Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain, a ski resort whose slopes spread across a vast field from north to south, plans to operate for 163 days this season, from November 28, 2026 to May 9, 2027. The resort has had the most operating days in Fukushima Prefecture for three consecutive years (*1). To widen the variety of riding, it is expanding the tree run zones that opened last year from 3 areas to 5. It is also enriching its après-ski (*2) offerings, where visitors linger over drinks and food with friends after a day on the snow, and a new lodge, BunkLodge NEKOMA by Hoshino Resorts, is opening in the South Area. The season adds more to enjoy both on the slopes and during a snow-trip stay.
*1 Based on the Tohoku Cableway Association Fukushima District Subcommittee's "Winter Transportation Results Summary 2025-26"
*2 Après-ski is French for "after skiing." It refers to the time spent enjoying drinks and food after skiing or snowboarding, or to the culture as a whole.
Ways to enjoy NEKOMA Mountain in the 2026-27 season
Contents That Expand the Fun of Riding
1. Tree Run Zones Grow to 5 Areas, Expanding the Powder Fields
The tree run zones that debuted last season and were well received return this season with more to offer. Two new zones, "Black Valley" and "White Valley," are being added, bringing the total to 5 zones with a combined area of about 27.5 ha, roughly equal to 6 Tokyo Domes. Across the 5 zones, each with its own character, riders can enjoy a variety of natural terrain and powder snow.
2. A Long Season of About 5 Months
NEKOMA Mountain has had the most operating days in Fukushima Prefecture for three consecutive years since the 2023-24 season. This season, it plans to operate for 163 days, from November 28, 2026 to May 9, 2027. Riders can keep sliding through spring break and Golden Week, and enjoy the differences in snow quality and scenery from season to season.
3. Umaya Area Opens Free of Charge as a "Hike & Ride Area"
The Umaya Area is newly opening as a "Hike & Ride Area," where riders can climb freely and ride down. It is suited to backcountry training. Depending on their style, riders can enjoy a first-thing-in-the-morning powder run, a scenic hike with views of Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, or riding that makes use of the natural terrain.
In this first year of opening, the "Batou Chair" (バトウチェア) lift in the South Area will be free to use as a trial period.
Contents That Enrich the Trip
1. BeerHouse Matatabi Opens to Add to the Après-Ski Fun
In the Resort Center in the South Area, the Bandai Shokudo dining hall turns into "BeerHouse Matatabi" (BeerHouse またたび) from the evening. Guests can spend their après-ski time with friends over Fukushimaji Beer (福島路ビール) and small snacks. Because it can also be used as a dinner spot, it adds to the dining options for people staying nearby.
2. New Lodge "BunkLodge NEKOMA by Hoshino Resorts" Opens in the South Area
At the foot of the South Area of NEKOMA Mountain, a new base is opening for people who love snow activities. With affordable pricing, it supports a range of needs, from staying the night before to catch the first powder of the morning to longer stays while waiting for good conditions. The facility is equipped with a drying room, a tune-up space, and a lounge where guests can socialize with friends. The stay style is simple, but the lodge provides the functions and environment for getting the most out of riding.
Super Early-Bird Season Passes and Lift Tickets Through November 3
The NEKOMA Mountain season pass, made for riding through the long season, has been upgraded with benefits that can be used year-round, at the ski resort itself as well as at nearby tourist facilities and restaurants and on snow trips across Japan. The pass supports both riding and travel to round out the snow season. From October 1 to November 3, 2026, a "super early-bird period" applies, and lift tickets as well as season passes can be purchased at special prices.
Season pass holders also get perks for days on and off the slopes, including discounts on companions' lift tickets, partner benefits at ski resorts of the Hoshino Resorts group, and special offers at nearby tourist facilities and restaurants.
Details on the super early-bird lift tickets
About Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain
Located at the foot of Mt. Bandai, NEKOMA Mountain spreads across the north and south sides of Mt. Nekomagadake and is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan. Skiers and snowboarders from beginners to advanced can enjoy a variety of slopes while taking in views of Mt. Bandai, Lake Inawashiro, and rime ice. Snowfall is plentiful, and the long season runs from late November through Golden Week.
- Location: 6838-68 Shimizudaira, Oaza Sarashina, Bandai Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture 969-3302
- Phone: 0242-74-5000
- Operating Period: November 28, 2026 to May 9, 2027
- Lifts / Courses: 13 lifts / 33 courses
- Lift Ticket Prices: 1-day ticket (web purchase) Adult ¥5,900, Junior/Senior High School ¥4,200, Elementary School ¥2,700 (tax included)
- Access: 20 minutes by car from Bandai-Kawahigashi IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway, via Koriyama JCT on the Tohoku Expressway
