Best ski resorts in Aomori Prefecture, home to Japan’s snowiest city

Japan is generally considered the world’s snowiest country, both in terms of snow cover and snowfall. Add to that a predominantly mountainous landscape (75-80% of Japan’s landmass) and you have the recipe for one of the world’s great ski destinations.

Within Japan, several places lay claim to being the snowiest, all of which are found in Japan’s yukiguni region, otherwise known as “snow country”. This stretch of land extends from northwest Honshu to its northern tip, Aomori, and up to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.

Yamagata Prefecture in the northern Tohoku region of Honshu is often referred to as Japan’s snowiest prefecture, but it’s Aomori City, capital of Aomori Prefecture, that has developed a reputation as the snowiest city on earth, receiving on average 8 m of snowfall per year.

Aomori Prefecture’s 12 ski resorts, 5 of which we’ve featured below, may not be Japan’s best known, but they are some of Japan’s best positioned for powder.

Hakkoda

Hakkoda Ski Area, located 20 km south of Aomori City, is arguably the best spot to sample the region’s powder fields. The ski area boasts an estimated 17 m of snowfall per season, with an average snowbase of 4 m.

Hakkoda isn’t so much a “resort” as it is a lift-accessed backcountry ski area. In fact, it operates with just 2 lifts – a small double chairlift that services 3 groomed beginner trails and a 100-person ropeway that spans the entire mountain, providing access to a pair of ungroomed intermediate trails as well as Hakkoda’s substantial backcountry.

Hakkoda Ropeway

Hakkoda’s backcountry routes are the main drawcard for those in search of fresh tracks. However, this is not beginner terrain. Skiers should be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the hazards of a challenging backcountry environment. Hakkoda recommends using one of four professional guide services that operate in the area.

Skiers taking to slopes of Mt. Hakkoda in peak season (January to February) will likely experience another of the resort’s popular attractions – its unique “snow monsters” or juhyo. This is a natural phenomenon that occurs when snow and ice accumulate on Hakkoda’s trees in such quantities that they take on monster-like proportions.

Aomori Spring Ski Resort

Thanks to its size, elevation and backcountry, Aomori Spring is our next pick of the lot. This mid-sized resort, found at the base of Mt. Iwaki (1,624 m), spans 3.5 km in length and 545 m of vertical. Its 15 runs, totalling 20 km, are serviced by 5 lifts including a 6-person gondola.

In contrast to Hakkoda, Aomori Spring is well suited to all skill levels, with several beginner trails including the 3.4km ‘Main Line’ that runs the length of the gondola. Offering slopeside accommodation, dining and amentities, Aomori Spring looks and feels more like a traditional ski resort yet is well and truly off the radar of international tourists.

 

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Naturally, the best conditions for powder are found above Mt. Iwaki’s treeline, beyond resort bounds. However, skiers looking to sample Aomori Spring’s impressive backcountry will need to book a guided tour, with group and private options on offer from ¥13,000. Snowshoe tours are also available.

More than just a powder destination, Aomori Spring is also home to Japan’s equal largest halfpipe, which measures 22 feet in height and requires a liability waiver to ride. The park also features a bag jump as well as the usual mix of boxes, rails and kickers.

Owani Onsen Ski Resort

Owani Onsen Ski Resort is a small, family-friendly resort roughly 50 km southwest of Aomori City. Its ‘Kokusai’ ski area encompasses 3 lifts, a 433 m vertical drop and 9 runs totalling 10.6 km, all of which can be accessed for ¥3,100 per day.

Much of this is beginner terrain including the 4,200 m ‘Ameike Panorama Course’ – a long, mellow, meandering green. However, more experienced skiers will find some genuinely steep gradients and plenty of raw, unpisted terrain.

The resort, also a hot spring retreat (as its name suggests), benefits from its proximity to Owani Onsen Station on the JR Ou Main Line, which runs 484 km from Fukushima to Aomori. Due to financial difficulties, Owani Onsen was downsized in 2010, which saw the closure of several lifts including the resort’s only gondola. However, it remains a good option for skiers looking to venture off the beaten path – even if only for a day trip.

Moya Hills

Of Aomori’s 12 ski resorts, Moya Hills, popular for its night skiing, is the easiest commute – just a 20 minute (12 km) drive from the city itself. The ski area, found at the northern entrance of the Hakkoda Mountains, consists of 6 runs spanning 5 km, 6 lifts including a high-speed quad, and a modest 264 m vertical drop.

 

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The resort, which caters largely to beginners, packs a decent punch when Aomori turns on the powder tap. However, its city-serving location is perhaps its main appeal. Aomori City, with its abundance of restaurants, bars and izakayas, serves as a pretty handy “ski town”.

Sukayu Onsen, famous for its mixed-gender ‘Senjin Buro’ bath, is also within striking distance of both Moya Hills (17 km) and Aomori City (26 km). This particular bath accommodates up to 1000 people and attracts visitors from all over Japan.

Iwakisan Hyakuzawa Ski Resort

Iwakisan Hyakuzawa Ski Resort, an hour outside of Aomori City, shares Mt. Iwaki with Aomori Spring Ski Resort. Hyakuzawa, a 30 minute drive from its neighbour, occupies Iwaki’s southern slopes, while Aomori Spring occupies the north.

Hyakuzawa, which tops out at 747 m, is the smaller resort of the two, offering 4.4 km of marked trails and 424 m of vertical. Its slopes are serviced by 3 lifts, which run until 5 pm or 9 pm on days when night skiing is offered.