a maximum slope of 28 degrees.

From 2025, a new free snow escalator will be installed. This will make it easier to climb the slopes. We recommend sledding and tubing in the kids' park or practicing your first skiing.

Local Guide Comment
Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain is a place where you can enjoy the time after skiing. In addition to the famous crepes to soothe your tired body, there is also a full lineup of apres-ski at the base in the south area. Aizu Megu Road, a marché of local stores, is held in the evening, and visitors can enjoy shopping and gourmet food unique to the area.
Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain
  • Address 6838-68, Kiyomizu-Hirazu, Sarashina, Bandai-cho, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
  •  Direction About 10 km 15 min. from Bandai Kawahigashi IC of Banetsu Expressway via Koriyama JCT of Tohoku Expressway (South Gate)
  •   Direction Express bus from Koriyama Station to the south area is available (reservation required, 1,500 yen).
  •  Hours of Operation North area: November 29, 2025 - May 6, 2026 8:30 - 15:30
    South area: December 13, 2025 - April 5, 2026 8:30 - 15:30 (tentative)
    *Opening hours will change during the spring period. Please check the website for details.
    Night skiing (South Area only): January 10-11, 2026, February 7, 14, 21, 22, 28, 16:30 - 20:00
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission Fee Lift ticket (1 day, WEB price): Adults: 5,700 yen, Junior-High-Senior High students: 4,200 yen, Elementary school students: 2,700 yen
    Night skiing: 2,500 yen, 1,000 yen for day pass holders and afternoon pass holders, free for preschool children
  •  TEL 0242-74-5000
  •  Parking South area: Free of charge (Sat., Sun., national holidays, and year-end and New Year's holidays: 1,000 yen)
    North area: Free on weekdays, 1,000 yen on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and the year-end and New Year holidays (Free for season ticket holders)
  • Memo For details on hours of operation and lift ticket prices, please check the website.

Direction-friendly slopes where beginners and veterans alike can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

 Central Area
Central Area" is wide and easy to ski

Located halfway up Mt. Bandai, this is one of Fukushima Prefecture's representative slopes. There are 18 courses in total, consisting of the "Central Area" with gentle slopes and the "Minero Area" with long mid-slopes.
The "Central Area" has a wide slope with good visibility and a kids' park, so beginners and small children can enjoy skiing without worries.
All the courses face Lake Inawashiro, so the view is great. You will feel as if you are sliding into the lake. The location is also attractive as it is only about 10 minutes from the nearest IC.

Some of the most difficult courses with some of the hardest bumps in Tohoku

 You can enjoy early morning
You can enjoy early morning "Kumomi Skiing®" every Sunday from January 18 (Sun) to March 16 (Mon), 2026.

The "Minero Area" for intermediate and advanced skiers consists mainly of medium slopes with some hard bumps. The "Akahani Giant Slalom Course," which starts at the top of the mountain, is the most difficult course, and was originally built for the National Athletic Meet. The steep slope with a maximum slope angle of 34 degrees and hard uneven terrain with a series of bumps provide a thrilling experience. After snowfall, you can ski on unpressurized powder snow and enjoy downhill skiing with the wind blowing and snow flying around. The resort is open early in the morning and at night, so it is a great place for those who want to ski a lot.

Inawashiro Ski Resort
  • Address 7105 Hayama, Inawashiro-cho, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
  •  Direction 12 minutes drive from JR Inawashiro Station or 10 minutes drive from Inawashiro Bandai-kogen IC on Ban-Etsu Expressway.
  •   Direction Shuttle bus available from JR Inawashiro Station
  •  Hours of Operation Daytime: 8:30-16:30, December 19, 2025 (Fri) - March 22, 2026 (Sun)
    Nighttime: Saturday, December 20, 2025 (Sat) - Saturday, March 14, 2026 (Mon) and designated days from 16:00 to 22:00
    *Designated dates: December 30 and 31, 2025, January 1, 2, 11, and February 22, 2026
    Early morning Kumokai Skiing®: Every Sunday from January 18, 2026 (Sun) to March 15, 2026 (Sun) 6:30-8:30 a.m.
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission Fee Lift ticket (1 day): Adults 6,600 yen, elementary school students 3,200 yen
    Night skiing ticket: Adults 7,200 yen, elementary school students 3,600 yen
    Unkai Skiing® ticket: Adult 3,600 yen, elementary school student 1,800 yen
  •  TEL 0242-62-5100
  •  Parking Free of charge
  • Memo For details on hours of operation and lift ticket prices, please check the website.

The longest run is 3,500m, where you can ski fine powder snow!

 A panoramic view of Urabandai can be seen from the top of the slopes.
A panoramic view of Urabandai can be seen from the top of the slopes.

Bandai in front of you. The top of the course is 1,590 meters above sea level, and the fluffy powder snow, otherwise known as "divine snow," is well known. A total of 14 courses, 85% of which are suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, are very popular with beginners and families. The longest course is 3,500 meters long, which can be reached by a single gondola ride to the summit station, and can be skied all the way down.
After a snowfall, off-pressure zones where visitors can enjoy powder snow appear in various places on the slopes. Once you experience the fun of skiing while being sprayed with a spray of snow, you will be addicted to it. Even if you fall down, it won't hurt, so beginners are welcome to give it a try.

Child-friendly slopes are another attraction!

 Kids Park
Kids Park" divided into 4 areas including a sledding area and a snow play area

The school is equipped with a kids' park, day care center, and family room where small children can play, and JAPAN SNOWBOARD ACADEMY, a popular school with the highest enrollment in Japan, is open to students as young as 3 years old. The school has a reputation for its small class size, which allows students to improve quickly.
The hotel directly connected to the school has a hot spring, which can be used for one-day trips. At the restaurant at the top of the mountain, you can enjoy pizza baked in an authentic stone oven while taking in the spectacular view. You can spend a very satisfying day here, filling both your stomach and your mind.

Grande Cos Snow Resort
  • Address Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture Hibara Arasagasawayama MAP
  •  Direction Approx. 35 min. by car from JR Inawashiro Station, or 35 min. from Inawashiro Bandai-kogen IC on Ban-Etsu Expressway.
  •   Direction Shuttle bus from JR Inawashiro Station, or local bus from JR Koriyama Station
  •  Hours of Operation Slopes: December 6, 2025 - April 19, 2026 8:30 - 16:00
    Kids Park: 9:30 - 15:30
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission Fee Lift tickets (Sun): Adults: 6,500 yen, Jr. high - high school students: 5,500 yen, Elementary school students: 4,600 yen, Master (50+): 6,100 yen, G-Master (65+): 6,000 yen
    Prices vary depending on the day of the week and time of year.
    Kids Park: 1,300 yen for a day pass
  •  TEL 0241-32-2530
  •  Parking Free (1,000 yen on holidays *Depends on the size of the car)

Catch wakasagi on the frozen lake!

 Snowmobile rides to the ice fishing shacks
Snowmobile rides to the ice fishing shacks

Lake Hibara is the largest lake in the Bandai Plateau. Because there are few villages or farmlands in the catchment area, the water quality is very clean, and the wakasagi caught here are reputed to be delicious. In winter, the lake attracts many fishing fans. In particular, after the lake freezes over in late January, "wakasagi fishing" is a popular Activity that can be experienced at many nearby Properties. One of the most recommended is the at-home fishing house "Morino Uta. All of the approximately 10 fishing huts can be rented out, and each group is accompanied by a local fishing expert. He will kindly teach you how to bait and lure fish. You can also enjoy the local people's friendly Aizu dialect.

Feel like having a picnic in a private hut!

 Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the ice
Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the ice

Wakasagi fishing is done in a hut with an oil heater, but you will be traveling by snowmobile, so warm clothing is essential. A hat, gloves, and boots are recommended.
Hot water is boiled in the kettle above the stove, and you can bring coffee, cup noodles, etc. to eat. Beer and other beverages can be left outside to cool quickly and ready to drink. Bringing your own food and eating and drinking like a picnic is also a most enjoyable time. Freshly caught wakasagi can be brought back as souvenirs.

Wakasagi Fishing: Songs of the Forest
  • Address 1157-64, Minami-Korenzawa, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
  •  Direction Approximately 40 minutes by car from JR Inawashiro Station or Bandai-cho Station, or 35 minutes from Inawashiro Bandai-kogen IC
  •  Hours of Operation Usually from late January to mid-March (depending on the freezing conditions of Lake Hibara)
    8:00-15:30
  •  Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  •  Admission Fee Wakasagi Fishing Experience "Half-day course" from 4,300 yen (including hut, pole, hooks, bait, snowmobile transportation, and parking)
    Additional 700 yen for a recreational fishing ticket (free for junior high school students and younger)
  •  TEL 0241-33-2929
  •  Parking Free of charge
  •  Age Limit None in particular
  •  Memo Reservations required by phone at least 3 days prior to desired date. Hours and fees vary depending on the course and number of people. Check website for details.

Be amazed by the mysterious icefalls that only appear in winter!

 The huge
The huge "Yellow Falls. Because they are natural formations, their size and color vary each year.

A popular tour is to put on Western-style snowshoes to see the "yellow falls" that form in the exploding crater of Bandai-san ( Bandaisan). The Yellow Falls are yellow icefalls that can only be seen during the coldest months of the year, when the reddish-brown water from the volcanic material has frozen over.
The tour takes about 3 hours and is easily accessible by lift. We will gather in front of the ticket office at Urabandaï Ski Resort and take the lift to the top of the slope. After a 40-minute walk through the snow, you will see the golden icefall and feel the wonder of Bandai's eruption.
Other winter activities include "snow mountain climbing" and "nature skiing.

Haregasaya Activities
  • Address 1096-439 Hibara-Soharayama, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
  •  Direction Approximately 25 minutes by car from JR Inawashiro Station, or approximately 30 minutes from Inawashiro Bandai-kogen IC on the Ban-Etsu Expressway.
  •  Hours of Operation Yellow Falls Bandaisan Geotour
    December 27, 2025 (Sat) - March 22, 2026 (Mon)
    Afternoon course: 12:30 - 15:40 (on Urabandai Ski Resort open days)
    Full-day course: 9:00 - 13:30 (on Urabandai Ski Resort closed days)
  •  Closed Varies depending on the Experience
  •  Admission Fee Yellow Falls Bandaisan Geotour
    Afternoon course: 7,500 yen *includes lift fee (round-trip ticket to the summit)
  •  TEL 0241-23-9018(9:00-20:00)
  •  Parking Free of charge
  •  Age Limit Yellow Falls Bandaisan Geotour" junior high school students and older *Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  •  Memo Reservations for the "Yellow Falls Bandaisan Geotour" must be made by 8:00 p.m. the day before if you call, or by 5:00 p.m. the day before if you apply online. Tour details are available on the website.
    Afternoon course

Ride a snowmobile on a frozen lake on a sled connected to a snowmobile

 A large, stable sleigh ride on the snow.
A large, stable sleigh ride on the snow.

A special sleigh ride on the frozen Lake Hibara is also available. Lake Hibara, the largest lake in the Urabandai Plateau, freezes over after mid-January, and snow falls on top of it, creating a beautiful silver world. The sleds used for the tour are 7-seater and towed by snowmobiles driven by an instructor, so you will feel a great sense of speed. The experience is like a roller coaster ride, with slow and steady gains and losses, as you glide along forest roads lined with trees.

Experience of driving a snowmobile is also popular.

 Snowmobile driving on the snow. Capacity for up to two people.
Snowmobile driving on the snow. Capacity for up to two people.

As an option to the scenic experience, a snowmobile test-ride is also available. Even those who do not have a driver's license can drive a snowmobile, and an instructor will give you a lecture.
Driving a snowmobile alone is a thrilling experience, and the fun of sliding on the snow is addictive. Outdoor Sports Club Bucks also offers "Airboarding Experience," "Snowshoeing Experience," and "Lake Hibara Wakasagi Fishing Experience," in which you ride on a rubber board on your belly on the snow. There are also a variety of programs that you can participate in with your dog.

Outdoor Sports Club Bucks "Urabandai Kogen Snowmobile Experience
  • Address 1093-955 Hibara-Kengamine, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture (Bucks Wakasagi Store) MAP
  •  Direction Approx. 30 min. by car from JR Inawashiro Station
  •   Direction Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station, get off at "Site Station-mae" and walk 10 minutes.
  •  Hours of Operation 9:00~14:00
  •  Closed Open daily (except in case of inclement weather or rain) *Closed from April to December.
  •  Admission Fee Snowmobile Experience: 6,600 yen, 2,200 yen for children
  •  TEL 0241-32-3039
  •  Parking Free of charge
  •  Age Limit Snowmobile Experience: 16 years old and up
  •  Memo Reservations required by phone or through website
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.