After opening its slopes to the public on 1st December 2023, the newly rebranded Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain has expanded its services for snow enthusiasts to enjoy right up until early May.

Situated just three hours from Tokyo, Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain straddles the north and south side of Mount Nekoma with 33 courses that cater to everyone who love winter sports.

Now one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, it was renamed after a new chair lift connected two ski facilities in operation by Hoshino Resorts (previously Alts Bandai Ski Resort and Nekoma Ski Resort) so that visitors could explore the grand scale of Mount Nekoma with ease.

The new services that will enhance a visitor's experience include a new restaurant halfway up a ski slope, an RV park, rental facilities of the latest ski gear as well as exclusive early access to the slopes for hotel guests.

 For those who love Japan's high-quality powder and who want to take advantage of a long ski season, here are seven reasons to consider Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain.

Explore the diverse terrain and variety of parks

The south area formerly known as Alts Bandai Ski Resort features beautiful views of Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro while the north area that was Nekoma Ski Resort is known for its fine powder snow brought about by its unique topography and environment.

The newly merged ski resort has a wide variety of parks, including the "Step Up Park" where you can enjoy making your way through each level, the "Flowing Park" where you can take advantage of the terrain, and the professional grade "Global Park" which features a 20m world tournament class kicker.

Located in front of the new ski slope restaurant “The Rider's” is the “Beginner Park” where every weekend, staff teach the park rules so you can happily learn the basics, making it perfect for beginners and the best place for a park debut.

Enjoy hotel amenities whilst staying in a campervan in front of the slopes

The parking lot that was exclusively used for overnight stays in the south area base is now equipped with power and has been officially certified as an RV park*. This parking lot is directly in front of the south area ski slope so you can ski as soon as you reach the resort or take a break in the comfort of your own campervan.

Those using a ski slope car overnight plan can also enjoy using the facilities at Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel including the hot spring “Akamine-no-Yu” as well as the lounge and heated pool.

 For more information about plans that include campervan rental and lift tickets, visit

https://www.nekoma.co.jp/feature/campingcar/

*An RV park is a lodging facility that meets the conditions set by the Japan RV Association to provide “a comfortable and safe place to sleep in a car.”

Rent the latest gear for a comfortable experience 

The snowboard rental for adults in the northern area has been renewed to Burton's STEP ON®. This model allows you to put on and take off a snowboard in just one step, making it easier and less stressful for beginners.

The Burton Test Ride Center has opened in the south area and is the only store in East Japan's ski resorts where you can experience Burton's latest gear. The staff members have received specialised lectures from Burton to provide exceptional support and show you the evolution of the gear.

Stay on the slopes all day 

Now that both the north and south areas are freely accessible by a connecting lift, you can spend more time on the slopes, enjoying the high altitude and all the courses on offer.

Rather than going back to the main area for lunch, you can recharge halfway up the slope at “The Rider's” restaurant. Here you can enjoy a delicious hamburger with friends and get back to the slopes sooner.

Enjoy an extended stay and early access to the slopes  

Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel has extended their check-out time until 2:00 PM for guests to enjoy more time on the slopes on the final day of their stay.

In addition, guests can also take advantage of the “first ride” service which allows access to the courses for 15 minutes before the opening of normal business hours so you can enjoy the best conditions of the fresh snow before anyone else.

The hotel has also introduced “Hangout”, a place where fellow skiers and snowboarders can gather to share stories, review video footage and to prepare for the next day of skiing.

Enjoy both skiing and sightseeing whilst saving on an extended stay

Even two days is not enough to ski all the slopes of Nekoma Mountain. That is why Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel is offering new plans to benefit guests such as 20% off for 2 consecutive nights, 30% off for 3 consecutive nights, and 40% off for 5 consecutive nights.

A longer stay also allows guests to do some sightseeing in the surrounding region which can take 30 minutes by car. The Aizu area is home to many sake breweries, and it's recommended to enjoy a meal at an izakaya in Aizu-Makamatsu. The hotel can provide transportation to and from this area, allowing guests to enjoy Aizu's izakaya culture with peace of mind.

Make it a family trip! 

There is a lot of support available to families to have a memorable ski trip including free lift rides for beginners and free ski wear rental for young children. Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel offers a free lesson for guests to learn the basics of skiing which is recommended for a child's ski debut.

Furthermore, free rentals of sleds and snow toys, and access to an exclusive sledding slope via snow escalators allow even the youngest children to enjoy playing in the snow.

When you can't access the slopes due to bad weather, there are a variety of activities to experience Aizu's history and culture such as painting local toys and learning to make your own medicinal herbal tea.

Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel also has a heated pool that can be enjoyed not only during extreme weather but also outside of snow play.

*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 60 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/