Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain, a ski resort with expansive north-south facing slopes, will host the "NEKOMA MOUNTAIN FEST" from February 6 to 8, 2026. This three-day snow festival transforms the slopes into a festive venue with warm Tohoku regional food stalls, a free snow play area where visitors can enjoy without equipment, DJ events, and more. The festival features content that's enjoyable even for non-skiers and snowboarders. This year's highlight is Japan's first hosting of "The Uninvited," a street-style snowboarding competition featuring world-class riders. Visitors can watch world-level tricks while enjoying food, snow play, and music.
Background
The ski resorts "Alts Bandai" and "Nekoma Ski Area," operated by Hoshino Resorts in Fukushima Prefecture, were connected by a linking lift starting in the 2023-24 season and reborn as "Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain." NEKOMA Mountain spans the north and south sides of Mt. Nekomagadake, featuring 13 lifts and 33 courses in a big resort. The South Area (formerly Alts Bandai) offers open slopes with views of majestic Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, while the North Area (formerly Nekoma Ski Area) faces north with higher elevation, receiving premium light powder snow and offering a long season through spring. Visitors can freely move between these two areas.
With this transformation, the resort launched this event two years ago with the desire to help visitors enjoy the special time spent at a ski resort. It's a snow festival that offers content enjoyable for both skiers/snowboarders and non-skiers alike.
Free Access to Sled Area and Sled Rentals
To ensure those without ski or snowboard experience and young children making their "snow mountain debut" can play freely, the normally paid sled area will be opened for "free." Sleds within the area are available for free rental, so visitors can come empty-handed. On Saturday, there will also be a "watercolor snow play workshop" where visitors can paint on pure white snow as their canvas. It supports families creating the best weekend in the snow.
Food and Experience Booths Full of Local Charm for Everyone
Food booths will feature 14 kitchen cars and stalls where visitors can enjoy Tohoku regional cuisine. Indoor booths offer a variety of experiences including target shooting, necklace-making workshops, used clothing sales, and one-point massage therapy. The festival is packed with events that both skiers/snowboarders and non-skiers can enjoy together.
Must-See Demo Sessions for Skiers and Snowboarders
A ski and snowboard demo session will be held with famous brands gathering in one place. In addition to boards, visitors can try on goggles, helmets, and accessories, and test next season's models on the best quality snow conditions at the fastest time of year.
NEKOMA MOUNTAIN FEST Details
Period: February 6 (Fri) to 8 (Sun), 2026
Location: Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain, South Area
Official Website: https://www.nekoma.co.jp/feature/nekoma-mountain-fest-2026/
Concurrent Event: "The Uninvited Japan Open presented by YETI"
For three days from February 6 to 8, 2026, "The Uninvited Japan Open presented by YETI" will be held in Japan for the first time. This event is a rider-led festival leading the global snowboarding scene. It's a world-class street-style competition spotlighting female riders who haven't been given sufficient opportunities to shine. NEKOMA Mountain was selected as the historic first Japan venue due to its longstanding culture of welcoming snowboarders and world-class park construction expertise. Visitors can witness the tricks of assembled world-class riders up close.
Details: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001879.000033064.html
Saturday Only: "Red Bull Winter Vibes"
The "Red Bull EZZO" equipped with DJ decks and speakers will appear on the snow mountain. Visitors can energize themselves and enjoy DJ, dance, and drinks with the best vibes until the last lift. Special guest DJ CHARI will appear to keep the slopes pumping until evening.
Details: https://www.nekoma.co.jp/event/111168/
About Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain
Located at the foot of Mt. Bandai, this is one of Japan's largest ski resorts spreading across the north and south sides of Mt. Nekomagadake. The slopes offer spectacular views of Mt. Bandai, Lake Inawashiro, and frost-covered trees, with varied course layouts from beginner to advanced levels. Visitors can enjoy a long season from early December through Golden Week.
Location: 6838-68 Sarashina Shimizudaira, Bandai Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture 969-3396 (South Gate)
Phone: 0242-74-5000
Lifts/Courses: 13 lifts / 33 courses
Lift Ticket Prices (WEB price): 1-day ticket - Adults 5,700 yen, Junior/Senior High School Students 4,200 yen, Elementary School Students 2,700 yen (tax included)
Access: Approximately 10km, 15 minutes from Bandai Kawahigashi IC via Tohoku Expressway through Koriyama JCT and Ban-etsu Expressway (to South Gate)
Website: https://www.nekoma.co.jp/
