Reasons why ski resorts around Iiyama are popular:
the taste of Shinshu 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 in about an hour from JR Iiyama Station, 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!
where you'll want to live, surrounded by snow, mountains, hot springs, and village culture.
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort: A place
Nozawa Onsen boasts a charming hot spring town and one of Japan's largest ski resorts. With abundant snowfall throughout the season, it offers 36 courses to satisfy everyone from families and beginners to advanced skiers.
The elevation difference from the summit to the base is 1,085m, and the skiable area is one of the largest for a single ski resort in Japan. Once you start skiing, you'll truly appreciate its capabilities. The slopes are incredibly wide, the runs are long, and there's an abundance of natural terrain. The lifts are strategically placed, allowing for efficient access to various courses.
The ungroomed zone in the Yamabiko area at the summit is a favorite among powder-loving skiers and snowboarders. Not only can you enjoy tree runs among the beautiful beech and birch trees, but you can also ski off-piste, making it an irresistible zone for deep snow enthusiasts.
After skiing, strolling through the hot spring town, soaking your feet in a footbath, or visiting the 13 public baths are all part of the Nozawa Onsen experience.
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| Top elevation : 1,650m | Longest run: 10,000m | Altitude difference 1085m | maximum slope 39° |
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| courses 44 | lifts 19 | gondolas Two | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://www.nozawaski.com/winter/
"MADAPOW" and Japan's No. 1 tree run course are breathtaking
at Madarao Kogen Ski Resort | MADARAO MOUNTAIN RESORT
Although its elevation is not particularly high at 1,305m, Madarao Kogen boasts many courses facing north, resulting in repeated snowfalls and abundant powder snow. This deep powder is known as "Mada Pow" and attracts many powder enthusiasts.
Madarao Kogen is characterized by its course layout that takes advantage of its undulating terrain. In particular, the tree run courses, which wind through the trees, number 15 in total, and their variety and quality are truly impressive. It is renowned as having the best tree runs in Japan.
Furthermore, the number of ungroomed courses is steadily expanding, and their scale is now comparable to the number of groomed courses. It offers an exceptional environment for skiing on natural terrain.
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| Top elevation : 1,350m | Longest run: 2,500m | Altitude difference 440m | maximum slope 37° |
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| courses 32 | lifts 10 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://www.madarao.jp/ski
Start your powder run just 25 minutes from JR Iiyama Station at
Togari Onsen | TOGARI ONSEN
Togari Onsen boasts excellent accessibility, being only about 15 minutes by car or 25 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Iiyama Station. It also features superb views overlooking the Shinano Plain.
For powder skiers, its main draw is the abundant snowfall and excellent snow quality, along with the availability of tree runs and three ungroomed courses. When nearby Nozawa Onsen is crowded on weekends or the gondola is shut down due to strong winds, Togari Onsen is a wise choice for efficient powder skiing.
Besides skiing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, from beginners to advanced skiers, including snowmobile night cruises and fat bike rides.
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| Top elevation : 1050m | Longest run: 2,500m | Elevation difference of 400m | maximum slope 35° |
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| courses 13 | lifts 4 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://togari.jp/winter/
■ Recommended video for Togari Onsen Ski Resort
just a short distance from Nagano city center, so you can drop by whenever you want to ski.
IIZUNA RESORT is
Iizuna Resort boasts a variety of courses to suit all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, including a 2,500m long course with varied terrain, ungroomed slopes, and mogul runs.
Despite this, it's conveniently located just a 25-minute drive from Nagano city center. It's a very accessible and convenient ski resort, perfect for a quick stop whenever you feel like skiing. If the weather is good, you can enjoy night riding while taking in the night view of Nagano city.
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| Top elevation 1,500m | Longest run: 2,500m | Elevation difference of 600m | maximum slope 32° |
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| courses 7 | lifts 3 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://iizunaresort.com/ski/
A family-friendly ski resort recommended for those with children.
Tangram Ski Circus:
Located on the northern slope of Mount Madarao, and adjacent to the Madarao Kogen Ski Resort, this is a compact, family-friendly ski resort lacking a gondola or long-distance lifts. Intermediate and advanced skiers who want to ski more seriously are recommended to use the Madarao All-Mountain Pass, which includes the neighboring Madarao Kogen.
There are also a variety of snow activities for families to enjoy. The hotel, which is directly connected to the slopes, is another reason why it is popular with families.
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| Top elevation : 1,320m | Longest run: 2,500m | Altitude difference 520m | maximum slope 35° |
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| courses 19 | lifts 5 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.tangram.jp/ski/
This is the perfect snow resort when the wind is blowing
: The Snow Resort Cupid of Romance
Kijimadaira Ski Resort has been reborn as "Snow Resort Romance God." It's just a 20-minute drive from the Toyoda-Iiyama Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway. Located on the northern slope of Mt. Koshayama, Kijimadaira's symbol is its super-wide course, with a maximum width of 250m. While the layout generally consists of gentle slopes, it's also famous for having an extremely steep 46-degree slope at the top of the run.
Even when the area around Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is experiencing strong winds, Kijimadaira is often less windy. Also, when Nozawa Onsen is clearly crowded 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 has one of the largest sledding courses in Japan, stretching 800m in length, so the whole family can enjoy a snowy mountain holiday.
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| Top elevation : 1,270m | Longest run: 2,000m | Elevation difference: 794m | maximum slope 46° |
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| Number of courses: 9 | lifts 6 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆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