Gassan Pole Pole
Gassan Pole Pole Farm offers lovely accommodation in cottages, along with evening meals in the main lodge. Pronounced “pol-e pol-e” the family run property makes a great base for winter activities, whether that be learning to ski, snowshoeing, or backcountry skiing pursuits on the sacred three mountains of Dewa of Yudonosan, Haguro-san and Gassan.
You can stay at Gassan Pole Pole Farm as part of
Gassan Ski trips that can include guided ski touring, snowcat shuttles, and ski resort hopping.
Where is Gassan Pole Pole?
Gassan Pole Pole is located in the
Yamagata Prefecture near the base of the iconic Mt Gassan that’s famous for being one of the snowiest spots in Japan. It’s a 10 minute drive to trailheads for Mt Gassan and Yudonosan backcountry touring.
If driving, it is only 5 minutes from the Gassan interchange of the Yamagata Expressway.
If coming via train from Tokyo or elsewhere, there are shuttles available from the Yamagata train station during winter.
On arrival at the lodge, the staff will transport your luggage to your cottage via oversnow.
Distances to ski areas:
- Gassan Ski Area – 8km to the north – lift opens in spring
- Yudonosan – 20km northwest (20 minute drive) - good for beginners and intermediates
- Nishikawa Chomin – 1 lift & 3 courses – open for night skiing and open weekends - 20 minute drive – mellow slopes
- Zao Onsen – 70km southeast – 1 hour drive
- Asahi Shizenkan – 49km southeast – 1 hour drive
There is also a very mellow slope at Gassan Pole Pole with a ropetow which is ideal for novices learning to ski.
Cottages
The cottages are located just a short walk from the main lodge, giving you a sense of privacy.
All cottages have a bathroom with amenities provided and wifi, and plenty of windows so you can appreciate the snowy scenes outside.
Cottage 1 & 2
- 60㎡, maximum 6 persons
- Kitchenette including coffee machine, microwave, fridge
- Dining table & chairs
- Lounge area
- 2 single beds downstairs
- Bed room (130cmx200cm ×2 beds) & tatami room upstairs
Cottages 3&4
- 55㎡, maximum 6 persons
- Kitchen
- Bedroom 1 (130cmx200cm x 2 units)
- Bedroom 2 (97cmx195cm x 2, 2 bunk beds)
Cottages 5&6
-
50㎡, maximum 6 persons
- No kitchen
- It can accommodate 2 people in the bedroom on the first floor, 2 people in the bedroom on the second floor, and 2 people with futons in the loft.
- Living room, dining room
- Master bedroom (100cmx195cm x 2)
- Second bedroom (100cmx195cm x 2) on the 2nd floor
- Loft with futons
Cottage 7
- The cottage has two halves, each with a bathroom
- 130㎡, maximum 12 persons
- Jacuzzi bath
- Coffee machine, microwave, fridge, kettle
- Living room, dining room
- Bedroom 1 (100cmx195cm x 4 units)
- Bedroom 2 (100cmx195cm x 3 units)
- Bedroom 3 (100cmx195cm x 2 units)
- Tatami room (4.5 tatami mats)
Facilities
For relaxation after a day out in the snow, there is a hot bath that you can book for private use. It is warm onsen water that’s heated more to reach a lovely soaking temperature.
The main lodge has a cosy lounge area where you sit in front of the fire or get a drink.
Meals
A breakfast box will be delivered to your cottage in the morning. It may include housemade bread, an egg dish, sausage, ham, vegetables, yoghurt, fruit, cheese and jams. Juice is included along with coffee.
There are various options for dinner in the main lodge. Set menu meals may include shabu shabu, wagyu beef grill.
Pizzas can be delivered to your cottage.
Drinks are available from the bar. Dinner needs to be pre-booked a few days in advance.
Activities
- Very mellow slope with ropetow for novice skiers
- Ski instructor available for lessons
- Backcountry guide for ski touring or splitboarding at nearby mountains
- Snowshoeing – use of snowshoes is free for guests and you can snowshoe around the area yourself or get a guide for snowshoe trekking
- Snowcat tours
- Banana boat rides – inflatables towed behind snowmobile