Iwatake

This was a cool resort! An earlier start was required so Stephen could get us there before the crowds formed. Yep we were in one of the first gondolas heading up the mountain eager to explore! The Noah gondola is brand new, having only opened in  December 2024! It's the first 10 seater gondola in Japan. Prior to climbing into the gondola, you must put a beanie cover over your ski tips - we assumed to stop the windows from being scratched!

The main part of the resort is perched at the summit with runs going in all 360° directions. We chose to do the first tracks from top to bottom which was a great long run. Returning back to the top, we split up - Ella going off by herself, Katy and Andy going together and me ambling somewhere behind!

At some point we bumped into each other again on the area known as the Back bowl. The runs here were through beautiful forests and had the cloud lifted we would have had spectacular views of the Japanese Alps.

  

Coffee break was at the top in the warmth of the French cafe next to the Yoo-Hoo swing made famous by Instagram! The facilities at Iwatake appeared fresh unlike the other resorts which have a tired appearance. Activities at the summit seemed to attract non-skiers too - there was the Yoo-Hoo swing, a dog play area and an igloo fun park too.

Back out again, we explore more keen to tick all the runs off and choosing to do the fun ones multiple times! Lunch was back at the summit. Post lunch, Ella and I headed home and Andy and Katy skied a few more runs.