AKITA: Jeunesse Kurikoma
Written on March 8th, 2024 by Eliot Cochrane
Jeunesse Kurikoma
Short But Endless Laps
A bit far from the crowd and not easy to get to, but the small size and non-existent lift lines make Jeunesse Kurikoma a favorite for all within the area. It’s a tiny little ski area that has an onsen attached to make a quiet little getaway in the southern mountains of Akita. The simplicity of Jeunesse Kurikoma is what keeps the regulars coming back year after year.
Located in the southern part of the Akita Prefecture in Northern Japan, Jeunesse Kurikoma is nestled in the area known as Hagashinaruse, which is southeast of Yokote. It’s quite a drive to get all the way back into the mountains, but it is quite a beautiful drive along the river. Along the way are plenty of traditional houses, great views, and even a shrine with a water fountain that never stops delivering clean water. Every older skier I talked to on the lift made sure to bring a water tank just to stop at that shrine.
Don’t let the laid-back attitude of a ski area fool you. This ski area is also prone to some weather anomalies that surrounding areas might not be prone to. That includes the snow dumps, but also the windy days that sweep all that snow into the snowfields for a nearly fresh reset of the area.
Photo: Windswept view from the top of the quad overlooking the valley.
Hidden Peace
It’s not so easy to get to Jeunesse Kurikoma, which lends to the small lift lines and plenty of powder to find when it does dump. On the backside of Jeunesse Kurikoma lies Mt. Kurikoma, which has a road that is beautiful to drive in summer. But during the winter, this is closed and nearly cuts off all access from the center of Miyagi to the center of Iwate. But the skiers who choose Jeunesse Kurikoma are a different breed of skier.
Photo: Food court area at Jeunesse Kurikoma.
The people who choose Jeunesse Kurikoma prefer the smaller ski areas with simple amenities. Rentals are available, but don’t expect the latest gear. Ski school is available, but don’t expect any English speakers. There is a restaurant for food, but don’t expect something to die for (although the pizza is pretty good, albeit expensive).
Jeunesse Kurikoma is a great place to avoid rushes. There are no traffic jams on the way, and there is always a spot to get geared up in the lodge. Thankfully, they have recently expanded their bag storage area, so ski bags always have a place too!
Endless Runs
Jeunesse Kurikoma is a ski area that defines peace and the ability to ski at your own pace. It doesn’t boast the snow that Geto Kogen in Iwate does, so while many people skip Jeunesse Kurikoma for Geto Kogen powder, the powder they do get is stress-free and will be there all day. That’s not to say that they don’t get powder.
Photo: View from the third pair lift overlooking Jeunesse Kurikoma.
I have been there multiple times specifically for powder up to my hips. While everyone went to the bigger places with fancier lifts, Jeunesse Kurikoma was powder all day. For a country that boasts its powder skiing, much of the skiing population only skis groomers, leaving only 5%〜10% of the skiers to actually ski in the powder.
Here, there are so few people that at any given time, there is almost no wait at the lift lines. The runs may be short compared to other mountains, but there is no wait time. Especially at the quad, the runs may be shorter, but the lift line is equally short, so it feels like the perfect distance to get tired but not exhausted after each run.
Mountain Layout
Photo: Detailed map of Jeunesse Kurikoma.
Shuffling skiers and snowboarders up the mountain are three lifts. The first pair lift is on the far right when looking up the mountain from the main lodge. This is the beginner slope but can be painful for beginners, as the long slope to the lift is extremely flat and difficult to keep enough speed to return to the lift.
Photo: View from the main quad looking up the main slope.
Directly in front of the lodge is the super-quad lift to bring skiers up mid-mountain. This is a quick lift that provides the most access and the smoothest ride. It gives access to the front-facing slopes and also the powder field between the first pair lift and the quad. This is by far the most popular lift on any given day. The main slope has two trails that mirror each other with a consistent slope, broken up by two small plateaus that act as great stopping points for beginners and families. These plateaus, though, are great for jumps with the right speed! Be careful of who might be on the landing-slope, as the landing area is not always visible from the top.
The final lift is the third pair lift from midway to the top. On powder days, this is one of the more popular lifts. Most of the trails linked to the lift are only groomed partly as entrances and exits, while the core of the trail is ungroomed. With some steeps, some entry-level powder, and a return course to the rest of the mountain, Jeunesse Kurikoma is really “go at your own pace.” Skiing under the lift is also no problem. The ski patrol may rescind this if snow conditions make it hazardous below the lift, but in almost all situations, it is fine to ski under the lift.
Photo: Third pair lift area that is mostly powder.
Accommodations
Jeunesse Kurikoma is pretty far away from anything resembling a town or city. To remedy this, an onsen was built on-site, but the area is also dotted by smaller places to stay. These places are a little bit old, but the odd one here or there is still quite enjoyable to stay at. For bigger group events, it is not uncommon for a group to yearly rent out all the rooms at some of the smaller places and spend the whole night drinking and talking amongst each other and the owners. Some of these relationships last for years.
Photo: Hotel Blanc facing the ski lifts with ski-in ski-out access.
But the Yamayuri Onsen at Hotel Blanc is the main place to stay. With an onsen overlooking the main slope, it is easy to see why it stands above all the others. It was also recently remodeled a few years back and is in great condition. Those who do stay have only had praise for Hotel Blanc.
It will not be the most incredible service, but it will provide everything that is needed without feeling out of place. The rooms are simple and clean, and the dining area is shared with the general dining area of the ski slope. For the skiers who arrive early to the slope, be prepared share the dining area with those staying over. The dining area is clearly divided at this time, so the early skiers don’t take any food from the breakfast intended for the hotel guests.
Access
Unfortunately, no bus or train goes to Jeunesse Kurikoma. The recommendations from Jeunesse Kurikoma themselves are to get to the Jumonji Station (十文字駅) and take a taxi from there. The only other alternative is the main option for most people living in the area: by car. This is severely limiting to who can make it all the way there, but for those who do get there, they will be rewarded with what visitors to Japan are always searching for… a nice place to ski.
Photo: View from the author’s seat on the side of the hill.
Tucked In The Mountains
It’s no wonder that this is a place primarily for locals. With relatively simple amenities for a ski area, no easy public access, and not the craziest terrain, not many people look to Jeunesse Kurikoma as their weekend getaway. With these shortcomings, though, Jeunesse Kurikoma is a great little weekend day trip. Jeunesse Kurikoma can let you go at your own pace and do what you want to do. If that is what is most important, then Jeunesse Kurikoma will most likely feel like heaven.
Photo: Panoramic view of Jeunesse Kurikoma.
