Less than 2 hours from Tokyo, Hunter Mountain Shiobara features gourmet foods and onsen

April 08, 2021
Located deep in the mountains of Shiobara in Tochigi Prefecture, Hunter Mountain Shiobara is the largest snow resort in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It offers wide-open ski slopes. The area is easily reached in less than two hours from Tokyo on the Tohoku Shinkansen. This helps to attract many families and skiers every year. A free shuttle bus is available from Nasushiobara, the nearest train station, to Hunter Mountain Shiobara. This makes reaching the resort a breeze, even with oversized baggage. A portion of the runs were recently updated in 2017 with the distance largely increased by between 600 and 1,000 meters. Shorter distances would otherwise require repeated ascents by ski lift after skiing down hill. With 12 different runs available, including a kids only area and practice area for intermediate to advanced skiers, you’ll find plenty of fun and thrills. The runs here are sure to please everyone from beginner to advanced.

3,000-meter thrilling downhill run

Map of the slopes
The biggest attraction of Hunter Mountain Shiobara each year has to be the long distance downhill run that spans 3,000 meters. The view from the peak at an elevation of 1,600 meters features the magnificent mountains of Tochigi. You may just become mesmerized by the view and forget about the time.

Going all the way down the steep slope on the run will give your body the chill and thrill of winter. As you approach the second half of the run, you’ll find more and more trees on either side. You can enjoy skiing while embracing the feeling of being one with nature.

Inside the snow park
Hunter Mountain Shiobara is jam packed with exciting attractions that are sure to tickle the fancy of experienced skiers. If you want to experience cruising while exercising your skills rather than simply gliding down the hill, we recommend the Snow Park located on the slopes at Hunter Mountain Shiobara.

The pipe and mini pipe on the half-cylinder-shaped course is a popular attraction among snowboarders, where they can practice jumping, spinning, and doing somersaults using the snow wall.

The slalom trail, which is also used for ski competitions, offers up obstacles to avoid to help hone your skills and take them to the next level. Hunter Mountain Shiobara offers many unique attractions that you can’t find anywhere else. Be sure to check them out.

Enjoy the thrill of snow rafting with your kids


Reference: https://twitter.com/happy_hakochan/status/959934329890643968
Snow rafting is a popular attraction at Hunter Mountain Shiobara, providing the thrill of flying through the snow at high speed. Snow rafting is a thrilling, high speed snow activity that involves a rider onboard a rubber raft getting towed behind a snowmobile.

While on the raft towed behind the snowmobile, you can enjoy the climb up the snow mountain as everything else beneath gradually becomes smaller. It’s quite comparable to a sightseeing flight above the clouds.

Dashing through the snow on a rapidly descending slope features sharp turns that throw your body side to side as well as bumps along the way that will send you flying up in the air. The ride is full of thrills evident from the laughter and screams. Don’t miss this spectacular experience.

Hantama Plaza, a beginner-friendly slope for kids.


Reference: https://twitter.com/hiroki_102088/status/962462460308434944
Hantama Plaza is recommended for families who want their child to start out on a slope, rather than simply playing in the snow. This area designed for children getting ready to head out on a real ski slope provides amenities including rubber poles and arches.

The practice area also features obstacles with Hunter Mountain Shiobara’s original mascot character, which makes practicing fun for the little ones. Hantama Plaza is completely surrounded by a safety net to prevent children from leaving the area, as well as to stop skiers or snowboarders from suddenly entering the area.

【Details】
Hantama Plaza
Opening Hours: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Price: free

Taste Tochigi’s famous naturally-raised Nasu pork

Famous pork loin cutlet curry
Treat yourself to one of the restaurants on the slopes after enjoying a day of skiing or snow activities. Hunter Mountain Shiobara offers an extensive range of menu items, from ramen to pizza, and omelet rice.

You should definitely try the dish made with Tochigi’s famous Nasu pork. Nasu pork is raised in the wide-open natural spaces of Tochigi with rye for feed, producing a sweet and fatty tasting meat that is tender and juicy.

Madison, located mid-slope, serves up dishes made with Nasu pork. Nasu pork loin cutlet curry features curry made with delicious vegetables. One bite into the crispy yet juicy breaded pork will leave you wanting more. The medium-spiced curry base will tickle your throat and warm your body from within after a day out in the cold.

【Details】
Madison
Opening hours: Weekdays: 10:00am - 3:00pm / Weekends and national holidays: 10:00am - 3:00pm

Rejuvenate with a relaxing onsen bath after skiing


Reference: https://twitter.com/ookikufrikabute/status/936424570029973504
Although we couldn’t cover everything in this article, Hunter Mountain Shiobara offers a full slate of attractions including a day-care center on the slopes, as well as over 800 types of rental wear. Just a two-hour train ride from Tokyo, this ski resort offers plenty of time to ski or snowboard, whether it’s a day trip or overnight stay.

【Details】
Hunter Mountain Shiobara
Address: Yumoto Shiobara Azamaekuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00am - 4:45pm

Pricing information and schedule may not be up to date and are subject to change without notice. Please check before your trip.

Related ski resorts
Dec. 1st to Apr. 7th
Courses12
Lifts6
Longest run distance3,000 m
Maximum gradient25 °
Courses12
Lifts6
Longest run3,000 m
Maximum25 °

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