Introducing recommended courses, weather forecasts, live cameras, and course maps for Biwako Valley
What is Biwako Valley (Shiga Prefecture) like?
Enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Biwa and powder snow
It's easily accessible from Kyoto, just a 30-minute drive, and just a 5-minute ropeway ride from the base will take you to the summit. A breathtaking panorama of Lake Biwa unfolds before your eyes. It's an overwhelming power and beauty that will leave you in awe
The long, vertical layout features nine diverse courses that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to experts. For the 2025-2026 season, the snowmaking machines have been fully automated, allowing you to enjoy stable, high-quality snow regardless of weather conditions
Biwako Terrace
The appeal of Biwako Valley is not just skiing. Its symbol is the Biwako Terrace. The fantastic beauty of the winter scenery of Lake Biwa, seen from an altitude of 1,100m, attracts guests from all over the world. The Grand Terrace and Terrace Cafe are open in the winter, allowing you to relax and enjoy lunch after skiing
Topics from the '25-26 season
Successfully optimized timing and fully automated snow machines！
By successfully automating the artificial snow machines, which use weather analysis to determine the best timing for spraying, it is now possible to mass-produce high-quality snow.
From last year to this year, more machines have been installed on the Horai Panorama Slope, Alpine Course, Uchimi Slope, and Giant Course, allowing you to enjoy high-quality, plentiful snow across the entire slope.
Biwako Valley recommended course
・Forest Course
Maximum gradient: 19 degrees, average gradient: 15 degrees / Distance: 1,000m / Slope orientation: North
The course is undulating and has excellent snow quality. On days with fresh snow, you can enjoy powder snow that is perfect for skiing
・Horai Panorama Slope
Maximum gradient: 20 degrees, average gradient: 10 degrees / Distance: 600m / Slope orientation: -
The spectacular slopes, offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa from north to south, are a symbol of Biwako Valley. Cruising on the wide, single-burn course gives you the mysterious feeling of jumping into Lake Biwa
・Champion course
Maximum gradient: 28 degrees, average gradient: 12 degrees / Distance: 1,400m / Slope orientation: -
This is the longest course in Biwako Valley at 1,400m. The slopes are difficult to accumulate snow on and the opening season is short, but the fun terrain attracts many fans who eagerly await its opening every year
Recommended videos that make it easy to imagine the course
Area Map
weather forecast
View detailed snow forecast for
Biwako Valley snow-forecast.com
Live Camera
Lift fees
| 1-day ticket (including ropeway fee) | adult | Elementary school student | Toddlers (ages 3 and up) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekends, holidays, and weekdays (same day) | 6,800 yen | 5,200 yen | 2,700 yen |
| Weekends and holidays (online advance sale) | 4,400 to 7,300 yen | 3,400 to 5,700 yen | 1,800 to 3,200 yen |
| Weekdays (online advance tickets) | 4,400 to 5,800 yen | 3,400 to 4,400 yen | 1,800 to 2,300 yen |
Slope information
·basic information
 |  |  |  |
| Top elevation 1,174m | Longest run: 1,400m | Altitude difference 224m | maximum slope 30° |
 |  |  |  |
9 courses | 5 lifts | Gondola - Unit | 1 ropeway |
- Course level, percentage of ungroomed, groomed and moguls (%)
Recommended information from ski resorts
Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA
At Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA, you can enjoy authentic grilled dishes such as Omi beef sirloin steak and hamburger steak. This is sure to be a page in your luxurious holiday, where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding and satisfy both your stomach and your soul
Natural Hot Spring Hiratopia
Located about a 15-minute drive from Biwako Valley along National Route 161, this natural hot spring is nestled in the midst of nature, overlooking the Hira Mountains. It is a simple hot spring (hypotonic, weakly alkaline, low-temperature spring) and features a spacious indoor bath, a picturesque rock bath, and an open-air cypress bath. Many people stop by after skiing at Biwako Valley
Information
Biwako Valley
1547-1 Kido, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, 520-0514
