Use the city as your base and explore snowy mountains within a 50km radius. The mountain you'll head to tomorrow can be decided based on the morning weather and snow conditions. Skiing in some of Japan's snowiest areas on different days, you'll be able to experience the bliss of immersing yourself in deep snow. We'll introduce you to some ski resorts and pro shops you'll want to visit from Joetsu and Myoko
A base for experiencing heavy powder snow and the retro atmosphere of a snowy country
The Myoko volcanic group is the first mountain range to be hit by snow clouds from the Sea of Japan. The chain of 2,000m-class mountains, including Mt. Myoko, Mt. Hiuchi, and Mt. Kurohime, is dotted with ski resorts on their southern slopes. The combination of the topographical winds and oceanic climate makes this region one of the heaviest snowfall regions in Japan. The overwhelming amount of snowfall and wild terrain create the deep snow that is unique to this heavy snow region
Heading to Akakura, Suginohara, Seki Onsen, Arai, and Nagano and Otari. Only a three and a half hour drive from Tokyo, it's surprisingly close. While touring the heavy snow ski resorts around Joetsu is obviously the first choice, the scale of your trip will instantly expand when you realize that you can use Joetsu as a base to access Madarao, Nozawa Onsen, and other ski resorts in the Otari area, such as Hakuba's Cortina and Tsugaike, as well as travel through Nagano
After skiing, relax at Akakura Onsen or Ikenohira Onsen and enjoy locally produced sake and mushroom dishes
Joetsu-Myoko is the birthplace of Japan's ski culture. It is home to long-established ski resorts such as Akakura Tourist Resort, Akakura Onsen, and Myoko Suginohara. The retro hot spring atmosphere of hot spring towns such as Akakura Onsen is still alive and well, and the feeling of being surrounded by a heavy snow culture can only be experienced here. If you're looking for both dense skiing and the atmosphere of a snowy country, Joetsu-Myoko Base will satisfy that desire
The benefits of being based in this city
- Stay in the heart of one of Japan's heaviest snow zones = High chance of encountering powder snow
- Abundant ungroomed snow, trees, and steep slopes
- Showa-era retro hot spring towns and famous hot springs dot the landscape
- Ample facilities for travelers, including Arai Roadside Station
- The route can be extended to Nagano and Hakuba
Ski resorts that can be toured around Joetsu
Akakura Tourist Resort Ski Area
Powder and long courses at Akakan, the main attraction in Myoko and Joetsu
Akakura Kanko Hotel, with its red roof standing halfway up the slope, is a pioneer of Japanese highland resorts with an 80-year history. Nicknamed "Akakan," it exudes the dignity of a long-established resort with a charming hot spring town, and is popular with advanced skiers. Located just eight minutes from Myoko Kogen IC, it's convenient as you can enter the slopes directly from the parking lot, with no need to walk
The ski resort has a vertical layout with the Myoko mountain range in the background. The high altitude and the terrain where snow tends to accumulate create a stable powder environment. You can take long runs using the gondola or lift, so the satisfaction of skiing is high. The end of the upper lift is connected to the neighboring Akakura Onsen Ski Resort, and it is also easy to access the backcountry area. It is the main attraction of a trip based in Myoko and Joetsu
Access: Approximately 28km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 40 minutes by car
STEEP guide page: https://akakura-ski.com/
Akakura Onsen Ski Resort
A pleasant cruise and hot springs provide more satisfaction than the size would suggest
Located at the foot of Mt. Myoko, this ski resort boasts a retro atmosphere with its slopes directly connected to the hot spring town, and is one of Myoko Kogen's most representative ski resorts. It is a large-scale resort consisting of three slopes - Yodel, Kumado, and Ginrei - with a total of 17 courses. The slopes are well undulated, with a pleasant transition between moderately steep slopes and medium-range slopes. It boasts an abundant amount of snow and quality snow, made up of 100% natural snow
On snowy days, the off-piste and side-country skiing is even more enjoyable, making this a mountain that offers a sense of satisfaction that exceeds its size. After skiing, you can relax in the hot springs. This is a day trip that will leave you feeling very happy, based in Joetsu
Access: Approximately 30km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 40 minutes by car
Official website: https://akakuraonsen.com/
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort
The longest run, approximately 8.5km, offers a spectacular view and is one of a kind
It is one of Japan's longest ski resorts, with an 8.5km super-long run that descends an elevation difference of 1,124m. The beautiful groomed runs are said to be some of the best in Japan, and are always well-maintained, making it a captivating destination for carving enthusiasts. Each run is exceptionally long, with many changes in slope and viewpoint along the way, making each run extremely satisfying
The top elevation of 1,855m also provides high-quality powder, making it highly rated by powder lovers. The snow park, with its wide selection of items, is also the most popular in the Myoko area, offering a high level of quality. The best part is that Shokudo Misa, a famous miso ramen restaurant serving local cuisine, has opened a shop on the slopes. You can ski and eat to your heart's content
Access: Approximately 35km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 50 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/suginosawa/
Seki Onsen Ski Resort
A special home with irresistible heavy snow and local atmosphere
Seki Onsen is famous for its heavy snowfall, so much so that the first thing that comes to mind when you think of it is "heavy snow." The Myoko area is the first area to see snowfall when cold air from the Sea of Japan falls, and Seki Onsen, due to its location, receives the most snowfall of all. The concept has remained unchanged since the Showa era, when the catchphrases were "Let's go to Seki when the isobars become vertical!" and "Hooray for bad weather!"
The course design is simple, with only two lifts, but it is an undulating course with almost no groomed snow. It is extremely popular among powder lovers as a hidden gem that they "don't want to tell anyone about." The appeal of Seki Onsen is not just the heavy snow, but also the comfortable "homey feeling" with a local atmosphere. It is 100% family-run by the owner family, which is rare these days. As a "warm mountain" where you can enjoy the atmospheric hot springs and the Japanese countryside, it is an essential part of any trip to this area
Access: Approximately 35km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 45 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/seki-onsen/
Lotte Arai Resort
A must-visit powder sanctuary
With an impressive annual snowfall of 18m, the resort boasts deep powder and 84% of its slopes are ungroomed, making it one of Japan's leading freeriding havens. The top of the slope is 1,280m above sea level, the longest run is 7.0km, and the resort has a unique layout with a deep depth. The resort is so large that it could easily fit four Tokyo Disneylands inside
With 10 freeriding zones spread across steep slopes, trees, long trails and undulating natural terrain, Arai is one of Japan's leading mountains for the variety of powder riding. It's no wonder that it hosts the FWT (Freeride World Tour) competition. With so much snow, the powder reset rate is one of the best in Japan, making it a top-notch big mountain where you can expect high-quality powder until March. If you stay in Joetsu and it snows heavily, the day after, you can confidently say, "There's no other choice but Arai."
Access: Approximately 25km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 35 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/lotte-arai/
charmant flint
"No-grooming" is the ultimate powder hunting strategy!
Known as a ski resort with heavy snowfall, the snow depth exceeds 5m during the peak season every year. What's more, the amount of dry powder that falls is unbearable. The keywords that are promoted are "uncompacted snow" and "nature as it is." They continue to make efforts not to compact the snow, and about 65% of the area is open to the public as ungroomed areas and courses
In addition, 80% of the courses are for intermediate and advanced skiers, making it an unusually technical spot, perfect for hardcore skiers looking for powder and skiing. And yet, it's a surprisingly hidden gem. Fat ski rentals are also available for those who say, "I came here and found it to be powder" or "I want to try fat skiing." The environment is perfect for enjoying powder to the fullest
Access: Approximately 45km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 60 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/charmant-hiuchi/
Cupid Valley
of the Sea of Japan + hidden powder spot!
Spreading across a northern slope overlooking the Sea of Japan, it is known for its heavy snowfall of over 15m per year. Its location on the northern slope also means that the snow quality is outstanding. The slopes, with a total of 12 runs and the longest run of 4,000m, offer a wide variety of terrain, including powder-filled ungroomed areas, tree runs, moguls and steep slopes, easy-to-ski mid-range slopes, and a variety of beginner runs. Another distinctive feature is the design that allows access to all 12 runs from the summit
It would be a big mistake to avoid Cupid Valley because you think it's a family ski resort. Cupid Valley has a large tree run area that will impress powder and freeride enthusiasts, but it is surprisingly still little known. In fact, it may be one of the best hidden powder spots in the area. On a clear day after a snowfall, the spectacular views of the Sea of Japan combined with the powder will guarantee you a wonderful day
Access: Approximately 35km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 55 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/cupidvalley/
Itoigawa Seaside Valley
This ski resort has Mt. Komagatake, Mt. Onomichi, and Mt. Amakazari in front of it, and the Hakuba mountain range of Chubu Sangaku National Park in the background. On clear days, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Sea of Japan, Sado Island, and the Noto Peninsula, and the most attractive feature is the luxurious experience of skiing with the sea at your back. The contrast between the blue of the Sea of Japan and the white of the snowy fields on a clear day will remain as a strong memory of your trip
Although the slopes are compact, they offer moderately steep slopes and straightforward lines, and are mainly long runs for intermediate skiers, but there is plenty of room for fun, including a 3,000m long run from the summit, deep snow courses, and a face with a maximum gradient of 38 degrees. This mountain offers the unique value of a trip, combining skiing experience with spectacular views
Access: Approximately 40km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 50 minutes by car
Official website: https://seasidevalley.com/
Ikenotaira Onsen Alpenbrick
We also boast our own unique craft beer
Located in the center of the foot of Mt. Myoko, it is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from Myoko Kogen IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway. It boasts some of the widest slopes in the country, with 15 courses consisting of two slopes, Alpen Brick and Kayaba. The high-quality snow, unique to a heavy snow area, is also a great feeling. The 4km long run and carving on the wide single run where you can fully enjoy the great outdoors and the open feeling are both fantastic! It also boasts one of Japan's largest "Alpen Brick Snow Parks."
Alpenblick is also unique in its beautiful scenery, with Lake Nojiri overlooking Japan's famous Mt. Myoko in the background. The resort even has its own brewery, where you can enjoy its own craft beer. This is a relaxing ski resort where you can relax and have fun to your heart's content, refreshing both body and mind in an open atmosphere.
Access: Approximately 30km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 45 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/ikenotaira-alpenblick/
Kanayayama Ski Resort
Colonel Lerch visits the "birthplace of Japanese skiing"
Kanayayama Ski Resort is known as the "birthplace of skiing," where skiing techniques were first introduced to Japan in earnest in 1911 by Major Theodor von Lerch, a soldier of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. With only three runs, it is a very small mountain and not one that attracts a lot of skiing, but it is a historical symbol that could be called the "origin of Japanese skiing," and it is a place where skiing at least once is meaningful. The atmosphere at night is also great, and if you are based in Joetsu, this is a cultural heritage site that you should not only ski at but also include as a "ski resort to visit."
Access: Approximately 5km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 10 minutes by car
Official website: https://kanayasankousha.com/
Kyukamura Myoko Runrun Ski Resort
If you're traveling with small children, try Family Service Day
This small ski resort sits snugly at the foot of Mt. Myoko. Blessed with magnificent views and hot springs, it has the atmosphere of a private ski slope in a vacation village, with only one pair lift on the slope, a gentle single slope and a kids' park. It's not crowded, and the time always flows calmly, creating a relaxing atmosphere. It's perfect for families with small children who want to spend a relaxing day with the kids at the center. A five-minute drive from here is Seki Onsen Ski Resort
Access: Approximately 28km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 40 minutes by car
Official website: https://www.qkamura.or.jp/myoko/
Kurohime Kogen Snow Park
Create winter memories with your dog
The slope is closer to the north, so the snow is more stable, and although it's compact, it has a good balance of steepness and inclines. There are several runs that can be enjoyed by intermediate to advanced skiers, and one particularly noteworthy spot is the "Blackberry Fields" area, an easy powder and tree run area.
However, the most popular attraction at Kurohime Kogen is the "Snow Dog Area," where you can spend time with your beloved dog on the ski resort. In this dog area, where you can fully enjoy the snowy Kurohime, your dog can run freely around the vast snowy field without a leash, and you can even ride the lift with your dog. After playing to your heart's content at the top of the slope, you can take a break in the warm indoor dog run. You can spend a memorable winter day with your beloved dog, who is a member of the family.
Access: Approximately 45km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 55 minutes by car
Official website: https://kurohime-kogen.co.jp/snow/
Madarao Kogen & Tangram Ski Resort
Enjoy "Mada Pau" while avoiding crowds with a common pass
The 1,305m elevation brings with it the "Madapow" powder that is the pride of Shinetsu, creating an environment where you can fully enjoy the appeal of the excellent snow quality. Not only can you enjoy long runs of powder in the diverse natural terrain, but the quality, scale and variety of the tree areas are among the best in Japan. Tangram is mainly on a north-facing slope, so the snow quality is stable, the entire course is undulating, and there are many lines where you can enjoy comfortable long turns
It is a dark horse of the neighboring Madarao, and there are many times when it is relatively quiet, so if you combine it with Madarao by using a common lift pass, you can avoid the crowds and aim for good conditions, which is an appealing point. Madarao is often thought of as being in the Shinetsu area of Nagano Prefecture, but if you are staying in Myoko City, it is easily accessible in just 40 minutes, and even if you are staying in Joetsu City, you can reach it in just one hour using the Joshinetsu Expressway
Access: Approximately 28 km from Myoko City | Approximately 40 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/madarao/
HAKUBA VALLEY
Hakuba Valley is located in northwestern Nagano Prefecture. Ten ski resorts are scattered across an area stretching from Jigatake Ski Resort in Omachi City in the south to Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort in Otari Village in the north, stretching from north to south in a straight line of about 25km. While the overall strength of the area is already known around the world, each of the ten ski resorts is unique. They offer a wide variety of courses, with large elevation changes, ungroomed courses, various parks, and carefully maintained groomed runs, but most of the resorts face east, with the Northern Alps at their backs. Some ski resorts have slopes that extend north and south, so they are characterized by the large number of north-facing slopes and courses in good conditions
Most of these are large slopes with the longest runs exceeding 5,000m. In addition, at the base of the ski resort there is a ski town with hot springs, accommodation, restaurants, ski and snowboard shops, and more, so you can enjoy a fulfilling day after your skiing experience. From Joetsu City, it is a long journey out to the Sea of Japan and a 90-minute drive down from Itoigawa, but it is still possible to make a day trip. It may be good to know that you can approach the resort from Joetsu or Myoko
Access: Approximately 90 km from Joetsu City | Approximately 90 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/mountain/3546/
Must-visit ski shops in Joetsu and Myoko
Lollipop
A pro shop that also serves as the FACTION JAPAN office
It's just two minutes from Shinanomachi Interchange towards Myoko. It also doubles as the FACTION JAPAN office, and in addition to FACTION skis, they also stock a wide range of boots, clothing and accessories from various brands. In addition to selling products, they also offer tuning services using WAX Feature. There is also a skating rink inside the store, making it a great place to play when the weather is bad. If you're heading towards Myoko, be sure to stop by.
Access: Approximately 40km from Joetsu city centre | Approximately 60 minutes by car
Official website: Instagram
West Myoko Resort store
Opening in 2024 in an area surrounded by mountains, including Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, this outdoor specialty store is located in a field resort adjacent to the "i-nac International Nature and Outdoor College." It's a reliable pro shop that has everything, from outdoor gear including outlet items to coffee roasting and sweets, and also functions as a convenience store!
Access: Approximately 30km from Joetsu city center | Approximately 45 minutes by car
Official website: https://www.west-shop.co.jp/info/store/myoko