REVIEW

日時：2023年2月上旬 / 天候：曇り / 雪質：降雪後
 
今回紹介するのは、栃木県日光市、奥日光の静かな山あいに位置する『日光湯元温泉スキー場』。初心者やファミリーにやさしい構成で、全体で4コース。緩やかな林間を中心に、中斜面も交えて気軽に楽しめます。

標高は約1800m〜1,500mと高く、1〜2月の寒さがしっかり雪を保ってくれるおかげで、乾いた雪が残っている日も多いそうです。混雑も少なめで、スキー場のすぐ隣の湯の湖を眺めながら滑る、癒しの時間が流れます。

Nikko Yumoto Onsen Ski Resort – nestled in the quiet mountains of Oku-Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.
The elevation ranges from around 1,800m to 1,500m, and thanks to the cold weather from January to February, dry snow often lingers. Crowds are generally light, and you can enjoy relaxing turns with views of nearby Lake Yunoko.

But getting there is a bit of an adventure.

You’ll need to climb the famous “Irohazaka,” a winding mountain road packed with tight curves. After snowfall or during temperature swings, icy conditions are likely—snow tires or chains are absolutely necessary.

There are two roads: the second Irohazaka for uphill traffic, and the first for downhill. Combined, they have 48 curves! Stay alert and drive safe both ways.

Once you crest the pass, Lake Chuzenji comes into view.

Past the Senjogahara marshland, you're almost there. From around this area, snow begins to pile up—so be extra cautious during storms.

The ski resort has space for about 120 cars (free on weekdays / ¥1,000 on weekends, holidays, and New Year period). It’s a short walk from the parking lot to the lift ticket lodge.

Pass the ”Shokudo”, and you’ll find the ticket window.

From there, it’s a bit of a hike up to the lift. In the early morning, beginners were practicing on the gentle slope between the parking area and the lift base.

今回、日光湯元温泉スキー場を滑ってくれるのは "Toshiyuki Moriyama"。スノーボードブランド「GREEN LAB.」のライダーで、長野を拠点に活動中。

Today's rider is Toshiyuki Moriyama, a snowboarder representing GREEN LAB., based in Nagano.

You’ll take the No.2 and No.3 pair lifts up to the top of the resort.

We started our run on Course D.
The top section splits into two options: one side is wider with some natural banks, while the other is a bit narrower.

The two merge into a wide-open slope.

We found some untouched powder along a now-closed lift line.

This course features a series of natural walls. The pitch isn’t steep, but if you keep your speed, it’s a fun run to play around on.

The final stretch opens up with a view overlooking Lake Yunoko—so beautiful, you’ll want to stop and take it in.

 
"Bコース"。緩斜面でした。
ライダーはコース端に木が倒れていたのをオーリーで遊んだり、コースから木の間を滑れたりして遊んでました。

Course B is mostly mellow terrain.
Our rider found ways to make it fun—popping over a fallen tree near the edge and weaving through the trees just off the main run.

Access from the lift is easy here. For most first-timers, this will likely be the slope they try first.

Course C has many ungroomed sections, offering a slow and flowy ride along a soft line.

To return to the lift, you’ll need to head back via Course B—so watch your route.

 
『日光湯元温泉スキー場』全体的にスキー場の下部は緩斜面が多く、"Dコース"からしっかりスピードをつけて下りきると、気持ちよく流せました。
 
午後になると、太陽が山に隠れて斜面が見にくくなってきます。気温もグッと下がるので、レイヤリングはしっかりめが安心。滑ったあとは湯元温泉。硫黄の香りが漂う白濁の湯で、冷えた体をじんわり温められるそうです。今回は次の目的地が遠くて断念しましたが、次に訪れる時は滑り終わりに温泉へ直行したいなと思いました。

機会がありましたら是非
 

Overall, the lower half of Nikko Yumoto Onsen Ski Resort is made up of gentle slopes. If you carry your speed well from Course D, you can cruise smoothly all the way down.
By afternoon, the sun dips behind the mountain, making visibility on the slopes a bit tricky. The temperature also drops sharply, so make sure you’ve layered up.
After riding, the best way to warm up is a soak in the Yumoto hot springs—famous for their white sulfur-rich water. I didn’t get to try it this time, as our next stop was far away, but next time I visit, I’ll be heading straight for the onsen post-ride.

ローカルなスキー場は地元の方々の特別な場所です。リスペクトを忘れずに楽しみましょう。