Ani doesn’t have the sheer size of Hakuba or Niseko, but that’s what makes it such a hidden gem. The gondola takes you from the base up into the high beech forests of Mt. Moriyoshi, where the snow stays cold and dry. The average snowfall isn’t officially published, but the depth of the snow monsters (juhyō) tells you everything you need to know — this place gets hammered with consistent powder. The terrain is a mix of mellow cruisers and rolling forested pitches, making it ideal for tree skiing and exploratory lines.

The lift layout is simple, and it works. The gondola is the workhorse, getting you up high, while the two double chairs fill in the lower terrain. Don’t expect detachable quads or high-speed bubbles — this is old-school Japan, where time moves a little slower. That actually works in your favor, as it keeps the resort feeling uncrowded and lets the snow last longer. On storm days, stick to the upper double where visibility is better, and you’ll score fresh turns while the gondola runs you into the clouds.

Tree skiing is the star at Ani. The beech forests here are perfectly spaced, offering natural fall-line skiing without the need to hack through tight glades. On storm days, the trees are your shelter, and on bluebird days, you’ll get wide-open views across Akita. The sidecountry is easy to access, though it comes with responsibility. There’s no formal gate system like Niseko, so if you duck ropes or skin out from the top, you need avalanche gear, knowledge, and a plan for getting back. Local guides and some lodges can help set up tours, which is highly recommended if it’s your first time here.

Crowds are practically non-existent. Midweek, you might have whole gondola cabins to yourself. Powder can last all day, especially if you know where to look. Even weekends don’t compare to the major resorts — you’ll share the hill with families, a handful of freeriders, and domestic tourists who often stick to the groomers. That leaves the trees to those who know what they’re doing.

Snow quality is consistently excellent thanks to Ani’s northerly latitude and elevation. The aspect is mainly west-facing, but the sun here is weak in midwinter, and the beech trees keep the snow shaded. You’ll often find powder preserved for days after a storm, and even when it warms, the snow stays playful and surfy. Just keep an eye out for natural terrain traps like gullies and creek beds — they can sneak up when you’re chasing untracked lines.

Ani is perfect for riders who value snow quality, solitude, and exploration over big infrastructure and high-octane nightlife. Intermediates will love the long, mellow cruisers that wind through the forest. Families will find safe terrain for kids and uncrowded lifts. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will get the most out of Ani by diving into the trees, heading just beyond the trail map, or adding a short skin for fresh lines. If you want terrain parks, groomer mileage, or international après scenes, this isn’t your mountain — but if you want powder turns that don’t get tracked out by 10 am, you’re in the right place.

Ani doesn’t have sprawling resort hotels at the base, but that’s part of its charm. Anaba Lodge is one of the standout options for international visitors. It’s geared toward powder riders, with simple rooms, a bar-lounge to share stories in, and connections to local guides who can show you the best tree zones. It feels like a hub for people who came for the same reason you did — chasing storms.

Traditional pensions like Hotel Fusch offer a more old-school Japanese experience. Expect hearty meals, tatami rooms, and that cozy family-run vibe. Prices are reasonable, usually including dinner and breakfast, which makes life simple after a day on the hill.

For something with a cultural twist, Matagi-no-Yu combines accommodation with an onsen and a museum about the Matagi, Japan’s traditional hunters of the region. Staying here gives you a deeper connection to the land and its history, plus a nightly soak that resets your legs for the next day’s powder.

Food at Ani is honest and hearty — exactly what you want after riding powder all day. The base cafeteria does the classics: steaming bowls of ramen, tonkatsu curry, fried chicken, and fries. Prices are fair, and meals come out fast. For dinner, if you’re staying in a pension or lodge, half-board is the norm: expect set meals of rice, miso soup, grilled fish, or hot-pot style dishes.

Après here is understated. You won’t find bars spilling out onto the street, but you will find friendly lodge lounges and the restorative power of a hot spring soak. Matagi-no-Yu is the go-to onsen, offering outdoor baths surrounded by snowdrifts — the kind of quiet, reflective experience that makes Tohoku so special.

Ani is in Akita Prefecture, tucked into northern Tohoku. The nearest airport is Odate-Noshiro, about an hour away by car. From Tokyo, the classic route is the Akita Shinkansen to Kakunodate, then the Akita Nairiku Line to Aniai Station, where you can arrange a taxi or shuttle. It takes time — usually 4.5 to 5.5 hours door-to-door — but that effort is part of what keeps Ani uncrowded.

Driving is possible, and the resort has parking, but winter roads in Akita are no joke. Snowstorms roll through hard, and even plowed roads can glaze over with ice. If you’re renting a car, make sure it’s fitted with proper snow tires, and don’t be shy about carrying chains.

• Lift hours: 8:45–16:00 daily, gondola-dependent.
• Avalanche safety: No formal gates, so bring full kit and knowledge for side/backcountry.
• Snow monsters: The juhyō are spectacular in midwinter, rivaling Zao — worth a gondola ride even for non-skiers.
• Language: Limited English, though key lodges and some signage cater to internationals.
• Indy Pass: Ani’s inclusion has brought more foreign riders, but it still feels quiet compared to mainstream resorts.
• Nearby options: Tazawako (bigger trail map) and Hakkoda (serious backcountry) make good add-ons.