A summary of recommended ski resorts in Shiga Kogen: Japan's largest scale, quality snow, and hot springs, all unique in the world

2024/01/31

Shiga Kogen is a representative area of Japan, and has long been synonymous with skiing. The reason it has been loved for so long throughout history is that it has elements to satisfy everyone.

The appeal of skiing is its "grand scale." The total skiable area of 18 ski resorts is an astounding 425 hectares. It is the size of 10 Tokyo Disneylands, making it undoubtedly the largest in Japan. You can ski as much as you want on 84 courses with one common lift ticket! Its reasonable price considering its scale is overwhelmingly the best in Japan.

Yokoteyama Ski Resort's summit is 2,307 meters above sea level, making it the highest in Japan. The high altitude and low humidity produce snow that is renowned for its smooth, silky snow. The snow comes early, and the resort is open from mid-November through Golden Week in May, making it an attractive long season

Shiga is also known for its hot spring plateau, with many famous hot springs such as Kumanoyu, Ishinoyu, and Happo

monkey — Jigokudani Monkey Park, said to be the only place in the world where you can see wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs, has now become an icon that makes Shiga Kogen known around the world and attracts skiers from overseas

So, let's take a look at what ski resorts there are

INDEX

Kumanoyu: Enjoy the powder repeatedly in a short time.

Photo/Wataru Sugimura Skier/Hidemitsu Okada
Provided by: BRAVOSKI

Kumanoyu is well known for its heavy snowfall in Shiga Kogen. Most of the bowl-shaped ski resort faces north and is not directly exposed to sunlight, so the snow conditions remain good for long periods of time. It's a popular destination among powder lovers.

Although it's a compact ski resort, the slopes are steep and there are many drop-offs, so you'll never get bored. Kumanoyu offers an "early morning ticket," so you can aim for the first track on the deserted slopes from 6:00 to 8:30 in the morning, or tear up turns on the pristine groomed runs. Early morning tickets are a bargain at 2,300 yen for adults, and adding a morning ticket brings the total to 7,500 yen.

◆Official website: https://www.kumanoyu.co.jp/lift/

■ Recommended video for Kumanoyu Ski Resort

Japan's Ski
until late May at Yokoteyama and Shibu Pass | YOKOTEYAMA・SHIBUTOGE

Photo/Tatsuya Tayagaki
provided by: BRAVOSKI

Yokoteyama Ski Resort is the highest ski resort in Japan. As a result, the season is long, with enjoyment possible right up until late May. The most attractive spot for freeriding is the wall of the course that descends from the summit to the bottom. The upper part is an undulating forest course, and the slope becomes gentler as you descend, allowing for safe skiing

Located behind the top of the lift, Shibu Pass is a ski resort with a relatively gentle slope and wide courses, surrounded by an idyllic atmosphere

The panoramic view from the summit is a must-see for anyone visiting Shiga. It offers a spectacular view of the Northern Alps, Mount Naeba, and even Mount Fuji. However, be aware that due to the high altitude, it can be very cold on many days

◆Official website: https://yokoteyama2307.com/

■ Recommended videos for Yokoteyama and Shibutoge Ski Resort

Shiga Kogen Central Area

In Shiga Kogen, the "Shiga Kogen Central Area" is the collective name for the following 13 ski resorts:

Giant, Hatsubo Bunadaira, Nishitateyama, Takamagahara Mammoth, Sun Valley,
Hasuike, Maruike, Ichinose Diamond, Ichinose Family, Ichinoseyama no Kami, Tanne
no Mori Okojo, Higashitateyama, and Terakoya.

◆Official website／ https://shigakogen.co.jp/

■Recommended videos for the Shiga Kogen central area

GIANT: 1km long, with a maximum gradient of 34 degrees.

Photo/Tatsuya Tayagaki Skier/Hidemitsu Okada
Provided by: BRAVOSKI

The signature slope of Giant Ski Resort, with a maximum gradient of 34 degrees, is an FIS-certified course. It is perfectly maintained and is truly for advanced skiers, with a level of difficulty comparable to that of a giant. It is highly popular among alpine skiers. There is a large difference between steep and gentle slopes, so if you are skiing at high speed, you need to be careful as you will get hurt at the transition point.

It is the perfect place to hone your ski control techniques on steep slopes and train for high-speed turns.

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/giant

Cruise here with a group of beginners
| HOPPO BUNADAIRA

Three gondolas on the Shiga Kogen Line connect the Hasuikeyama Station area to the summit of Higashidateyama. To get from Giant Ski Resort to Happo Onsen, take the Bunadaira Gondola

The Bunadaira slope is 1500m long with a maximum width of 160m, and the wide, flat slope with an average gradient of 15° is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers to practice on. There are also many restaurants next to the slope, so you can relax and enjoy the slope

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/buna

Nishidateyama is a great place when the wind is blowing.

Photo/Wataru Sugimura Skier/Hidemitsu Okada

Beginner, intermediate and giant slalom courses are laid out from the summit, allowing you to enjoy a variety of slopes. The forest course for beginners offers a pleasant experience as you weave through the trees. Nishidateyama, the counterpart to Higashidateyama, is also an FIS-certified course, so it's just as challenging. This is a place that isn't affected by strong winds even when other areas have strong winds. There's even a local saying, "When the wind blows, go to Nishidate," which is why snow tends to accumulate.

The courses are well-balanced, with a wide variety of slopes, from gentle to steep. Many skiers head to Higashidateyama or Teragoya, so it's surprisingly a hidden gem. You'll want to ski from top to bottom without stopping.

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/nishitateyama

Takamagahara Mammoth is the perfect starting point for exploring Shiga

The wide, single run that stretches out before you is flat and well-maintained, making it a great place to take turns at high speed. On either side of the quad lift that spans the middle of the ski resort, there is a groomed run on the right side, and an uneven mogul slope on the left side. The mogul slope on the single slope is more challenging than it looks, making it a worthwhile challenge.

You can access Higashidateyama Ski Resort from the top of the ski resort, and Tanne no Mori Okojo Ski Resort from the middle.

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/takamahara

Sun Valley |
Even if you can't ski at other spots, there's a good chance the conditions are good

Photo/Wataru Sugimura Skier/Yuki Kadota, Tatsuya Tayagaki
Provided by: BRAVOSKI

The first thing that catches your eye when you come up to Shiga Kogen is Sun Valley, the gateway. Because it's lower in elevation than other areas, even when the weather is bad with wind and snow at the top, it's often calm here.

While it's compact, with one run each for advanced, intermediate, and beginner skiers, the right side of the main slope tends to accumulate snow, making it a hidden powder spot.

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/takamahara

The famous steep Maruike A course is a must-try
!

Photo/Takahiro Nakanishi Skier/Yuki Kadota, Tatsuya Tayagaki
Provided by: BRAVOSKI

The most famous course is Maruike A Course, a steep 32-degree slope next to Japan's first lift. It's like a dojo for instructors from all over the country. A single mogul often appears here. It's a fun course that you won't want to miss.

On the other hand, most of the slopes are gentle and are popular with beginners and families, making it a hidden gem for powder hunting the morning after a snowfall. Deep snow often remains until the afternoon.

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/maruike

A friendly spot for families with children and beginners
| HASUIKE

The gentle ski trails are perfect for kids and beginners. The old-fashioned access road to Giant is interesting here. Once you exit the tunnel at the bottom of the slope, a road suddenly appears before you. Take off your skis, cross the road, and walk to the access road to Giant. Enjoy this nostalgic journey that you won't find anywhere else.

Starting in the 20-21 season, a new Pulse Gondola will be installed between Shiga Kogen Yamano Station in the Hasuike area and the Giant Gondola, improving convenience and making the experience even more enjoyable.

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/hasuikeski

Snow park and kids park available
ICHINOSE DIAMOND

This is Shiga Kogen Ski Resort's signature slope. Featuring attractions such as the Snow Park and Kids Park, it's always bustling with families.

The detour Rabbit Course has a gentle slope and is often trackless, making it a good choice for powder beginners. The right side of the quad lift, as seen from the top, also offers a fun, undulating line.

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/ichinose_ski

A well-balanced layout with steep and gentle slopes
Ichinose Family | ICHINOSE FAMILY

The central slope of the open run is one of the top three wide slopes in Shiga Kogen. As the name suggests, it is a safe place for families with children to enjoy.

The Tengu Course, famous for its long forest course, is 3,200m long from the summit. The upper part has a moderate slope, so in powder conditions you can ski for long periods while hitting the walls. It's fun and recommended. Just be careful of collisions when there are a lot of people.

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/ichinosefamily

Access to other ski resorts
Ichinose Yamanokami

From the summit, continue skiing towards Mt. Yakebitai. Conversely, the route from Mt. Yakebitai to Ichinose is a popular connecting route accessed by lift. One way to enjoy Shiga Kogen is to travel to other areas. Experience the vast scale of Shiga Kogen

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/yamanokami

Experience the rich nature of Shiga in a quiet forest.
Tanne no Mori Okojo | TANNENOMORI OKOJO

This atmospheric slope allows you to leisurely glide through a forest of untouched Japanese hemlock and white birch trees. Even within Shiga Kogen, which is home to many challenging courses and gentle slopes designed for beginners, this place has a unique atmosphere. For that reason alone, it would be a shame to simply pass it up as a beginner's slope.

Bring your beginner skiers and enjoy the natural terrain, sliding freely through the forest and experiencing a bit of tree running.

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/tanne

Higashidateyama: A long run of 1.6km and a chance to enjoy a little puff

Photo/Takahiro Nakanishi
Provided by: BRAVOSKI

In 2022, a new cafe restaurant offering spectacular views of the Northern Alps will open at the summit of Higashidateyama. The restaurant will offer a menu of dishes from the European Alps in an easy-to-follow style, a wine corner where you can enjoy local wines, and a cafe stand on the first floor where you can enjoy coffee and light meals. You can enjoy the spectacular view at the summit with a glass of locally produced wine in hand

Higashidateyama's main course was the giant slalom course for alpine skiing during the Nagano Olympics, so it's a great place to ski. You can ski at high speed, hitting complex terrain and jumping. There is often fresh snow piled up on the side of the course, making it a must-see spot for powder snow. The slope of the approximately 3.5km forest course is gentle, so you can use the walls on both sides to have fun!

◆Official website: http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/higashitateyama

A mysterious world woven together by pure white snow and breathtaking views
Terakoya

Photo/Wataru Sugimura
Provided by: BRAVOSKI

Although it is not as high as Mt. Yokote at 2,307m, it is the second highest in the Shiga Kogen area at 2,215m, and its light snow is a distinctive feature. On sunny days, the beautiful contrast between the clear air, blue sky, and pure white snow is intoxicating

Teragoya has the most secluded atmosphere in Shiga Kogen and has many loyal fans. Many skiers say, "If you come to Shiga, start at Teragoya."

◆Official website/ https://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/terakoya

The largest in Shiga -
Yakebitaiyama is a must-see!

Photo/Wataru Sugimura Skier/Tatsuya Tayagaki
Provided by: BRAVOSKI

As a ski resort, this is the largest slope in Shiga Kogen. Yakebitai no Kao is the Olympic course with an average gradient of 21 degrees and a maximum gradient of 30 degrees. If you can have the slope all to yourself on the first track, it's an amazing experience.
The area with the gondola is also recommended. The ungroomed areas of the expert and middle courses also have a rich variety of terrain, making them both fun and enjoyable.

This ungroomed course has a maximum gradient of 39 degrees, and when viewed from below it looks like a towering wall, hence the name. When it snows, you can enjoy the high-quality powder that only Shiga Kogen can offer, and when there is no snow, it can be enjoyed as a challenging uneven slope. Recommended for advanced powder lovers and mogul enthusiasts

◆Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/shiga/winter/

■ Recommended video for Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort

Okushiga Kogen is one of the best in Japan for its powder quality and spectacular scenery.

Okushiga, located at the very back of Shiga Kogen, is a ski resort that operates solely on natural snow. This is the kind of place where snow piles up and accumulates. For that reason, it's a must-see for powder lovers

The most enjoyable course is the downhill course. Then there's the steep Kumo-Otoshi, where you can experience powdery snow overhead even on the slopes. From the summit station, you can speed downhill to Kumo-Otoshi. There's a huge variety of courses, including packed snow, powder, a scenic tree run course, and a long course stretching 2.2km in length. If you purchase a lift ticket that covers all 18 ski resorts in Shiga Kogen, you can also ski at the neighboring Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort

Furthermore, Okushiga Kogen Resort is an independent space surrounded by the natural beauty of Okushiga Kogen, which is also known as a "hidden region," and one of its great attractions is that you can experience an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're at a resort overseas

Official website: http://www.okushiga.jp/skiresort/

■ Recommended video for Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort

[List of ski resorts in the Shiga Kogen area]

Kumanoyu
Mount Yokote
Shibu Pass
Giant
Hatsubo Bunahira
Nishitateyama
Takamagahara Mammoth
Sun Valley
lotus pond
Maruike Pond
Ichinose Diamond
Ichinose Family
God of Ichinoseyama
Tanne Forest Ermine
Higashi Tateyama
Terakoya
Mount Yakebitai
Okushiga Highlands

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


Top altitude 1,950m	Longest run: 1,300m	Altitude difference 260m	maximum slope 32°


10 courses	5 lifts	Gondola - Unit	Ropeway - Book


Top elevation : 2,307m	The longest run is 4,000m	Elevation difference: 602m	maximum slope 35°


16 courses	8 lifts	Gondola - Unit	Ropeway - Book


Top elevation : 1,604m	Longest run: 1,000m	Altitude difference 263m	maximum slope 34°

A summary of recommended ski resorts in Shiga Kogen: Japan's largest scale, quality snow, and hot springs, all unique in the world

Kumanoyu: Enjoy the powder repeatedly in a short time.

Japan's Ski until late May at Yokoteyama and Shibu Pass | YOKOTEYAMA・SHIBUTOGE

Shiga Kogen Central Area

GIANT: 1km long, with a maximum gradient of 34 degrees.

Cruise here with a group of beginners | HOPPO BUNADAIRA

Nishidateyama is a great place when the wind is blowing.

Takamagahara Mammoth is the perfect starting point for exploring Shiga

Sun Valley | Even if you can't ski at other spots, there's a good chance the conditions are good

The famous steep Maruike A course is a must-try !

A friendly spot for families with children and beginners | HASUIKE

Snow park and kids park available ICHINOSE DIAMOND

A well-balanced layout with steep and gentle slopes Ichinose Family | ICHINOSE FAMILY

Access to other ski resorts Ichinose Yamanokami

Experience the rich nature of Shiga in a quiet forest. Tanne no Mori Okojo | TANNENOMORI OKOJO