Ani

Ani sits on the southwestern flank of Mt Moriyoshi in northern Akita, a genuinely isolated mountain that pulls massive snow volumes off the Sea of Japan. The resort is small—just five marked runs and three lifts—but that's almost beside the point. The real draw is the backcountry and sidecountry terrain accessible from the long gondola and top chair, where steep tree lines, open ridges, and gullied terrain reward riders with skins, snowshoes, and route-finding skills. Fresh tracks disappear fast in the easy-access zones, but the mountain opens up quickly for those willing to work.

The terrain layout is unusual: mellow at the summit, a painful flat section mid-mountain, then highly varied pitch with dips and gorges that don't drain like classic Japanese ski mountains. This makes navigation tricky without a guide, but it also means plenty of hidden pockets and interesting lines. Powder chasing is actively tolerated by patrol, and local guides are available for hire. Wind closures on the gondola are common during big storms, so flexibility matters.

Accommodation is sparse—Anaba Lodge and Hotel Fusch are the main options near the base—and the nearest onsen is 30–45 minutes away. The drive is steep and narrow, and winter access requires solid snow tires. This remoteness is the whole point: Ani stays quiet, snow quality is excellent even in winter's coastal storms, and the juhyo ice formations on the trees in January through early March are a genuine bonus. Come prepared to chase powder, not for après-ski or easy terrain.