What other travelers are saying about Iwate Kogen Snow Park
I think it's the place to go when groomers are the best option. There is limited ungroomed on powder days and because of that, it's either new snow over bumps, or limited, narrow sections on the edge of trails.
I understand why they don't want people in the trees, because of terrain traps, but it would be safer if they did open up some tree riding. There are plenty of places they could. I saw people do stupid things like ride down creek lines. It's on a volcano for goodness sake. The water is likely to melt the snow from underneath, so why risk death like that and why risk uninformed customers doing it?
The gondola is great on cold days and accesses the full vertical. The lift operators load and unload your equipment on the gondola and are friendly. In fact, all the lift staff were great.
The restaurant is huge, so you always get a seat. It's quite warm too with good views. Staff were nice.
So, 3 stars because it has so much more potential and because there's a limited variety of courses.
- Gondola available to speed up the acessing time (though old style)
- only a few pistes in the ski resort, suitable for beginners and intermediate
- Night skiing available every night at the peak season
- we went on a weekday and some pistes were closed.
- the cafeteria provided hot meal sets, no hot drinks. bottled drinks from vending machine. Soft ice-cream tasted nice.
The most convenient way to reach the resort is via the free shuttle bus service that operates from Morioka Station's West Exit. The shuttle connects directly with the resort, eliminating the need for transfers or additional transportation. For those driving, the resort provides parking facilities and is accessible by personal vehicle.
Iwate Kogen Snow Park is distinguished as the venue for the 1993 Alpine Skiing World Championships, giving it international recognition. The resort features the only 2-kilometer gondola system in the Morioka Shizukuishi area, which takes visitors to an elevation of 1,200 meters in a single journey. Its signature 4,500-meter downhill course offers diverse terrain with steep, gentle, and medium-grade slopes suitable for all skill levels.
Yes, Iwate Kogen Snow Park is exceptionally family-friendly. The resort offers free lift and gondola access for all elementary school children (12 years and under) throughout the season. There's a dedicated Kids' Zone with sledding slopes and child-friendly facilities. Additionally, four different ski schools provide instruction for various ages and skill levels, making it ideal for families introducing children to winter sports.
No, the resort provides comprehensive rental services for all essential equipment. You can rent skis from 90cm, ski boots from 16cm, snowboards from 105cm, and appropriate winter wear. This service allows visitors to enjoy the facilities without the need to transport their own equipment, making travel more convenient.
The Center Plaza serves as the main hub, offering comprehensive amenities including equipment rental services, dining facilities, restaurants, and separate locker rooms for men and women. The plaza provides everything needed for a comfortable day on the mountain, from gear preparation to dining and storage solutions.
