The biggest topics of the '24 season. Connected Arutsu Bandai and Nekoma
Hoshino Resorts Arutsu Bandai and Hoshino Resorts Nekoma.
These two major ski resorts representing Fukushima Prefecture are connected by a connecting lift, and this winter, they have been renamed Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain. Nekomagatake, which stretches from Mt. Aizu Bandai, has a total ski area of 189ha spanning north and south. With 33 courses and 13 lifts, this is the birth of a big slope that boasts some of the best specs in Japan.
As you know, Alts Bandai and Nekoma are both popular ski resorts with strong fan bases.
Arutsu Bandai is attractive for its wide range of course variations, the beautiful scenery overlooking Mt. Aizu Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, and the excellent food and beverage service.
On the other hand, Nekoma, located in the Urabandai area on the north side of Mt. Bandai, is a ski resort whose development site was determined after more than 10 years of weather and topography research. The reasons for its popularity include the perfect snow conditions, a course layout that looks compact at first glance but is actually deep, and each course offering great skiing.
These two ski resorts were actually built on the south side (Artu Bandai) and north side (Nekoma) of the same mountain, and were located back to back, right next to each other, with the summit as the border.
Up until now, it was difficult to imagine because the access routes were so different, but if you expand the map, it becomes obvious. The tops of both ski resorts were the closest, only about 700 meters apart in a straight line.
That's what caught the eye of Hoshino Resorts representative Yoshiji Hoshino.
As you may know, Mr. Hoshino is known as a big ski enthusiast, and despite his busy work schedule, he continues to ski with the goal of 70 skiing days a year.
From Hoshino's point of view, it seemed inevitable that the two ski resorts, which run north and south, would be connected, leaving only a small distance. Mr. Hoshino believed that if realized, it would create immeasurable value for ski resort users, businesses, and the region.
Needless to say, this was my perspective as a skilled manager who has been entrusted with rebuilding resort facilities all over the country, and at the same time, my expectations from the perspective of an avid skier, who said the variety of courses would more than double. Nor.
The story of how the two ski resorts were connected is now revealed
Alts Bandai Ski Resort, which opened in 1992 at the height of the ski boom, went bankrupt with the bursting of the bubble economy and the end of the boom, and Hoshino Resorts took over its management in 2003.
That was 20 years ago. Five years later, in 2008, Hoshino Resorts also took over the management of what was then Urabandai Nekoma Ski Resort. What emerged was a dream plan to connect the two ski resorts at the top and integrate them into one. However, a harsh reality awaited them. Hoshino says.
“When we took over the management of Nekoma in 2008, we thought about connecting Arutsu Bandai and Nekoma in the future.In fact, the plan was to get global investors interested in the region. I also used it as an explanatory material for the project.After a year or two of planning, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, and that was no longer possible.''
After the earthquake, the hotel was closed for about a year in order to accommodate the victims, but the biggest problem was the reputational damage caused by the nuclear accident.
"At that time, it was said that parents would object to just going to a ski resort in Fukushima Prefecture. Because of this, we predicted that demand would be less than half. As someone involved in the tourism industry, it was a very difficult situation. However, the real thrill of the tourism industry is to do something about it. Overcoming the negative reputational damage caused by the nuclear power plant accident, I have made it my life's work to make tourism in this region sustainable."
Arutsu Bandai and Nekoma's ``revitalization'' project began in 2014, when ski resorts began to see a gradual return of customers.
Efforts to connect the two ski resorts also began at this time. Although the two ski resorts are only a short distance apart, since they are both located within a national park, connecting them required a very difficult permit application.
The Forestry Agency owns the national forests, the Ministry of the Environment has jurisdiction over national parks, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is responsible for building lifts. Each of these three government offices has different standards, and we hope that you will understand the significance of this project and comply with each standard. We had to adapt carefully. As I cleared them one by one, the years passed by in the blink of an eye.
Starting in 2019, a snow walking route has been set up that allows visitors to walk between the two ski resorts in just 20 minutes each way, effectively connecting the two ski resorts by sharing lift tickets.
The main purpose of this was to report the performance of connections to each regulatory agency, rather than to generate profits through connections. Count the number of people walking along a walking route, visualize user needs, and accumulate a track record of safe operation. We believed that such data would lead to a broader understanding of the significance of this connection both socially and for the tourism industry. This was the first step in connecting the two ski resorts.
After going through such hardships, the construction of the connecting lift was finally realized. Fifteen years have passed since the idea was invented.
``It feels like we've finally reached this point. Everyone who operates the tourism industry in Urabandai was also happy. When it comes to lodging in this area, there are far more beds on the Urabandai side. .One
of the major challenges for the tourism industry is the annual leveling of demand.Operating rooms in Urabandai during the off-season (winter) has a big impact on the local economy.It is very difficult due to the reputational damage after the nuclear power plant accident. However, this is also one of the effective measures for recovery.It's only one connecting pair lift, but I think it's a really big step.''
Beautiful hoarfrost and beech forests deep in the south area are hard to see.
Late January 2023. Aiko Uemura was seen at Arutsu Bandai at Hoshino Resort during the high season. On this day, she was invited by Mr. Hoshino, who she has a good relationship with through skiing, and they were planning to enjoy skiing together at Alts Bandai and Nekoma.
Unfortunately, we were not blessed with good weather this morning, and half to the top of the mountain remained enveloped in thick gas. Still, Hoshino is eager to skate, saying, ``Let's ride a quad first.''
Mr. Hoshino and Mr. Uemura boarded the hooded high-speed lift ``Alz Express'' and were having a lively conversation. The skilled businessman who is sought after by the media as the savior of the tourism business, and the former world mogul queen who is bowed down to by the world's best, are the only ski enthusiasts on the lift. There's no way the story wouldn't be exciting.
From the top of the lift, you will ski along a gentle ridge course, and if you turn left midway, you will reach the upper area called the ``Valley Area,'' where two large bowl-shaped terrains are connected.
Slide down it to the bottom and board the four-seater Black Valley Express. The point where I skied into the second bowl after getting off was the planned location for the lift connecting to Nekoma Ski Resort.
Hoshino: “This is the platform for the connecting lift. From this position, you will cross the mountain ridgeline and connect to Nekoma Ski Resort. Conversely, if you ride from the Nekoma side, after crossing the ridgeline, you will descend to this position. I'm worried that some people might not like the downhill lift."
Uemura: “I think some people find it fun once they get used to it, as it feels like an attraction.When I ski training on a glacier in the summer, I often have to take a lift down a long distance on the way home, and I quite enjoyed it.”
Hoshino: “I see! Maybe you can think of it as an attraction (lol)”
As two people who love skiing, their conversations on the snow are positive and cheerful.
Next, after sliding down a gentle slope, we boarded a pair lift called the ``Rime Chair.'' It is located at the deepest part of Arutsu Bandai, and when you look back from the lift top, you can see a wonderful view of Mt. Aizu Bandai and Lake Inawashiro. However, the scenery that day remained hidden behind a white curtain. Instead, what caught my eye was the beautiful hoarfrost that turned white in the pale light.
Hoshino: ``This course around the Hoarfrost Chair has some of the best scenery in Alts Bandai, and it's steeper, so it's my favorite place.It's great when the visibility is open.''
Uemura: ``Unfortunately, I can't see the scenery, but it's a fantastic view.In Hakuba, where I usually ski, it's rare to see such beautiful hoarfrost and beech forests.''
Hoshino: “Perhaps you can enjoy the beauty of the hoarfrost and beech forests better when you can’t see Mt. Bandai. Mt. Bandai has such a large presence that when it appears, all you can see is the mountain.” will not go.”
The north area has many medium and steep slopes with well-compacted snow, making it suitable for slipping.
The entrance gate for the snow walking route that connects to Nekoma Ski Resort is located at the point where you get off the Hoarfrost Chair.
From here, it's about a 15-minute walk through a beech forest and about 800m to the top of Nekoma Ski Resort. Both sides of the walking route are guided by ropes, so there is no fear of getting lost. Although there are a few ups and downs, the entire course is mostly flat, so anyone should be able to walk with peace of mind.
The rule is to walk in ski boots and not wear skis on the walking route. For this reason, there is a simple harness at the gate that allows you to easily carry your skis on your back. Carrying skis on your back frees up your hands and allows you to walk on snowy roads while supporting yourself with both ski poles, but without one you have to carry the skis on your shoulders, so there is a big difference between having one and not having one.
Walk through the white forest in the middle of winter, stepping on the soft snow. Such an experience is rare, and the unexpected comfort will make you forget about skating for a moment.
Starting this season, most people will be traveling by the newly built connecting lift, but it looks like this walking route will remain. It is a playful message typical of Hoshino Resorts, encouraging people to enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful snowy beech forest located at the top of the ski resort.
After taking the walking route, the group skied all the courses at Nekoma Ski Resort, and then returned to the Alts Bandai side via the walking route.
The Nekoma area has many medium to steep slopes with well-compacted snow, giving the impression that the slopes are very responsive. The slopes are made of compacted dry snow, which is unique to the north side, and have good edges, allowing you to enjoy carving turns with great pleasure.
Uemura: “I knew that Mr. Hoshino was a good skier when we worked together at Tomamu before, but today, when he skied behind me, I realized that he skis on vertical lines
. My senior, who I love, skis fast because he skis like this, but I'm the type of person who tends to turn the skis, so I thought, oh, I'm going to be late, so I skied a little. I panicked. Mr. Hoshino said he was fast (lol)."
Hoshino: “No, I was quite nervous.When I skate in front of you, I have to be conscious that I don’t want people to think I’m slow.Mr. Uemura, I’m sure you think I’m slow, so that’s the only thing I want to avoid. Nato (lol)”
It's interesting that the ski resort doesn't spread out to the side, but to the back.
I took off my skis and took a breather while having a late lunch at the resort center. The two of them had been skiing the two slopes almost non-stop all morning, but they still couldn't stop talking.
Uemura: ``The snow was good because of the high altitude.Arutsu Bandai on the south side has a slightly harder compacted snow barn, and I was wondering how the snow would change at Nekoma in the back.I walked on the snow and covered half of it. As we passed, I somehow felt a change in the air, and I could feel the texture of the snow under my feet.I realized that this is what connects the front and back of the mountain
. ”
Hoshino: “That’s true. The scenery changes, and so does the quality of the snow.”
Uemura: “The ski resorts in Hakuba are side by side, and there are some examples where the two are connected, but I have never thought of one where this side of the mountain and the back side of the mountain are connected so close together. I was impressed by how interesting it was.”
Hoshino: “Rather than spreading out to the side, it spreads out to the back, which increases the feeling of being on a journey.”
Uemura: “If you ride the new lift, the scenery you see will change dramatically. Just walking there was so impressive.”
Hoshino: Do you remember that there was a little open area right after you started walking from Arutsu Bandai? The scenery there was the most amazing. Mt. Bandai was right in front of you, and Lake Inawashiro was spreading out at the foot of the mountain. There it is. If you take the lift from the Nekoma side, once you get over the ridge, that scenery will spread out in front of you."
Uemura: “I get excited just thinking about it.”
Hoshino: “The scenery is completely different from the Nekoma side.The most important thing is to have more fun on the skiing day.”
Uemura: “When you go skiing at a ski resort, you ski as much as you can in the morning, take a little break in the afternoon, and ski a few more before finishing up. I felt like one full day wouldn't be enough to ski."
Hoshino: “This is a very welcome comment for the lodging industry.”
◆
More than half a year has passed since Mr. Hoshino and Mr. Uemura enjoyed skiing together, and the connecting lift has already been completed, and all that is left is to wait for it to open.
Depending on the snow situation, the ``North Area'' on the Nekoma side will open in advance on December 1st, and the ``South Area'' on the Arutz Bandai side is scheduled to open on December 22nd.
The ``Kita Area,'' located on the north side, has an early season start as usual, and is scheduled to be open for a long time until Golden Week. However, by using the connecting lift, it is highly possible that the lifts in the upper area, where snow falls early (and remains until late), can be operated even outside the base business hours of the "south area". This is another benefit of connecting two ski resorts.
Lastly, I would like to add one more point: From a skier's perspective, it would be more natural to ski from the top of the lift to the ski area at the back, rather than from the connecting lift. In other words, I want to ski between both ski resorts. In fact, there are some terrain lines that make this possible.
However, in that case, a new ski course would be opened within the national park, even if it is just a short distance away, so it would be much more difficult to obtain permits and require a long period of time than building a single connecting lift. It's definitely a business.
However, since we are talking about Mr. Hoshino, he may naturally have such a future in mind. As those of us who love skiing, we have high hopes for the owner, who is an incomparable ski enthusiast who said, ``This is the first step.''
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Aiko Uemura
Raised in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture. He retired as a competitive athlete in April 2014, leaving behind numerous achievements such as becoming the first Japanese mogul athlete to win the overall FIS World Cup in 2008, winning the World Championship in 2009, and participating in five consecutive Winter Olympics. Currently, he is expanding his activities based on snow and skiing, including working as a TV sports commentator, and continues to ski based in Hakuba Village. In 2022, his first picture book with his own illustrations will be released. In November 2023, he was appointed Hakuba Village Tourism Ambassador.
Yoshiharu Hoshino
Born in Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture. Since 1991, he has been the representative of Hoshino Onsen (currently Hoshino Resorts). Due to his deep love for skiing and the fact that telework has become the norm, the number of days he skis has increased year by year. In line with this, his skiing goals are evolving: 60 days in 21 seasons, 65 days in 22 seasons, 80 days in 23 seasons. He also presides over the ``Hoshino Gourmet Ski Club'' with the aim of enjoying delicious food while on a ski trip, and continues to work to increase the number of skiers from the grassroots level by promoting gourmet food.
Text/Chikara Terakura
Photo/Go Ito
Information
Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain
6838-68 Kiyohiro, Oaza Sarashina, Bandai-cho, Yama-gun,
Fukushima 969-3396 (south area) 1163 Nekomayama Hibara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, 969-2701 (north area)
Official website: https:// www.nekoma.co.jp/
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