"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
Located along the Chuo Expressway, which offers convenient access with many ski resorts reachable within 3 hours by car from central Tokyo and less than an hour from the nearest highway exit, it'sfreestyle skierspremature to assume that the resorts are unsuitable for
During peak season, you can of course find natural powder snow.なかSome ski resorts even offer plenty of ungroomed courses and small patches of powder off the main runs. Checking the weather forecast and aiming for the first run after a snowfall is also a great strategy.
Choose a ski resort with its own unique characteristics and focus on your own theme: hone your technique on steep slopes, speed through pristine groomed runs, practice moguls intensely, or try out tricks in the park.
The Chuo Expressway area is also characterized by its high percentage of sunny days. It's easy to enjoy playing in the snow with your children, relaxing on a terrace while soaking up the sun, and experiencing the refreshing feeling of sunny mountains.
Enjoy excellent snow conditions on the north-facing slopes and breathtaking views of Japan's famous peaks
at Kurumayama Kogen Sky Park Resort.
Located on the northeastern slope of Mt. Kurumayama, the main peak of Kirigamine (1,925m above sea level) and one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, this is the largest ski resort in the Chuo Expressway area. It's easily accessible for day trips from both central Tokyo and the Chubu region. It's also accessible from the Saku-Minami Interchange on the Chubu Trans-Japan Expressway, making it popular for its convenient access from multiple directions.
Although snowfall isn't heavy due to the area's high percentage of sunny days, the low temperatures and the use of artificial snowmaking machines that create fine snow consistently maintain excellent snow conditions on the slopes.
The slopes have few trees, offering good visibility. The courses are wide, and the lack of tree divisions allows for free carving, which is another attractive feature. From Mt. Kurumayama, you can enjoy panoramic views of Japan's beautiful peaks, including Mt. Fuji, the Northern Alps, the Southern Alps, and the Central Alps, making it irresistible for mountain lovers.
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| Top elevation : 1,925m | Longest run: 2,000m | Altitude difference 365m | maximum slope 38° |
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| courses 8 | lifts 4 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.kurumayama.co.jp/winter/
compact design packed with diverse features.
The SHIRAKABA 2 IN 1: A
This ski resort boasts beautiful views of the Yatsugatake mountain range.From the summit, a 360-degree panoramic view unfolds. Although relatively small with an elevation difference of 269m, the long, horizontally laid out slopes offer surprisingly diverse terrain. Many skiers say, "The terrain is fun and you never get bored skiing," and "There are many ungroomed courses in this area." There is also a snow park equipped with jib features such as boxes and rails, so even freeskiers can have plenty of fun.
Thanks to its excellent artificial snowmaking facilities, the resort can open as early as November, and plans to remain open in the spring as long as there is snow on the slopes. Furthermore, the automatic ticket gate system allows you to purchase lift tickets online and go straight to the lift gate, eliminating the need to queue at the ticket counter, which is very convenient, especially for families with children.
There are two bases, each with its own center house. For those who just want to try snowboarding for a short time, there's a one-hour trial rental available, which is a nice touch. With a kids' park and affordable family packages, the resort has excellent infrastructure for families, making it a perfect winter getaway spot.
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| Top elevation : 1,834m | Longest run: 1,800m | Elevation difference: 269m | maximum slope 32° |
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| Number of courses: 9 | lifts 6 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://www.2in1.jp/
Take the gondola straight from the top for a 5km long run
at Shirakaba Kogen International | SHIRAKABA KOGEN KOKUSAI
This ski resort stretches vertically at the foot of Mt. Tateshina, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. The only gondola in the area connects the base to the top. Since you can ski all the courses with just one gondola ride, you can use your time efficiently. The 5km-long tree-lined course from the top is breathtaking. Another great thing is that the lift ticket can be used at both this resort and the "Shirakaba 2in1 Ski Resort".
The high rate of sunny days, over 80%, is a major attraction here. The views of the surrounding mountains are simply spectacular. Also, the fact that it is a skier-only environment is extremely rare these days.
on the ungroomed course with a maximum slope of 30 degreesoccasionallyYou can
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| Top elevation : 1,830m | Longest run: 5,000m | Altitude difference 300m | maximum slope 30° |
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| courses 6 | lifts 3 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://shirakaba-ski.jp/
High chance of sunny weather! The snow is so realistic you wouldn't believe it's artificial!
RoyalHill
Shirakabako Royal Hill is characterized and appealing for its high rate of sunny days and the beauty of its location overlooking Lake Shirakaba. Thanks to artificial snow, you can reliably ski from early December regardless of the weather, which is a great advantage. In addition to the dry climate unique to this area, the base elevation is 1,450m, so the snow has a fluffy texture that you wouldn't expect from snow machine-madesnow.
Overall, it is compact but boasts 10 courses. Night skiing is available until 9:30pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends, so you can enjoy yourself even if you leave Tokyo at a leisurely pace and start skiing in the afternoon. Another
strong point of Royal Hill is that there are two snow parks set up to suit different skill levels. The fact that it has hosted the All Japan Snowboard Championships many times in the past speaks volumes about its quality.
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| Top elevation : 1,750m | Longest run: 1,800m | Altitude difference 300m | maximum slope 26° |
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| courses 7 | lifts 4 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://royalhill.co.jp/
remains unchanged to this day.
resort thatBlanche Takayama,
Blanche Takayama is a rare ski resort that is exclusively for skiers. Its appeal lies in its high rate of sunny days and 360-degree panoramic views. With a base elevation of 1,350m and snow machines in full operation, it boasts a stable amount of snow throughout the season.
The long, narrow slopes are mainly gentle to moderate inclines, and there are many easy-to-ski courses that are thoroughly groomed. The longest run is 3.7km, allowing for exhilarating high-speed cruising, and there are also a fair number of slopes for advanced skiers, making up 30% of the total.
In addition to a kids' park and plenty of services for children, the management policy that places the utmost importance on safety measures is said to be the reason why it is so popular with families. With childcare facilities also available, it is highly recommended for freeskiers with children.
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| Top elevation : 1,807m | Longest run: 3,700m | Elevation difference: 457m | maximum slope 30° |
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| courses 10 | lifts 6 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://blanche-ski.com/
amidst the snow, where you can indulge in a feast of delicious treats.
paradiseChateraise Ski Valley Nobeyama:
This family-friendly ski resort, run by Chateraise, a well-known food manufacturer specializing in Western-style confectionery, bread, and wine production and sales, is surrounded by sweets. Naturally, it's extremely popular with families.
Its high 85% sunny day rate is another major draw. Its compact size and layout, with all five courses converging at the bottom ski center, make it difficult for children to get lost. Parents can keep an eye on their kids while they practice their turns on the groom slope.
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
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| Top elevation : 1,620m | Longest run: 1,300m | Altitude difference 220m | maximum slope 32° |
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| courses 5 | lifts 3 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:Chateraise Ski Valley Nobeyama (chateraise-skiresort.com)
Chateraise Ski Valley Koumi:
If you have a Chateraise one-day pass, it's OK for 500 yen.
Located about 30 minutes by car from Chateraise Ski Valley Nobeyama, Chateraise Ski Valley Koumi is under the same management as Chateraise. This is a resort-style ski resort with a hotel featuring natural hot springs at the base of the slopes. If you have a Chateraise one-day pass, you can exchange it for a Riex one-day pass for free on the same day, making it ideal for a family trip where you can stay overnight and enjoy both ski resorts at your leisure. In addition, with a same-day one-day pass, you can use the early morning hours (on designated days only) for free and get a discount at "Hoshizora no Yu Riex" inside Gateau Kingdom Koumi.
The slopes have a higher proportion of intermediate courses than Chateraise Ski Valley Nobeyama. The longest run is also 2,500m, making it a more challenging run. When you get tired of skiing, replenish your sugar levels with delicious sweets and you'll feel like you can ski forever.
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| Top elevation : 1,780m | Longest run: 2,500m | Altitude difference 380m | maximum slope 32° |
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| Number of courses: 9 | lifts 6 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Hotel:Chateraise Ski Valley Koumi [Official] (koumireex-skivalley.com)
Take a high-speed quad chairlift straight to the 1,900m summit at
MeadowsSunKiyosato.
The mountaintop boasts an altitude of 1,900m, resulting in exceptionally good snow quality. The latest snow machines are fully operational, and the snow is meticulously groomed, maintaining conditions comparable to natural snow. The resort istotal,primarily consisting of gentle, wide slopes. A high-speed quad chairlift takes you straight to the summit, providing access to all courses for efficient skiing.
With an 80% sunny day rate, Mount Fuji is visible from the summit with a high probability. The resort also boasts facilities that combine the charm and comfort characteristic of Kiyosato, including a bright and spacious rest house, a stylish cafe, an escalator connecting the parking lot to the slopes, and a full range of family-friendly services.
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| Top elevation 1,900m | Longest run: 1,540m | Altitude difference 300m | maximum slope 26° |
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| Number of courses: 9 | lifts 3 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.sunmeadows.co.jp/winter/
FujitenSnow Resort | A
lucky 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-adjacent ski resort boasts excellent accessibility. As its name suggests, its greatest selling point is its superb location, offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji from the slopes. Some people may feel a sense of security, encouragement, or even a feeling that their luck is about to change as they feel watched over by Mount Fuji.
The slopes consist of seven courses, each compact yet well-balanced, ranging from exhilarating downhill courses to family slopes perfect for beginners. It
is also known for its well-equipped snow park. With over 10 different types of full-fledged features, as well as a "practice park" for beginners, it's ideal for improving your skills.
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| Top elevation : 1,485m | Longest run: 1,500m | Altitude difference 200m | maximum slope 32° |
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| courses 7 | lifts 4 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆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