Mizuho Highland

Mizuho Highland reopened the Highland Side base in 2021 after a season-long closure, and the mountain continues to operate as a regional draw for riders in western Japan. The terrain splits evenly between beginner and advanced runs, with intermediate terrain filling the middle—a balanced layout that works for mixed groups. The steepest pitches reach 38 degrees, giving advanced riders something to hunt, while the longest run stretches 3.7km, offering decent vertical play across the 721m drop.

The riding experience here is straightforward: a gondola and two chairlifts service the mountain, with a snow park in the upper area and dedicated kids' zones at both the top and base. Snowboarders make up 60% of the rider split, and the vibe reflects that. There's no night skiing, and the base area is modest—this is a day-mountain operation in a quiet corner of Shimane Prefecture, close to the Hamada Expressway. If you're chasing solitude and don't need après-ski energy, the location works. If you need infrastructure, nightlife, or a sense of momentum around the mountain, look elsewhere.

The resort's history is complicated—it operated two separate bases (Highland and Valley sides) before the Valley Side closure, and there's no course map on the official website, which speaks to the operational reality here. Mizuho Highland is a functional, no-frills mountain that serves its local and regional audience. Expect straightforward riding, quiet days, and a place still rebuilding its identity.