Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

My Favorites

None

Hakkoda Ski Area

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures >Hakkoda Ski Area

‘snow monsters’ in Northern Tohoku

Aomori Prefectural Tourism Federation

The Hakkoda Ski Area in the Hakkoda Mountains of Aomori is the perfect place for beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders alike, with its excellent soft powder snow that attracts winter sport lovers from within Japan and abroad.

Extending from the Summit Park Station on the Hakkoda Ropeway (cable car), the ski area comprises several 7km (4.3 mile) long slopes that form from the natural landscape. The panorama from the ropeway, of the Hakkoda Mountains’ snowy world, is simply magical, with views across Tsugaru and the Shimokita Peninsula, as far as the island of Hokkaido.

A unique feature of the Hakkoda Mountains in winter are its ‘snow monsters’ – native Maries’ Fir trees frozen stiff by rime frost, supercooled droplets from fog that freeze when they touch the trees. Entire forests of these icy, white giants march across the landscape on an incredible scale, and due to the gentle relief of the slopes, it is safe – and utterly exhilarating – to ski and snowboard through them. Snow hiking among the ‘snow monsters’ is also a popular activity.

Hakkoda’s ski season lasts from the end of November to the middle of May. Ski lessons are available and ski, snowboard, and other gear, such as ski wear, is available for rental in the resort.