Kashimayari
These three resorts combine to form a great area accessible with one lift pass, just a free shuttle bus ride away.
- Lifts 22
- Runs 42% Beginner 35% Intermediate 23% Expert
- Longest run 5km
- Steepest run 38
- Elevation Top 1550m
- Base 740m
- Night skiing Yes
From the lodge, it is a 30-minute ride by free shuttle bus.
The runs are beautifully set above Lake Aokiko, which is one of the cleanest, bluest lakes in Japan. Sun Alpina Kashimayari resort, at the southern end of the chain, has commanding views of Mount Kashimayari. Sun Alpina Kashimayari also has the best night skiing in the valley, although it can be a bit difficult to get to at night.
Beginner
With its wide network of beginner runs, Sanosaka and Aokiko are some of the best places in the valley to hit once you've progressed from the bunny slopes. You can enjoy the ever-expanding lake vista as you ski further south from Sanosaka.
Intermediates
The Sanosaka and Aokiko sides have some good intermediate runs, but Kashimayari is the best place in the area for intermediates. It features some great, long, winding runs down from the highest point in the area to the Kashimayari base station.
Experts
There is a smattering of black runs across the area to provide a challenge for the expert skier, including some great powder areas in the trees. On a powder day, you can have fresh tracks all day because the runs are so empty. At Sanosaka, there is an ungroomed black run for powder hunters and a specially made Olympic mogul course.
Freestyle
The best park in the area is at Sanosaka, which offers a 4-way big kicker, a good selection of 9 different rails, and a boardercross course.
Backcountry
There are some good options off the top of the Kashimayari lift. It is highly recommended that you go with a guide (Evergreen Outdoor Centre, just around the corner from us, offers this service) or be fully versed in avalanche theory. Always carry a shovel, probe, and beacon, and ride with friends who carry the same if you venture into the backcountry.