Aizu Kogen Takatsue Ski Resort

Overview

Aizu Kogen Takatsue Ski Resort, located in Minamiaizu Town, Fukushima Prefecture, has been a pivotal force driving tourism in the town since its opening in 1980. Formerly managed by a third sector company invested in by Tobu Railway, it is now operated by 'Minamiaizu Co., Ltd.,' a company wholly owned by Minamiaizu Town. A report in June 2024 suggested consolidating the town's ski resorts into Takatsue Ski Resort to improve Minamiaizu Town's finances, signaling expectations for further development in the future. The ski area boasts one of Tohoku's largest scales, with an elevation difference of approximately 700 meters between its highest and lowest points, giving it a distinctive long, vertical layout. Due to its high altitude, the summit offers a magnificent 360-degree panorama of ten of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, including Mt. Hiuchigatake and Mt. Aizu Komagatake. In winter, you can also admire beautiful frost-covered trees. The snow quality is celebrated as 'Takatsue Powder,' some of Honshu's finest dry powder snow. During the peak season from January to late February, fine, light snow accumulates, allowing skiers to enjoy exhilarating runs with high powder sprays. All 14 courses cater to every level, from beginners to experts. Advanced skiers can enjoy thrilling powder runs on the 'Mountain Course' with a maximum gradient of 36 degrees and the 'Top Hill Course' with 38 degrees. The resort also features authentic mogul runs and a slopestyle half-pipe for intermediate to advanced riders, attracting many athletes for training. For families with small children, the 'Wai Wai Park' is extremely popular, equipped with a moving walkway. It offers a wide variety of fun rides like snow striders and tubes, making it perfect for kids' first snowy adventures. Furthermore, snow activities such as snowcat tours, snowshoeing, and snow rafting are abundant, ensuring plenty of ways to enjoy the snow beyond just skiing or snowboarding. Within the ski area, you'll find 'Ski Center Spacia' for tickets, rentals, and dining, the 'Aizu Astoria Hotel' with direct slope access, the more affordable 'Astoria Lodge,' and the natural hot spring 'Shirakaba no Yu,' allowing you to fully enjoy après-ski. Restaurants serve dishes made with local ingredients, and the 'Junen Tantanmen' (Tantan noodles with perilla seeds) is highly recommended in reviews. The resort frequently offers special discount days for lift tickets, such as birthday specials, Ladies' Day, and Children's Ski Day, making it more affordable if you plan smartly. This charming ski resort truly offers an unforgettable winter experience for everyone, from families and friends to seasoned skiers.