One of Japan's leading hospitality groups, Hoshino Resorts, is continuously focused on improving the experience of skiing in Japan.

The company, which operates more than 60 facilities nationwide, runs three ski resorts which include both nearby and Ski-in Ski-out accommodation in the Hokkaido, Tohoku and Kanto regions of Japan.

With Aussies flocking to Japan in record numbers, there's no doubt that the country's high-quality powder snow and premium ski conditions are a leading attraction.

Here's how Hoshino Resorts continues to enrich Japan's ski season:

Trial one of the best manufacturers of skis and snowboards all winter 

Hoshino Resorts is offering the opportunity to trial the products of VECTOR GLIDE, one of Japan's top manufacturers of skis and snowboards for powder snow by opening dedicated demo centres at their three ski resorts: Tomamu Snow Park & Resort, Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain, and Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts.

While limited-time trial events have been held in the past, there has never been an opportunity to test VECTOR GLIDE products throughout the entire season.

A permanent fixture for the duration of the ski resort's operating season, the demo centres will showcase 10 powder-specific ski and snowboard models from VECTOR GLIDE for testing, including the highly anticipated new model for this season, the POLARVE LIGHT. This lightweight fat ski is highly manoeuvrable in powder, while also offering impressive turning performance on groomed runs.

A cash back offer is available for guests who wish to purchase the model they are most satisfied with, helping them make a well-informed decision knowing the demo fee* will be refunded.

OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts in Hokkaido will also offer a VECTOR GLIDE premium rental service, allowing guests to experience the exceptional performance of VECTOR GLIDE skis and snowboards in the high-quality powder snow around Asahikawa.                                          

*Demo Fee: 2 hours for 3,500 yen, with an additional 500 yen per model switch (test ride fee)

Enjoy a fun-filled ski trip wearing 90s Retro Fashion

Located at the base of Mt. Bandai in Fukushima Prefecture is Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts. From February until early April 2025, the hotel has created a “90's Retro Ski Trip” for 18–29-year-olds.

The ski boom across Japan from the 1970s to the 1990s was sparked by events like the 1972 Sapporo Olympics and the popularity of ski-themed movies.

During this time, young people filled the ski slopes, dressed in colourful ski wear to enjoy the thrill of skiing. Inspired by this vibrant era, this plan was created with the hope that young guests would enjoy a memorable ski trip whilst wearing the colourful and stylish ski fashion of the 1990s.

Guests can rent retro 90s ski gear and hit the slopes of the Mount Nekoma ski resort right in front of the hotel. Optional items reminiscent of the 90s, such as sunglasses and hair bands, are also available for rent.

After skiing, guests can relax in their retro-themed room to enjoy traditional Japanese snacks and bottled juices while playing board games.

There is also a sticker printer for guests to print a memorable photo and place it in the exclusive Retro Ski Trip exchange diary, creating a keepsake of their journey.

Explore the grand scale of Nekoma Mountain with ease

One of Japan's largest ski resorts, Nekoma Mountain offers a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Bandai, Lake Inawashiro, and frost-covered trees while skiing. With abundant snowfall, the resort offers a long season, from early December through to early May.

The ski resort was rebranded in December 2023 after a new chair lift connected two ski facilities in operation by Hoshino Resorts (previously Alts Bandai Ski Resort and Nekoma Snow Park & Resort) so that visitors could explore all 33 courses with ease.

The newly established high-speed 4-person lift "Friendly Cat Express" has also begun operation, helping to alleviate congestion and become even more beginner-friendly.

The courses accessible via this lift are gentle and wide, making them ideal for beginners. With a course length of approximately 1 km, it provides enough space and distance for beginners to improve their skills efficiently.

From January, a kid's park was set up on the Friendly Slope. The area features a snow mountain for climbing and a sledding slope, providing fun spaces for children. Additionally, an indoor kid's room was also set up as a dedicated rest area for families. Whether indoors or outdoors, parents can spend time with their children in a safe and enjoyable environment.

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*When using any images provided with the release "©︎Hoshino Resorts" must be added.

For Australia and New Zealand media enquiries, please contact Maki Watabe at m.watabe@thedoq.com or call 0481 796 381.

About Hoshino Resorts

Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand “HOSHINOYA,” hot spring ryokan brand “KAI,” countryside resort hotel brand “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel brand “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” or other unique lodgings.

https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/

About OMO

OMO is a city tourism hotel in a convenient city-centre location, perfect for exploring the deep, urban culture. We consider the city centred around the hotel to be part of our resort, offering a variety of options to see, eat and shop. With the cooperation of the local community, city lovers can get an insight into culture through our original tours and maps; sharing locals' all-time favourites to hidden gems only with you!