SnowStash
ForecastsCompareNews
SnowStash Logo

Live snow, webcams and expert resort guides for the world's mountains - plan your next day on snow.

hello@snowstash.com
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Destinations

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Europe
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • United States

Company

  • About Us
  • Work With Us
  • Privacy Policy

Explore

  • Compare Resorts
  • News & Updates
  • Snow Forecast
  • Mobile App

© 2026 SnowStash. All rights reserved.

    Tohoku, Japan

    Nekoma

    189 hectares, 33 runs, 8m annual snowfall. Micro-fine powder on north-facing slopes. Ikon Pass partner in Aizu, Fukushima.

    Open in the app

    Live Nekoma conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

    Open in the app

    Live Nekoma conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
    Season 2026 - 2027
    Opens
    28 Nov 2026
    Closes
    9 May 2027
    Days open
    162
    Annual snow
    8m
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain spans 189 hectares across the north and south flanks of Mount Nekomagadake in Fukushima Prefecture. The resort offers 33 runs totalling 39 kilometres of terrain with 637 metres of vertical drop from a 1,337-metre summit to a 700-metre base. Formed in 2023 through the merger of Alts Bandai and Nekoma Ski Resort via an 810-metre connecting lift, the area receives 8 metres of annual snowfall and operates from late November through early May.

    Terrain splits 30 per cent beginner, 40 per cent intermediate, 25 per cent advanced and 5 per cent expert across the dual-aspect mountain. The North Area climbs north-facing slopes to 1,337 metres and delivers what locals call micro-fine powder through beech forests, whilst the South Area descends sun-exposed runs with sight lines to Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro below. Tree run zones covering roughly 20 hectares opened for the 2025-26 season alongside established terrain parks and groomed cruisers.

    Weekdays remain quiet with powder accessible hours after snowfall, though weekends draw crowds from Tokyo and regional cities. The North Area base at Kitashiobara Village offers simple day lodge facilities, whilst the South Area at Bandai town centres on the ski-in Bandaisan Onsen Hotel with restaurants, rental shop and onsen. Cat skiing operates in the South Area during peak season for intermediate and advanced riders seeking untracked terrain.

    Nekoma joined the Ikon Pass for 2025-26 with seven-day access on the full pass and five days on the base version. The resort logged 135 operating days in 2024-25, the longest season in Fukushima Prefecture for three consecutive years. The mountain suits powder enthusiasts chasing Japan's less-tracked Tohoku region and intermediates seeking varied terrain across a single large ski area within three hours of Tokyo.

    637m
    Vertical
    33
    Runs
    467 acres
    Skiable
    8m
    Annual snow
    Advertisement
    The Terrain

    33 runs across 467 acres skiable

    Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain is the product of two merged resorts, Alts Bandai and the original Nekoma, joined by a connecting lift for the 2023-24 season. The combined area spans about 189 hectares and has 33 runs falling 637 vertical metres from 1,337 metres to a 700-metre base, and the grading is broad: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 25% advanced and 5% expert. That is a fuller spread than most Fukushima resorts. Eleven double chairs and two quads work across the north and south sectors, so lift rides are leisurely, but the choice of terrain is considerable by Japanese standards.

    The Bandai side is more open, with wide groomers and views of the Bandai volcano, while the Urabandai side faces north at higher elevation and holds the lightest snow. There is a long groomed course of about two kilometres that is lit for night skiing, a steep ungroomed run for experienced skiers, moguls and a terrain park. A newly opened tree-run zone adds off-piste interest. Nekoma suits groups with mixed ability, intermediates wanting variety and powder skiers happy to ski quieter trees, with far less competition for fresh lines than at the Hokkaido and Nagano names.

    Terrain split
    33
    runs
    33 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner10 runs · 30%
    Intermediate13 runs · 40%
    Advanced8 runs · 25%
    Expert2 runs · 5%
    Advertisement
    Time it right

    When to visit Nekoma

    The 2025-26 season opened 5 December 2025 and closed 29 March 2026, though the resort historically operates into early May when snowpack permits. Nekoma achieved 135 operating days in 2024-25, the longest season in Fukushima Prefecture for three consecutive years. The North Area typically opens earlier and closes later than the South Area owing to its higher elevation and north-facing aspect, with the northern sector sometimes remaining skiable through Golden Week in early May.

    Annual snowfall averages 8 metres, concentrated between December and March when cold continental air masses cross the Sea of Japan and deposit dry powder across the Aizu region. The North Area's unique geography and cold air rising from surrounding lakes produce micro-fine snow—an exceptionally light powder prized by locals and visitors alike. North-facing slopes hold quality snow into afternoon even during sunny periods, whilst the South Area's sun-exposed runs soften earlier but offer reliable cover thanks to elevation above 700 metres.

    Peak powder months run January through February, with the resort strategically closing certain steep courses until sufficient accumulation builds, then opening them day-after-snowfall for pristine conditions. March and April deliver spring corn snow as temperatures rise, though higher elevations retain cold powder through early April. Weekdays from mid-January to late February offer optimal conditions with minimal crowds, whilst weekends and New Year holidays see congestion at lifts and ticket windows.

    The resort offers night skiing on select dates and hosts freestyle competitions in its terrain parks, which have attracted international events. Tree run zones operate based on snow depth, typically mid-January through late February. A cat skiing programme in the South Area runs on specific days during peak season, limited to 10 participants per trip and requiring advance booking for access to untracked off-piste zones.

    Season 2026 - 2027
    28 Nov 2026
    Opens
    9 May 2027
    Closes
    162
    Days open
    8 m
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Nekoma, and where to stay

    Nekoma occupies the flanks of Mount Nekomagadake in the Aizu region of western Fukushima Prefecture, with the North Area base at Kitashiobara Village and the South Area base at Bandai town. Mount Bandai, an 1,816-metre stratovolcano known as Aizu Fuji, rises immediately southeast and dominates the skyline. The resort overlooks Lake Inawashiro, one of Japan's largest freshwater lakes, which spreads across the valley floor 700 metres below the South Area base.

    Koriyama city lies 55 kilometres east and serves as the primary transport hub, whilst Aizuwakamatsu—the historical seat of samurai culture in Fukushima—sits 17 kilometres from the South Area. Bandaimachi Station on the JR Ban'etsu West Line is 7 kilometres from the resort, and Inawashiro Station is accessible via local bus connections. The Urabandai plateau behind the mountain features lakes formed by Mount Bandai's 1888 eruption, including Lake Hibara visible from the North Area's upper slopes.

    Road access follows the Tohoku Expressway to either Inawashiro-Bandaikogen Interchange, 15 minutes from the South Area, or continuing north to Bandai-Atami Interchange, 35 minutes from the North Area. Route 64, the Bandaisan Gold Line toll road, connects the two base areas but closes in winter, requiring drivers to circle east around Mount Bandai. Total driving time from central Tokyo runs approximately 3 hours via the Tohoku Expressway, with free parking available daily at most lots though the South Area's closest lot charges 1,000 yen on weekends and holidays.

    The nearest airport is Fukushima, 40 minutes by limousine bus to Koriyama Station. From Koriyama, a direct resort shuttle bus operates in roughly 70 minutes to the South Area, costing 1,500 yen for adults with advance reservations required. Sendai Airport via Sendai Station to Koriyama totals 80 minutes by train, whilst Haneda Airport passengers ride the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, reaching Koriyama in 90 minutes before transferring to the bus. A shuttle from Aizuwakamatsu Station runs 45 minutes for 1,000 yen without reservations.

    Where to stay

    Search all stays →
    Stays map loads when you scroll here

    Hotels and lodges near Nekoma, powered by Stay22.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

    View all news →
    Mt Rose Aims to Open First in Tahoe on November 6

    Mt Rose Aims to Open First in Tahoe on November 6

    Mt Rose is going for the first-in-Tahoe title, with the Lakeview Express due to spin at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 6. One main lift, three runs and plenty of snowmaking, sitting on the highest base elevation in the region at 8,260 ft. Here is what is open, what is not (sorry, tubing fans), and how the early North American openings are stacking up.

    4 Nov 2026
    Europe Snow Forecast: Serre Chevalier Leads With 82 cm Over the Next 10 Days

    Europe Snow Forecast: Serre Chevalier Leads With 82 cm Over the Next 10 Days

    Europe has had a quiet start to November, but our 10-day forecast has Serre Chevalier on 82 cm and Les 2 Alpes on 71 cm. Two pushes are lined up: a western Alps top-up from Friday, then a bigger, wider system on Thursday, November 12 and Friday, November 13 that reaches Italy and Switzerland. Full leaderboard inside.

    4 Nov 2026
    Mammoth Mountain Opens Early on November 5 With Up to 33 Inches of Snow in the Forecast

    Mammoth Mountain Opens Early on November 5 With Up to 33 Inches of Snow in the Forecast

    Mammoth just moved opening day forward to Thursday, November 5, eight days ahead of schedule. A snowy weekend and cold snowmaking nights did the work, and our forecast shows up to 33 inches more landing on November 13 and 14. Here is what opens, what the weather looks like and where Mammoth sits among the early Ikon Pass openers.

    3 Nov 2026
    Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings

    Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings

    Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.

    1 Nov 2026
    Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches

    Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches

    Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.

    31 Oct 2026
    Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street

    Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street

    The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.

    31 Oct 2026
    Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years

    Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years

    A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.

    30 Oct 2026
    What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass

    What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass

    Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.

    30 Oct 2026

    Nekoma Trail Map

    Downloadable Nekoma trail map

    Open in the app

    Live Nekoma conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

    Open in the app

    Live Nekoma conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
    Nekoma trail map↓ Download PDF
    Advertisement
    Terrain split
    33
    runs
    Beginner30%
    Intermediate40%
    Advanced25%
    Expert5%
    467 acres skiable189 hectares
    Advertisement
    Resort Stats
    Elevation
    Base700m
    Summit1337m
    Annual snowfall
    8m
    Season
    2026 - 2027
    28 Nov 2026 - 9 May 2027
    Trail coverage
    33 runs
    467 acres (189 ha)
    Advertisement

    About Nekoma's trail map

    Explore Nekoma's full trail map with 33 runs across the mountain, colour-coded by difficulty and shown alongside the terrain split. Use it to plan a day that matches your ability, find lift-served pockets of your favourite grade, and see how the resort links together. Download the piste map (PDF) ↗

    More Nekoma intelligence: snow report, lift system, webcams, resort overview.