TL;DR
Two ski resorts in Fukushima Prefecture, Alts Bandai Snow Park & Resort and Nekoma Snow Park & Resort, will be integrated through an 810-meter ski lift this winter, forming one of Japan's largest skiing destinations. Operated by Hoshino Resorts Inc., the combined resort will rival renowned skiing spots like Niseko and Hakuba. The lift, traversing Mount Nekomagadake, will cut travel time between the two resorts to seven minutes from the current one-hour drive. The complex will feature 33 courses accessible by 13 lifts across a 189-hectare slope area. Hoshino Resorts aims to cater to domestic and international skiers with distinct attractions at both sites, while contributing to Fukushima's tourism recovery. Construction began in June, and the lift is expected to operate by December, with the new complex's name being announced as Hoshino Resort Nekoma Mountain.
In Fukushima Prefecture, two ski resorts situated on opposite sides of a mountain ridge are set to be united through the installation of a ski lift, thus creating one of Japan's largest winter skiing destinations.Scheduled for this upcoming winter season, the plans entail the construction of an 810-meter-long, two-seater connector between the Alts Bandai Snow Park & Resort in Bandai and the Nekoma Snow Park & Resort in Kita-Shiobara. Operated by Hoshino Resorts Inc., both facilities will merge to form a comprehensive snow resort that will rival esteemed skiing spots such as Niseko in Hokkaido and Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture. Yoshiharu Hoshino, CEO of Hoshino Resorts, highlighted in a video statement on June 22, the company's objectives, noting, "With the abatement of the novel coronavirus crisis and the return of inbound tourists, we are dedicated to contributing to the sustainable tourism of Aizu and other areas within Fukushima Prefecture."
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
