Skiing Aomori: Where Tranquility Meets World-Class Powder

Experience a luxurious getaway and indulge in the calming beauty of nature when skiing Aomori Resort in Northern Japan. Located in the heart of Aomori, Japan, this magnificent hotel offers a variety of amenities that cater to your needs. With traditional Japanese hot springs, exquisite cuisine and stunning panoramic landscapes, this resort provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking relaxation and adventure alike.

Experience the thrill of snowboarding and skiing at Aomori Resort, a premier destination for winter activities in Japan. Located in the northernmost prefecture on Honshu Island, this resort boasts some of the best powder snow conditions in the country. Featuring 9 courses and 5 lifts, beginners to experts alike can enjoy various types of terrain at their own pace.

The breathtaking panoramic view from the top will take your breath away, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers too. With sophisticated grooming and constant maintenance, you’ll have smooth runs throughout your stay here. Plus Aomori is also known for its affordable prices and family-friendly activities such as sledding or hot spring facilities nearby. So don’t miss out on an unforgettable winter experience – visit Aomori Resort.

Quick Trip Overview

Skiing at Aomori Spring Resort

The popular resort in Aomori is the Aomori Spring Resort located at Mount Iwaki and Mount Hokkado. This resort offers 5 lifts to 17 different groomed runs.

Get your adrenaline pumping and make unforgettable memories on the slopes of Aomori Spring Resort. Known for its world-class ski runs, breathtaking views, and welcoming atmosphere, Aomori Spring Resort is a must-visit destination for any avid skier or snowboarder. With over 400 inches of snowfall per year, you can enjoy endless powder and perfect conditions throughout the winter season. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, Aomori Spring Resort offers diverse terrain and various trails to satisfy all levels of expertise.

The Aomori Spring Resort Breakdown:

• 5 lifts – one being a Gondola
• 22runs – majority beginner

If you are staying at the Rockwood Hotel you will get discount lift prices. ¥‎6,200 for a one day pass roughly $42.

The resort is small, and secluded, and therefore empty. It was the least trafficked resort I have been to. A majority of the people that will be skiing at the resort are staying at the hotel – only a handful actually commute from the city in. Therefore, you are looking at some pretty clear and spacious runs.

Embrace winter to the fullest at Aomori Spring Resort! Skiing enthusiasts can glide down the slopes surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Experience some of the best skiing in Japan on over 17 groomed trails with various levels of difficulty. The resort offers top-notch amenities, including quality equipment rentals for beginners or experts, ski lessons from experienced instructors, and hot springs to relax after a long day on the slopes. Come enjoy a winter wonderland unlike any other and make unforgettable memories with friends and family at Aomori Spring Resort.

Is Aomori Resort suitable for beginners? Absolutely! The slopes cater to beginners with gentle inclines and expansive runs tailored for those learning to ski or snowboard. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed day on the mountain or aiming to enhance your skills, Aomori Resort provides the ideal setting. Beyond the slopes, discover cozy accommodations, delightful local cuisine, and rejuvenating onsen hot springs for a well-rounded winter getaway.

Piste Skiing at Aomori Resort

At Aomori Resort, the piste skiing experience is truly exceptional. The resort boasts a variety of well-groomed and meticulously maintained trails, providing skiers with the perfect canvas to showcase their skills. From gentle slopes ideal for beginners to challenging runs that will thrill advanced skiers, Aomori Resort caters to all levels of expertise.

For beginners, the resort offers dedicated piste areas designed to instill confidence and promote a comfortable learning environment. Instructors are available for those seeking guidance, ensuring that novices can progress at their own pace.

Intermediate and advanced skiers can relish in the thrill of carving down impeccably groomed pistes with varying degrees of difficulty. The resort’s commitment to maintaining high-quality conditions ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for every skier.

With only 22 runs, you can easily get through a majority of the resort.

Coming out from the ski locker, the best route to start with is to just ski down Quad 2, which takes you to about mid mountain. From here you can either head straight to the expert routes, or warm up with a beginner route down to the Gondola lift to the top. This also has the “Link Route” that can shoot you over to the other side of the resort where the half-pipes and other terrain ride features are.

Off-Piste at Aomori Resort

Looking to explore a bit but don’t want to get too far away from the ski lifts? Then there are some options at Aomori for this. The off-piste terrain is perfect for adventurous skiers and snowboarders looking for a challenge. Explore the forested backcountry with stunning views of the sea and snow-covered mountains. Known for its splendid tree skiing, this ski resort promises a unique and thrilling experience. With soft powder snow and breathtaking mountain views, your skiing experience here is nothing short of magical.

Along the piste-skiing routes there are plenty of areas to break off course for a ski between trees. The resort actually offers guides through the resort to enjoy off-piste skiing but it costs a surprisingly large amount of money to hire someone to show you which lifts to take.

There are plenty of opportunities to just scope out the areas from the ski lifts. A lot of the areas directly under the lifts are easy to access but with fresh powder and moderate grades.

Check out the resorts map here.

Backcountry Skiing at Aomori Resort

Embarking on a backcountry adventure at Aomori Resort reveals an exhilarating winter landscape, featuring challenging slopes and the mesmerizing spectacle of “Snow Monsters.” These enchanting trees, draped in layers of snow, cast a surreal and magical ambiance as you navigate through the untouched backcountry terrain. For passionate skiers seeking more than groomed slopes, Aomori Resort offers thrilling backcountry tree runs, combining excitement with scenic beauty. Safety is paramount, and skiers are encouraged to come prepared with the necessary gear and knowledge for responsible exploration. Beyond the adrenaline-fueled descents, the backcountry promises awe-inspiring views of snow-covered trees, creating an unforgettable skiing experience.

Considering the likelihood of exploring most runs on the first day due to minimal lift lines and a tranquil resort atmosphere, backcountry skiing becomes a compelling option. Renowned for its “snow monsters,” trees entirely cloaked in snow, the best way to witness these natural wonders is through backcountry tours. Guided excursions typically involve using lifts to reach the mountain’s pinnacle, then venturing to the backside away from the resort. In case lifts are not operational for the expert terrain, expect an additional 1 km tour. Here, you’ll witness the legendary “snow monsters,” showcasing trees adorned with heavy snowfall, creating an otherworldly spectacle.

Aomori Resort provides a knowledgeable guide for touring around either Mount Iwaki or Mount Hokkado. Touring gear can be rented on-site, or you can bring your own and pay for the guide. Due to the intimate setting, you might find yourself as the sole participant, meaning a group rate for a private tour. The guide collaborates with you to determine the extent of the tour and the desired type of runs. Expect a full-day adventure from 8:30 in the morning until approximately 4:00 in the afternoon. While it requires more effort, backcountry skiing offers a perfect way to savor the unique charm of an Aomori ski trip.

Night Skiing at Aomori Resort

In the past Aomori Resort offered night skiing, however it would appear that the resort has ended it.

Snow Forecast at Aomori Resort

Equipment Rental and Maintenance

The resort has equipment rental at the Gondola right next to where tickets can be purchased. The staff there will help dress, and gear you up if you did not bring any of your own.

If you did bring your own gear, then the staff provide a wax service for either a speedy hour turn around, or an overnight wax.

If you forgot any equipment, you can purchase basics at the rental shop or at the hotel. Expect to pay a bit over the normal market value.

Where to Stay

The best recommendation for accommodation is at the Rockwood Hotel which is at the resort. The resort has a shuttle bus that will pick you up from the airport and deliver you to the resort – roughly an hour and a half drive.

Additionally, the hotel offers full board. You will get breakfast and dinner with your stay there.

However, the reason for this is due to the fact that the hotel and resort are the only thing in the area. Therefore, make sure you bring all your gear or snacks as there is not any shopping or restaurants nearby. If you’re looking for ski resorts with more options of activities in the area then check out Niseko or Hakuba.

The hotel makes for an easy stay. With the pick-up and drop off service there is no concern for getting to and from the airport. Additionally, with the location of the hotel you easily ski in or ski out.

So, while the hotel is not ideal for a long-extended stay, if you want a quick getaway for a long weekend without too much hassle or thought this is the ideal place to visit for an Aomori ski trip.

Other Activities at Aomori

Want to do some other activities while on your Aomori Ski trip? Well there are a couple of options at the resort such as: snowshoeing and sledding. Or, you can take a day to relax at the Onsen which offer an outdoor or indoor section of the sauna.

If you want to venture out, check out the city of Aomori. Or the famous snow corridor – the road that is cut in snow taller than the busses that pass through.

Where to eat at Aomori Spring Resort

As previously stated, the Rockwood hotel is the only establishment there. If you are staying at the hotel, you will have breakfast and dinner included in your stay. These meals are buffet style, and officer a mix of traditional Japanese and Western cuisine. One of the nights was crab legs and steak. The breakfast is typically the same day to day. However the buffet is great as you will need your fuel during your Aomori ski trip.

For apres-ski check out the bar at the hotel where you can be served massive gin and tonics for $6. Or, pay $18 and have two hours of all you can drink beer on tap.

If you are looking for something a little different during your stay, you can also eat at the Rockwood Bistro. This will cost more, but features a sushi sampler platter.

For lunch you can eat at the Ramen House or at the Mountain Café. The Ramen House is right next to the half-pipe and as you can guess features Ramen. The Mountain Café is located next to the gondola and you can order Ramen, Pork Cutlet (and various curries), fries, dumplings, and draft beer. I personally enjoyed pork culet, a massive basket of fries and two beers during each of my lunches there. The total cost for that is approximately $20.

Getting to Aomori

Aomori, located in the northern part of Honshu, Japan, is accessible by plane, bus, and train.

By Plane: Aomori Airport (AOJ) serves as the main air gateway to the region. The airport is well-connected to major cities in Japan, including Tokyo and Osaka. Domestic flights from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Aomori take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

By Bus: Long-distance buses are available from various cities to Aomori. These buses offer a more economical travel option, and the journey may take several hours depending on the departure point. Bus services are commonly used for intercity travel within Japan.

By Train: Aomori is accessible by train, and the Shinkansen (bullet train) is a popular choice for travelers. The Tohoku Shinkansen connects Aomori with Tokyo, providing a fast and efficient means of transportation. The journey on the Hayabusa or Hayate Shinkansen from Tokyo to Aomori takes around 3 to 4 hours, offering scenic views along the way.

For a comprehensive travel experience, combining different modes of transportation based on your preferences and schedule can enhance your journey to Aomori.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Aomori Resort suitable for beginners? Yes, Aomori Resort is perfect for beginners with gentle slopes designed for novices to learn skiing or snowboarding.
2. What are “Snow Monsters” at Aomori Resort? “Snow Monsters” are trees covered in heavy snow, creating a magical atmosphere. The best views are during backcountry tours.
3. Are backcountry tree runs available at Aomori Resort? Aomori Resort offers thrilling backcountry tree runs for avid skiers seeking adventure beyond groomed slopes. Guided tours are available.
4. How can I experience backcountry skiing at Aomori Resort? You can join a guided backcountry tour, typically reaching the top using lifts and touring to the backside away from the resort.
5. Is backcountry skiing safe at Aomori Resort? Safety is a top priority. Skiers are advised to come prepared with necessary gear and knowledge for a responsible exploration.
6. How can I get to Aomori Resort? Aomori can be reached by plane, bus, or train. Aomori Airport, bus services, and train connections provide convenient options for visitors.
7. What else can I explore at Aomori Resort? Beyond skiing, explore cozy lodgings, local cuisine, and unforgettable onsen hot springs for a well-rounded winter getaway.
8. Does Aomori Resort offer night skiing? No, Aomori Resort does not currently offer night skiing. The skiing experience is limited to daytime hours, providing ample opportunities to explore the captivating winter wonderland during the day.