It may be surprising to some, but there are many ski resorts in the Chugoku Region. According to some data, there are 39 ski resorts in the Chugoku region, 17 of which are in Hiroshima Prefecture, making it the area with the most ski resorts in western Japan. While the Seto Inland Sea side of Hiroshima City, which is located in the southern part of the prefecture, has little snowfall, the northern part of Hiroshima City has snowfall every year, especially along the Chugoku Mountains, and it is not unusual for the snow to reach meters in size. This is why there are many ski resorts in the area, and many people from Shikoku, Kyushu, and other neighboring regions visit the area every winter season on ski trips. This month’s article introduces some of the most popular ski resorts and new information!

Ohorakan Snow Park

　This ski resort features a course that is said to have the longest ski run in Hiroshima Prefecture, allowing skiers to ski 2,500 meters at a time. Located on Mt. Sorahan, the highest peak in Hiroshima Prefecture, at an elevation of 1,346 meters, the resort offers skiing on an abundance of natural snow. 2,500 meters long, the slopes have an elevation difference of approximately 420 meters. The summit of the mountain overlooks the Sea of Japan, and if you are lucky, you may be able to enjoy a spectacular view while skiing. With a wide range of skiing for beginners and advanced skiers alike, and snow rafting available, this is a ski resort that is sure to satisfy all snow play enthusiasts.

Mega Hira Ski Resort

Located in the northwestern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Megahira Ski Resort is an authentic ski resort popular for its excellent accessibility. The slopes spread out on the 1,082-meter-high MegaHira Mountain have a main course with a maximum run length of 2,300 meters, where you can ski while enjoying the view of the mountains in the distance. The forest course allows even beginner skiers to enjoy long runs from the top. On Saturday evenings, night skiing and all-night hours are available for those who want to enjoy skiing for a longer period of time. There are also day-trip lodging facilities on the premises, so we recommend warming up in the open-air baths after a day of skiing!

Daisen White Resort

　Leaving the ski resorts of Hiroshima Prefecture, we next introduce a popular ski resort in Tottori Prefecture. Daisen White Resort is a slope with a view of the ocean, where you can ski while enjoying the spectacular view of the mountains and the sea. There are seven courses, which can be enjoyed by beginner to advanced skiers, but it is said that advanced skiers account for more than half of the total number of skiers. Among them, the “International Area” is an advanced course with a maximum slope of 30 degrees, where ski competitions are held, and you can feel as if you are diving into the Sea of Japan. Located about a 3-hour drive from Hiroshima and Osaka, this is a highly satisfying ski resort where you can fully enjoy powder snow, so be sure to experience it for yourself.

Mizuho Highland Ski Resort

　The last ski resort we would like to introduce is one of the largest in western Japan, located in Shimane Prefecture. With a difference in elevation of 721 meters, you can enjoy a wide variety of dynamic courses with a maximum slope of 38 degrees, a long course 3,600 meters from the top of the mountain, and deep snow courses. With 13 courses, you will never get bored throughout the day. There are also well-balanced courses for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers, so of course it is possible to enjoy skiing with the whole family. In addition, glamping facilities have recently been built, and there are plans to install trailer saunas and goemon baths to be enjoyed outdoors in the future. And with a river running next door, you can even take a dip in the river after your sauna to get in shape! Taking advantage of this natural environment, two saunas have already been installed in the forest, which we recommend for an extraordinary experience. Please keep an eye out for new information in the future, as you will be able to experience not only skiing, but also Finnish-style saunas.

Most ski resorts in the Chugoku region are open from December to March each year, but depending on the year, they may not be open or some courses may be closed. There are ski resorts that vary in terms of content, conditions, etc., so we hope you will check the business conditions well in advance, and by all means, visit and enjoy the ski resorts!