The perfect slope for those new to snowboarding or playing in the snow with kids.
A new high-speed quad lift, the Friendly Cat Express, will be installed at Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain (Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture), which boasts a magnificent field stretching from north to south.The service is scheduled to begin in late December 2024.This will create a gentle beginner's course of about 1km, transforming the slope into a playground more suitable for snowboarding debuts and playing in the snow with kids. In addition, the base's transportation capacity will be significantly increased, shortening the waiting time for lifts, and it is certain that the slope will become more comfortable and dynamic than ever before.
Overview of the Friendly Cat Express: High-speed quad lift (4-seater) / Construction from the North Area Base to the Deep Cat Chair area / Total length approximately 800m / Scheduled to start operation in late December 2024
Nekoma Mountain evolves to be "even more comfortable"
Nekoma Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, having opened in December 2023 by integrating two ski resorts, Alts Bandai (currently the South Area) and Nekoma Ski Resort (currently the North Area). There are 12 courses spread across the north and south of Mt. Nekoma, and the variety and size of the ski areas make it a resort that can satisfy snowboarders of all levels.
On the other hand, there was only a pair lift in the north area, and there was an issue with the transportation capacity of the base, which is the entrance to the slopes. A new high-speed quad lift for four people will be installed there. Naturally, the transportation capacity from the base will be greatly improved, and the waiting time for the lift will be shortened. This means that the range of movement per hour will be expanded, and you will have more time to ski freely in the areas you like.
■News>>Early bird discounts on lift tickets and season passesOffer ends December 12st. Hurry!
A long and wide beginner course is born
The new lift will create a long and wide beginner run that is approximately 1km long and 150m wide at its widest point. It will be possible to go directly from the base to areas that were previously only accessible via intermediate and advanced runs, greatly expanding the range of runs that beginners can ski on.
In addition, a "Beginners Only One-Day Ticket" that can be used on the new lift will be sold at a reasonable price. Even beginners trying snowboarding for the first time will be able to improve their skills easily and efficiently on the vast and gentle slopes.
A gentle and vast beginner's course / 1-day ticket for beginner's lift only = 2,200 yen for adults, 1,200 yen for elementary school students, free for preschoolers (all prices include tax) *A separate IC card deposit of 500 yen is required / Purchase on the day at the ticket office *Only available on the Friendly Cat Express (north area) and First Chair (south area)
■News>>Early bird discounts on lift tickets and season passesOffer ends December 12st. Hurry!
"Kids Park" is now open for playing in the snow with small children
A "Kids Park" will also open at the foot of the slope from the beginner's course, the "Friendly Slope." Rental sleds and striders are available here, so parents and children can come empty-handed. They can casually enjoy playing in the snow. Also, since children's concentration doesn't last long, this is the perfect place to refresh your mind when they try snowboarding for the first time. There is also a rest area for families in the nearby resort center, so you can spend your time effectively while controlling the pace of your children's play.
At the Kids Park, located on a gentler slope further down from the beginner course, parents and children can enjoy sledding, striders (rentals available), tubing, and more.
"Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain"
Located at the foot of Mt. Bandai, this is one of Japan's largest ski resorts, stretching from north to south of Mt. Nekoma. Beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy a variety of slopes while taking in the spectacular views of Mt. Bandai, Lake Inawashiro, and frost. It is also known for its abundant snowfall, and the season is long, from early December to Golden Week.
Address: 969-3302, Kiyohira, Sarashina, Bandai-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, 6838-68
Phone: 0242-74-5000
Business period: November 2024, 11-May 30, 2025
Number of lifts/courses: 13/33 courses
Lift fee: 1-day ticket: 5,700 yen for adults, 4,100 yen for junior and senior high school students, 2,700 yen for elementary school students (tax included)
Access: 15 minutes by car from Bandai-Kawahigashi IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway via Koriyama JCT on the Tohoku Expressway(Free shuttle bus available from JR Bandaimachi Station‧Reservation required)
URL: https://www.nekoma.co.jp/
■News>>Early bird discounts on lift tickets and season passesOffer ends December 12st. Hurry!
▶ ︎Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain
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