Wakabuna Kogen (わかぶな高原スキー場)

Wakabuna Kogen, perched high in Niigata Prefecture, offers a striking vertical drop of 1,410 feet, drawing thrill-seekers to its diverse nine slopes, with challenges ranging from beginner-friendly trails to the daunting 34-degree pitches for advanced skiers. The resort, although devoid of on-site lodgings, provides a variety of dining options to refuel after an exhilarating day on the slopes. With a history beginning in 1987, the resort becomes a chapter in the local lore, its closure marking a poignant end to a beloved winter destination, beckoning those who remember its charm to reflect on both the beauty of winters past and the slopes awaiting exploration.