Geto Kogen Ski Area
Kitakami City, Iwate
Introduction
Geto Kogen is a ski area located west of central Kitakami City in the southwestern region of Iwate Prefecture.
This region of Iwate is known for heavy snowfall and Geto Kogen for some of Japan's most impressive snow depth numbers. The ski area aims to open as soon as there is enough snow, usually in late November.
The ski area has two gondola lifts (1740m, 1240m) one quad (950m) and two pair lifts (550m, 440m). The Number 2 gondola is usually open on weekends and holidays.
Geto Kogen also features numerous official 'off-piste' tree-run areas that have become increasingly popular in recent years. Those areas are known as Heart, Garden, Summit, Rabbit, Beech, Cascade, Alta, Stream, Extreme, Shooter, and they offer varying levels of challenge. The tree runs are typically open during the peak season and are known as 'self-responsibility areas'. Helmets and fully charged mobile phones are required. A decision is made each morning on whether they will open, depending on conditions and safety.
Geto Kogen has been operating since 1993.
The Mountain
1070m
Top elevation
430m
Vertical
640m
Base elevation
14
Number of courses
3000m
Longest course
36°
Steepest course
40%
Beginner
40%
Intermediate
20%
Advanced
5
Total ski lifts
0
Ropeways
2
Gondolas
1
Quad lift
0
Triple lifts
2
Pair lifts
0
Single lifts
0
Other lifts
Skiers
48%
Snowboarders
52%
Geto Kogen Ski Area facilities
Park, off-piste & other activities
The G Park normally opens from during the peak season.
Geto offers quite a few official Tree Run Areas on the upper area of the ski area and they are suitable to varying skill levels.
Various guides are available for tree run courses as well as a normal ski and snowboard school.
There is a Snow Mobile Adventure area near the base area.
Families & children
The Kids Area is located in the main base area.
Lessons
Ski and snowboard lessons and various guides are all available at Geto Kogen.
Rental & other facilities
Ski and snowboard equipment & wear rental is available. Backcountry gear is available.
The base area also offers various locker rooms, changing rooms, restaurants and other facilities.
Geto Kogen Ski Area opening information
Typical season
| NOV | DEC | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Geto Kogen is generally open from 8:30am until 4:30pm during the daytime in the main regular season with the pair lifts opening first. The Number 1 Gondola usually opens from 9:00am.
Early season
From opening until Friday 6th December 2024
Lifts: Number 1 gondola (and Number 1 pair on 30th November and 1st December)
Normal opening times: 9:00am until 4:00pm
Regular season
Saturday 7th December 2024 until Sunday 23rd March 2025
Lifts: all lifts (the Number 2 gondola is open only on weekends and holidays and over New Year; the Number 2 pair lift is usually only open on weekends and holidays from 24th February)
Normal opening times: 8:30am until 4:30pm
Spring ski season
Monday 24th March until Tuesday 6th May 2025
Lifts: Number 1 gondola, Number 1 pair, Number 2 pair
Normal opening times: 8:30am until 4:30pm
Night skiing
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between 14th December 2024 and 24th February 2025; 28th December 2024 until 5th January 2025
Lifts: Number 1 pair
Normal opening times: 4:00pm until 8:00pm
Geto Kogen Ski Area address & further information
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Wagacho Iwasaki Shinden
Kitakami-shi
Iwate-ken
024-0322