[Summer Skiing x Mt. Gassan] Not just for winter! A never-ending season for true ski lovers

ADDRESS：〒990-0734 山形県西村山郡西川町志津姥沢
OPEN：08:00
CLOSE：16:30
OTHER：電話番号： 0237-75-2025

reference：https://www.gassankanko.jp/summer-ski/

[Good news for winter skiers!] Summer skiing at Mt. Gassan means no off-season! Enjoy the spectacular natural snow slopes and soothe yourself in Gassan Shizu Onsen for an unforgettable experience. A summer mecca where you can ski to your heart’s content even during the off-season!

1. No more off-season! Summer skiing and Mt. Gassan are great options

1-1.Do you think skiing is only for winter?

reference：https://www.gassan-info.com/spot/26

Skiing is not just a winter sport. You can enjoy summer skiing at Mt. Gassan.

Mt. Gassan is located in a heavy snow area, and the snow that accumulates during the winter does not melt easily, so you can ski from April to July. Even within Japan, there are very few places where you can ski on natural snow in the summer.

For example, even in June, there is still plenty of snow left on the slopes at Gassan Ski Resort, and the low temperatures caused by the high altitude make for comfortable skiing. This allows you to enjoy skiing in a different way than in winter.

There’s no need to give up just because the ski season is over. Enjoy skiing all year round with summer skiing at Mt. Gassan!

1-2. It doesn’t end in April! Mt. Gassan, a summer mecca for true ski lovers

Mt. Gassan is known as a “summer ski mecca” where true ski enthusiasts gather.

Ski enthusiasts from all over the country visit to hone their skills during the off-season. It’s especially popular as a summer ski training ground among competitive skiers, freestyle skiers, and backcountry enthusiasts.

From May to July, many ski shops hold camps on Mt. Gassan, offering lessons to improve their skills. Skiers gather to train on the natural mogul slopes and enjoy freeriding, and the slopes are so lively that it’s hard to believe it’s the off-season.

For serious ski enthusiasts who just can’t get enough of winter, summer skiing at Mt. Gassan is the best

1-3. Even advanced skiers go there! What makes “Summer Skiing x Mt. Gassan” so special?

reference：https://yamagatakanko.com/attractions/detail_12472.html

What makes summer skiing at Mt. Gassan special is the environment it offers for advanced skiers.

Mt. Gassan Ski Resort offers a wide range of natural slopes, rather than the man-made slopes found at most ski resorts. This allows you to hone your off-piste (ungroomed runs) and mogul-heavy skiing skills.

Towards the latter half of the season, moguls of all sizes form on the runs, requiring more technical skiing. For this reason, advanced and professional skiers from all over Japan come to Mt. Gassan for their off-season training. Many snowboarders also visit, and while there are no half-pipes or kickers, freeriding that makes use of the natural terrain is popular.

Mt. Gassan is a rare opportunity for advanced skiers to get “real on-snow training.” Skiers and snowboarders who find winter alone unsatisfying are encouraged to try summer skiing at Mt. Gassan.

2. This is amazing! Summer skiing is only possible at Mt. Gassan

2-1. Why can you ski in the summer?

reference：https://rtrp.jp/articles/125883/

Summer skiing is possible on Mt. Gassan. The reason for this is its unique climate and topography.

Mt. Gassan is one of Japan’s snowiest regions, with large amounts of snow accumulating during the winter and remaining unmelted throughout spring and summer. Located at an altitude of over 1,600 meters, ski resorts maintain their snow quality for a long time thanks to the low temperatures, allowing skiing until July. Furthermore, Mt. Gassan’s snow is compacted, dense, and low in moisture, making it less likely to become slushy.

In fact, Mt. Gassan Ski Resort opens in April and continues to welcome skiers and snowboarders through July. May and June are particularly stable snowfall periods, making this the peak season for ski enthusiasts. Another major attraction is the cool summer temperatures due to the high altitude, allowing for comfortable skiing.

Mt. Gassan’s unique topography and climate make summer skiing possible. It’s a place where you can enjoy an exceptional skiing experience that defies the concept of off-season.

2-2. No more “off-season”! A special experience for ski lovers

reference：https://www.gassan-info.com/event/64

Summer skiing on Mt. Gassan has a special charm that never lets you feel the off-season.

While many ski resorts close in April, the full-fledged ski season begins at Mt. Gassan. The area offers ideal conditions for improving your technique, including off-piste (ungroomed natural slopes) and the mogul slopes that form towards the end of the season. Ski enthusiasts from all over Japan also flock here, providing ample opportunities to meet new friends through summer skiing.

In June, ski shops host training camps, attracting many racers and mogul skiers. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders also visit, enjoying the unique natural terrain of Mt. Gassan. Another major attraction is the opportunity to relax in Gassan Shizu Onsen after a day of skiing.

Mt. Gassan is a ski mecca that defies the concept of an off-season. Even after the winter season ends, ski lovers continue to gather here to enjoy the ultimate skiing experience. If you want to enjoy skiing even more, summer skiing on Mt. Gassan is a must-try!

3. What kind of courses are there? Basic information about Gassan Ski Resort

3-1. Course guide: Beginners are welcome! Great for advanced skiers too!

reference：http://skimt.s93.xrea.com/dangan/2011/20110503gassan/gassan.html

Gassan Ski Resort offers a wide variety of runs for beginners to advanced skiers.

Gassan Ski Resort’s courses are designed to take advantage of the natural terrain, offering a wide range of skiable terrain and a perfect environment for skiers of all levels. Rather than groomed slopes, many slopes feature natural, unpacked snow, creating a unique skiing experience.

・For beginners: The area in front of Ubasawa Lodge offers relatively gentle slopes, making it a great place for beginners to practice.

・For intermediate skiers: Mt. Gassan’s famous “large slope” features a vast run with a maximum gradient of 30 degrees. Natural moguls are likely to form, making it ideal for mogul practice.

・For advanced skiers: The Ushikubi slope requires a hike (climbing the slope while wearing skis), but it’s a great place to enjoy pristine snow. With many steep slopes and uneven terrain, it’s the perfect place to test your skiing skills.

Gassan Ski Resort is the perfect place for beginners to start skiing, and also an attractive place for advanced skiers to hone their skills. It is especially ideal for skiers who want to practice on mogul slopes.

3-2. Access and lift fees

reference：https://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/tamayaseimen/diary/201604200000/

Gassan Ski Resort is attractive for its easy access and affordable lift fees.

Located in Nishikawa Town, Yamagata Prefecture, Gassan Ski Resort can be reached relatively smoothly via the Yamagata Expressway. The reasonable lift fees also make it a great value for summer skiing.

Access

From the Gassan IC on the Yamagata Expressway, it takes approximately 20 minutes via National Route 112 to reach the resort.

You can easily climb the slopes with summer tires.

However, due to the winding, narrow roads, we do not recommend large vehicles.

The parking lot (Ubazawa Parking Lot) can accommodate approximately 300 cars, and a 1,000 yen per car environmental beautification contribution is required.

It is also about a 15-minute hike up the mountain from the parking lot, so we recommend bringing a backpack.

Lift Fees (2024 Season):

One-Day Pass: Adults ¥5,500 / Children ¥4,000

Half-Day Pass (Morning & Afternoon): Adults ¥4,000 / Children ¥3,000

Seven-Ride Pass: Adults ¥4,500 / Children ¥3,000

Single-Ride Pass: Adults ¥800 / Children ¥500

Gassan Ski Resort’s convenient access and affordable lift fees further enhance its appeal. It’s especially popular with skiers as a rare opportunity to enjoy summer skiing.

4. Relax in a hot spring after summer skiing! Recommended accommodations around Mt. Gassan

4-1.”It’s not just skiing!” – Mt. Gassan also has hot springs!

reference：https://www.gassan-info.com/spot/71

At Mt. Gassan, you can enjoy summer skiing and hot springs at the same time.

Hot springs are the perfect way to soothe muscles strained by skiing. In particular, the area around Mt. Gassan is dotted with famous hot springs that have long been used as therapeutic spas, and are perfect for skiers looking to recover. The waters offer a wide variety of qualities, and are expected to have skin-beautifying effects and relieve muscle pain.

Gassan Shizu Onsen is a quiet hot spring resort surrounded by beech forests, and is known for its sulfate springs, which are known for their fatigue-relieving and skin-beautifying properties. Many of the hot spring inns accept skiers, allowing you to relax and soothe in the hot springs after a day on the slopes. Many inns also offer day-trip bathing, making it a recommended stop by after a day of skiing.

After enjoying summer skiing, relax and soothe your fatigue in Mt. Gassan’s famous hot springs for the ultimate in relaxation and refreshment.

4-2. A perfect post-ski treat! Gassan Shizu Onsen is the perfect place to recover from fatigue.

参考：https://www.jalan.net/yad319202/

Gassan Shizu Onsen is the perfect hot spring resort for recovering from skiing.

Gassan Shizu Onsen is located at an altitude of approximately 800 meters, making it the perfect place to soothe your tired body after a day of skiing or mountain climbing. The sodium-calcium sulfate spring water promotes blood circulation, relieves muscle fatigue, and is said to have skin-beautifying effects.

・Ochimizu no Yu Tsutaya: This long-established inn offers hot spring water directly from the source, and the views from the open-air baths are spectacular. It’s perfect for warming up your chilled body from the inside out after skiing.

・Sendaiya Ryokan: This family-run hot spring inn also offers private baths. Many skiers stop by on their way home from skiing, and the meals here feature generous amounts of local mountain vegetables and river fish.

・Shizu Onsen Yudono Onsen: This hot spring inn exudes a hidden hot spring atmosphere and has a history of being used as a therapeutic spa. It’s perfect for a relaxing soak after a long day on the slopes.

Gassan Shizu Onsen is the perfect place to relax after a day of summer skiing. Enjoy the luxurious scenery while soaking in the hot springs.

4-3. Gassan Resort Inn: The appeal of lodging right in front of the slopes

reference：https://gassan-resortinn.com/

For the ultimate ski experience, we recommend staying at Gassan Resort Inn, located right in front of the slopes.

Gassan Resort Inn is the closest accommodation to Gassan Ski Resort’s lift station, offering a prime location for skiing on the freshest snow in the morning. For those looking to fully enjoy skiing, there’s no better location. It also offers a drying room exclusively for guests and ample rental equipment, ensuring a comfortable ski trip.

Just a one-minute walk from the slopes! The biggest attraction is being able to hit the slopes right away when the slopes are in their best conditions early in the morning.
Excellent food! Japanese meals made with local ingredients are served, perfect for recharging your energy after skiing.
Hot springs available! After skiing, you can warm up in the on-site hot springs and prepare for the next day’s skiing.

Gassan Resort Inn is the perfect accommodation for combining skiing and hot springs. Enjoy skiing to your heart’s content and then soak in the luxurious hot springs.

5. To fully enjoy summer skiing! Important points and advice when visiting

5-1. Clothing and Equipment Guide: Get ready for summer

reference：https://livejapan.com/ja/in-tohoku/in-pref-yamagata/in-yamagata-suburbs/article-a0003930/

Summer skiing requires appropriate clothing and equipment to protect against UV rays and adapt to temperature changes.

Summer ski resorts experience strong sunlight and large temperature differences due to the high altitude. Additionally, the snow quality is different from winter, so specialized maintenance is important.

Clothing Tips

Sun Protection: Due to strong UV rays, be sure to wear sunglasses, goggles, and sunscreen. Eye protection is especially important due to the strong glare from the snow surface.

Clothing Selection: Lightweight, breathable skiwear is suitable. Layering with a T-shirt or thin undershirt will help regulate body temperature.

Gloves and Hats: Wear long-fingered gloves and a hat to prevent injury in the event of a fall and to protect against the cold.

Equipment Tips

Skis/Snowboards: Because summer snow is humid, it’s important to apply plenty of wax to maintain smooth skiing.

Boots: Since long periods of skiing can easily tire you out, choose boots that fit your feet well and wear moisture-wicking socks.

Waterproofing: Because there is a lot of meltwater, water-repellent clothing and gloves are recommended.

To enjoy summer skiing comfortably, it is essential to have the right clothing and equipment to withstand UV rays, temperature differences, and changing snow conditions. Be sure to be fully prepared and enjoy your skiing safely.

5-2. The essential equipment that hardcore Gassan fans personally need

To enjoy summer skiing at Mt. Gassan comfortably, you need special equipment that differs from regular winter skiing.

The strong sunlight and different snow types on Mt. Gassan in summer mean you won’t be able to ski comfortably without the right gear. Neglecting UV protection, appropriate wax for the snow conditions, and cold weather protection can lead to unexpected problems.

Goggles: With the high rate of sunny days, orange lenses are a must, as they ensure visibility while reducing glare. Eye protection is also essential, as light reflected from the snow is strong.

Sunscreen: The glare from the snow surface is strong, so it’s important to apply sunscreen frequently to your face and nape. Be especially careful when waiting for the lifts or hiking up, as you could easily get sunburned without realizing it.

Wax:

Hot wax: Using one containing molybdenum can reduce the adhesion of sand from the snow.
Easy wax: Liquid wax is easier to use than solid wax, and it’s easier to ensure smooth glide.
Windbreaker: Due to the high altitude and strong winds, the temperature feels lower than you might expect. Be sure to bring your own gear, as it can get cold not only while skiing but also while waiting for the lift.
Rust prevention: Summer skis have more moisture in the snow than winter, making skis and bindings more susceptible to rust.
Always wipe off moisture after skiing.
Use rust-preventing spray.

To enjoy summer skiing comfortably, you’ll need different equipment than you would in winter. Take precautions against UV rays, snow conditions, and cold weather and rust, and enjoy the slopes of Mt. Gassan in the best possible conditions!

6.Summary: Why ski lovers should definitely experience “Summer Skiing at Mt. Gassan”

6-1. The ski season isn’t over yet! New experiences await you, different from winter.

reference：https://yamagatakanko.com/attractions/detail_12472.html

Ski season isn’t just winter. You can enjoy skiing at Mt. Gassan in the summer, too.

Mt. Gassan Ski Resort is open from April to July, offering a special environment where you can ski in snow conditions and climates different from winter. Relatively mild temperatures allow you to enjoy the snow and spectacular views unique to spring.

Skiing that makes the most of the natural terrain: Skiing on ungroomed slopes offers a backcountry-like experience.
Spectacular views of fresh greenery and remaining snow: Around May, the contrast between the fresh greenery of the beech forest and the white snow creates a beautiful landscape.
The exhilaration of skiing in a T-shirt: As the temperature rises, it becomes comfortable enough to ski in thin clothing or a T-shirt.

Skiing in a different environment from winter is a valuable experience that allows you to discover new ways to enjoy skiing. Come experience this special season unique to Mt. Gassan.

6-2. Enjoy a new way to ski during what you might think of as the “off-season”!

reference：https://www.tohokukanko.jp/attractions/detail_1004708.html

Summer is often thought of as the off-season, but you can still enjoy skiing at Mt. Gassan.

While most ski resorts close in the spring, Gassan Ski Resort remains open until summer, providing the perfect environment for on-snow training and off-season training.

Maintaining and improving your skiing technique: By continuing to ski during the off-season, you can improve your technique while maintaining your winter instincts.
Summer ski camps are held: Special camps are held for professional skiers and competitive skiers, allowing you to practice at a higher level.
A place for ski enthusiasts to interact: It’s an opportunity to meet skiers and snowboarders from all over the country and make new friends.

Enjoying skiing in the summer is a meaningful way to spend the off-season and prepare for the next winter.

6-3. Come to Mt. Gassan this summer! Come ski at this sacred place where true ski lovers gather!

reference：http://yswallow.jp/gassan.html

Mt. Gassan is a special ski resort that attracts ski enthusiasts who want to enjoy skiing even in the summer.

Mt. Gassan is open from April to July, making it one of the few places where you can enjoy skiing even after the regular ski season has ended. Skiers from all over the country visit, creating a bustling atmosphere that feels just like winter.

・Skiers from all over the country gather: You’ll meet many fellow skiers, including competitive skiers, mogul skiers, and freestyle skiers.

・Easy access: Located just 20 minutes from the Gassan Interchange on the Yamagata Expressway, many skiers travel from the Kanto region.

・Refresh in a hot spring: After a day on the slopes, you can soothe yourself in Gassan Shizu Onsen, allowing you to enjoy both skiing and a hot spring.

If you’re a ski enthusiast, Mt. Gassan, the mecca of summer skiing, is a must-experience. This summer, take a ski trip that will change your perception of the off-season!

6-4. Winter: Snowscapes and Hot Springs