The Inawashiro Ski Resort is a reasonably small resort with 7 lifts, 16 courses, and a vertical drop of 555 metres. The two sides of the resort, Chuo (Center) and Minero, can be accessed off the one Inawashiro Snow Paradise lift ticket. The two zones are interconnected at the top via a traverse track (which can be a nightmare for non-expert snowboarders), and mid-mountain via a red run. The base areas are interconnected via a free shuttle bus system in case beginners want to move from one zone to the other.

The Chuo side is older but bigger and primarily has beginner and intermediate runs. The Minero side dates back to only the 90s and has 4 courses with a mix across the three ability levels, although beginner and intermediate trails are still the most prevalent.

Typically on weekdays it may feel like your own private snow paradise, whilst on weekends it can score big crowds (on-piste).

Inawashiro Snow

Inawashiro has no shortage of precipitation and the quality of the snow would be considered quite good in some countries. However by Japanese standards, the snow is typically a little inferior. Like neighbouring resorts such as Alts Bandai, the elevation is a little low at Inawashiro Snow Paradise, and this contributes to a relatively short ski season (late Dec to late March).

Also many of the slopes are southeast facing which is not conducive to amazing snow quality once the sun comes out.

Ability Levels

Most of the terrain is for beginners and intermediates, and when it’s not a powder day, the corduroy is exceptional. The general lack of traffic on weekdays also assists in keeping the trails nicely groomed. One look at the trail map and you’ll wonder what the resort could possibly have on offer for advanced riders. Inawashiro has only one black run that’s not particularly steep that’s used for FIS mogul competitions as well as two short black runs.

Off-Piste Skiing Inawashiro

The real fun for powder hounds can be found on a few old lift lines (but keep your eyes peeled in case ski patrol have put up ropes part way down!) and in amongst some fantastic trees. The trees on the Minero side are delightfully spaced, but the ski patrol are highly likely to chase you and blow their shrilly little whistles. The areas between the two sides of the ski resort also have some great off-piste skiing.

Those with plenty of extra energy can hike or skin up to hit the backcountry of Mt Bandai.

Terrain Park

Officially Inawashiro has a terrain park, but perhaps it would be more aptly described as a few little hits set up in a row.

Lifts

Inawashiro Ski Resort has 7 lifts which include a hooded quad, 2 other quad chairs, and slow double chairs. A couple of the chairs are rather awkwardly placed such that a little hiking or skating is required to get to them.

The Chuo side has night skiing on a couple of the green trails, which goes until 11pm on weekends. Knock yourself out!