Last season, the former Alts Bandai and the former Nekoma Ski Resort, both operated by Hoshino Resorts, were connected by the connecting lift "Nyaruts Chair," linking the north and south of Mt. Nekoma, and were reborn as "Nekoma Mountain," a big slope where a variety of runs can be enjoyed for about five months. Unfortunately, the first season was a season with little snow, but it could be said that this was the reason why the mountain's true potential was felt. Many snowboarders visited Nekoma Mountain and experienced its new charm.
Commented by Fuuta Andate + Hiroki Matsuura
Photo: ZIZO
The separate mountains came together and a new view unfolded.
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Until now, even if you had a joint ticket that allowed you to enjoy both areas, you could either use the walking route or travel by car. It was possible to travel between the two areas, but it wasn't easy. The walking route can be completed in about 2 minutes. However, even though it was a horizontal trip, there were ups and downs, so it was quite tiring, and it wasn't easy for everyone to go back and forth between the two areas. So in reality, you had no choice but to ski in one of the areas. With the construction of the connecting lift, the travel time was shortened to seven minutes one way and fatigue was eliminated, and finally it became possible to enjoy the two mountains as one mountain.
Anritsu
We hold lessons twice a month at Nekoma Mountain, traveling north and south depending on the snow. This wasn't possible before, but since we were able to use the connecting lift, we've been able to hold lessons in good conditions, and the participants are very happy. While we're traveling on the lift, we talk about the good spots that only locals like us can find, and share information. It seems like everyone is exploring different ways to enjoy the new area.
The view from Nyaruts Chair is spectacular.
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The journey from north to south is mostly horizontal, but if you go through a forest covered in frost when going from north to south, you can see Mt. Bandai through the trees, and then you start descending at the end. There you can see Lake Inawashiro below you. It's a great view point. Until now you had to climb quite high up the mountain to see this view, but now you can see it with ease, so I hope everyone will enjoy it.
Anritsu
When I was only on the walking route, the trees blocked the view, so I couldn't see such a spectacular view. The view of the sea of clouds spreading out towards Inawashiro Town and Aizu can only be seen at the height of the lift, so it's a "spectacular view" that's been talked about even among locals. Everyone is taking out their smartphones to take photos. The best views are especially around the points where you'll be surprised when you enter the south area from the north (lol).
Increased chances of enjoying powder
Anritsu
I think the chances of skiing in powder have definitely increased. The upper part of the south area also has good snow, but the real test there is in the morning. As the sun shines on it, it gets wetter, so the snow quality in the north is even better. If you want dry powder, then the north is the place to go. The snow in the upper part of the north is stable and good, so I think it will be a lot of fun to ski on.
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I think the snow quality in the north area is truly amazing. The way the snow falls and the quality are different in the sunny south area and the cold north area. Urabandai is blessed with good snow quality, so even in a warm winter like last season, you could enjoy powder, and many snowboarders come to enjoy the quality of the snow. There used to be a concern that the parking lot would fill up, but now you can enter from the south area, so it's easy to access and many people enjoy skiing in the north area.
Last season the north area was quite popular...
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I hope there won't be a lack of snow this season, but if there is a lack of snow, the northern area will inevitably become popular. In that case, I recommend the upper area of the southern area. Even in the southern area, the snow conditions vary greatly between the upper and lower parts, and the day after it snows, you can enjoy plenty of powder. It's very convenient to be able to use the connecting lift to easily choose the one that's open.
Anritsu
I think the north area was more crowded than expected last season. There were also longer lift queues, but this season the north area has seen an improvement with the addition of more quad lifts. I hope the congestion will ease.
If you want to enjoy the terrain, head to the southern area.
Anritsu
In the south area, you can do long runs and enjoy going around various places. The temperature in this area is quite low, so it's nice that the lifts are hooded and warm. The snow in the north area is good, so you tend to ski with concentration and determination. The south area is fun for playing with the terrain. I think there are many terrains that beginners to intermediate skiers and kids can play on.
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The South Area is wide and has a wide variety of terrain. I recommend areas with lots of ups and downs, such as the upper detour course. If you want to ski long distances and enjoy wide runs, the South Area is definitely the place to go. Because it's a large mountain, I think you can have a great day if you plan how you want to ski, the conditions of the day, and what you want to do.
Park anytime
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The parks are now connected, allowing you to enjoy the best conditions for the season. First, the parks are permanently set up in the north area, and in the peak season, you can enjoy a variety of parks in the south area, including step-up parks and flowing parks. In spring, a banked park will also be set up in the north area. The safety of the larger items is particularly impressive.
Anritsu
Last season, we were plagued by a lack of snow, and the parks in the southern area were not able to fully enjoy their fun. The southern area has more items suitable for a wide range of levels, especially beginners to intermediates, so I'm looking forward to this season. If there is enough snow, I think it will be an environment where people of all levels can efficiently aim to improve their skills.
FUN RIDE TIPS
1
First ride in the morning feels great
"First Ride" starts at 8:15am, 15 minutes before the official opening hours, and you can enjoy carving turns on the first clear, groomed snow at Nekoma Mountain in the morning. It is held at Alts Express (Zunai 1 and 2). It is also recommended for those who want to get to the back areas early. 1 yen per person (separate lift ticket required, free for season ticket holders).
2
Aim for POWDER DEEP in the northern area!!
In order to make the most of the deep area, which has the most snow in the northern area, the lifts will be closed and the snow will be piled up when heavy snowfall is forecast, and the lifts will be opened after the snow has accumulated. The period will be from January 2025th to February 1th, 14, and information will be posted on social media. The location will be Deep 2 and 28, which can be accessed by the Deep Cat Chair.
3
Check out at 14pm at the Bandaisan Onsen Hotel, so you can relax on your second day
The hotel's main concept is "Snowboarders First." In winter, check-out is set late at 14 p.m. for all rooms. You can ski hard in the morning, then take your time to change and enjoy the hot springs. What's more, if you stay overnight, you can also enjoy the "First Ride Privileges," which means the slopes open 15 minutes before the general opening time. Stay at the Bandaisan Onsen Hotel, which is directly connected to the slopes, and spend two days skiing in style!
4
New quad lift "Friendly Cat Express" opens in the north area
A high-speed quad lift with a total length of about 800m has been installed on the friendly slopes in the north area. The operation of this lift will greatly increase the transportation capacity from the base, shortening the lift waiting time. It also makes it easier to access the deep cat chair. Even if people gather in the north area in search of good snow, the lift waiting time will be eased this season.
5
Strengthening artificial snow making machines in the southern area
A new, state-of-the-art artificial snow machine will be installed midway up the south area. This will allow for earlier access from the south area to the north area, allowing people to enjoy the vast slopes in comfort for a longer period of time. This will largely address the weakness of the south area, which is that the runs close during times of little snow due to the area's good exposure to sunlight.
6
Heli-skiing service available for a limited time
Starting this season, the long-awaited heli-snowboarding will be available for a limited time. This service allows you to access slopes that cannot be reached by lift by helicopter and enjoy ungroomed slopes. The slopes are on the slopes, so even intermediate level skiers can enjoy it without any problems.
7
Car camping plan & camper plan
This is a new way of sleeping in your car. You can park your car in the car camping space in the private car park directly connected to the slopes, and you can use the large public bath and lounge at the Bandaisan Onsen Hotel adjacent to the slopes, so you can enjoy a comfortable and free snowboarding trip rather than just sleeping in your car. You can also use fire, so you can have a bonfire or barbecue. There is also a unique plan to sleep in your car on the slopes using a rental camper van. It is definitely recommended for people who want to hit the slopes first thing in the morning.
8
If you're staying in the northern area, make use of the free shuttle bus "Urabandai Area Bus"
A free shuttle bus operates between the north area and major hotels in Urabandai from December 12th to April 14th. During peak season, it also connects with Grandeco. This is a very useful service for those who are traveling by train and are not confident in driving in Urabandai.
▶ ︎Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain
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