Shiga Kogen has long been synonymous with skiing in Japan, a truly iconic area. Its long-lasting popularity stems from its ability to satisfy everyone.
The appeal of skiing lies in its "magnificent scale." The 18 ski resorts boast a total skiable area of 425 hectares—large enough to fit 10 Tokyo Disneyland parks—making it undeniably the largest in Japan. With a single lift ticket, you can enjoy unlimited access to 84 courses! Its affordability, 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
So, let's take a look at what ski resorts there are
you can enjoy the powder flavor repeatedly in a short amount of time.
Kumanoyu, where
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
Kumanoyu is well-known for its heavy snowfall, even within the Shiga Kogen area. The bowl-shaped ski resort is mostly on north-facing slopes, so it doesn't get direct sunlight, allowing the snow conditions to remain good for a long time. It's a well-known spot among powder enthusiasts.
Although it's a compact ski resort, the courses have good slopes and plenty of drop-offs, so you'll rarely get bored. Kumanoyu offers an "early morning ticket" from 6:00 to 8:30, allowing you to aim for the first tracks on the deserted slopes, or carve turns through the gleaming, groomed runs. The early morning ticket is a bargain at 2,300 yen for adults, and adding the morning ticket brings the total to 7,500 yen.
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| Top elevation : 1,950m | Longest run: 1,300m | Altitude difference 260m | maximum slope 32° |
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| courses 10 | lifts 5 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.kumanoyu.co.jp/lift/
■ Recommended video for Kumanoyu Ski Resort
Japan'suntil late May.are open for skiing
Yokoteyama and Shibutoge Pass
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
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| Top elevation : 2,307m | Longest run: 4,000m | Elevation difference: 602m | maximum slope 35° |
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| courses 16 | lifts 8 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://yokoteyama2307.com/
■ Recommended videos for Yokoteyama and Shibutoge Ski Resort
Shiga Kogen Central Area
In Shiga Kogen, the following 13 ski resorts are collectively known as the "Shiga Kogen Central Area":
Giant, Happo Bunadaira, Nishitateyama, Takamagahara Mammoth, Sun Valley,
Hasuike, Maruike, Ichinose Diamond, Ichinose Family, Ichinose Yamanokami, Tanne no Mori
Okojo, Higashitateyama, and Terakoya.
◆Official Website:https://shigakogen.co.jp/
■Recommended video of the Shiga Kogen Central Area
A 1km coursea maximum gradient of 34 degreesthose who want to show off their skills
! | GIANT
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
The Giant Ski Resort's signature run, a single slope with a maximum gradient of 34 degrees, is an FIS-certified course. It is meticulously maintained. It is truly for advanced skiers, and its difficulty level is also giant-class. It enjoys strong support from alpine competitive skiers. Because of the stark difference between the steep and gentle slopes, you need to be careful not to get hurt when you reach the transition point while enjoying a good speed.
It is an excellent place to hone your ski control techniques on steep slopes and to train your high-speed turns.
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| Top elevation : 1,604m | Longest run: 1,000m | Altitude difference 263m | maximum slope 34° |
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| courses 3 | lift One | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/giant
Beginners
can cruise from here to Bunadaira | 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
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| Top elevation : 1,568m | Longest run: 1,500m | Altitude difference 228m | maximum slope 25° |
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| Number of courses: 1 | lift One | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/buna
a great place to be when the wind is blowing.
Nishidateyama is
From the summit, beginner, intermediate, and giant slalom courses are laid out, allowing you to enjoy skiing with varying degrees of difficulty. The beginner-friendly tree-lined course allows you to ski comfortably through the trees. Nishitateyama, the counterpart to Higashitateyama, is also an FIS-certified course, so it offers a challenging and rewarding skiing experience. This place is not significantly affected by strong winds elsewhere. There is a local saying, "If it's windy, go to Nishitateyama," and as such, snow tends to accumulate here.
The courses are well-balanced, ranging from gentle to steep slopes, offering a wide variety of terrain. Many skiers head to Higashitateyama or Terakoya, so it is surprisingly a hidden gem. You'll want to glide from top to bottom without stopping.
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| Top elevation : 1,739m | Longest run: 1,427m | Elevation difference: 458m | maximum slope 28° |
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| courses 3 | lifts 8 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/nishitateyama
: A perfect starting point for exploring Shiga
| TAKAMAGAHARA
The wide, flat slope stretching out before you is a great place to pick up speed and make turns. A quad lift runs through the middle of the ski resort; the right side is a groomed slope, while the left side is a perpetually uneven, mogul-filled slope. The moguls on one side are more challenging than they look, making for a rewarding experience.
From the upper part of the resort, you can access Higashitateyama Ski Resort, and from the middle, Tanne no Mori Okojo Ski Resort.
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| Top elevation : 1,905m | Longest run: 1,000m | Elevation difference: 232m | maximum slope 25° |
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| Number of courses: 1 | lifts 3 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/takamahara
Sunvalley | SUNVALLEY:
A good chance of good conditions even when other ski spots are closed.
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
The first thing that catches your eye when you arrive at Shiga Kogen is the gateway, Sun Valley. Because it's at a lower elevation than other areas, even if the weather is bad with wind and snow higher up, it's often calm here. It's
compact, with one course each for advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels, but the right side of the main slope tends to accumulate snow, making it a hidden powder spot.
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| Top elevation : 1,580m | Longest run: 800m | Elevation difference: 168m | maximum slope 30° |
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| courses 3 | lift One | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/takamahara
You should definitely experience the steep A course at Maruike
Pond | MARUIKE
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
One of the most famous spots is the 32-degree steep slope of "Maruike A Course," located next to the first ski lift in Japan. It's like a training ground for instructors from all over the country. Single moguls often appear here as well. This is a must-try course.
On the other hand, most of the slopes are gentle and 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.
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| Top elevation : 1,567m | Longest run: 800m | Altitude difference 110m | maximum slope 32° |
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| Number of courses: 4 | lifts Two | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/maruike
child-friendly and beginner-friendly spot
Hasuike is a
The gentle ski slopes are perfect for kids and beginners. The old-fashioned connecting path to the Giant Gondola is particularly interesting. After passing through a tunnel at the bottom of the slope, a road suddenly appears before you. Take off your skis there, cross the road, and head on foot to the connecting path to the Giant Gondola. Enjoy this nostalgic journey that you won't experience anywhere else.
From the 2020-21 season, the Pulse Gondola has been newly installed between Shiga Kogen Mountain Station in the Hasuike area and the Giant Gondola, improving convenience and making it even more enjoyable.
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| Top elevation : 1,550m | Longest run: 700m | Elevation difference: 69m | maximum slope 26° |
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| courses 3 | lifts Two | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/hasuikeski
Snow park and kids' park available
at Ichinose Diamond | ICHINOSE DIAMOND
This is a representative slope at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. It's a lively place with attractions like a snow park and a kids' park, and is always bustling with families.
The Rabbit Course, a detour route, has a gentle slope and is often untouched, making it a good choice for powder beginners. The right side of the quad lift when viewed from the top also offers a fun, undulating line.
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| Top elevation : 1,709m | Longest run: 750m | Altitude difference 105m | maximum slope 21° |
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| courses 3 | lifts Two | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/ichinose_ski
A well-balanced layout of steep and gentle slopes
Ichinose Family -
The open-air central slope boasts one of the widest in Shiga Kogen, ranking among the top three. As its name suggests, it's a safe and enjoyable option for families with children.
The Tengu course, famous for its long stretch through the trees, is 3,200 meters long from the summit. The upper section has a decent gradient, allowing for long runs while hitting the wall of powder snow. It's fun and highly recommended. Be careful of collisions when it's crowded.
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| Top elevation : 1,964m | Longest run: 3,200m | Altitude difference 323m | maximum slope 30° |
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| Number of courses: 4 | lifts 4 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/ichinosefamily
to other ski resorts.
Ichinose Yamanokami, the gateway
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
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| Top elevation : 1,707m | Longest run: 800m | Altitude difference 111m | maximum slope 15° |
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| Number of courses: 1 | lift One | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/yamanokami
Enjoy the rich nature of Shiga in a quiet forest
: Tannenomori Okojo
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
This atmospheric ski resort offers leisurely gliding through untouched forests of hemlock and birch trees. Even within Shiga Kogen, which is known for its challenging courses and well-maintained gentle slopes for beginners, this spot stands out with its exceptional atmosphere. It would be a shame to simply pass it by as a beginner-friendly resort.
Take your first skiers and let them freely ski through the trees amidst the natural terrain, giving them a taste of tree skiing.
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| Top elevation : 1,772m | Longest run: 500m | Elevation difference: 107m | maximum slope 12° |
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| Number of courses: 1 | lift One | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/tanne
offers the possibility of a 1.6km long run and a mini-powder course.
Higashidateyama
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!
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| Top elevation : 1,988m | Longest run: 3,500m | Elevation difference: 421m | maximum slope 36° |
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| Number of courses: 2 | Lift - Book | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/higashitateyama
A mystical world where pure white snow and breathtaking scenery intertwine
: TERAKOYA
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."
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| Top elevation : 2,043m | Longest run: 940m | Elevation difference: 152m | maximum slope 23° |
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| Number of courses: 4 | lifts Two | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://shigakogen.co.jp/highlight/terakoya
is more than enough to satisfy you
Yakebitaiyama
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
As a ski resort, it boasts the largest slopes within Shiga Kogen. The face of Yakebitai is the Olympic Course, with an average slope of 21 degrees and a maximum slope of 30 degrees. If you can have that run all to yourself on the first tracks, it's an absolutely sublime experience.
The area with the gondola is also highly recommended. The ungroomed zones of the expert and intermediate courses are also interesting and enjoyable, with varied terrain.
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
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| Top elevation 2,000m | Longest run: 2,800m | Elevation difference: 450m | maximum slope 39° |
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| courses 16 | lifts 3 | gondolas Two | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/shiga/winter/
■ Recommended video for Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort
The powder snow
at Okushiga Kogen
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
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| Top elevation 2,000m | Longest run: 2,200m | Altitude difference 530m | maximum slope 30° |
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| Number of courses: 9 | lifts 4 | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆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