Yamaboku is a summer cow farm, which turns into a snow resort in winter with ungroomed tree runs in the middle of the resort & privale backcountry cat runs available during the holidays & weekends. The perfect way to guarantee runs even on the busy days. First photo is Yamada Farm in summer & the seconds is how it looks in winter. Not sure where the cows go...
The course
YAMABOKU
Yamaboku has a very unique structure that defines where you can ski or snowboard.There are 3 different areas called stages and the Tacochi course.
1st stage - open all season
This contains 16 courses with 3 chairlifts, 70 % of the area is non-groomesd.
Cost
1 day weekday lift pass - 3,100 yen
1 day weekend lift pass - 3,600 yen
2nd stage - open on weekends & public holidays
This is a private non-groomd area that is limited only to 30 people who booked in advance. From the top of the #3 chairlift, you will be taken to the 2nd STAGE by CAT. It would be a perfect for backcountry biginners.
Cost
5,700 yen per person including 1 day lift pass
3rd stage - scheduled Saturdays in February and March or upon request
This is a CAT tour to ski/board Mt. Kasadake which is a 2,075 metre high mountain. The CAT tour bookings require a minimum of 5 people.
Cost
19,000 yen per persion including 1 day lift pass, lunch, backcountry gear rental
The Tachochi course - open all season (subject to weather conditions)
This is a 13 kilometre long off-piste course that is 800m higher & is accessed from the top of chairlift number #3. There is a guided tour or you can have a free run!
Cost
Guided tour: 5,700 yen per person including 1 day lift pass
Free skiing / boarding: 1,000 yen per person (Lift passes are also required)
