JapanSnowWatch

Appi Kogen: Snow Report, Forecast & Lift Tickets

Appi Kogen is a ski area in Iwate with 3 webcams, 21 runs, 21 lifts and 770 m vertical.

Updated November 9, 2026

Appi Kogen is Tohoku's largest ski resort, with wide gentle slopes and well-groomed runs. 3 webcams, 21 runs, 21 lifts and 770 m vertical.

2026-27 season: opening Sat, December 5, planned closing Wed, May 5 (source: resort site, checked October 27).

Cameras are expected to come back online when the season starts (opening: Sat, December 5). Some cameras stream all year: press play to try one.

The longest run is about 5.5 km. An adult day ticket is around ¥4,500 (check the resort for current prices).

Still images from the resort's cameras show the slopes. Snow depth and the 7-day snowfall and temperature forecast for Appi Kogen come from Open-Meteo forecast models for its part of Iwate.

Best for: Family Friendly, Long Runs, Less Crowded

Season dates

This Season (Official)

Opening: December 5
Closing: May 5

The mountain

Resort Statistics

Lifts: 21
Runs: 21
Longest Run: 5.5 km
Vertical Drop: 770m
Skiable Area: 282 ha
Elevation: 655m - 1,328m
Operating Hours (Every day): 8:00am – 4:00pm
Lift Types:
- Gondola ×1
- Pair ×3
- Quad ×3
Terrain: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%

Run Directory (19 of 21 runs)

Green (9):
- Family Park (ファミリーパーク)
- Goshawk Course (オオタカコース)
- Cuckoo Course (カッコウコース)
- White Birch Course (白樺ゲレンデコース)
- First Sailer A (第1ザイラーA)
- First Sailer B (第1ザイラーB)
- Sailer Long Course (ザイラーロングコース)
- Second No.1 Course (セカンド第1)
- Wagtail Course (セキレイコース)
Blue (3):
- Hayabusa Course (ハヤブサコース)
- F Woodpecker Course (キッツキコース)
- Jay Course (カケスコース)
Black (7):
- 1 Attack (アタック)
- 2 Bravo (ブラボー)
- 3 Cruise1 (クルーズ1)
- 4 Cruise 2 (クルーズ2)
- 5 Dragon Tail (ドラゴンテール)
- Golden Eagle Course (イヌワシコース)
- Second No.3 Course (セカンド第3)

Prices

Rental Prices (1 Day) (Estimated)

Ski/Board + Boots (Adult): ¥6,600 JPY
Ski/Board + Boots (Child): ¥4,400 JPY
Jacket + Pants: ¥5,500 JPY

On-mountain rental counters are convenient, but village shops are usually 20-30% cheaper and discount further for advance bookings.

Getting there

Distance from Tokyo: 550 km
Car: 6h from Tokyo (via Tohoku Expressway)
Train: Tokyo→Morioka (Tohoku Shinkansen 2h20m)→Appi Kogen (bus 50min)
Airport access: Hanamaki Airport 1h by car. Source: Appi Kogen official

Road Conditions & Access

Tyres: Winter tyres required December to March; chain restrictions apply on some mountain sections.
Driving: Deep snow and high plough walls cut sightlines. Mountain roads can close overnight.
Live closures: Check the Tohoku regional road information service and prefectural pages.

Things to do nearby

Ski-in/ski-out stays

ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Appi Kogen: Ski-in/ski-out hotel at Appi; plans include entry to the Shirakaba-no-Yu hot spring.

Dining & Activities

Appi Onsen Shirakaba-no-Yu: Day-use hot spring within Appi Kogen Resort. Good for relaxing after skiing. Outdoor bath available.
Appi Gondola Sightseeing: 2.6km gondola ride with views of Mt. Iwate and Hachimantai. Snow monsters visible in winter.
Appi Night Skiing: One of Tohoku's largest night skiing operations. Ski down illuminated slopes.
Appi Kogen Farm: Farm within the resort. Fresh soft-serve ice cream and cheese are popular. Animal interactions available.

Nearby ski resorts

Frequently asked questions

What makes Appi Kogen special?

Appi Kogen is one of the largest ski resorts in Tohoku, known for its reliable snow, well-groomed runs, and family-friendly atmosphere. It features 21 courses across two mountains with excellent facilities.

How big is Appi Kogen ski area?

Appi offers 21 courses with a total run length of 45.1km. The vertical drop is 624m from the summit at 1,328m. The resort has 18 lifts including a high-speed gondola.

Is Appi Kogen family-friendly?

Yes, Appi is extremely family-friendly with dedicated kids areas, ski schools, and the Appi Happy Snow Park for children. Many accommodations offer family packages and childcare services.

How do I get to Appi Kogen?

Appi is accessible by Shinkansen to Morioka Station (about 2.5 hours from Tokyo), then a direct shuttle bus to the resort (about 45 minutes). The resort also offers airport transfers from Iwate Hanamaki Airport.

What is the snow quality like at Appi?

Appi receives an average of 8 meters of snowfall annually. The snow is typically light and dry Tohoku powder, though the resort also excels in grooming for those who prefer corduroy runs.