Indy Goes International with Four New Resorts in Japan
The Indy Pass is expanding beyond North America with the addition of four Northern Japanese resorts: Geto Kogan, Tazawako, Okunakayama Kogen, and Shimokura. Indy Pass holders receive up to eight free days of unforgettable skiing and riding on some of the best powder in the world. Local experts from Japan Ski Tours will provide optional guide and concierge services in an exclusive partnership with Indy Pass.
A constant barrage of winter storms powering across the Sea of Japan slams into the Tohoku region's mountainous powder belt and deposits 40-60 feet of smoke-like, "Japow" every winter. The region is brimming with cat skiing, backcountry skiing, tree skiing, and bountiful side-country in addition to temples, traditions, authentic accommodations, and hot springs that offer a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"Powder skiing in Japan is not for everyone but by adding these beautiful, independent resorts and culturally rich region to the Indy Pass, we give people something to dream about," said Indy Pass founder Doug Fish. "As the great Warren Miller often said, 'If you don't do it this year, you'll be another year older when you do."
"At Japan Ski Tours we've been specializing in off-the-beaten-track ski experiences for seven years and can provide everything from all-inclusive guided trips to white-glove airport-to-airport service to ensure that your dream ski vacation goes off without a hitch," said Brent Potter, mountain guide and co-owner of Japan Ski Tours.
About the Resorts
Geto Kogen
Geto Kogen ski resort consistently ranks amongst Japan's top snowfall regions, receiving an estimated 50 feet per season! Still relatively unknown in the Japow world, Geto Kogen offers an authentic Japanese ski experience, with frequent powder resets. Geto Kogen summed up: Consistently deep pow, with little competition for the freshies!
Tazawako
Tazawako is a site of the Annual FIS Freestyle Ski Worldcup Competition and has a bit of everything—high-speed lifts, good piste options, side-country, backcountry, and a variety of terrain for all skier types. Located on the West side of the mountain range, this side is more exposed to the storms coming off the Sea of Japan and receives an abundance of snow.
Okunakayama Kogen
Okunakayama Kogen is a town-owned ski resort that feels like a private ski resort on weekdays, where rivalry for fresh powder is approximately zero. This mountain is a protected east-facing bowl with four ski lifts and two traditional Onsen hot springs at the base. The facilities feature basic Japanese cuisine and authentic accommodation options.
Shimokura/Panorama
Shimokura/Panorama is a local gem of the Hachimantai powder belt. This protected east-facing bowl gets positively dumped with high-quality super light snow. This small resort consists of just three lifts, but the tree skiing and backcountry options will have you playing on the mountain all day. A lift ticket here can also be used at the beginner-friendly Panorama resort which is connected by a 10-minute shuttle ride.
Win a Japow Dream Trip!
While not everyone can afford a ski vacation in Japan, anyone 18 years or older can enter to win a ski vacation of a lifetime as Indy Pass and Japan Ski Tours are giving away a dream trip for two. The prize includes a seven-day, all-expense-paid trip for two including round trip airfare, transportation, lodging, meals, two pair of Atomic Bent Chetler skis, and two Indy Passes.
