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)
滑走前のビーコンチェックは必須！
宿泊するなら「わたうさぎ」がおすすめ！
月山登山やスキーを存分に楽しむためには、前泊や下山後の宿も重要です。
鶴岡市内にある【ゲストハウスわたうさぎ】は、山好きが集まるアットホームな宿。早朝出発にも対応し、温かいお布団と心地よい空間で旅の疲れを癒します。
わたうさぎは、日本100名山の「月山」「鳥海山」のちょうど間にある宿泊施設です。
チェックアウトはフリーとなっているので、早朝の出発でも安心。
全国から山好きがあつまる宿泊施設です。
まとめ｜“春スキーの楽園”月山へ、次の山旅を！
月山はとても雪深いため、本来のウィンタースポーツのシーズンは立ち入ることができないため、スキー場開きが例年4月中旬頃。これから7月くらいまでがオンシーズンとなっている、全国でもめずらしい山なんです。
スキーやスノーボードを楽しむ人や、冬山登山、バックカントリーを春から夏にかけて楽しめるため、たくさんの方が全国から集まってきます。
登山とスキーが同時に楽しめる日本屈指のフィールドをぜひ楽しんで行ってほしいです。
次の山旅は、滑って登って癒される――そんな“トリプル体験”の月山で決まりです！
That's all for today's article.
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