The official website for the newly branded 'Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain' in Fukushima Prefecture went live earlier this month where early lift and season passes will go on sale from September.

Alts Bandai Ski Resort and Nekoma Ski Resort operated by Hoshino Resorts were fused under one name due to the construction of a new chair lift that will allow visitors to ride to and from each location with ease. 

Construction of the chair lift commenced in early 2023 and is expected to be in full operation from December, just in time for the 2023-24 ski season.

Situated just three hours from Tokyo amongst the largest slopes of the Tohoku region, Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain straddles the north and south sides of Mount Nekoma with 33 courses and 13 lifts.  

With extensive facilities covering lessons, rentals and high-level parks, NEKOMA Mountain caters to anyone who loves winter sports, from children and beginners wanting to ride the slopes for the first time to advanced skiers looking to hone their skills. 

Overlooking Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, the Bandai area (formerly Alts Bandai Ski Resort) has free snow escalators for beginners, intermediate-level long courses and various parks with different themes. 

The Urabandai area (formerly Nekoma Ski Resort) is known for its fine powder snow brought about by its unique topography and environment. Due to the heavy snowfall, you can enjoy a long ski season from early December to early May. 

The official website will provide updates with the latest information on the slopes, reservations for lessons and rentals, and information to explore nearby attractions. Lift tickets purchased online can be issued by simply swiping a QR code over an automatic ticketing machine so you can access the slopes faster without having to queue at a ticket window.

Ski resort name: Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain

Slope area: 189 ha

Number of courses: 33

Total gliding distance: 39 km

Maximum elevation gain: 638 m (Top 1338, base 700 m)

Maximum slope: 37 degrees

Lift base: 11-pair lifts, 2 quads, 1 snow escalator

Location:

Bandai Gate - Shimizudaira-6838-68, Sarashina, Bandai Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture

Urabandai Gate - 1163 Hibara, Kitashiobara, Yama District Fukushima Prefecture

2023-24 Season Operating Overview

Open: 1 December 2023 to 6 May 2024 (Bandai Gate: 22 December 2023 to 7 April 2024)

Lift service time: 8:30 - 16:00

Lift ticket price: One-day ticket: Adult 5,500 yen, Junior/Senior 3,900 yen, Elementary 2,500 yen, Senior 5,000 yen.

*For more information, visit https://www.nekoma.co.jp/ 

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*When using any images provided with the release "©︎Hoshino Resorts" must be added.

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About Hoshino Resorts

Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 55 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand “HOSHINOYA,” hot spring ryokan brand “KAI,” countryside resort hotel brand “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel brand “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” or other unique lodgings.

https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/