Moya Hills

Small but punchy — Moya rides exactly like a locals’ hill should. The Cosmos Quad is the workhorse, feeding mellow-to-moderate fall-lines that ski longer than the 264 m would suggest thanks to rollers, banks, and tidy spines, while the Odaki and Akebi pairs serve quieter groomers when you want clean cord. After a reset, wind-loaded pockets stack up skiers’ right of the quad and along leeward berms, with playful, low-risk wiggles in the treeline between marked runs; boundaries are respected and there’s no gate network, so think side-hits and micro-glades rather than deep tree missions. Frequent Aomori storms keep the surface soft — a touch heavier than Hokkaido but super surfy — and when bigger mountains blow shut, Moya’s sheltered aspect often keeps chairs turning for storm-day therapy and luminous night sessions over the city lights.

Moya Hills is best for riders who want easy-access powder fun without the crowds. Intermediates can ski the whole mountain confidently, while advanced riders will enjoy milking storm stashes, rollers, and micro-glades. Families will love the safe layout, night skiing, and proximity to town. If you’re looking for sustained steeps, big vertical, or backcountry access, this isn’t the spot — but paired with a trip to Hakkoda or Aomori Spring, it’s a fantastic complement.

Most visitors base themselves in Aomori City, just a short drive or bus ride away. The city is loaded with business hotels that are clean, comfortable, and extremely affordable, making it easy to keep costs down. You can ski all day, hit the town for sushi or izakaya at night, and be back on the hill the next morning with no fuss.

For a more traditional vibe, Asamushi Onsen on the coast offers ryokan stays with steaming rotenburo (outdoor baths). After a day of riding, nothing beats soaking with a view of the bay, followed by a kaiseki-style dinner of local seafood. It’s still within easy driving distance of the ski area, making it a great base if you want cultural immersion alongside skiing.

On-site, Moya has simple cabins you can book for ski-in convenience. These are great for families or groups who want to cook for themselves and maximize their slope time. They’re not luxury, but they’re social, affordable, and cozy, especially during a storm cycle when you can watch the snow stack up right outside the window.

At the base lodge you’ll find exactly what you need — hot bowls of ramen, katsu curry, and fried favorites to warm you up. Prices are reasonable and service is quick, making it easy to fuel up and get back on the hill.

For après, head back into Aomori City. This is where the food scene really shines, from izakaya pubs with sashimi spreads to unique local specialties like miso-curry-milk ramen (trust us, it works). A visit to the A-FACTORY by the waterfront is a must for sampling Aomori’s famous apple cider, along with casual eats and a lively atmosphere under its high glass ceiling.

If you’re staying in Asamushi Onsen, après is quieter but more traditional — soak, dine, and sleep, ready to hit the snow again.

Moya Hills is one of the easiest resorts to reach in Tohoku. It’s just 20–25 minutes by car from Aomori Airport, or 30 minutes from Aomori Station. Buses also run from downtown, taking about 40–50 minutes. The road is straightforward, but storms can dump snow fast — make sure your rental car is fitted with proper winter tires.

• Lift hours: 09:00–17:00 for day skiing, 16:30–21:00 for night skiing on select days.
• Lift tickets: One of the cheapest in Japan
• Backcountry: Not available — Moya is strictly in-bounds. For touring, head to Hakkoda.
• Weather: Frequent storms off Mutsu Bay deliver plenty of fresh snow; visibility can shift quickly.
• Language: Minimal English spoken on-mountain, but signage and Aomori’s tourism office help.
• Nearby resorts: Hakkoda Ropeway for backcountry touring; Aomori Spring for terrain parks and bigger vertical.