Kawaba Ski Resort – Overview & How to Get There
This is another ski resort that is fairly close to Tokyo. The resort is about 180km of about 2 to 3 hours away from Tokyo, subject to traffic. It is not so easy to access via train. You can quickly notice that it is frequented by people from Tokyo as the multi-story parking lot takes up to 900 vehicles (max height 2.3m). There is a further 900 spots available elsewhere. By train, you can jump on at Tokyo Station to Jomo Kougen Station (abt 1 hr and 20 mins). There is a free shuttle bus to Kawaba Ski resort which takes about 1 hour.
Is Night Skiing Available?
There is no night skiing available.
Ski Season Length & Hours of Operation
The resort is normally open from the beginning of Dec to late April so it does have a slightly longer season than other resorts. In the 23/24 season, it opened Dec 2 and closed Apr 21.
Park, Off Piste and Other Attractions
First Tracks!
First Tracks – Kawaba Ski Resort offers “first tracks”. You will be whisked away to the top of the mountain by snowcat before the lifts open to enjoy first tracks. Seems like seating is limited to 12 per cat. Price is Yen 2,000 per person, but breakfast is included! You can also bundle your first tracks ticket with a lift ticket. Departure is at 0740hrs weekdays and 0710hrs weekends. Reservations are must and can be made online here.
Side Country / Tree Skiing / Off Piste
There is a good amount of side country (off piste) available to ski/ snowboard. There are four areas to choose from. In order to use these areas, you must:
- Watch a video here
- Visit the reception counter
- Complete designated paperwork & make reservation (sign agreement, pay Yen 1,100, obtain arm band). Included is COCOHELI GPS tracker.
- Enter through the designated gates. Wear the armband when skiing in the area. After skiing, please return the armband to the reception counter.
Winter Mountain Climbing
You will need to check in at the “mountaineering window” on the 7th floor of Kawaba Ski Resort. Also, you will need to complete and submit the “mountaineering notification form. Finally, you pay the rental fee (Yen 1,100 includes a COCOHELI) for equipment and lift fee (Yen 2400 return or Yen 1200 one way). You will be given an explanation on how to use the equipment.
The Park
Absolutely no let downs here. They have it all:
- Flux Park – has a lot to offer such as wall to rail, kicker, kick rail, side wall, down rail, table top, rainbow rail, full round rail, etc.
- Free Ride Park – A natural park where you can enjoy the unique mountain topography of Kawaba
- Surf Ride Park – Enjoy snowboarding while taking advantage of banks and natural terrain that are open for a limited time.
- Mogul Course – This mogul course is created by several Japanese national team members. Maximum slope is 34 degrees.
- Easy Park – Made especially for beginners.
Families
There are about 7 restaurants to choose from include Japanese, Chinese, Western and even Indian. Vegan is also a menu choice in some restaurants.
There is a souvenir shop, a pro shop (can buy googles, gloves, etc), and Murasaki Sports, a popular sporting goods shop in Japan. Ski / Snowboard tune up/ maintenance also offered.
Rentals
A full range of rentals are available for skiers and snowboarders including wear and helmets. You can also purchase insurance for Yen 500.
Ski & Snowboard Schools
There are 4 ski schools to choose from as follows and they are offered in multiple languages as follows:
- JSBA Authorized Motoki Ushiyama Pro’s Snowboarding School here. English ok! Ph: +81-70-4078-8700
- SAJ Authorized Kawaba Ski School here. English & Chinese ok. Ph: +81-278-52-3396
- Leo Takahashi Pro’s Park & Ground Trick Snowbaord School. English & Chinese ok. Ph:
+81-70-4508-8520 - Kawaba Mogul and Freeride School here. English & Chinese ok. Ph: +81-278-50-1455
Parking
As already mentioned, lots of it. 900 vehicles can be accommodated in their multi-floor parking lot with another 900 spots available.
Map of Kawaba Ski Resort
