Jeunesse Kurikoma

Jeunesse is built for storm riders who like options. The lift layout fans out from the base: the main quad takes you to the two big center-stage faces, with clean fall-line and plenty of width for expressive GS arcs. When it’s snowing — and often it is — those runs ski hero: packed-pow top layers over a soft base that takes an edge beautifully, even for snowboarders on shallower sidecuts.

From the upper stations, you can slide into the resort’s longest cruise — 2.5 km of meandering, lightly-banked goodness through beech and birch. This shoulder is brilliant during snow showers: trees break the wind, the surface fills continuously, and side hits reset every lap. Keep an eye on the rollovers mid-run; they shelter chalky snow long after the sun peeks through.

Advanced riders gravitate to the resort’s designated ungroomed zones. These areas are the classic “fill-up overnight” lines that reward rope-drop timing, with pitches reaching up to 40°. They aren’t massive bowls, but they’re absolutely legit: wind-buff one day, soft pillows the next, and often ankle- to knee-deep after a typical overnight storm. As always in Japan, respect ropes and signage — patrols keep a close eye on these steeps.

Trees here ski naturally. You’re mostly threading beech lines on consistent pitches; spacing varies, but the hill’s gentle undulations mean you can surf simple fall lines without diving into gullies. There’s no formal sidecountry gate system — this is an “enjoy it inbounds” mountain — yet the shape of the terrain gives you that off-piste feeling without the logistics, which keeps turnaround times fast and the stoke high.

Powder preservation is where Jeunesse punches above its weight. With three operating lifts and a surprisingly broad trail footprint for the size, skiers disperse quickly. Even when tour buses roll in, the fixed-grip cadence throttles skier density just enough that pockets last — aim for the lee sides of the main faces after lunch, and duck into the treed edges when visibility tanks. On true storm mornings, set the alarm: the ungroomed zones go first.

If you love storm skiing, natural lines, and a mellow, locals-first scene, Jeunesse is money. Intermediates get miles of forgiving corduroy plus a scenic long cruise; advanced riders can hunt real off-piste (inbounds) on short, steep pitches and smooth tree shots. Park kids will find the focus elsewhere, and if you’re chasing mega-vertical, 375 m can feel “small” by day three — pair it with Getō or Tazawako for a fuller week.

You can’t beat the convenience of Yamayuri Onsen — Hotel Blanc, the on-mountain lodge at the base. Rooms are simple, warm, and two minutes from first chair; the onsen is a silky, strong-alkaline bath that’s perfect for thawing toes after a face-shot morning.

If you prefer village life, look to Higashinaruse pensions and ryokan — proper countryside stays with hearty set dinners and early breakfasts for a pow start. Availability can be thin, so book ahead or broaden to Yokote and Yuzawa (30–45 min drive) for more hotel stock and easy highway access.

Self-drivers on a Tohoku road trip often stitch Jeunesse with Getō Kogen (1.5–2 h east, Iwate) or Tazawako (about 1.5 h north-west) and use Yokote/Yuzawa as a base hub. It’s a great play when storms park over the Ōu range — pick the leeward side each morning and go where it’s nuking.

Keep expectations relaxed and local. Restaurant Jeunesse 1 (in Hotel Blanc) serves the staples — curry rice, noodles, plates of kara-age — at refreshingly down-to-earth prices compared with big resorts. It’s cafeteria ordering, fast turnaround, and a front-row window onto the main slope.

For a soak-and-slurp combo, the Yamayuri Onsen public bath has a simple sit-down restaurant with long hours; think soba, udon, and warming set meals — exactly what your legs want after tree-riding. Nightlife is minimal; the play is onsen + early bed, then first tracks.

• By air: From Akita Airport, the reservation-only Akita Airport Liner (Kurikoma line) runs roughly 115 minutes to the resort area. Book ahead.
• By train: JR Jūmonji (Ōu Main Line) is your gateway; from there it’s a taxi/bus transfer to the mountain (about 50–60 minutes depending on road conditions).
• By car: Exit Jūmonji IC on the Yuzawa–Yokote Road, then follow Route 342 → 397 up the valley. Allow ~30–40 minutes from the IC in good conditions; roads ice up in storms, so winter tires and (sometimes) chains are non-negotiable. Parking is free.

• Lift hours: Typically 09:00–16:00; last season’s day ticket ran ¥4,000.
• Wind & “planned suspensions”: On heavy-weather days the resort may pre-announce keikaku unkyū (planned lift suspensions) for safety.
• Terrain reality: Ungroomed zones (レブ, モール) are steep, short, and excellent after overnight snow; respect closures and signage.
• Language: Limited English on-site; staff are friendly and patient — a few Japanese phrases go a long way.
• Onsen bonus: Soak at Yamayuri Onsen right by the slopes — a legit recovery move.
• Nearby options: Pair with Getō Kogen (Iwate) for deeper totals or Tazawako (Akita) for lake views and wind-sheltered trees.