Japan’s Togari Onsen Ski Resort launches fat bike snow activity

The Yukichari snow ride - Japan’s first fat bike snow activity - is now available at Togari Onsen Ski Resort after a lack of snow in January delayed the opening.

The Yukichari snow ride is the first winter sport in Japan and is only available at Togari Onsen Ski Resort. With the decline in people enjoying winter sports, snow activities other than skiing or snowboarding were explored.

Togari Onsen Ski Resort advised “We did not yet have an activity in Japan where people carry their bikes on the lift and then get on the bikes. We wondered if people can enjoy riding fat bikes on snow, which is popular in North America. So, we have decided to bring in a snow activity that offers new sensations, where you can ride freely around on top of the snow, using bikes, which many people know how to ride.”

The Yukichari ride involves going up a lift and enjoying a 2,000 meter-long-course and magnificent views from the slopes. As fat bikes with wide tires allow riding over the soft snow stably, everyone can enjoy this activity easily and safely.

The Yukichari ride is a remarkable activity offering a new standard for winter sports with Togari Onsen Ski Resort believing they can turn the resort Resort into a mecca for Yukichari.

“We hold the Yukichari Night Ride event for a limited time, where you go downhill riding a fat bike or mountain bike on a ski slope lit up by the nighttime lighting.

“While admiring the starry sky and the lights of the town that this night adventure affords, you can enjoy a totally different experience from the daytime.

“If you have a headlamp or bike light, the Rinkan Course or the Tree Run Course, where floodlights cannot reach, become thrilling adventure courses. The lighting creates clear shadows on the slopes, making it easier to spot bumps and dips than during the daytime, so even beginners can ride worry-free.”

Togari Onsen Ski Resort also offers a wide variety of other attractions. The resort has a long, 2,500 metre course that everyone, from beginners to advanced, can enjoy, a banked slalom course, a children’s area, and more, offering activities suitable for all age ranges.

Bathing in natural hot springs is also available along with offerings of local cuisine.

Overview of facility
Facility name: Togari Onsen Ski Resort
Operator: Togari Onsen Ski Resort Inc.
Address: 6356 Toyoda, Iiyama, Nagano, 389-2411
See togari.jp/winter/en/access_en/ for details on how to get here.