Grandeco Snow Resort

Fukushima Prefecture, Japan · 12.8 km of runs, 5 lifts, top 1581 m

High on the slopes of Nishi-Azuma above Fukushima’s Urabandai, Grandeco is a hotel-based resort where a gondola and hooded chairlifts lead into long, easygoing runs, the upper ones through beech woodland. It’s known for quiet weekdays and a long powder season, with mellow tree lines that suit skiers getting their first taste of Japanese snow.