Iwate Prefecture’s Okunakayama Kogen Ski Resort offers a total of eleven ski zones that take advantage of the mountain’s natural terrain. Zones are clearly separated with intermediate and advanced slopes starting at the summit and beginner slopes found at the base. Located in a region of Iwate with heavy snow, the mountain’s base elevation rests at 650 meters while summit elevation is at 1018 meters-creating a whopping 368-meter vertical drop. This enables you to enjoy superb powder snow during the resort’s skiing season. At the top of the mountain, the advanced snow zones known as Hayabusa and Tsubame await-offering non-compacted powder snow. What’s more, at base elevation, hot springs can be found at either the management centre or at a facility called Centre House. This is perfect for those who want to warm up after skiing in the cold! The resort is also easy to access by train-with a “Hot Spring and Ski Trip Ticket” available for purchase when transferring onto the Iwate Ginga Railway from Morioka Station.