REVIEW

日時：2023年2月上旬 / 天候：晴れから雪 / 雪質：降雪後
 
秋田県との県境に佇む岩手県西和賀町のローカルゲレンデ「湯田スキー場」。メインとなる滑走エリアはAコース１本。しかし、豊富な新雪を存分に味わえた、知る人ぞ知る穴場スキー場でした。
 

Yuda Ski Resort – a hidden local gem in Nishiwaga, Iwate, near the Akita border
Yuda Ski Resort is a small local slope tucked away in Nishiwaga Town, Iwate Prefecture, right near the border with Akita. Its main terrain is just one run—Course A—but this little-known resort is a hidden gem, offering plenty of fresh snow to enjoy.

Parking and lift tickets are available at the “Yunosawa” rest house.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm (closed on Mondays) – 2025 season info.

From here, you start walking up toward the slopes.

At the entrance, there's a small prefab hut where you can rest—good to know on cold days.

The lower area is ungroomed. There’s also a rope tow—called the “Bowler Star Lift”—on a gentle slope, perfect for beginners and kids.

Take the pair lift up to the top of the resort.

The main Course A is on the narrower side. There used to be a Course B on the opposite side, but it’s now closed.

Fresh snow sections can be found along the edges here and there.

Few people around, it’s easy to ride at your own pace.

Lower down, there’s a natural wall fun rideing

On the opposite side lies an ungroomed area. Fresh powder had just fallen that day—slightly deep, but super fun to ride.

You can ride all the way down and finish right in front of “Yunosawa.”

 
『湯田スキー場』はリフトもコースもシンプルですが、秋田県境の雪国ならではの豊富な新雪に出会えるのが魅力。訪れた日は地元の方が２名。滑るタイミングが重ならず、まるで貸切のように深雪を滑れました。静かに、じっくりパウダーを楽しみたい方におすすめのローカルゲレンデです。
 
機会がありましたら是非
 

Yuda Ski Resort may be simple, with just one lift and one course, but the deep snow typical of the Iwate border region is its biggest charm. On the day we visited, only two locals were riding—and not at the same time. It felt like we had the powder all to ourselves. This quiet little hill is perfect for anyone who wants to take their time and truly enjoy the snow.