Situated on Mt. Moriyoshi in Kitaakita, Ani Ski Resort (森吉山阿仁スキー場) is an up-and-coming destination for winter enthusiasts. The resort’s secluded location, heavy snowfall, and rare sceneries make it an ideal place to escape the crowds and lose oneself in nature. The relatively small resort has a no-frills atmosphere that fully focuses on skiing and snowboarding. Its main attractions are its remarkable juhyo, beginner to advanced courses, and powder snow backcountry opportunities. Ani Ski Resort’s ski season generally runs from early December to late March.
Juhyo, or “snow monsters” in English, are trees with alternating layers of wind-blown ice and snow. This natural phenomenon turns trees into massive, creature-like figures and forests into monster-filled hordes. Mt. Moriyoshi, along with Zao in Yamagata Prefecture and Hakkoda in Aomori Prefecture, is one of the three best places in Japan to witness juhyo. You can typically see juhyo between early January and early March. During juhyo season, Ani Ski Resort rents out boots, snowshoes, Japanese-style snowshoes, and poles, so you are well equipped to walk among the giants. You can admire the hulking beings during the day or witness their illuminated silhouettes at night. Just the presence of juhyo is a testament to how cold Akita’s winters are and how excellent its snow is.
In terms of skiing and snowboarding, Ani Ski Resort has five courses—three beginner and two intermediate—that are easily accessible via a gondola and two chairlifts. For experienced snow sports enthusiasts, the resort’s greatest lure is its tree skiing and backcountry opportunities. Please note that these more advanced options require route-finding skills or a guide.
For more casual skiers and snowboarders, the resort has a small retail shop and offers rental gear, so you don’t need to worry about packing equipment. When you need a break, the cafeteria area offers inexpensive and delicious lunches that are guaranteed to energize you.
With its minimal crowds and high-quality powder snow, Ani Ski Resort is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. In recent years, as more tourists become aware of the adverse effects of overtourism, this less-visited ski resort has become a popular alternative to Zao.
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Mt. Moriyoshi is one of the three best places in Japan to witness juhyo, which are trees with alternating layers of wind-blown ice and snow. You can typically see juhyo between early January and early March.
Ani Ski Resort has five courses—three beginner and two intermediate—that are easily accessible via a gondola and two chairlifts. For experienced snow sports enthusiasts, the resort’s greatest lure is its tree skiing and backcountry opportunities.
You can arrive empty handed! Ani Ski Resort rents out clothing, gloves, goggles, hats, skis, snowboards, boots, snowscoots, sleds, tubes, and snowshoe and pole sets.
Ani Ski Resort is best accessed by car. From Akita Station, it is about a 1.5-hour drive.