Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai, a massive resort located on one of the largest slopes in Tohoku

April 08, 2021
Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai has one of the largest slopes in the Aizu area. The rich course layout, the service quality and full-fledged lineup of surrounding facilities are all top of the line, and offer everything you would expect from a Hoshino Resorts-operated facility. While in years gone past this ski resort once had a reputation for lacking convenience due to the ineffective use of space, ever since Hoshino Resorts came on board this big resort has been streamlined to offer the ultimate in convenience and function. With a wide range of unique services on offer, such as the ’Deliciousness Guaranteed Curry’, this ski resort is filled to the brim with hidden delights sure to keep skiers coming back for more. This time, let’s take a look at some of the areas where one of the largest ski resorts in Tohoku, Alts Bandai, stands out.

An outstanding level of course variation that makes full use of the wide open space available!

The slopes at Alts Bandai
One key area where Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai stands out is the sheer number of varied course options packed into the massive slope layout.

The wide range of courses provided offer something for everyone, from narrow, sharply deviating courses that make for a thrilling skiing experience, to wide open courses that allow for a relaxing descent down the mountain, and courses that gradually slope downwards while presenting magnificent scenic views. There is even a course for long runs in the 3,000 meter range.

A rest point made out of a drum can
There is a total of 22 courses on offer. The mountainside is split into the Main area, Valley area, Peak area and Frozen area, allowing for a broad selection of courses. There is an abundant array of extravagant courses that can be enjoyed solo, as a couple, or as a family.

The ski lifts have a large carrying capacity, cutting down on congestion

Wide open slope
Not only does Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai offer a great deal of wide open space, the placement of the ski lifts has also been exquisitely designed. In particular, the significant carrying capacity of the ski lifts connecting the foot of the mountain with the peak has established a bit of a reputation, making zipping around this large open course a stress-free experience.

Wide variety of family-friendly services on offer

Day-care center
One of the reasons Alts Bandai remains a popular attraction for families is the broad range of services available to families with small children. The main car park turns into a dedicated parking area for families on weekdays when it tends to get a bit more busy, making the approach to the slope a stress-free experience.

The slopes also come equipped with a day-care center looking after children one year of age and above. The day-care center service is provided on a time-slot basis to serve every need, from looking after kids while shopping for rental equipment, to nursery services for half the day.

Full lineup of other snow activities besides skiing

Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai also has a whole host of other ways to enjoy the snow besides skiing and snowboarding.

Observation platform
The Mt. Bandai observation gallery is an observation deck that offers the best views of Mt. Bandai’s majestic figure. This is an extremely popular tourist spot, even without skis, for those looking to trek up to the peak of the mountain.

Snow trekking
The ‘snowfield adventure’ gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the great outdoors on a snowy mountainside. The light equipment requirements make this a highly popular attraction for families. Everything needed for this light travel plan is available at the rental shop! Put on some snowshoes and venture forth to places normally off limits on a snowy mountain.

Seek out animal trails, take commemorative photos amidst picturesque landscapes, and engage in snow fights - there is just so much to see and do! These are all popular ways to form unforgettable memories of your travels.

Snow rafting
There are also a whole host of other activities lined up, including snow rafting in rubber boats and snowcat rides that take you down areas of non-compacted snow. Be sure to check it out!

‘Deliciousness Guaranteed Curry’, the number one slope dining choice

Ski slope
The slopes feature a wide range of restaurants and large-scale food court stores dishing up generous servings of your chosen dish, as well as cafes perfect for a short break. Among this, the curry served at ‘Bandai Shokudo’ inside the resort center is a particularly popular menu item.

Deliciousness Guaranteed Curry
This unique campaign reveals a level of confidence and dedication to producing a great tasting curry dish rarely seen elsewhere, offering patrons their money back if they are not fully satisfied with the taste at first bite. While a little on the expensive side, this dish is sure to fill even the emptiest of stomachs. The cutlet curry and beef curry menu items remain ever popular choices for young skiers going wild on the slopes!

Some veteran skiers even recommend these slope menu choices above all else at Alts Bandai. Why not drop by and satisfy your appetite with a delectable slope dish?

Notes on access

Jumping skier
The site can be reached fairly easily by either car or train. Catching the Shinkansen and transferring to the free shuttle bus leaving from Koriyama Station can have you at the ski resort in about three hours. While a day trip from the Tokyo metropolitan area is not completely out of the question, staying the night is recommended if you want to get the most out of the ski resort.

By the way, the Bandaisan Onsen Hotel is located right near the slope. Although renowned for its outstanding level of service, the hotel is a little on the expensive side. Those looking to save on accommodations might be better served looking for lodgings in the guesthouse district at the bottom of the slope.

Skiers holding hands
The Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai Snow Resort offers both one of the largest slopes in the Tohoku region, and a vast array of services catering to the needs of all skiers. The lineup of services offered to satisfy all skiers, young and old, male and female, simply leaves nothing to be desired.

There is a particularly well fleshed-out range of special offers for families, making this the perfect resort for those hoping to have their kids practice on a wide-open slope. Why not come by the Aizuwakamatsu area to have an unforgettable skiing experience at Alts Bandai?

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. 23rd to Mar. 26th
Courses22
Lifts8
Longest run distance2,500 m
Maximum gradient37 °
Courses22
Lifts8
Longest run2,500 m
Maximum37 °