Ultimate Skii & Winter Escapes in Tohoku! Stay at the frontstep of the slopes at EN RESORT Grandeco on this 2-day trip of ski and snowy thrills.

Ultimate Skii & Winter Escapes in Tohoku! Stay at the frontstep of the slopes at EN RESORT Grandeco on this 2-day trip of ski and snowy thrills.

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP
Head Editor : The COURT Co., Ltd.

Nestled in the serene Bandai area, where pristine rivers flow and some 300 lakes dot the landscape, EN RESORT Grandeco is the nature-dredged oasis you’ll find at the base of Mount Nishi-Daiten and the western edge of the Azuma mountain range. Come and rediscover all the joys of long skiing and the snowboarding season thanks to the region's high snowfall records and even higher altitude, all kissed with the promise of exceptional snow. Glide through the dreamy powder snow on slopes with breathtaking views of the Ura-Bandai landscape. Below is a roundup of how to fully enjoy a 2-day trip of skiing and snow play at EN RESORT Grandeco, primed for you to head straight to the slopes from the hotel, even without bringing any gear.

Table of Contents

How to get to EN RESORT Grandeco?

You can reach EN RESORT Grandeco from Tokyo in about 3 hours. Start by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Koriyama Station in Fukushima Prefecture. Then, transfer to the JR Banetsu West Line and head for Inawashiro Station. From Inawashiro Station, you can easily access the resort via a free shuttle bus. During the winter season, there's also the option of a paid shuttle bus from JR Koriyama Station to the resort, available with prior reservation, offering even more convenient access.

Arrive at the Enchanting Hotel with Ski-in/Ski-out Access

Upon arrival at the EN RESORT Grandeco, which is centered around the "EN RESORT Grandeco Hotel," you're first greeted by a lounge with a cozy fire pit. Beyond it, large glass windows reveal a breathtaking view of a silver-white world. Check-in procedures start from 7 AM on the day of check-in. Lockers and changing rooms are available for storing large luggage, offering peace of mind for those arriving with heavy bags via public transportation.

The entrance lobby and lounge were renovated in July 2023.
The entrance lobby and lounge were renovated in July 2023.
At the front desk, you'll complete your check-in procedures, and along with locker keys, you'll receive a room key exchange voucher. Make sure to keep it safe and not lose it.
At the front desk, you'll complete your check-in procedures, and along with locker keys, you'll receive a room key exchange voucher. Make sure to keep it safe and not lose it.
There are lockers exclusive for guests that can accommodate large luggage. Separate lockers are provided specifically for ski gear.
There are lockers exclusive for guests that can accommodate large luggage. Separate lockers are provided specifically for ski gear.

Rentals are available so you can arrive almost empty-handed.

The hotel features a rental corner where you can borrow ski equipment and gear. If you provide your height, weight, and shoe size in advance, they'll have a full set of skis, boots, and other equipment ready for you, making the handover process much smoother. Keep in mind that accessories like hats and gloves are not available for rent, so you should bring your own or consider purchasing them at the hotel shop.

Easily rent everything you need just by completing the registration at the rental corner.
Easily rent everything you need just by completing the registration at the rental corner.
Choose your preferred color and design for rental wear.
Choose your preferred color and design for rental wear.

Directly from the Hotel to the Slopes!

One of the best perks of EN RESORT Grandeco is the ski-in/ski-out capability. You can head directly from the hotel to the slopes, and conversely, by sliding down the "Hotel Road" course, you can return directly from the slopes to the hotel.

A complete breeze to get back to the hotel from the slopes.
A complete breeze to get back to the hotel from the slopes.

Join a Beginner-Friendly Crash Course and Take to the Powder Snow

Since the slope from the hotel to the ski area is somewhat steep, most novice skiers and groups with children opt for the shuttle service provided by the hotel to get to the resort. The ski resort is located at the base of the mountain at an elevation of 1,010 meters, meaning you’re in for the best of snow quality. Not to mention the gondola's summit reaches an elevation of 1,390 meters, and the peak of the course is at an impressive 1,590 meters, where you can enjoy even finer powder snow. What’s more, the base of the mountain keeps a Mountain Center equipped with rest areas and restaurants, and the Patrol Headquarters houses an orthopedic clinic for professional care in the off chance case of an accident.

Request a shuttle at the hotel front desk for transport to the ski resort.
Request a shuttle at the hotel front desk for transport to the ski resort.
Ski on soft, fluffy snow with low-index moisture.
Ski on soft, fluffy snow with low-index moisture.
Swing by the Mountain Center information desk with any problems.
Swing by the Mountain Center information desk with any problems.
The Patrol Headquarters has an orthopedic clinic with a resident doctor.
The Patrol Headquarters has an orthopedic clinic with a resident doctor.

Veteran Instructors Provide Thorough Lessons

Gear up for detailed lessons by experience instructors at the ski school. They start with basics like how to put on skis and how to walk on snow. Then, you'll take the gondola up to the 1,390-meter elevation point. The fluffy, soft snow makes it easy to ski and cushions falls, so you can glide with confidence. Another allure of this slope is the majestic scenery. The instructors are also knowledgeable about the surrounding mountains, so you can enjoy skiing while soaking in the natural beauty.

The lesson begins on flat ground with instructions on how to put on skis.
The lesson begins on flat ground with instructions on how to put on skis.
Walk up a gentle slope to get accustomed to the movement of skiing.
Walk up a gentle slope to get accustomed to the movement of skiing.
Keep the tips of the skis close together to form a "V" shape as you descend.
Keep the tips of the skis close together to form a "V" shape as you descend.
The view of Ura-Bandai is another highlight, with a clear view of Mt. Bandai.
The view of Ura-Bandai is another highlight, with a clear view of Mt. Bandai.

Intermediate and Advanced Skiers Head to the 1,590m Course Peak

With a variety of courses, including a 1,400m long run and slopes with a 33-degree incline, there's plenty for intermediate and advanced skiers to enjoy. From the course peak at an elevation of 1,590m, you can look down on the mountains and lakes of Ura-Bandai from even higher vantage points.

The view near the course peak offers a breathtaking panorama of Ura-Bandai's majestic landscape.
The view near the course peak offers a breathtaking panorama of Ura-Bandai's majestic landscape.
A range of courses are available for even veteran skiers to love.
A range of courses are available for even veteran skiers to love.

Mouth-Watering Lunch Awaits at Two Different Restaurants

After about two hours of ski school, it's time for lunch. The ski resort features two restaurants, one at the gondola summit and the other at the base, each offering distinct culinary experiences. At BUNABUNA at the gondola summit, you can enjoy Western cuisine while taking in the views of nature, with around 400 seats available. At Deco Café at the base, you can savor dishes unique to Fukushima.

BUNABUNA offers authentic pizzas seared in a stone oven.
BUNABUNA offers authentic pizzas seared in a stone oven.
Besides pizza, BUNABUNA also offers a variety of pastas.
Besides pizza, BUNABUNA also offers a variety of pastas.
Deco Café serves Ura-Bandai mountain salt ramen and sauce katsudon.
Deco Café serves Ura-Bandai mountain salt ramen and sauce katsudon.
Tiramisu made by the hotel's patissier can also be enjoyed at Deco Café.
Tiramisu made by the hotel's patissier can also be enjoyed at Deco Café.

After checking in, enjoy some downtime relaxing around a campfire.

You can check into the hotel after 3 PM, so feel free to return to the hotel at your preferred time. From 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, you can enjoy marshmallows around a campfire. All guest rooms are spacious, with each room measuring over 33 square meters. Whether you choose to relax in your room, the lounge, or take advantage of the ski-in/ski-out access for more skiing, spend your time in the way that you enjoy the most.

At check-in, hand over the locker key and room key exchange voucher at the front desk to receive your room key.
At check-in, hand over the locker key and room key exchange voucher at the front desk to receive your room key.
Superior Twin rooms are 38 square meters in size.
Superior Twin rooms are 38 square meters in size.
Roast marshmallows on the fire at the terrace.
Roast marshmallows on the fire at the terrace.

Kick Back at the Dinner buffet with a peaceful evening.

Dinner features a delightful buffet of some 50 dishes. The cuisine, prepared using natural spring water from Onogawa that flows around the hotel, is varied each season but promises each dish a fine finish. Special attention is given to ingredients, including Fukushima Prefecture Wagyu beef for the roast beef and exceptionally fresh vegetables.

Restaurant renovated in July 2023 exudes a fresh and clean feel.
Restaurant renovated in July 2023 exudes a fresh and clean feel.
Flower basket arrangement provided for an extra flair of top Japanese dining.
Flower basket arrangement provided for an extra flair of top Japanese dining.
The "Mizutama" dessert, inspired by the Onogawa spring water, is known for its freshness and smooth texture.
The "Mizutama" dessert, inspired by the Onogawa spring water, is known for its freshness and smooth texture.
Chef Ito, who supervises all the dishes at the center of the photo.
Chef Ito, who supervises all the dishes at the center of the photo.

Catch the starry night at an open-air bath with its expansive snowy landscape.

Once full and happy its time to join the stargazers. Guided by the staff, you'll move to a spot away from the hotel lights. Look up to see a sky full of stars. Using the star chart provided in advance, try to spot constellations like Orion and Cassiopeia. After stargazing, head to the large public bath. Soaking in the open-air bath with a view of the snowy landscape will warm your chilled body and refresh both your mind and body.

Enjoy the ethereal starry sky from an elevation of 1,000 meters.
Enjoy the ethereal starry sky from an elevation of 1,000 meters.
Open-air bath replete with wide open views of the snowy landscape. Even comes illuminated at night.
Open-air bath replete with wide open views of the snowy landscape. Even comes illuminated at night.

Fully Recharged at the breakfast buffet after morning activities.

Mornings at EN RESORT Grandeco start with a walk. The morning walk, open to all guests, features a guide explaining about the surrounding mountains and the forest in front of the hotel while strolling. After some light exercise, it's time for breakfast. The morning also offers a buffet style, with a variety of Japanese and Western dishes to enjoy.

The morning walk starts at 7 AM, allowing you to start the day with some refreshing exercise.
The morning walk starts at 7 AM, allowing you to start the day with some refreshing exercise.
A lavish breakfast with about 40 dishes awaits.
A lavish breakfast with about 40 dishes awaits.
Enjoy a selection of Japanese dishes like grilled fish, as well as Western options such as scrambled eggs.
Enjoy a selection of Japanese dishes like grilled fish, as well as Western options such as scrambled eggs.
You can even indulge in Kitakata ramen from the top of the morning.
You can even indulge in Kitakata ramen from the top of the morning.

On the second day, its time to hit the snow!

Even after checking out, feel free to leave your luggage at the hotel and enjoy skiing to the fullest for the rest of your time. The hotel offers a full rolodex of snow activities. Guests can partake in thrilling activities like snow rafting, where you ride a rubber boat pulled by a snowmobile across the snow, and snowmobile riding experiences specifically for children in elementary school and younger, all for free.

Experience the thrill of snow rafting with its sense of speed and drifting.
Experience the thrill of snow rafting with its sense of speed and drifting.
Elementary school children and younger have the rare opportunity to ride on a snowmobile.
Elementary school children and younger have the rare opportunity to ride on a snowmobile.
There are also irregularly scheduled programs for hiking with rented snowshoes.
There are also irregularly scheduled programs for hiking with rented snowshoes.

Details of EN RESORT Grandeco Hotel

Name in Japanese
EN RESORT Grandeco Hotel
Postal Code
969-2701
Address
1082 Arasunasawayama, Hibara, Kitashiobaramura, Yamagun, Fukushima
Telephone
0241-32-3200
Closed
Open every day
Check-in
3:00pm
Check-out
11:00am
Admission
From 18,000 yen per person when used by 2 people in one room (including breakfast, dinner, and lift ticket)
Access
About 40 minutes by free shuttle bus from Inawashiro Station on the JR Banetsu West Line
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)

Official FAQs

Q

Is early check-in or late check-out possible?

A

Subject to availability. An additional charge of 6,000 yen or more applies for every 3-hour extension. Luggage storage is available from 7 AM.

Q

Can you accommodate foreign languages? (If yes, please specify which languages.)

A

We can accommodate English and Chinese. The school only supports English.

Q

Do you offer luggage forwarding services to the airport or train station?

A

No, we do not offer such services.

Q

Can I store my luggage at the hotel after checking out?

A

Yes, you can store your luggage after checking out.

Wrap-Up

Take a two-day sojourn into the best of skiing amidst majestic mountains and pristine nature. The gentle slopes are beginner-friendly, while the steep gradients offer excitement for advanced skiers. No matter what your level, the dry, fluffy powder snow is sure to keep you coming back for more. With such easy access just steps from the slopes, staying here means you can bank on getting the most of your time on the slopes, even if setting out from the early morning. To top it off, the hotel is brimming with top-notch programming, activities and truly unforgettable cuisine. For your next winter trip, keep a tabs on this spot for the best of ski resort vibes with exceptional activities.