Summary of ski resorts in the Shinetsu area | Nozawa Onsen, Togari, Madarao, and Kijimadaira, where you can experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese village

2024/01/31

Reasons why ski resorts around Iiyama are popular:
Shinshu flavor and easy access

What is it about the ski resorts around Iiyama that makes them so popular? The appeal lies in the uniquely Shinshu flavor. Madarao Kogen and Iizuna Kogen are popular highland resorts in the summer, while Nozawa Onsen and Togari Onsen are famous hot spring areas that are visited by many hot spring enthusiasts all year round. The hometown atmosphere and culture of Shinshu draw Japanese people to the snowy mountains

The ski resorts in the Shinetsu area are located inland at high altitudes, so they are naturally blessed with high-quality snow. The low temperatures mean that you can enjoy dry powder snow that doesn't contain much moisture. Nagano Prefecture is also divided into many small mountain ranges, so it has a rich undulating terrain and is particularly rich in natural topography. Many ski resorts are full of interesting natural topography and offer a wide variety of courses

Another appealing feature of this area is its easy access by car from anywhere in the Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka areas. Many ski resorts are accessible by bus from JR Iiyama Station in about an hour, and day trips to ski areas are also possible via the Hokuriku Shinkansen

Surrounded by the mountains of Northern Shinshu at an altitude of around 1,200m, Iiyama is dotted with some of Japan's most popular and large-scale ski resorts. Let's take a look at the features and appeal of each resort!

INDEX

Snow, mountains, hot springs, and village culture that make you want to live here
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort | NOZAWA ONSEN

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, one of Japan's largest ski resorts, boasts a hot spring town brimming with Japanese charm. It receives ample snowfall throughout the season and boasts 36 runs that cater to families, beginners, and advanced skiers alike.

With a 1,085m elevation difference from the summit to the base, the resort boasts one of the largest ski runs in Japan. Once you've skied, you'll truly appreciate its impressive features. The slopes are vast, offer long runs, and feature a rich array of natural terrain. The ski lifts are optimally positioned, allowing skiers to efficiently access a variety of runs. The

ungroomed Yamabiko area at the top of the mountain is a favorite among powder-loving skiers and snowboarders. In addition to tree runs among the beautiful beech and birch trees, the resort also allows skiers to ski off the runs, making it a truly captivating zone for deep snow lovers. After

skiing, strolling through the hot spring town, soaking your feet in a footbath, or touring the 13 outdoor baths is another way to enjoy Nozawa Onsen.

◆Official website: http://www.nozawaski.com/winter/

Madarao Mountain Resort | Madarao Kogen Ski Resort, home to the impressive "MADAPOW" and Japan's No. 1 tree run course

Although the altitude is not particularly high at 1,305m, many of the courses face the north slope, meaning that good quality snow falls repeatedly at Madarao Kogen, allowing you to enjoy plenty of powder. This deep powder is also known as "mada pau" and attracts many powder lovers.

Madarao Kogen is known for its course layout that makes the most of its undulating terrain. In particular, the tree run courses, which run through the trees, offer a wide variety of 15 courses, and the number and quality of these courses are impressive. It is also renowned as the best tree run in Japan.

Furthermore, the number of ungroomed courses is rapidly expanding, and their scale is now comparable to the number of groomed courses. It is an excellent environment for skiing on natural terrain.

◆Official website: http://www.madarao.jp/ski

Start your powder run just 25 minutes from JR Iiyama Station at
Togari Onsen

Togari Onsen is easily accessible, about 15 minutes by car or 25 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Iiyama Station. Another feature is the outstanding view overlooking Shinano-daira. The

hotspots for powder skiers are the abundant snowfall and good quality, as well as the tree run course and three ungroomed runs. When nearby Nozawa Onsen is crowded on weekends or when the gondola is closed due to strong winds, it's a good idea to ski efficiently on the powder at nearby Togari Onsen.

In addition to skiing, there are plenty of activities to enjoy for beginners to advanced skiers, such as snowmobile night cruises and fat bikes on snow.

◆Official website: https://togari.jp/winter/

■ Recommended video for Togari Onsen Ski Resort

IIZUNA RESORT is located close to Nagano city, so you can drop in whenever you want to ski.

Iizuna Resort offers a variety of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike, including a 2,500m long course with plenty of variation, ungroomed courses, and mogul runs.

And yet, it's easily accessible, just a 25-minute drive from Nagano city. It's a very convenient and nearby ski resort that's easy to drop in to whenever you feel like skiing. If the weather's nice, you can enjoy night riding while taking in the night view of Nagano city.

◆Official website: https://iizunaresort.com/ski/

Tangram Ski Circus is a family-friendly ski resort recommended for families with children.

Located on the northern slope of Mt. Madarao, it is adjacent to the Madarao Kogen Ski Resort. It is a compact family-friendly ski resort with no gondolas or long-distance lifts. For intermediate and above skiers who want to ski hard, we recommend using the Madarao All Mountain Pass, which also covers the neighboring Madarao Kogen.

There are also a wide variety of snow activities for families to enjoy. The hotel, which is directly connected to the slopes, is another reason it is popular with families.

◆Official website: https://www.tangram.jp/ski/

This is the best snow resort when the wind is blowing.
THE SNOW RESORT CUPID OF ROMANCE

Kijimadaira Ski Resort has been reborn as the "God of Romance, Snow Resort." Located just a 20-minute drive from Toyota-Iiyama Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway, Kijimadaira's signature course, measuring 250 meters at its widest point, is located on the northern slope of Mount Takayashiro. While the layout is generally gentle, it's also known for its extremely steep 46-degree slope at the top of the slope. Even

when the area around Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort experiences strong winds, Kijimadaira tends to have less. Also, when Nozawa Onsen is obviously crowded, such as during the New Year holidays or on weekends, it's a good idea to escape to Kijimadaira. The "Children's Plaza," which has free admission, also features one of Japan's largest sledding courses, measuring 800 meters in length, making it a great place for the whole family to enjoy a snowy mountain holiday.

◆Official website: https://kijimadaira-ski.com/

■ (Former) Kijimadaira Ski Resort Recommended Video

*Information current as of the end of January 2024. Please refer to the official website of each ski resort for details


Top altitude 1,650m	Longest run: 10,000m	Altitude difference 1085m	maximum slope 39°


44 courses	19 lifts	2 gondolas	Ropeway - Book


Top elevation 1,350m	Longest run: 2,500m	Altitude difference 440m	maximum slope 37°


32 courses	10 lifts	Gondola - Unit	Ropeway - Book


Top altitude 1050m	Longest run: 2,500m	Elevation difference: 400m	maximum slope 35°

Summary of ski resorts in the Shinetsu area | Nozawa Onsen, Togari, Madarao, and Kijimadaira, where you can experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese village

Reasons why ski resorts around Iiyama are popular: Shinshu flavor and easy access

Snow, mountains, hot springs, and village culture that make you want to live here Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort | NOZAWA ONSEN