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    Tohoku, Japan

    Tazawako

    608m vertical, 11m annual snowfall, FIS World Cup venue. Uncrowded powder above Japan's deepest lake in Akita Prefecture.

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    Weekly report
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    Tohoku snow report
    Week of 25 Oct

    Early storm favours Aomori, then a long quiet spell

    Season 2025-2026
    Opens
    5 Dec 2025
    Closes
    29 Mar 2026
    Days open
    114
    Annual snow
    11m
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Tazawako spans 100 hectares across 13 runs on Mount Kuromori in Akita Prefecture, with 608 metres of vertical drop from a 1,186-metre summit to a 578-metre base. The terrain splits evenly across ability levels, with 30 per cent each for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers, plus 10 per cent expert terrain. The resort receives 11 metres of annual snowfall and averages around 8 to 9 metres per season, benefiting from its inland Tohoku location where reduced moisture produces dry, light powder.

    The largest ski area in Akita Prefecture operates as a locals' mountain with minimal international traffic, particularly midweek when lift queues disappear entirely. The 1,600-metre Shirakaba Course offers the longest top-to-bottom intermediate run, whilst advanced terrain centres on the Kuromoriyama Champion Course and Mizusawa Champion Course, both featuring gradients between 32 and 38 degrees. FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup mogul events have been held here regularly since the 2014/15 season, with competitions running through 2020.

    The compact ski area overlooks Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake at 423 metres, which remains unfrozen throughout winter. Six lifts include two covered quad chairs that provide shelter during storms, alongside four double chairs that access tree runs and ungroomed powder zones. The Ginrei mid-mountain restaurant offers lake views from 882 metres elevation. Base facilities cluster around the Shirakaba day lodge, with rental shops, ski school, cafeteria and a small terrain park.

    Tazawako operates independently without pass affiliations, typically running from early December through early April depending on conditions. The resort suits powder hunters willing to explore off-piste trees, intermediate cruisers seeking uncrowded groomers, and families requiring manageable terrain with gentle learning zones. Access via Akita Shinkansen reaches Tazawako Station in under three hours from Tokyo, followed by a 30-minute bus ride to the slopes.

    608m
    Vertical
    13
    Runs
    74 acres
    Skiable
    11m
    Annual snow
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    The Terrain

    13 runs across 74 acres skiable

    Tazawako is unusual among Tohoku resorts for how evenly it grades its terrain, with 30% beginner, 30% intermediate, 30% advanced and 10% expert across 13 runs on Mount Kuromori. The vertical is 608 metres, from a base at 578 metres to the 1,186-metre summit, and Akita's weather brings consistent, heavy snow through the season. Four double chairs and two quads handle the traffic, and hooded quads shelter skiers when storms roll in off the Sea of Japan. The result is a mountain that feels more serious than its size suggests, with real steep pitches lying close to the lifts.

    The steepest terrain is found on the Kuromori Champion and Mizusawa Champion courses, both pitched between about 32 and 38 degrees, while the Ginrei course at the far side reaches roughly 34 degrees and is reached by a single chair that closes early on weekdays. The Shirakaba course gives intermediates a 1,600-metre run from the top. Tazawako, at only 30 hectares, suits advanced skiers wanting steeps in a quiet corner, and its easy green slopes still cater for learners. Night skiing is not offered, so plan for full days and a hot spring evening on nearby Lake Tazawa instead.

    Terrain split
    13
    runs
    13 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner4 runs · 30%
    Intermediate4 runs · 30%
    Advanced4 runs · 30%
    Expert1 run · 10%
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    Time it right

    When to visit Tazawako

    The 2025-2026 season runs from 5 December 2025 through 29 March 2026, delivering approximately 16 weeks of operations subject to snowfall patterns. Typical season lengths extend from early December into early April, with opening and closing dates shifting by one to two weeks depending on annual conditions. Historical opening dates have ranged from mid-December to 20 December, whilst spring closures land between late March and early April.

    Akita Prefecture's inland position produces 8 to 9 metres of average annual snowfall, with Tazawako recording 11 metres in stronger seasons and benefiting from reduced moisture content that creates dry, fluffy snow. The base elevation of 578 metres provides moderate snow security, supplemented by the resort's heavy snowfall zone designation. Snowmaking infrastructure appears limited, with operations relying primarily on natural accumulation. Peak snowfall occurs during January and February, when weekly totals of 50 to 60 centimetres are common.

    January through February offers optimal powder conditions, with inland storm patterns delivering consistent snowfall and cold temperatures preserving snow quality through midwinter. Early December and late March see spring-like conditions at base elevations, though upper mountain terrain typically holds coverage through closure. Weekdays remain quieter than weekends, when local traffic increases from nearby cities including Morioka, Akita and Semboku.

    The resort hosts no major event calendar beyond its history of FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup mogul competitions, which ran regularly from 2015 through 2020 but have since relocated. Night skiing does not operate. Guided backcountry tours and cat skiing to Mount Akita-Komagatake run from early February through mid-April, accessing terrain above the resort boundary at extra cost.

    Season 2025-2026
    5 Dec 2025
    Opens
    29 Mar 2026
    Closes
    114
    Days open
    11 m
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Tazawako, and where to stay

    Tazawako sits in eastern Akita Prefecture within Semboku City, straddling the border between Akita and Iwate prefectures on northern Honshu. The resort occupies the western flank of Mount Kuromori, approximately 7.5 kilometres northeast of Lake Tazawa's shoreline and 11 kilometres northeast of Semboku's city centre. Mount Akita-Komagatake rises to the east at 1,637 metres, whilst Mount Hachimantai defines the northern horizon. The base village sits at 578 metres elevation in the Mizusawa Onsen area.

    Semboku City has 24,000 residents and serves as the nearest population centre, located 11 kilometres southwest via Route 194. Kakunodate, a historic samurai town, lies 19 kilometres south and connects via the Akita Shinkansen. Morioka sits 44 kilometres east in Iwate Prefecture, whilst Akita City is positioned 70 kilometres west. The resort operates 9 minutes' drive from Tazawako Station, which connects to the shinkansen network. Nyuto Onsen, a collection of traditional hot spring inns, lies 7 kilometres west and dates back over 300 years.

    Road access from Tokyo follows the Tohoku Expressway north to Morioka Interchange, then Route 46 west towards Akita before turning onto Route 341 south and Route 194 east, totalling 49 kilometres and approximately 60 minutes from the motorway exit. The full drive from Tokyo spans roughly 600 kilometres and 7 to 8 hours. Local roads receive heavy snow throughout winter, requiring snow tyres or chains. Rental cars are available at major stations and airports.

    Akita Airport sits 70 kilometres west with 90-minute drive times, offering domestic connections to Tokyo Haneda plus seasonal routes. The Akita Airport Liner provides shared taxi service directly to Tazawako and surrounding onsen areas via advance booking. Iwate Hanamaki Airport lies approximately 80 kilometres east. The Akita Shinkansen reaches Tazawako Station from Tokyo Station in under 3 hours, with onward bus connections operating on a 30-minute schedule to the resort base.

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    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

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    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
    Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace

    Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace

    Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.

    30 Oct 2026
    Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing

    Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing

    Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.

    29 Oct 2026
    Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup

    Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup

    Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.

    29 Oct 2026
    Arapahoe Basin Opens First for North America’s 2026/27 Ski Season

    Arapahoe Basin Opens First for North America’s 2026/27 Ski Season

    Winter has officially started in North America, and it is one blue run long. On Wednesday 28 October, Arapahoe Basin fired up the Black Mountain Express at around 10:30 am after a surprise announcement just hours earlier, becoming the first major North American resort open for 2026/27. Cold nights, a dusting of natural snow and a lot of snowmaking made it happen in the resort’s 80th winter. More terrain is promised as the snow guns keep running.

    28 Oct 2026
    Sulden am Ortler Pushes Its Season Start Back a Week to 7 November

    Sulden am Ortler Pushes Its Season Start Back a Week to 7 November

    Sulden am Ortler has called off its 31 October opening. The South Tyrol ski area has pushed its 2026/27 start back to Saturday 7 November, citing current weather and snow conditions and saying it will use the extra week to get the slopes in the best possible shape. The season is still scheduled to run through 2 May 2027. Elsewhere in Europe, around a dozen areas are already open, led by Sölden’s 30 kilometres of groomed runs.

    28 Oct 2026

    Tazawako Snow Report

    Never miss powder

    Real-time Tazawako snow reports & forecasts in your pocket.

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    Week of 25 OctTohoku weekly snow report→

    Never miss powder

    Real-time Tazawako snow reports & forecasts in your pocket.

    Download on the App Store
    Snow Report
    Awaiting live data
    1186m
    summit
    +0cm
    new snow · last 24 hours
    -°C / -°C · - -
    Snowfall
    24 hours
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    7 days
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    Base depth
    -
    Season total
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    Total lifts6

    Live open status isn’t available right now.

    5 Dec 2025 - 29 Mar 2026

    Hour by Hour

    Next 35 hours· Updated Oct 31, 2026 at 5:02 AM
    SatNow2p3p4p5p6p7p8p9p10p11pSun12a1a2a3a4a5a6a7a8a9a10a11a12p1p2p3p4p5p6p7p8p9p10p11p
    Conditions
    Temp°C · feels
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    20
    Snowfallcm
    0
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    Precip chance%
    100%
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    98%
    93%
    82%
    56%
    24%
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    Precipmm0.10.82.65.70.70.400000000000000000000000000000
    Wind / gustkm/h
    13G58
    12G67
    12G61
    11G62
    14G82
    16G81
    18G78
    19G78
    18G73
    16G73
    16G76
    18G76
    18G77
    18G78
    19G79
    19G82
    19G81
    18G80
    17G82
    18G87
    19G87
    19G88
    18G89
    18G90
    17G89
    16G86
    15G85
    15G80
    12G67
    10G57
    9G46
    8G36
    5G27
    2G19
    2G22

    Scroll for the full outlook · Open-Meteo

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    7-Day Outlook

    1,064 mUpdated Oct 31, 2026 at 5:02 AMOpen-Meteo

    Days 1–7

    0.0cm

    Days 8–14

    5.3cm

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    Sat, Oct 31

    Rain
    Temp8° / 2°°C
    Snow0.0cm(100%)
    Wind19 km/h W

    Live snow from the resort feed; forecast from Open-Meteo, via Supabase.

    Understanding the Tazawako snow report

    See what's happening on the mountain at Tazawako right now — snowfall, snow depth, and weather data to help you plan your day in Tohoku.

    Snow measurements

    Our snow reports measure snowfall in centimeters over multiple time windows — last 24 hours, last 7 days, and the season total. Base depth reflects accumulation at the 578m base area, while summit depth captures conditions 608m higher at 1186m, where snow typically stays colder and lingers longer. Imperial conversions are shown alongside for convenience.

    Weather conditions

    Current weather conditions affect snow quality. Cold temperatures with low wind typically preserve snow quality, while warm temperatures or rain can impact conditions negatively — something worth watching closely at Tazawako's 578m base elevation, where temperatures run milder than the summit.

    Data sources

    We pull Tazawako's conditions from on-the-ground mountain reporting, then layer in forecast data so you get a fuller picture than either source alone. The mountain is served by 6 lifts, including 2 quad chairlifts.

    When to check

    Snow reports are typically updated early morning and late afternoon. For the most current conditions, check back regularly, especially if a winter storm is approaching.

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