Kuma Ski Land

Kuma Ski Land sits in the mountains of Kuma Kogen Town in Ehime Prefecture, one of Shikoku island's quieter ski destinations. The resort relies on artificial snow-making to supplement natural snowfall, which keeps it operational through the season but also means conditions can feel variable. The base sits at 900m with a modest 100m of vertical, and two parallel triple chairlifts service the terrain down the central spine.

The riding here skews toward beginner and intermediate terrain, with a small pocket of steeper pitches mixed in. The longest run stretches 610m, making for quick laps rather than long descents. The snow park and mogul run near the top add some variety for park riders, and there's a free children's area with a moving walkway at the base. Night skiing runs until 10pm most days, which opens the door for weeknight sessions if you're local or passing through.

One thing to know: Kuma Ski Land charges an entrance fee on top of the lift ticket, which is unusual in Japan. The resort is small and straightforward — no complex lift systems or sprawling terrain — so it works best as a local hill or a quick stop rather than a destination in itself. Ehime has two other ski areas nearby if you're exploring the region.