Hodaigi Ski Resort in Gunma Minakami hosted a collaboration event with the Gunma Crane Thunders professional basketball team on February 11, 2026 (Wednesday, national holiday). Around 200 visitors of all ages attended the event, which offered a first-of-its-kind fusion of snow and basketball.
In the "Snow Shoot Challenge," participants attempted to shoot basketballs into a hoop set up in the middle of a snow-covered landscape. Many commented on the difficulty — "You really need to find your footing in ski boots" and "Shooting with freezing cold hands was a totally unique experience" — though one standout participant sank 17 baskets in just two minutes.
The "Snow Ball Weight Challenge" had participants sculpt a snowball matching the standard weight of a basketball (609g). Most found it surprisingly difficult to get the weight just right, but one person hit exactly 609g, drawing a huge cheer from the crowd.
Event Overview
Event Title: SNOW × BASKET FESTIVAL
Date & Time: February 11, 2026 (Wednesday/Holiday), 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort (3839-1 Fujiwara, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma)
Activities: Snow Ball Weight Challenge, Snow Basketball Challenge, Gunma Crane Thunders garapon lottery, chashu topping campaign at the Takaraya restaurant inside Hodaigi Cafeteria, and more
Admission: Free
Organizer: Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort
Supported by: Open House Group, Gunma Crane Thunders
About Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort (formerly Hodaigi Ski Resort)
Located approximately 2.5 hours from central Tokyo by car (19 km, about 30 minutes from the Minakami IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway), or around 2 hours from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen and bus, the resort offers easy access from urban areas. At its highest elevation of 1,400 m, the ski area receives abundant snowfall and offers world-class powder snow. Courses range from active runs with a maximum slope of 40 degrees to beginner-friendly family terrain, catering to all skill levels.
Last season, the resort opened "Earthboat Minakami Hodaigi," an outdoor hotel within the ski area featuring a private sauna where pets are also welcome. A new ungroomed "Tree Run Area" was added for skiing between the trees, and the "Snow Park" was revamped under the supervision of professional snowboarder Atsushi Ishikawa's team "SCLOVER." This season also saw the full launch of a Dog Field, allowing visitors to enjoy the slopes alongside their dogs.
Official Website: hodaigi.jp
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hodaigi.ski
