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Iwate Kogen's slick modern gondolas are one of the longest in Tohoku, taking you rapidly up 2.6 km to the top of the mountain. Passengers sit facing outwards so you can enjoy the breath-taking views of the mountain ranges and Morioka city.
You can catch the free shuttle bus to Iwate Kogen Snowpark from the Morioka station bus terminal. Journey takes about 50mins and you need to book a slot the day before. Its a small bus so all gear needs to be carried on board.
The recommended beef stewed in dark beer. You get a choice of 2 types of beef. I chose the Iwate shorthorn cattle, a local breed whose meat is leaner and harder to find on menus. This was cooked to perfection.
There is a selection of beer tasting menus. I went for the 3 dark beers which included the award winning Schwarz, milk coffee stout and coffee stout.
Baeren's main restaurant is located on the basement level and has a full selection of their brews on tap and a gourmet menu.
Iwate Kogen's beginner courses are ideally suited for beginners. The St Moritz course is wide and open, super mellow with different trails to keep things interesting. Kids can't get lost here. The chair lift is so low even the little ones could get on it without a problem.
There is a large walk up sledding zone to keep kids entertained just outside the resort center.
Another great combo. Baeren's chocolate milk stout and fried chicken. Perfect snack after returning from the slopes.
The Bismarck pizza from the Piric ctan cafe. It is topped with an onsen egg. Reminded me of the Aussie pizza.
The Oni burger from Soft Burger. Was trying to work out what was "demon" about this burger and realised "oni" meant fried onions. 🤦♂️
Geto's mountain information boards are updated by ski patrollers throughout the day. You can check it to see which tree runs are open or closed, how much fresh snow each course has and the state of grooming for each course.
Fantastic view from the Summit! The short hike up is worth it for a photo even if you are not dropping in.
Geto has a first tracks ticket. Only 30 are sold every morning and it’s first come first served. You get to be the first on the gondola which opens at 9am. It’s normally 1000 Yen and 1500 Yen if it has snowed more than 30cm.
This is my vote for the best ski resort food in Japan.The Lobster Ramen served in Geto is from Takemoto Shoten a famous ramen stall in Akita. Awesome shrimp broth. Nothing left in the bowl. Brings back Ichigen vibes.
In case you left your powder board at home and it is dumping. Rent powder boards and skis for the day for 4100 Yen from the Powder Terrace.
This is very cool. The Powder Terrace lets you rent and test drive powder skis and boards. They have the whole Gentemstick collection, Maverick Figures, Korua Shapes and bondinga from Salomon. For powder skis you can choose from K2 and Majesty ski collection.
It was Japan's National Foundation Day and there was a cultural dance performance known as Onikenbai - Demon Sword Dance with Taiko drumming and flutes.
