Grandeco Snow Resort, Tohoku, Japan

No crowds , cheap day tickets and excellent ski and snowboarding instruction. Besides an awesome location, these are just some of the reasons visitors are considering Grandeco Snow Resort for next season. Why not head north of Tokyo and see for yourself?

1. No crowds

The Tohoku region is lesser known as a ski destination than other areas so you’ll experience next to zero waiting times on every lift and gondola. The area itself boasts 8 snow resorts so if you’re keen to stay and explore, the hotel shuttle bus can take you to other resorts for the day.   

2. Great hotels in the area

Grandeco has a lovely hotel on-site with a North American feel with stunning views of the forest from tall windows. Hot coffee on tap available free all day is a massive plus for coffee-addicts. A true ski-in ski-out location, it’s great for all ability skiers or families with young children tag-teaming the childcare. Facilities include indoor and outdoor onsens – one out in the snow, a 25 metre indoor pool, massage chairs and multiple common lounge areas to hang and read. Email the hotel directly if you have questions .It is part of an incredible group of hotels across Japan, called EN Hotels including EN Hotel Shibuya if you’re considering a stopover in Tokyo. 

Other great hotels in the area to stay at and ski Grandeco Resort are:

Urabandai Lake Resort, located in a National Park, with a view of Mount Bandai, one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. This hotel was given a Booking.com Traveller Review Award in 2022. 

Mercure Hotel, a spacious hotel located in a forest with views from high-ceiling windows looking out onto trees and Mount Bandai beyond. 

Urabandai Kogen Hotel , enjoy a scenic open air mixed hot spring and delicate local cuisine at this lovely mountain hotel.

3. Cheap day tickets 

Morning tickets are even cheaper and season passes are available if you’re staying for a while. Purchase your tickets from the ticket window down in the centre or email  the hotel if you have questions. 

4. Great ski and snowboarding schools

Grandeco Resort is lucky enough to have two ski schools and one snowboarding school, giving you plenty of choice and opportunity for real skills focus especially  

beginners and intermediates who haven’t been on snow for a while. 

 SIA

 Located inside Grandeco Hotel, instructors are available for both skiing and snowboarding and have a full range of snowboards, skis and equipment for hire. If you’re interested in tree skiing, staff take a maximum of 4 people in a group. For private lessons for adults or kids choose from1 hour, 2 hour or 90 minutes. For all bookings head to the SIA counter and book directly at least a day or two prior. If you like hiking in the back country and would like to see the snow monsters, hire a local guide from here. 

SAJ

This ski school is located down at the mountain centre, one minute in the hotel shuttle bus from the hotel lobby, or you can ski down from the hotel. Class size and times are flexible, they tend to run in 2 hour time slots, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, which gives you time for lunch and a rest. You can also request tree skiing or private lessons. Lift tickets must be purchased separately. Booking for lessons can be made on the website or on the phone.

JSBA

This snowboard school is located down at the mountain centre as well.  Private lessons are available, and a lift ticket purchase is required. Snow clothing is also available for hire, quality and fashions are updated annually with a very decent selection. Please note no coaching is available in English.  

Young kids

For children 6 and under they are not allowed on lifts but can access the magic carpet at the base of the mountain for free all day long. There is a library and indoor play area inside the mountain centre available for indoor play if you’re tag-teaming the child minding. You can set up a movie in here and it’s warm and roomy with a cafeteria downstairs for snacks and hot chocolate.

5. Powder conditions

This region receives plenty of famous Japow. And whilst nobody can predict the weather or snow conditions, if it’s snowing in this area you can be skiing or boarding in waist deep powder inbounds or in trees all day.

6. Great grooming

You’ve heard of Deer Valley’s immaculate grooming? Grandeco Resort has impeccable groomed runs (when it’s not dumping powder) as well as hoods covering chairlifts. Watch out, you’ll get a bit spoiled if this is your first time skiing overseas and you think this is normal, but it’s nice not freezing all the way uphill on a chairlift.

7. Shuttle bus to ski Nekoma resort 

Enjoy multiple resorts, including Nekoma mountain on Grandeco’s shuttle bus system if you don’t have your own car. There is a Grandeco to Nekoma shuttle every day but it ends during February. For more info and bookings here at www.resort.en-hotel.com/grandeco/hotel/ja/access

8. Easy access from Tokyo 

Just 70 minutes on the bullet train will get you to Koriyama Station from Tokyo Station. Then take a local train to Inawashiro and the resort’s shuttle bus will pick you up from there. It’s no further or harder than getting to Nagano’s more popular snow resorts and a  cheaper bullet train ticket. 

9. English and Japanese speaking staff

If you are worried about speaking Japanese or need day trips, ski school or cultural trips organised, Grandeco Hotel staff are friendly and happy to help and speak excellent English. 

10. Great day trips in the area

Lots to see in the area to satisfy your cultural appetite. Visit the 600 year old Tsurugajo Castle in Aizu with its extensive museum showcasing castle life, warfare, politics, and lifestyle of the region inside the castle. Just turn up on the day and buy a ticket, no need to book ahead. 

The Yamatogawa Brewery was founded in 1790 and is still functional today as a family run business with a museum and tasting room. A new facility has been used for sake production since 1990 but this old building is worth a visit to see the incredible old machinery and building and taste the incredible range of sake and products of the area.  Group bookings available via phone (0241) 22 – 2233 or email sake@yauemon.co.jp. 

For bookings and information email grandeco-resort.info@courthotels.co.jp.

Read about advanced skiing and powder adventures at Grandeco in Chillfactor magazine’s May 2024 edition.

Editorial on behalf of TOHOKU URABANDAI EN RESORT Grandeco

Location: Grandeco Resort, Tohoku, Honshu, Japan.

Famous for: High quality snow, views of Mount Bandai.

Elevation:   Base 3310 feet (1010 metres) , Summit elevation 5216 feet (1590 metres) 

Lifts: 4

Ski School/s: Yes (three)

Terrain Park: Yes (two) Free Ride Park for intermediate -advanced and Snow Surf Park is accessible to all levels

Pass: Grandeco Snow Resort pass

Accessible travel: Book ahead for certified adaptive trainers. Disability discounted tickets available for guests + companions.

Best for:  Families of all ages