There are many ski resorts in the prefecture. Most will blow snow when it hasn't fallen, giving a reliable season from late November until late March.
Mizuho Highland (http://www.mizuhohighland...) is the biggest 10 slopes, 5km longest run and probably best the only half-pipe in the region resort.
The Yabusame horse-back archery festivals of Shimane are quite famous, especially that of Tsuwano, which holds the oldest Yabusame range in all of Japan some 1000+ years old. They usually are held in early April. If one is particularly lucky, the festival will coincide with the cherry blossoms blooming, for the consummate Japanese cultural experience.
During the year there are numerous festivals. Many towns and cities have a fireworks show in August.
