This is by far my favourite ski resort in Japan and where I first learned how to ski!
I’ve been to this ski resort many times already. Even for someone starting from a beginner, or up to an advanced level, this ski resort has a lot to offer. I can describe this place in a few words as ‘compact and very convenient’. I’ll go over as to why, down below.
In Iwate Prefecture, this ski resort is quite accessible. If you’re driving, it’s just 18km (about 11.18 mi) from the Kitakami-Kanesagami IC of the Tohoku Expressway E4. There are also free shuttle buses during winter from JR Kitakami station to the ski resort. It’s very accessible and you can find all this information on their website.
It’s a pretty compact ski resort. There is one gondola to take you up to the top and you can access all the slopes from there. The downside is that it can get really crowded at times. From the top, it’ll be hard to get lost as all the slopes will converge to the main centre at the bottom. The ski lifts and gondola operate from 8:30 to 16:30. If you still have energy left, you can enjoy the night session until 20:00.
It has a variety of slopes with different skill levels, so you can challenge yourself once you feel more confident with your skills. Just to note, the left side at the bottom of the ski resort is long and flat so it’s a good area for beginners. That area also has different snow activities like the snow mobile tours or snow rafting. Sometimes I would see some groups training for cross-country skiing in that area too!
This place has a little bit of everything even if it’s not a huge ski resort. There’s an observatory on the summit if you’re up for a little hike, and a snow park for practicing some freestyle tricks. Depending on the time of season, you’ll also have the mogul courses too. There are also tree runs but ski at your own risk and check the map first for the skiable off-piste areas. Please check the rules of the ski resort for more details.
Geto Kogen is a ski resort known for its fresh powder. The snow quality there is very fluffy since it snows every day during peak winter season. Some of the regulars of this ski resort line up on the ski lift first thing 8:30 am in the morning just to ski on the first run. If you haven’t tried skiing on fresh pow, it’s an unforgettable ski experience as it is quite a struggle when you dive into that knee (or sometimes waist) deep powder.
Aside from being compact, I mentioned that it was very convenient as well. The resort offers all the necessary things an avid skier or snowboarder needs. There are decent food choices for lunch and snacks. Counters for rental services also found in the main centre have gears and wear to rent out as a set or single items of Snowboards, Skis and all the essentials. You can even rent out powder exclusive ski poles and even helmets. There is also the TA-Q-BIN or postal service counter for sending or receiving your own gear and other luggage.
There’s also the ski shop (Jaja) for those last-minute purchases when you forget neck warmers or other small items. They have a selection of powder skis and snowboards from several independent brands such as Majesty Skis and Bakery Snowboards. More importantly, the shop also rents out skis and snowboards for a few hours and it’s very useful if you are considering getting one.
But what’s so special about this ski resort is its inhouse hot spring facility called Usagimori no Yu. If you’re a fan of onsens or public baths, having the facility at the center of a ski resort is pure genius. There’s nothing more relaxing than taking a plunge in hot spring water after a whole day in the snow. It’s great for your tired muscles and it’ll help you recover faster for another day of fresh pow! I’ve seen others head straight to the hot springs facility still in ski wear, then get changed there and everything. It’s super convenient.
It wouldn’t be complete without the accommodation, also located in the main centre of the ski resort. There are private rooms for a more premium stay, or dormitory bunk bed type accommodations depending on your preference. They serve dinner as well, so you don’t need to worry about anything.
Having a bit of everything conveniently all in one place is something Geto Kogen has achieved pretty well.
It’s clearly the main strength of this ski resort, especially when your main focus is for skiing or hitting the slopes. Because of this, the resort has continued to attract powder hounds and snow enthusiasts all winter round. It created an atmosphere where you can’t help but be more inspired to improve, get better with the sport, and just to have fun in the powder snow.