In this issue, we will take a closer look at ski mountaineering on Mt. Gassan, a “miracle snow mountain” that can be skied from spring to summer, from a local perspective, covering the actual route, equipment, how to enjoy the mountain, and even what to do after descending.
For “mountain lovers” who love both spring mountaineering and backcountry skiing, Gassan is truly a sacred place.
This article will help you find a candidate for your next mountain trip.
What is Gassan? Attraction as a sacred place for spring skiing
Gassan is located almost in the center of Yamagata Prefecture and is one of the Dewa Sanzan (Three Mountains of Dewa), which rise 1,984 meters above sea level. It has been the object of mountain worship since ancient times, and Gassan Shrine is located at the summit. Such a historic mountain is transformed into a “skiable mountain” from spring to summer.
Ski season at Mt. Moon (2025)
Opening date: Friday, April 11, 2025
Skiable Period: ~ early July (depending on snow conditions)
Lift operation hours: 8:00-16:30
Lift fee: 1,000 yen for a single pass / 5,800 yen for a day pass
Ski resorts that can be skied at this time of the year are extremely rare in Japan, and can be called sacred ground for backcountry enthusiasts.
Attractions of ski mountaineering in Mt!
1. overwhelming amount of snowfall, so it is possible to ski even in June!
Gassan is located in Nishikawa-cho, Yamagata Prefecture, an area of heavy snowfall, and there is plenty of snow remaining even in spring. From April to July, the attraction is the extraordinary experience of skiing on a “natural snow field,” which is different from the slopes.
(2) Lift + ridge walking = strongest route design
This is a popular course that gains elevation quickly by the Gassan Pair Lift and heads for the summit of Gassan via Ubagatake. The ridge offers a 360-degree panoramic view, and on some days you can even see as far as Mt.
The map is easy to understand at this site. For more information on Gassan Ski Resort, click here.
The entire mountain becomes “your slope”!
There are no well-maintained trails; skiing the mountain itself is Gassan style. The route options are as follows:
East slope “Tsukimigahara”: wide and easy to ski, No. 1 in popularity
Ushikubi - Ubasawa Hut Back: Good balance of forest and open slopes
West slope: somewhat rotten, but snowy views and sunsets are excellent!
Model Course Introduction｜Time required and flow of activities
Recommended route: Gassan summit piste + skiing
Start from Ubasawa parking lot (parking fee 1,000 yen)
Purchase a lift ticket at Gassan Ski Center
Pair lift to Ubagatake (1,670m)
Walk along the ridge to the summit of Mt. Gassan (1,984m)
Descend the mountain by choosing a route depending on the conditions.
Duration: approx. 4-5 hours (including breaks and filming)
Summary of equipment required for ski mountaineering (spring to early summer)
There are many precautions to take in spring mountaineering, such as temperature differences, avalanches, and sunlight. Choosing the right equipment will protect your life.
▼Must-have equipment list
Safety equipment: beacon, probe, shovel
Running + climbing equipment: skis/snowboards, skins or snowshoes
Clothing: Waterproof outerwear such as Gore-Tex, innerwear, spare gloves and goggles
Protective equipment: sunglasses, sunscreen, helmet
Action food and water: 1 liter minimum, no water station
Map app + mountaineering report: YAMAP, Yamareco, etc. offline storage recommended
Gassan's Snow Quality and Feel｜The “Feel of Sliding” Changes with the Season
April-May: Rough, stable, slippery and fast.
After June: Some areas prone to rot, but early mornings are tight and ◎
East slope is recommended: Relatively stable snow throughout the day
Spring snow can change in an instant. This is the fun of “reading” at Gassan.
Points for safe enjoyment (must read for backcountry beginners)
Beginners always use guided tours.
Check every morning for snow quality, weather, and route information
Avoid going alone.
Climbing report must be submitted (paper or app is acceptable)
A beacon check before skiing is mandatory!
If you are planning to stay overnight, we recommend the Watasagi!
To fully enjoy climbing and skiing on Mt. Tsuki, it is important to stay at an inn before or after descending the mountain. Guesthouse Watasagi in Tsuruoka City is a homey inn where mountain lovers gather. We can accommodate early morning departures, and provide warm bedding and a comfortable space to relieve travel fatigue.
Watasagi is an accommodation facility located just between “Gassan” and “Chokai”, two of Japan's 100 most famous mountains. Check-out is free, so there is no need to worry about early-morning departures. This lodging facility attracts mountain lovers from all over Japan.
Summary｜Take the next trip to “spring skiing paradise” Mt!
Because of the deep snow, Gassan is inaccessible during the winter sports season, so the ski resort usually opens in mid-April. The ski resort opens in mid-April every year, and the on-season runs from now until around July, making it a rare mountain in Japan.
Many people come from all over Japan to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, winter mountaineering, and backcountry skiing from spring to summer. We hope you will go and enjoy one of the best fields in Japan where you can enjoy mountain climbing and skiing at the same time.
For your next trip to the mountains, we recommend the “triple experience” of skiing, climbing, and being healed at Gassan!
Click here for more information about Gassan Ski Resort.
That's all for today's article.
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