Summary of recommended ski resorts on the Chuo Expressway | Close and convenient! Even if you go quickly and ski hard, you'll still have money left over in one day

2024/01/31

"I suddenly got some unexpected time off!" "I don't have enough time off to go to a faraway ski resort and stay overnight." "Driving long distances on regular roads is a pain, and driving on snowy roads is even more of a hassle." "My kids are still young, so I have to go to a family ski resort..." "I'm sick of the terrible traffic jams..." Ski resorts along the Chuo Expressway are convenient and great for people like you

Easy to access and good for honing your technique efficiently

The Chuo Expressway is easily accessible, with many ski resorts within an hour's drive from Tokyo and accessible by car from the interchange. However, most of the courses are made of compacted artificial snow, so it's a bit hasty to conclude that it's not suitable for freestyle skiers

Of course, you can even find natural powder snow during the peak season. Some

Choose a ski resort with its unique features and focus on your chosen theme: honing your technique on steep slopes, making high-speed turns on pristine groomed runs, practicing moguls, or trying out tricks in the park. Another

feature of the Chuo Expressway area is the high rate of sunny days. Another attraction is the ease with which you can enjoy the refreshing feeling of a sunny mountain, playing in the snow with your kids, relaxing on a terrace soaking up the sun, and more.

INDEX

Kurumayama Kogen Sky Park Resort | Kurumayama Kogen Sky Park Resort offers excellent snow quality on the northern slopes and spectacular views of Japan's famous mountains.

At 1,925 meters above sea level, this is the largest ski resort in the Chuo Expressway area, stretching across the northeastern slope of Mt. Kurumayama, the main peak of Mt. Kirigamine, which is listed as one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains. It's accessible on day trips from both central Tokyo and the Chukyo region. It's also popular for its easy access from many directions, as it can be accessed from Saku Minami IC on the Chubu-Odan Expressway.

Because the area has a very high rate of sunny days, snowfall isn't high, but thanks to low temperatures and artificial snow machines that produce fine snow, the snow conditions on the slopes are always excellent.

The slopes are sparsely populated, offering excellent visibility. The wide runs, and the lack of forest divides allow for free-form carving, making it an appealing option. Mt. Kurumayama offers panoramic views of Japan's beautiful peaks, including Mt. Fuji, the Northern Alps, Southern Alps, and Central Alps, making it a paradise for mountain lovers.

◆Official website: https://www.kurumayama.co.jp/winter/

Shirakaba 2 in 1 is packed with diverse features.

This ski resort offers beautiful views of the Yatsugatake mountain range . From the summit, a 360-degree panorama unfolds. Although it is small, with an elevation difference of 269m, the slopes are laid out horizontally and surprisingly offer a wide variety of slopes. Many people say, "The terrain is fun, so you'll never get bored of skiing," and "There are many ungroomed runs in this area." There is also a snow park equipped with jib-type items such as boxes and rails, so even free skiers can have a lot of fun.

Thanks to the extensive artificial snowmaking environment, the resort is able to open as early as November, and plans to remain open in spring as long as there is snow on the slopes. The automated ticket gate system also allows you to purchase a lift ticket online and then go straight to the lift gate, eliminating the need to line up at the lift ticket counter when traveling with children.

There are two bases, each with its own center house. For those who just want to try snowboarding, there's also a one-hour trial rental available, which is great. With comprehensive family-friendly infrastructure, including a kids' park and special family packages, it's the perfect winter outing spot.

◆Official website: http://www.2in1.jp/

A 5km long run from the top by gondola at
Shirakaba Kogen International

This ski resort stretches vertically at the foot of Mount Tateshina, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains. The area's only gondola connects the base to the top. A single gondola accesses all the runs, allowing for efficient time management. The impressive 5km forest run from the top is a delight. Another plus is that lift tickets can be shared with Shirakaba 2-in-1 Ski Resort.

A major draw here is the high clear weather rate of over 80%. The views of the surrounding mountains are simply breathtaking. A skier-only environment is also extremely rare these days.

While primarily artificial snow is used, the top is at an elevation of 1,830m and the base is over 1,500m, so when it does snow, it's naturally top-quality powder. You won't have to compete with snowboarders. The ungroomed runs, with a maximum slope of 30 degrees, occasionally offer overhead skis.

◆Official website: https://shirakaba-ski.jp/

High rate of sunny days! Snow that looks like it's not artificial!
Lake Shirakaba Royal Hill | SHIRAKABAKO ROYAL HILL

Shirakabako Royal Hill is characterized and appealing by its high rate of sunny days and beautiful location with a panoramic view of Lake Shirakaba below. Thanks to the artificial snow, skiing is guaranteed from early December, regardless of the weather. The dry climate unique to this area, combined with the base's elevation of 1,450m, produces snow with a smooth texture that's hard to believe was made by a

snow While compact overall, the resort boasts 10 runs. Night skiing is available until 9:30pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends, making it a great place to start skiing after a long day out of Tokyo.

The presence of two snow parks, suited to different levels, is another plus point at Royal Hill. The resort has hosted the All Japan Snowboarding Championships many times, so the quality is guaranteed.

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

BLANCHE TAKAYAMA:
destination still in vogue

Blanche Takayama is a skier-only resort, a rarity these days. Its appeal lies in its high rate of clear skies and 360-degree panoramic views. With a base elevation of 1,350m and fully operational snow machines, it boasts a steady snowfall throughout the season.

The slopes, laid out vertically, are primarily gentle to moderate slopes, with many well-groomed runs offering easy skiing. With a long, 3.7km run, you can enjoy a pleasant high-speed cruise, and 30% of the slopes are for advanced skiers.

In addition to a children's park and comprehensive services for children, the resort's management policy, which prioritizes safety, is said to be the reason for its popularity with families. Childcare facilities are also available, making it a recommended choice for freeskiers with children.

◆Official website: https://blanche-ski.com/

Nobeyama : A snowy land of sweets where you can indulge in sweet treats

This "family slope surrounded by sweets" is run by Chateraise, a food manufacturer well-known for its Western confectionery, bread, and wine brewing and sales. Naturally, it's extremely popular with families. Another

big attraction is the high sunny weather rate of 85%. The slope is compact, with all five runs meeting at the ski center at the bottom, making it difficult for children to get lost. Why not spend the day practicing turns on the groomed slopes while parents keep an eye on the kids?

The Yatsugatake Main Building inside the ski center is a direct sales store for Chateraise. Their freshly baked bread is so popular that it sells out before noon. You can see the bread being made in the workshop through the glass, which also has the educational effect of a factory tour

◆Official website: Chateraise Ski Valley Nobeyama (chateraise-skiresort.com)

CHATERAISE SKI VALLEY KOUMI
If you have a one-day pass from Chateraise, it's only 500 yen

It's about a 30-minute drive from Chateraise Ski Valley Nobeyama. Chateraise Ski Valley Koumi is run by the same company as Chateraise. This is a stay-at-home ski resort with a hotel with a natural hot spring at the base of the slopes. A Chateraise one-day pass can be exchanged for a Re-EX one-day pass for the same day for free, making it the perfect family trip for a relaxing overnight stay at two ski resorts. A one-day pass for the day also grants free entry to the early morning opening hours (selected days only) and discounts at the "Hoshizora no Yu Re-EX" spa inside Gateau Kingdom Koumi.

The slopes have a higher proportion of intermediate runs than Chateraise Ski Valley Nobeyama. The longest run is 2,500m, making it even more challenging. If you get tired after skiing, refuel with some delicious sweets and you can ski endlessly.

◆Official Website/ Chateau Laise Ski Valley Koumi [Official] (koumireex-skivalley.com)

Take a high-speed quad bike to the 1,900m summit at
Sun Meadows Kiyosato | SUN MEADOWS KIYOSATO

The summit is 1,900m above sea level, so the snow quality is excellent. The latest snow machines are in full operation and the snow is carefully packed, maintaining high-quality conditions that are comparable to natural snow. The slopes are generally compact, with a total of eight runs centered around gentle, wide runs. You can quickly reach the summit on a high-speed quad bike and access all the runs, making for an efficient ride.

This resort also boasts an 80% chance of clear skies, meaning there's a high chance of seeing Mount Fuji from the summit. Other attractions include a bright and spacious rest house, a stylish cafe, an escalator connecting the parking lot to the slopes, and comprehensive services for families, all of which combine the elegance and comfort that you'd expect from Kiyosato.

◆Official website: https://www.sunmeadows.co.jp/winter/

Fujiten Snow Resort | FUJITEN SNOW RESORT
A good luck ski resort where you can ski while admiring Mt. Fuji

Located approximately 13 km from the Kawaguchiko Interchange on the Chuo Expressway, and just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Yokohama, and Shizuoka, this urban ski resort offers excellent access. As its name suggests, its prime location, with a panoramic view of Mount Fuji from the slopes, is its biggest selling point. The feeling of being watched over by Mount Fuji can be reassuring, encouraging, or even a sign of good fortune (for some people).

The slopes are compact yet well-balanced, with seven courses, including a downhill course for spectacular cruising and a family slope where even beginners can enjoy a relaxed ride. The resort

is also known for its extensive snow park, with over 10 different types of ski equipment and a "secret training park" for beginners, making it the perfect place to improve your level.

◆Official website: https://www.fujiten.net/pc/

■ Fujiten Snow Resort Recommended Video

[Ski resorts in the Chuo Expressway area]

Kurumayama Highlands SKY PARK
Shirakaba 2 in 1
Shirakaba Highlands International
Lake Shirakaba Royal Hill
Blanche Takayama
Chateraise Ski Resort Yatsugatake
Koumi Reex Ski Valley
Sun Meadows Kiyosato
Fujiten Snow Resort
Kamui Misaka

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


Top elevation : 1,925m	Longest run: 2,000m	Altitude difference 365m	maximum slope 38°


8 courses	4 lifts	Gondola - Unit	Ropeway - Book


Top elevation : 1,834m	The longest run is 1,800m	Elevation difference: 269m	maximum slope 32°


9 courses	6 lifts	Gondola - Unit	Ropeway - Book


Top elevation 1,830m	Longest run: 5,000m	Altitude difference 300m	maximum slope 30°

Summary of recommended ski resorts on the Chuo Expressway | Close and convenient! Even if you go quickly and ski hard, you'll still have money left over in one day

Kurumayama Kogen Sky Park Resort | Kurumayama Kogen Sky Park Resort offers excellent snow quality on the northern slopes and spectacular views of Japan's famous mountains.

Shirakaba 2 in 1 is packed with diverse features.

A 5km long run from the top by gondola at Shirakaba Kogen International

High rate of sunny days! Snow that looks like it's not artificial! Lake Shirakaba Royal Hill | SHIRAKABAKO ROYAL HILL

BLANCHE TAKAYAMA: destination still in vogue