Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain, one of Japan’s largest ski resorts and one of three major ski destinations operated by Hoshino Resorts, is expanding its accommodation offering for the 2026–27 ski season to cater to a wider range of travel styles and budgets.
Opening on 12 January 2027, BunkLodge NEKOMA by Hoshino Resorts is a new, affordable accommodation option designed for groups of friends who put riding first. Together with the resort’s existing hotel and car-stay plans, it gives visitors more ways to enjoy the slopes, whether they prioritise time on the mountain, comfort or flexibility.
Located in Fukushima Prefecture, approximately three hours from Tokyo, NEKOMA Mountain sits at the foot of Mount Bandai and extends across the mountain’s North and South Areas. The former Alts Bandai resort in the south and Nekoma Snow Park in the north were merged in 2023 and connected by a new lift, creating one expansive ski destination.
Today, the resort offers 33 courses, making it particularly well suited to intermediate and advanced skiers while still providing plenty of options for beginners. The resort is known for its exceptionally fine, dry powder snow and a more relaxed atmosphere than some of Japan’s busiest ski destinations. Abundant snowfall supports a long season, typically running from early December through early May.
In 2025, NEKOMA Mountain and Mt. T by joined the Ikon Pass network, giving pass holders access to these Japanese ski destinations as part of their wider skiing adventures.
From multi-day riding trips with friends to relaxing winter getaways and flexible road trips, discover four ways to stay at NEKOMA Mountain.
- New Affordable Accommodation for Dedicated Riders
BunkLodge NEKOMA by Hoshino Resorts is a new accommodation option on the slopes of the resort’s South Area. With a simple, functional style focused on the facilities riders need at an affordable price, it is an ideal base for groups of friends who want to spend as much time as possible on the mountain.
The reopening also marks a new chapter for a facility that had remained closed since the Great East Japan Earthquake, bringing renewed life to the property amid growing demand for multi-night stays and longer ski trips.
Rooms accommodate four or six guests, making the lodge particularly suitable for groups looking to keep costs down by sharing. The Standard Plan, based on six guests sharing a room, starts from JPY 3,200 per person per night. For longer stays, the five-night Special Plan starts from JPY 2,560 per person per night, offering even better value for guests planning an extended riding trip.
Rider-friendly facilities include a drying room and a tune-up corner, helping guests prepare their gear for the day ahead and make the most of their time on the slopes.
- A Full Resort Experience at Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
For guests who want to balance time on the slopes with relaxation and local experiences, Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts offers a more comprehensive resort stay.
With direct access to the slopes, the hotel combines convenient skiing with opportunities to unwind and discover the local area. Guests can enjoy meals featuring Aizu cuisine, relax in the natural hot springs, or explore local food culture through Aizu Izakaya GO, a programme featuring izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) recommended by hotel staff.
Practical touches make the stay even more convenient for riders, including a 2:00 PM checkout, giving guests more time to pack at a relaxed pace after their final day on the slopes, and a WAX Bar open 24 hours a day.
With skiing, regional cuisine and hot spring relaxation all in one place, guests can enjoy a winter getaway that balances time on the mountain with comfort and downtime.
- Car-Stay Plans for Flexible, Independent Travel
For travellers who value flexibility, NEKOMA Mountain offers car-stay plans that allow guests to spend the night in their own vehicle or campervan. The dedicated overnight parking area is located directly in front of the slopes, making it easy to get an early start on the mountain.
Guests can also use selected facilities at Bandaisan Onsen Hotel, including the hot springs and lounge. Plans that include campervan rental are also available, giving visitors another way to combine the freedom of a road trip with convenient access to the resort.
Whether travelling in their own vehicle or a rental campervan, guests can enjoy a flexible stay with the added benefit of access to hotel facilities.
- Explore More Ski Areas Through Local Partnerships
The Aizu-Bandai Snow Resort Alliance was established in December 2023, following the selection of three municipalities—Aizuwakamatsu City, Bandai Town and Kitashiobara Village—as a model area under the Japan Tourism Agency’s project to develop international snow resorts.
Through the alliance, NEKOMA Mountain is working with nearby accommodation providers and other facilities in the North Area, renowned for its powder snow, to create a more convenient and seamless ski experience for visitors.
Located near the North Area, Urabandai Lake Resort offers staying guests access to ski rental facilities, changing rooms and a cloakroom. From the 2026–27 season, Mercure Urabandai Resorts & Spa will also feature an official NEKOMA Mountain rental corner.
At both hotels, guests can prepare for their day on the slopes in the comfort of the hotel, allowing them to spend less time queuing at busy rental counters and more time enjoying the snow.
As part of the alliance’s initiatives, the free Urabandai Area Ski Shuttle, which connects the two ski areas, EN Resort Grandeco and NEKOMA Mountain, via local hotels, is scheduled to continue operating. The shuttle makes it easy for guests staying at nearby hotels to access both ski areas and enjoy a wider range of winter experiences.
