Grandeco Snow Resort

Grandeco Snow Resort is located in Kitashiobara Village in Fukushima Prefecture, sitting on the slopes of Mount Bandai at elevations between 1,010 and 1,590 meters. The resort opened in 1995 and has established itself as one of northern Japan's premium ski destinations, benefiting from its position in the Bandai-Asahi National Park, which provides a protected natural environment and consistently heavy snowfall throughout the winter season.

The resort's location on Mount Bandai gives it both geographical and cultural significance. Mount Bandai is an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1888, and the surrounding area showcases dramatic volcanic landscapes alongside pristine forests. The region experiences some of Japan's heaviest snowfall, with the resort receiving an average of 10 meters of natural snow annually. This powder snow, combined with the protected forest setting, creates excellent skiing conditions from early December through early May, one of the longest seasons in Japan.

Grandeco offers 13 courses spread across 132 hectares of skiable terrain, with approximately 70 percent of runs designed for beginner and intermediate skiers. The resort features a 3,200-meter gondola ride that takes visitors to the summit, offering panoramic views of Mount Bandai, Lake Inawashiro, and on clear days, the distant Pacific Ocean.

Advanced skiers can access powder zones through the trees, while beginners have access to wide, gentle slopes near the base area. The resort also maintains a terrain park for snowboarders and operates night skiing on select runs. During summer months, the gondola continues operating for hikers and nature enthusiasts exploring the alpine meadows and accessing trails on Mount Bandai.

The nearest major airport is Fukushima Airport, approximately 90 kilometers away. Most visitors arrive via Koriyama Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen, followed by a 70-minute bus ride to the resort during winter ski season. Direct shuttle buses operate from Tokyo, taking approximately four hours. For drivers, the resort is accessible from the Ban-etsu Expressway, with parking available at the base area. Day lift tickets cost around ¥5,500 for adults, with multi-day passes and equipment rentals available at the resort's rental facilities.