Nature Experience Programs
Nordic Skiing, Telemark Skiing, Snowshoeing and more!
The amazingly beautiful snow-covered forest welcomes you.
In APPI Resort, you have rare opportunities to spend precious time in the beautiful northern Japanese forests. In winter season, Ihatov Nature School offers various programs that help you to experience the APPI’s nature.
Snowshoe Nature Trail - Let's Walk in Fresh Snow Forest! -
*Hotel Guests Only


Want to play in the “fluffy” snow!? In the forest just behind Hotel APPI Grand, there are so many fun things to see and play that you cannot find on the ski slopes. You might be able to see wild animals!
| When : | Dec 22-Apr 7 |
| Hours : | 9am - 4pm (Last Entry) *Close at 5pm |
| Who : | Everyone |
| Fee : | Trail use fee: Hotel Guest FREE / Visitor 500yen Snowshoe rental: 500yen (boots included) *Snowshoe Rental: Age +5 |
| Reservation : | Not necessary (*First come first served basis) |
| Note : |
Gears: warm ski or snowboard wear, hat, gloves, goggles (or sunglasses) |
| Special : |
Guided Tour: Go out with a nature guide and have more fun! Hours: AM Tour 10am-11:30am *Reservation until 5pm on the day before PM Tour 1:30pm-3:00pm *Reservation until noon on the day Capacity: 10 people max Fee: Age +13: 1,000yen Age 7-12: 500yen Age -6: FREE *For age 6 and under, trail use fee and snowshoe rental fee NOT included. |
Nordic Ski Refresh Walk - Refreshing by Skiing & Walking! -
Let’s put on heel-free Nordic style skies and take a walk in the woods! Getting a moderate exercise while enjoying snow-covered forest will refresh your body and mind.
| When : | Jan 15-Mar 24 |
| Hours : | 9:30am - 11:30am |
| Who : | Person age 7 and over / Ski level: beginner or higher. |
| Capacity : | 8 people max. (2 people min.) |
| Fee : | Hotel Guest 3,000yen / Visitor 3,500yen |
| Reservation : | Until 5pm on the day before |
| Note : |
*Rental skies, boots, poles included (500yen discount if you bring your own equipments) * Walking Distance: About 2-4km * Nordic ski: Telemark or Cross-country ski with step sole. |
Winter Mountain Trekking - Let's Play in Forest Refuge! -
When you take a gondola and hike up to the summit of Mt. Maemori, 360°panoramic view is awaiting you. Rout is mostly downhill and easy for snow trekking beginners.
| When : | Dec 22-Mar 3 |
| Hours : | 1:30pm - 4:30pm |
| Who : | Person age 10 and over |
| Capacity : | 8 people max. (2 people min.) |
| Fee : | Hotel Guest 3,000yen / Visitor 3,500yen *Gondola fee separate |
| Reservation : | Until 10am on the day you participate |
| Note : |
* Rental snowshoes, boots, poles included (500yen discount if you bring your own snowshoes) * Walking Distance: About 3-4km * Course would be changed depending on the weather and snow conditions. |
Animal Tracking - Might Have A Chance to See Wild Animals! -
Let’s get on a lift and walk down through the winter forest while finding animal tracks and playing in the deep powder snow!
| When : | Dec 22-Jan 14 |
| Hours : | 9:30am - 11:30am |
| Who : | Person age 5 and over |
| Capacity : | 8 people max. (2 people min.) |
| Fee : | Hotel Guests 2,000yen / Visitors 2,500yen *Lift ticket fee separate |
| Reservation : | Until 5pm on the day before |
| Note : | * Rental snowshoes, boots, poles included (500yen discount if you bring your own snowshoes) * Walking Distance: about 1.5km * Course would be changed depending on the weather and snow conditions. |
Night Hike - Try Cool Night Adventure! -
*Hotel Guests Only
How is the night winter forest like? Let’s put snowshoes on and go out to explore! You might find out the secrets of nocturnal animals.
| When : | Dec 22-Jan 13 |
| Hours : | 5:30pm-6:45pm |
| Who : | Person age 5 and over |
| Capacity : | 10 people max. (2 people min.) |
| Fee : | Age +13: 1,500yen Age 5-12: 1,000yen |
| Reservation : | Until 1hr before starting |
Craftwork “Kosherube” - Let's Make Your Memorial accessory!
*Hotel Guests Only
“Kosherube” means “Let’s make!” in Iwate dialect. How about making your own accessories as a memory of your stay in APPI?
| When : | Dec 1-21 / 1pm-5pm Dec 22-Apr 6 / 4pm-7pm |
| Who : | Everyone |
| Fee : | From 950yen |
| Reservation : | Anytime for Business Hour |
| Note : | * The numbers of seats are limited. |
Private Lesson & Guide... Experience Everything!
Backcountry ski tours around APPI and Hachimantai, private Telemark ski lessons are also available. Please ask English Service Centre for details.
| When : | Winter Season |
| Capacity : | 1-5 people for 1 guide |
| Fee : |
19,000yen for 3 hrs 28,500yen for 5 hrs |
| Reservation : | Until 5pm before the day |
Ihatov APPI Nature School
APPI is located in latitude 40 degrees north and lucky to have distinctive four seasons, which allow us to experience various activities throughout the year. In winter season, we offer programs to enjoy the APPI’s beautiful snow-covered forest. Please join our programs and have fun in the deep powder snow!