A Postcard From Appi Kogen

Greetings from Appi Kogen! We’ve been champing at the bit to get back to Appi after our last visit for a couple of reasons. First up we needed to confirm it really was as good as we’d remembered (spoiler alert: it is!!) Secondly, we were very keen to see what had changed post the entrance of Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), who have taken over the hotels at the resort. We couldn’t wait to see what impact these changes might have had on one of the largest (and yet relatively undiscovered) resorts in Japan’s Iwate prefecture.

Well so far, these changes seem overwhelmingly positive. We’ve had plenty of fresh pow, eaten some amazing meals and had the chairlifts to ourselves most days. There is plenty of on snow action for all levels of skier and snowboarder. Appi is one of the few resorts in Japan to allow tree skiing, while also having excellent beginner through to advanced terrain, and having plenty of ungroomed runs for those powder chasers who don’t want to go off piste. As with many Japanese resorts, Appi is not heavy on après ski options although there are a couple of bar options as well as karaoke rooms.

But if your idea of heaven is having everything on your doorstep with ski in/ ski out access, excellent restaurant options, multiple onsen and a great family vibe then Appi could be for you. Get in touch if you’d like to learn more.

Wishing you peace, love and powder days!

The Snow Concierge