The high-speed four-seater lift "Friendly Cat Express" is now in operation! The northern area of "Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain" is now even more comfortable!

12/26/2024

Greatly increased transportation capacity in the northern area

Already familiar to snowboarders, the large resort "ALTS Bandai (old version)", which spreads out on the southern slope of Nekoma-ga-take in the Bandai mountain area, and "Nekoma Ski Resort (old version)", a powder resort on the northern slope of Urabandai, boasting the highest quality snow, are connected by lifts, and have been reborn as one of Japan's largest ski slopes, with 33 courses and 13 lifts, under one ski resort, "Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain".

With the aim of "not only connecting the north and south, but continuing to evolve into an even friendlier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable snow resort," the newly constructed lift in the northern area, "Friendly Cat Express," began operation today, December 2024, 12.

With the north and south areas now connected, the northern area, which is located at Ura-Bandai and has good snow quality, has become a popular destination for many people looking for good snow, and there were concerns that it would become overcrowded. However, with the installation of the new lift, the transport capacity of the base area has been greatly improved, lift waiting times have been reduced, and now people can enjoy the northern area in comfort.

At the start of operations on December 2024, 12, an official operation ceremony was held and a demonstration run in cat style was held.

A great course for beginner snowboarders to practice on + the great "Beginners Only 1-Day Ticket" now available

Furthermore, this new lift will allow direct travel to areas that previously could only be accessed via trails for intermediate and advanced snowboarders, expanding the range of trails available for beginners and novice snowboarders.
The course with the new lift is very gentle and wide. The course is about 1km long, so it's perfect for beginner snowboarders to practice. They can improve their skills efficiently.
Another piece of good news is the start of sales of the "Beginners Only One-Day Ticket." This "Beginners Only One-Day Ticket" will be on sale, allowing unlimited rides on the new "Friendly Cat Express" lift, which is perfect for practice. The price is a very reasonable 1 yen for adults and 1 yen for elementary school students, making it a very reasonable and convenient lift ticket for beginners to practice in the northern area. (Friendly Cat Express: Only available in the northern area, First Chair: Only available in the southern area)

Beginners' lift limited 1-day ticket
Price: Adults 2,200 yen, elementary school students 1,200 yen, preschoolers free
*All prices include tax
*A separate IC card deposit of 500 yen is required
How to purchase: Purchase on the day at the ticket office

The new lift operation will reduce waiting times and make the experience even more comfortable.

After the ribbon cutting, we headed to the course

The Friendly Cat Express has a 1km skiing distance, which is plenty. It's a great place for kids to practice on a very easy course!

More fun for the whole family

Nekoma Mountain is not only spacious, but also has a very family-friendly environment. In early January 2025, a kids' park will be added to the friendly slopes. The area is scheduled to be completed with a snowy mountain to climb and play on, as well as a sledding slope, allowing children to have lots of fun in the snow. There will also be an indoor kids' room as a rest area exclusively for families. This is sure to be a great facility for snowboarders and families with small children.
This year-end and New Year holidays, be sure to come to Nekoma Mountain for the most fun time.