“Natsuyu Kogen Ski Resort” is a popular ski resort with heavy snowfall.
Enjoy tree running to the fullest and aim to improve your skills according to your level!
For snowboarders who love powder, many people imagine heavy snowfall at Natsuyu Plateau in Iwate Prefecture. This is the 9th season since we opened the tree run area. Taking full advantage of our blessed natural environment with the highest quality powder snow, we launched an innovative project to stimulate Japan's freeriding scene from an early stage. It is loved as the ``sacred place for tree runs,'' and is at the forefront of new ways to play at snow resorts. Furthermore, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, it has significantly evolved as a comfortable resort, including the introduction of smart gate systems on all gondolas and lifts.
Recently, an increasing number of resorts are opening their off-piste zones. However, riding in such an environment naturally requires good riding skills. If you enter an area that is beyond your level without realizing it, you may run into problems such as getting stuck in the middle and being unable to move. However, it is difficult to be fully aware of one's own level.
What helps with this is the ``GROW UP TREERUN'' tree run area, which is divided into levels. Natsuyu Plateau has a vast scale with a total running distance of 14,100m, 14 regular courses and 14 tree runs. The tree run area has four levels of difficulty, from ``Lv.1'' to ``Lv.4.'' Each area is safely managed by guide teams and patrols, and no-skiing signs are posted in dangerous areas. If you start from ``Lv.4'' and try your best, you can avoid trouble and have fun, and at the same time check your own skills. ``Lv.1'' is designed so that even kids can try it easily as long as they are wearing a helmet, so it is recommended for first-time tree running experiences. On the other hand, if you can ski freely in areas with the highest difficulty level, ``Lv. If you're worried about starting out on your own, there are guides available to help you make your tree run debut, and those with experience can be guided to the best course of the day.
A snow resort that combines a wonderful natural environment with services that allow you to enjoy it safely. I would like you to experience the ``Tree Run'' at Natsuyu Kogen this season.
How to enjoy the TREERUN area?
The TREERUN area is a completely self-responsible area. Follow the instructions and ski according to your level (please pay attention to the level display on GROW UP TREERUN and have fun).
＞Scheduled opening period / Late December to mid-April (Even within the opening period, it may be closed if conditions are not suitable)
＞Scheduled opening time / 9:30-14:00 (Top priority will be given to opening the regular course, and then it will open as soon as the patrol is finished)
＞How to use / Wear a helmet, always carry a fully charged mobile phone, and register the ski resort's phone number "0197-72-8848"
GROW UP TREERUN
The tree run area is divided into four levels from 1 to 4, and the levels are clearly marked on the map, making it easy to determine which area you can challenge. You can also clearly decide which area you can try next, and the more you ski, the more you can improve your level.
14 TREERUN areas
GARDEN
"Lv.2" tree run area where you can enjoy a compact but moderate slope.You can fully experience the charm of the tree run in an area where various trees such as beech, cedar, and wild cherry blossoms coexist.It is possible to enjoy turning the first pair lift and return to the course without getting lost.
CASCADE
"Lv.3" area. The slope in the early stages is gentle and the distance between the trees is wide, allowing for comfortable skiing. From the middle of the trail, the slope twists to the right and drops down, increasing the slope. After that, the slope calmed down, and in the end the course dropped repeatedly and returned to the C4 course. The wide entry point makes it easy to find fresh lines.
SHOOTER 1~4
The most difficult area of "Lv.4". Enjoy high-quality powder on the rich terrain and the only north-facing slope in the entire area. Rounds are possible in the first gondola. There are four valleys in total, and you can enjoy a variety of terrain and lines depending on where you aim. As the name suggests, try to ``shoot'' the line you are aiming for.
Regarding other areasYou can check it on the Natsuyu Kogen official website. Check it out!
The 14 general courses are also attractive enough
In addition to the Tree Run, Natsuayu has 14 different courses. The A1 course, which is popular as the main slope, offers long runs of over 2km. If there is enough snow, you can enjoy powder on the regular course. There is also a regular course with uncompacted snow, so when it snows, the first thing you want to do is aim for the uncompacted snow on the course.
Natsuyu Kogen Ski ResortClick here for general course information
Special project to enjoy Natsuyu Plateau even more
FIRST TRACK
This is a special project where you can get on one of the gondolas 10 minutes before the regular operating time and access the no-tracks earlier than anyone else.You can enjoy turning in luxury on an empty barn covered with heavy powder snow and beautifully compacted snow.
Price: 1,000 yen
Event period: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from December 12th to February 16th, and the New Year period (December 2th to January 25rd)
Reception: 7:15-8:30 Ticket counter
Meeting: 8:35 Next to ticket counter Mountain information
1st gondola ride: 8:45 ((Courses can be freely selected from A1 to B2)
Heavy snow tree run area guide
A special project to help you experience the fun of Natsuyu Plateau to the fullest. A guide who is familiar with the terrain will accompany you on your ride. A service that will guide you to the best tree run area of the day (4,000 yen per person *1 yen on Saturdays and Sundays from January 20th to February 2th, capacity for 25 people, 4,500 hours from 5:10 to 00:12). Reservations can be made on the website.
Tree run experience program
ツリーランを初めて挑戦してみたい！という方向けの体験プログラム（１名4,000円※1/20〜2/25の土日は4,500円〜定員5名 10:00〜12:00の2時間）。WEBサイトで予約可能。
Backcountry introductory tour
An introductory tour for those who want to try the backcountry, or those with backcountry experience who want to learn the basics. All gear such as beacons, snowshoes, and poles can be rented (rental fee included), so you can thoroughly learn how to use the gear and how to check safety when skiing down the mountain. For those with tree running experience and those who can control the board even on uncompacted snow runs (normally 8,500 yen per person, 10,000 yen including rental, capacity for 5 people, half-day morning 8:30-12:30) Reservations can be made on the website.
Mountain information rental item
Mountain Information offers rental items for enjoying tree runs safely, including backpacks, probes, shovels, telescopic poles, and other BC tour items, as well as snowshoes and beacons.
GEMTEMSTICKRental
GENTEMSTICK is available for rental at Mountain Information. With the latest model, you can enjoy a tree run on Natsuyu Plateau. Recommended for people who don't like powder.
Geto Kogen Ski Resort
Official website
Address: Iwasaki Nitta National Forest, Waga-machi, Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture
Phone number: 0197-65-9000
Business period: November 2023, 11 (Thursday, holiday) - May 23, 2024 (Monday, holiday) (planned)
Business hours: (11/23 - 12/8) 9:00 - 16:00, (12/9 - 3/24) 8:30 - 16:30 (until 20:00 on night game days),
(3/25 - 5/6) 8:30 - 16:30
Access: Car/ Tohoku Expressway/Kitakami Kanegasaki IC → Prefectural road → Ski resort 30 minutes (25km)
Train/Get off at Kitakami Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen and take the free shuttle bus bound for Natsuyu Kogen for 50 minutes
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