2024 Appi Kogen - Skiing in Japan 🇯🇵

00:12 Bus from Sendai Airport to Appi Kogen (Crowne Plaza)
00:15 Arrival at Appi Kogen
00:23 Appi by nights
00:37 Appi by day
01:00 Day 1 on the slopes
01:40 POW ATTACK
02:17 Into the Woods
03:42 Final days, new POW and morning lights
04:10 Last day | Wind Demons

December 21-28, celebrating Christmas.
3rd time skiing in Japan, 1st time in Appi Kogen.

Resort, infrastructure, F&B, accommodation all good (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza & Intercontinental being the main "brands", beyond numerous other guesthouses and hostels). Ski rental also top quality, with a wide range of options for all levels and snow types. Small crowds even in high season.

Appi is a small, but charismatic resort in northern Japan in the Iwate prefecture. Lifts aren't many, but this place is famous for its legendary Japanese powder snow that turns the mountain into an absolute paradise. Suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers, I recommend it to experienced skiers only during POW season - some of the slopes, and in particular the numerous forests, become an amazing playground when the fresh POW hits the mountain (whic is OFTEN...). Don't expect much groomers, nor to hit top speeds anywhere on the mountain.

Closest airport is Hamanaki, but we flew into Sendai from Shanghai and then took a 3hr bus over. Can be reached from Tokyo aswell, via a combination of shinkansen + bus.

If you want more info, just reach out in the comments!