Use the city as your base and explore the snowy mountains within a 50km radius. The mountain you'll head to tomorrow can be decided based on the morning weather and signs of snow. Accessible from Tokyo in just 70 minutes, you can choose your destination mountain on a daily basis. We'll introduce you to the best ski resorts and drop-off spots to explore from Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, the perfect travel environment for skiers
High-speed access for a fast-paced tour of Mt
The moment you step off the Shinkansen, you enter the snow country. That is the greatest magic of Yuzawa. Echigo Yuzawa is truly the "gateway connecting the city and the snowy mountains." Just 70 minutes on the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo will put you in the heart of the heavy snow area. Depending on the amount of snowfall overnight and the weather forecast the next morning, you can decide whether to go skiing tomorrow morning, and the flexibility to move according to the conditions is a major advantage of Yuzawa
Yuzawa and Minamiuonuma are the first areas where the damp, cold air from the Sea of Japan hits the Tanigawa Mountain Range, which runs through the Joetsu border. This brings large amounts of snow to this area, which is characterized by its stable snowfall and long season. With access to the vast backcountry fields from Kagura Ski Resort, you can fully enjoy spring mountaineering
Naeba & Kagura, GALA Yuzawa, Ishiuchi Maruyama, Yuzawa Nakazato, Maiko Snow Resort, Kandatsu Kogen, Joetsu Kokusai, and even parts of the Gunma area are all within reach. If you look at a map of the ski resorts clustered around Yuzawa, you'll be amazed at the number of options. Also, by using the "YUZAWA SNOWLINK" three-mountain pass starting from GALA Yuzawa, which is directly connected to the Shinkansen station, you can freely ski around three resorts in one day: GALA, Yuzawa Kogen, and Ishiuchi Maruyama
Sake, outdoor bath culture, and the warmth of a snowy country. The essence of this town is that it allows for a light yet profound trip. At night, you can relax in the hot springs of the hot spring town, sipping on famous sake brands like Hakkaisan and Kakurei, while filling your stomach with abundant seafood and mountain produce and Uonuma koshihikari rice. Yuzawa is an easy gateway to snow country, but once you exit the tunnel, you'll find yourself in a deep snowy world. For busy city dwellers, a Yuzawa-based tour is the ideal base for a relaxing and soothing trip with easy skiing
The benefits of being based in this city
- The fastest access from Tokyo to the heavy snow area
- Enjoy the stable snowfall and variety of snow types that are unique to areas with heavy snowfall
- A densely packed ski resort environment that makes it extremely easy to tour different ski resorts on different days
- Easy access to BC via Kagura
- Enjoy the blessings of the snow country, including Uonuma Koshihikari rice, sake, and hot springs
- The convenience of being able to travel around without a car
Ski resorts that can be toured around Yuzawa
Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
Powder, park, tree runs, night skiing, relaxing and the ultimate full-spec ski resort
The largest and most expansive ski slope in the Yuzawa area features 23 courses that take advantage of the varied terrain, and the light snow known as "Uonuma powder" brought by the seasonal winds blowing in from the Sea of Japan falls. The mountaintop slope has the best snow quality in Ishiuchi, a steep slope, and a fun tree run area with a stream terrain
The resort also boasts a fully-equipped park that is among the best in Japan in terms of size, number of items, and quality. The park boasts a functional design that allows for smooth skiing, and is also home to the country's largest super pipe, the "Gungho Monster Pipe." The resort is also famous for its large-scale night skiing, boasting one of the best environments in the country. Additionally, it boasts the relaxing spot "The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama," making Ishiuchi Maruyama a top-notch resort that combines skiing and relaxation at a high level
Access: Approximately 4km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 10 minutes by car, bus available
STEEP guide page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/ishiuchi-maruyama/
Naeba Ski Resort
Steep slope powder, fast track, Naeba Prince Hotel
The slopes that spread across Takenokoyama Mountain boast 24 courses serviced by 3 gondolas and 11 lifts, with the longest run measuring 4km. The extensive facilities and diverse activities, centered around the Naeba Prince Hotel, make this resort the ultimate resort, satisfying skiers of all ages and tastes
Naeba also has plenty to offer freeskiers. It boasts six steep slopes, including Naeba's famous "big slope" with a maximum gradient of 32 degrees, and an official FIS Alpine World Cup course. After snowfall, the ungroomed runs turn into thrilling faces of steep, powdery terrain. There is also a fast track program, where you can tackle the first thing in the morning after a snowfall. The Kagura/Tashiro area can be easily accessed from Naeba via Japan's longest "Naeba Dragon Dora," and Mt. Naeba offers a diverse range of mega-scale runs
Access: Approximately 21km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 30 minutes by car, bus available
STEEP guide page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/naeba/
Kagura Ski Resort
The potential after snowfall is overwhelming, making it the "main destination" for your trip
Among the ski resorts in the Yuzawa area of Niigata Prefecture, this one offers the greatest feeling of "mountain depth" among those with a strong powder and backcountry feel. It is open from late November to late May. In addition to being easily accessible from the Kanto region, it is also renowned for its snow quality due to its heavy snowfall and high altitude. The ski resort has a vast field made up of three areas: "Kagura" at the top, "Mitsumata" at the bottom, and "Tashiro" accessible from either Kagura or the Tashiro Ropeway, offering enjoyment for a wide range of skiers from beginners to advanced. Together with the neighboring Naeba Ski Resort, they are known as Mt Naeba, and you can travel between the two areas via the Dragon Dora. Joint lift tickets are also available
Kagura's slope top is 1,845m, and a BC gate is installed at the top. It is also popular as the first field for beginners to BC, and there are courses for beginners and intermediates on various guided tours.
Access: Approximately 20km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 30 minutes by car, bus available
STEEP guide page: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/kagura/
GALA Yuzawa
Conveniently connected to the station, yet versatile with plenty of skiing options
With its unique convenience of being directly connected to the Shinkansen station, it is convenient not only for day trips from Tokyo, but also as a convenient spot for sightseeing around Yuzawa. If you stay near Echigo Yuzawa Station and take the early morning Shinkansen, you will arrive at GALA Yuzawa in just 3 minutes, and the slopes are right in front of the station, so you can start skiing right away
GALA's strengths extend beyond its accessibility and convenience. Despite its compact size, it boasts 16 courses, including a main run with a strong vertical drop, intermediate and advanced runs, and medium slopes with excellent snow quality, making it a versatile ski resort. "Falcon" is a long run of approximately 2.5 km, and on clear days, you can enjoy spectacular views of the hot spring town of Yuzawa. Enjoy light powder on the three ungroomed runs in the southern area. Additionally, the "YUZAWA SNOW LINK" pass provides access to Yuzawa Kogen and Ishiuchi Maruyama, offering an incredible 48 runs. Check the weather forecast for a day trip and head out early in the morning to try your luck at powder snow
Access: Approximately 3km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 10 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://gala.co.jp/
Kandatsu Snow Resort
The ultimate specs for a one-day trip
Access is excellent, with a free shuttle bus from Echigo Yuzawa Station taking just seven minutes. By car, it's just 1km from Yuzawa IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway, just three minutes away, and parking is free all day. With night skiing available from early morning until 2am, no other ski resort offers such a long and fulfilling day. Relaxing hot springs and saunas, Wi-Fi-equipped sleeping spaces, and plenty of restaurants with a wide selection of menus, this resort is packed with everything you need for a day trip, making it one of the most convenient and comfortable in Japan
Even beginners can enjoy a long run of 3,500m on the slopes, and both beginners and advanced skiers will be satisfied with the uncompacted powder area with plenty of high-quality snow, the hump area, and the steep slopes with a maximum slope of 45 degrees. Kandatsu is also famous for its high-quality snow park and free ski school.
Access: Approximately 8km from central Yuzawa / 15 minutes by car
STEEP guide page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/kandatsu/
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
A 7-minute aerial walk to an altitude of approximately 1000m and spectacular skiing is attractive.
It takes about 70 minutes by Shinkansen from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and about 2 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Echigo Yuzawa Station to arrive at the foot of the ski resort. Yuzawa Plateau is characterized by its dynamic nature, as you can access the summit at 1,000 meters above sea level in just seven minutes by one of the world's largest ropeways, which can seat 166 people. I would definitely like to experience the ``7-minute walk in the air.''
The slopes are divided into two areas: the "Highland Area" and the "Foothill Area." The famous course is a long run with a maximum run distance of 5km from the top to the base. Downhill skiing while enjoying the magnificent panorama of the Echigo Sanzan and Tanigawa Mountain Range is truly refreshing. During peak season or when low pressure arrives, you can expect to find high-quality powder snow in the Yuzawa area. The "YUZAWA SNOW LINK" pass also allows access to GALA Yuzawa and Ishiuchi Maruyama. A free shuttle bus connects the three ski resorts
Access: Walking distance from Echigo-Yuzawa Station | About 5 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/yuzawakogen/
Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort
A challenging steep slope that can be reached by ropeway
This ski resort has a linear impression and is built around the ropeway that spans Mt. Hakkai. The top of the ski resort is not particularly high at 1,147m above sea level, but it is in a heavy snow region where snow clouds coming in from the Sea of Japan are the first to bring snow, so the snowfall during peak season is incredible. The courses built along the ropeway have a maximum gradient of 26-35 degrees, an average of 17-25 degrees, and an elevation difference of 805m, with a sharp, steep slope and a strong vertical drop, making it a mountain for connoisseurs. After the snowfall, it is famous as a powder spot where skiers with thick skis gather
You can go around on the ropeway, so you won't feel cold even on a snowstorm, and you can ski a lot efficiently. The tall coniferous forests covered in snow are beautiful, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of North American ski resorts, making this a ski resort with a slightly different feel to other places
Access: Approximately 25km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 40 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/hakkaisan/
Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
A place that will satisfy hardcore tree and powder lovers
The ski center is directly connected to JR Echigo-Nakazato Station, about 10 minutes from Yuzawa Interchange, making it easily accessible by train. There are plenty of rest areas throughout the resort where you can kick off your boots and relax, including a unique Blue Train rest area that uses an actual train, so you can spend the day relaxing. At first glance, the slopes appear to be aimed at families, with spacious, gentle slopes, but there's actually more to it than that
There are also tree runs and powder spots open to the public that will impress even hardcore freeskiers. The tree density is varied, creating fun rhythmic changes, and the slopes have a rich variety of terrain changes. Yuzawa Nakazato is truly a hidden wonderland for advanced skiers and freeskiers. Stay close to the station and tackle the slopes on a snowy morning
Access: Approximately 6km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 15 minutes by car, directly connected to the station
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/yuzawa-nakazato/
Maiko Snow Resort
Perfect if you want to improve your freeride skills!
Only one minute from Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC, this location is incredibly convenient for those who drive. The slopes are divided into three areas, with a total of 26 runs to satisfy everyone from beginners and kids to experts, with the longest run being approximately 6,000m. Taking advantage of the rich natural terrain, there are plenty of runs with ungroomed snow and tree runs, especially in the Okusoji area. Many of the runs face north, and the powdery Uonuma snow accumulates, making it an ideal freeride zone, with good conditions easily maintained
The slopes are well-balanced, with a focus on gentle to moderate slopes, but also areas with steep slopes and a tree-like feel. The overall flow of traffic on the slopes is excellent, and the skiing efficiency is also a key point. Starting in the 2025-2026 season, the "Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour" will be held, where you can enjoy first track before the lifts open
Access: Approximately 12km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 20 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/maiko/
Joetsu International Ski Resort
A vast slope that you can never ski down
The vast ski slopes, consisting of four areas centered around Hotel Green Plaza Joetsu, have 22 courses and are so large in scale that you can ski long distances just by moving around. At the same time, it is a large slope that requires a bit of physical strength. The wide, gentle slopes are combined with long courses with many ups and downs, providing a range of enjoyable lines for families, beginners, and intermediate and advanced skiers. The fantastic cocktail lights in front of the hotel make the night skiing popular. In collaboration with Iwappara Ski Resort, there are a variety of shared lift tickets and joint events
Access: Approximately 14km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 25 minutes by car / Direct train connection
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/joetsu-kokusai/
Iwappara Ski Resort
Improve your skills while enjoying the spectacular view of the Tanigawa mountain range!
The symbol of Iwahara is the beautiful, wide and long single run with a panoramic view of the Tanigawa mountain range. The slopes are mainly made up of comfortable, groomed terrain, with an open, medium-sized slope up to 200m wide, allowing for comfortable carving and high-speed turns. There are a total of 20 courses, ranging from spacious beginner courses to courses for advanced skiers with a maximum gradient of 35°. The open view and photogenic scenery are also attractive. In the 2025-2026 season, a special lesson program is being developed exclusively for advanced skiers
Access: Approximately 6km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 15 minutes by car
Official website: https://iwa-ppara.com/
Sakae Club
The No. 1 local ski resort you won't want to tell anyone about
Located in Sakae Village, Nagano Prefecture, this ski resort has a strong local flavor and was ranked number one in the "Top 10 Favorite Local Ski Resorts That We Don't Really Want to Tell You About!" survey of STEEP readers. This ski resort, which uses 100% natural snow, is a favorite among powder enthusiasts and gets busier the worse the weather. On weekdays, the ungroomed runs are expanded, increasing the chance of encountering powder, and there is almost no waiting time for the lifts, so you can enjoy powder to your heart's content. Another attraction is the long rides that take advantage of the elevation changes and the ability to experience the natural terrain
It takes about an hour to ride from Yuzawa, but it's only 25 minutes from Nozawa Onsen, so it's actually possible to get there by touring around Nagano. This is a special powder spot that you'll want to enjoy to the fullest while it's still considered a local spot
Access: Approximately 50km from central Yuzawa / 60-70 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/sakaeclub/
Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts
Mountain ski resort popular with core skiers
Nestled in the Tanigawa Mountain Range, it is known for its superb powder snow, steep slopes, and undulating natural terrain, all cultivated by the harsh climate. Since it was formerly known as Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort and taken over by Hoshino Resorts, it has not only changed its name but also expanded its facilities, transforming it into a stylish resort. The high quality snow, backed by its altitude, is consistent, and it continues to receive overwhelming support from core users as a "serious mountain" where you can enjoy alpine scenery and authentic skiing
Once you get off the ropeway, you'll find yourself faced with a vast snowfield. There are only four lifts, but the undulating terrain has many challenging steep faces, making for plenty of fun skiing. The harsh weather conditions of the Tanigawa Mountain Range bring with it an overwhelming amount of snowfall and the finest quality powder snow, making it a great place to ski. The backcountry (BC) area extending from the main peak, Mt. Tanigawa, can be accessed via a dedicated gate at the summit. A mountain climbing permit and BC equipment are essential. The steep, stream-like slopes make it a tough area with a high risk of avalanches, so great care is needed when skiing from the BC
Access: Approximately 35km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 50 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/mt-tbyhoshino/
Okutone Snow Park
Night skiing is popular as it is open until 10pm every day
Conveniently located about two hours from Tokyo and 10km from Minakami IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway. With seven lifts and a maximum elevation difference of 500m, the resort offers a wide variety of courses for beginners to advanced skiers. It also has a park and a kids' slope. It boasts night skiing, open until 10pm every day. As most of the slopes are open for skiing, it is popular with those who want to ski long into the night. Yuzawa is about an hour's drive from here. When approaching Yuzawa from the Tokyo metropolitan area, it may be a practical option to stop off midway and take a quick ski
Access : Approximately 40km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 60 minutes by car
Official website: https://okutone.jp/
Gunma Minakami Hodaigi Ski Resort
For cruising and technical practice
With its top elevation of 1,400m, this high-altitude ski resort boasts abundant snowfall, excellent snow quality, and easy-to-ski slopes with open views, making it ideal for cruising and technical practice. There are challenging courses with a maximum slope of 40 degrees, as well as a snow park. There is also a kids' land with snow escalators, so it can be enjoyed by everyone from intermediate to advanced powder and carving lovers to families with children. The lift flow is simple, and the entire area is easily accessible, making it a well-balanced ski resort
Access: Approximately 45km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 60 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/gunma-minakami-hodagi/
Chateau Shiozawa Ski Resort
A peaceful ski resort where you can relax
This is a locally-based ski resort in Minamiuonuma City. Although it is compact with only four lifts and seven runs, it offers a wide, gentle slope, making it a safe and enjoyable skiing environment. It is perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers to practice their skiing, or for families with children to play in the snow. The calm and cozy atmosphere will leave you feeling at peace. The lift fee is reasonable at 4,000 yen for a one-day adult ticket, and 6,000 yen for a parent-child pair ticket for an adult and elementary school child or younger. It is also conveniently located just 20 minutes from Yuzawa, making it easily accessible
Access: Approximately 12km from central Yuzawa / 20 minutes by car
Official website: https://chateau-shiozawa.jp/
Suhara Ski Resort
Ranked in "Top 10 Local Ski Resorts I Don't Want to Tell You About!"
Suhara Ski Resort is easily accessible, about 30 minutes from Uonuma IC, and offers a wide variety of courses to satisfy everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. It was also ranked in the "Top 10 Local Ski Resorts I Don't Want to Tell You About!" survey of readers of "STEEP." A high-speed hooded quad lift allows you to ski comfortably even in bad weather, and takes you straight to the top of the mountain. Another attraction is the unique terrain, including banks, walls, and jump spots, that you can enjoy along the long distance to the bottom. Another attraction is the events held almost every weekend
Access: Approximately 35km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 50 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/suhara/
NASPA ski garden
Safe and secure ski slopes, a rarity these days
NASPA Ski Garden is directly connected to Hotel NASPA New Otani. This hotel and ski resort is just a three-minute ride from Echigo-Yuzawa Station by free shuttle bus. The ski slope, now rare, is equipped with eight courses, including a 2.2km long course that even beginners can enjoy from the summit, as well as steep slopes, mogul runs, and ungroomed snow areas, catering to all levels of skier. The resort also boasts a wide range of snow activities, including the Pingu Kids Garden, which is exclusively for sledding
Access: Approximately 2km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 5 minutes by car
Official website: https://www.naspa.co.jp/ski/
New Greenpia Tsunan
A private resort that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike
New Greenpia Tsunan is a ski resort in Tsunan Town, a heavy snow region that spreads across the Tsunan Plateau at the foot of Mt. Naeba. The north-facing slopes have good snow quality and abundant snowfall, making it a private resort that can be enjoyed by a wide range of skiers, from beginners to advanced skiers. There is also a hotel adjacent to the slopes, and after a day of fun, you can refresh your mind and body in the large open-air hot spring bath. After skiing, there is also the Tsunan Lantern Launching Experience, where lights of prayer dance into the night sky, held every day, so there is plenty to enjoy from morning until night (excluding reserved days)
Access: Approximately 35km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 50 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/new-greenpia/
Norn Minakami Ski Resort
Night games until 10pm are popular
It's only 95 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and 3km from Gunma Minakami IC, which takes just 5 minutes to reach. Norn Minakami is famous for its unparalleled accessibility and night skiing, which is open until 10pm. Though it may be small in scale, it's a reliable resort that will ensure you have a great day of skiing, including night skiing. There are several hot spring inns in the area that allow day trips and overnight stays, so if you get tired from night skiing, you can also stay the night
Access : Approximately 45km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 65 minutes by car
Official website: https://www.norn.co.jp/
White Valley Minakami
There are "premium powder days" where the upper 90% of the slopes are ungroomed
Although it is a compact resort with only two pair lifts, it has many challenging courses that make the most of the terrain, and the slopes offer a wide range of play options depending on your ingenuity. The quality of the snow is also well-known, and "Premium Powder Days" are held irregularly, with the top 90% of the area left ungroomed. Events are announced on official SNS the day before. It has gained support from hardcore locals, and is also highly satisfying for advanced skiers and powder lovers. A ski school is always held to help beginners improve. There is also a wide range of family-friendly activities, including rental of winter kick bikes for children.
Access: Approximately 40km from central Yuzawa | Approximately 50-60 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/whitevalley-minakami/