Selected by 1,300 readers, "I really don't want to tell you! 10 favorite local ski resorts"

STEEP announced the results of the lift ticket giveaway campaign/reader survey conducted last December.
First up is "I really don't want to tell you about local ski resorts." With opinions such as, "What is the definition of local?" and "Is it okay to tell you about a ski resort you don't want to tell us?", the top 10 local ski resorts across Japan, loved by many readers, have been decided. Maybe your favorite ski resort is ranked in? If there is a ski resort you're interested in, try skiing right away to experience its unique charm.

1st place Sakae-Kurakubu Ski Resort

Sakae-Rakubu Ski Resort is a village-run ski resort in Sakae Village, the northernmost tip of Nagano Prefecture, where powder and tomatoes are a favorite. It's a 2-minute drive from National Route 117 and a 25-minute drive from Nozawa Onsen. This ski resort is 100% natural snowy, with powder enthusiasts gathering in the worst weather. It has a high powder encounter rate and almost no waiting time for lifting, allowing you to fully satisfy your powder desires.

There are many events, including lottery tickets and free lift tickets for elementary school students on skiing children's day, and there are also amazake, mushroom soup, oshiruko and chocolate bananas.
In addition to local tomato tsukemen, the restaurant also offers all-you-can-eat homemade pickled Nozawana from Sakae Village. There are rumors that the pickled radish is also delicious.
Japan's cheapest weekday season tickets* are also attractive! You can enjoy the charms of Shinshu villages as well as skiing!
*Weekdays excluding New Year's holidays: 12,000 yen

[Information]

Address:
2903 Kitashin, Sakae Village, Shimizunai District, Nagano Prefecture
Opening period: December 21, 2024 - March 23, 2025
Lift fee: 4,500 yen
(weekday adult one-day ticket)
Access: 45 minutes from Toyota/Iiyama IC, 55 minutes from Shiozawa/Ishiuchi IC
Official website: https://sakaeclub.securesite.jp/

[Comment from the Ski Resort]
I am very pleased that it has recently been ranked as a "favourite local ski resort."
Sakae-Rakubu Ski Resort is a very compact ski resort, but above all, it aims to be a homey ski resort. We value communication with each and every customer, and we hope that this ski resort will become a "salvation place" that will make you feel as if you were back at your parents' house in the countryside. We hope that it will be your home slope and repeat it over and over again.

The ski resort has 3 lifts and 9 courses, but there are many course variations, making it fun for beginners and advanced players.
And the most attractive feature is the non-pressure snow course, where you can enjoy the abundant natural snow in heavy snow areas. Especially on weekdays, you can expand the uncompressed snow course and enjoy deep snow powder even though it is within the course. Additionally, the "Kumanosu Course" which is a long, steep slope is perfect for practicing carving turns. More and more customers are coming to train in alpine boarding and basic skiing.

The view from the summit also features a huge panorama that stretches right in front of you, the Kitashin Five Mountains and the Echigo Three Mountains, and in the distance, all the way to the Northern Alps.

Our recommendation for the galle food is "tomato tsukemen" made with Sakae Village's specialty "tomato juice", and the refreshing tomato sauce with a rich, rich taste. The "free hand-made pickled Nozawana pickles" service, which has been in business since its opening, is also very popular.

We would like to continue to value face-to-face communication with our customers, and to encourage as many customers as possible to experience the local feel of their parents' homes.

2nd place: Hida Ryuha Ski Resort

The reason why Hida Ryuha Ski Resort, the largest in the Hida region, is known as a hidden resort known only a few people, is the first one to look at the Tateyama mountain range from the summit and the stunning panoramic views of the Northern Alps. There is an observation restaurant on the summit, and if you're lucky you can see the sea of ​​clouds and the sea of ​​trees.
The other is "Nutrino," a natural hot spring with a slopes that has an open-air bath and a jacuzzi. It also has a skin-beautifying effect in addition to fatigue recovery, so even people who don't ski can relax in the room with plenty of tatami mats.
And most importantly, it's powder snow, and there's almost no waiting time for the lift. The wide, gentle slopes of the ridges and valleys make it a great choice for both children and adults, with a wide, gentle slope. It is a 30-minute drive from Takayama IC and there is also a large free parking lot. Let's stretch your legs a little and enjoy the nature of Oku Mino.

[Information]

Address:
150 Fushikata, Kamioka-cho, Hida-shi, Gifu Prefecture
Opening period: December 14, 2024 - March 9, 2025
Lift ticket: 3,500 yen
(weekday adult one-day ticket)
Access: 30 minutes from Takayama IC, 40 minutes from Hida Kiyomi IC
Official website: https://hida-nagareha.com/

[Comment from the ski resort]
I am very pleased with the ranking.

This ski resort is not a large ski resort, and it is not as well-equipped as the facilities are compared to the large ski resorts, so I am honored to receive this kind of review.
We would like to put more effort into maintaining the hardware, but we will further strive to improve the software aspects and make it safer for our customers to enjoy it.
　
Although it is a local ski resort, I feel that inbound tourism is on the rise every year. Although we are insufficient in responding to foreign languages, we would like to work hard at what we can and do our best to address them.

This facility allows you to enjoy winter sports, hot springs and meals at once, so we offer you the opportunity to enjoy Hida and Kamioka, including serving local cuisine. We hope you will enjoy the finest powder, extremely playful terrain, gentle slopes, and 360° views to relax your fatigue with Hida flavor and beautiful skin water.

3rd place: Matsumoto Nomugi Pass Ski Resort, Shinshu

Nomugi Pass Ski Resort is said to be "a great amateurs." It is one of the ski resorts in Japan with an altitude of over 2,000m, only 2.5% in size, and the snow quality is clearly different from other areas due to its elevation. There are many medium-straight slopes and are extremely slippery even for advanced players. You can enjoy speedy turns on moderately steep slopes.
From the summit where you can see Mt. Mitake and Mt. Norikura, you can enjoy the spectacular 4,000m downhill.
our lovely staff blog .

[Information]

Address:
1173-13, Kanagawa, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Opening period: December 20, 2024 - March 23, 2025
Lift fee: 3,000 yen
(weekday adult one-day ticket)
Access: 55 minutes from Matsumoto IC, 60 minutes from Shiojiri IC
Official website: http://gakutoresort.jp/

[Comment from the ski resort]
Thank you for choosing it as your favorite local ski resort.

The unique 2130m elevation is the spectacular view, snow quality and firm bahn, so we hope that as many people as possible will experience the refreshing feeling.

4th place: Seki Onsen Ski Resort

Seki Onsen Ski Resort is attractive for its deep snow, which is typical of a heavy snowfall area and the atmosphere that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Showa era. A quaint single lift in a hot spring inn town with ryokans and guesthouses. At Taube, a restaurant at the foot of the mountain, where you can feel the warmth of the trees, you can enjoy Koshihikari grown in the cold melted snow from the local Sekiyama, as well as homemade dishes. In fact, Seki Onsen has declared that it is "100% pure water flowing" in Japan, and all accommodations offer luxurious hot spring experiences.
They also hold BC tours and other events, and are also a mecca for spring skiing. Its popularity has gradually spreading recently, but now let's enjoy a nostalgic mood and a hot spring.

[Information]

Address:
Seki Onsen, Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture
Opening period: December 21, 2024 - May 5, 2025
Lift ticket: 4,000 yen
(weekday adult one-day ticket)
Access: 20 minutes from Myoko Kogen IC, 15 minutes from Nakago IC
Official website: http://sekionsen.jp/

[Comment from the ski resort]

Thank you for ranking "I really don't want to tell you! Top 10 favorite local ski resorts."

Myoko Seki Onsen Ski Resort, one of Japan's most heavy snowfalls, is Japan's oldest ski resort, with its rich and high quality snowfall, and is highly regarded as an introductory ski resort for backcountry, making it a ski resort where you can enjoy powder run and the famous Myoko hot springs at the same time.

The compact ski resort, with two lifts and one restaurant, is supported by local customers and run by a family. The lift may be filled with snow and the service may be suspended, but we are working to operate it daily so that you can enjoy the finest powder snow that is unique to heavy snow areas.

In addition to skiing, the restaurant Taube offers a unique menu, including handmade pizza and pasta, over 300g of steak, and local Koshihikari rice from Sekiyama. We also offer take-out, delivery, and non-slip pick-up and drop-off services.

Please come and visit Seki Onsen Ski Resort, which is heavy snow.

5th place: Matsunoyama Onsen Ski Resort

Although it is compact, it has a 2-minute drive from Matsunoyama Onsen town and two lifts, and is suitable for a wide range of courses, from beginners to advanced skiers who want to hone their skills with permanent poles. The lift ticket is quite reasonable, and the weekday-only one-day pack comes with a one-day lift ticket, a lunch ticket worth 1,000 yen and a bathing ticket for 3,100 yen!
There are also plenty of snow activities that people who don't ski can enjoy even if they come in their boots, such as airboards, snow bikes, and snow skating.
It's a 5-minute drive away at Matsunoyama Onsen town, one of Japan's three major medicinal hot springs, and it's fun to stroll around restaurants and souvenir shops.

[Information]

[Comment from the ski resort]
We are very pleased that you chose this! We look forward to your continued support.

[Comment from the ski resort]
We are very pleased that you chose this! We look forward to your continued support.

6th place: Yamaboku Wild Snow Park

Yamaboku Wild Snow Park, a corner of Shiga Kogen UNESCO Eco Park, spreads on the south slope of Kasagatake, 2076m above sea level, is a natural slope with 70% of which is uncompressed snow. In the summer, the atmosphere is European, known as "Tirol of Shinshu" as a ranch. The powder snow falling on the plateau is light and has a wide variety of slopes that make use of natural terrain. Enjoy powder to your heart's content on the Tacochi Course, which is Japan's longest, 13km longest.
There are also unique events unique to Yamaboku Wild Park, such as a night cruise with just the headlights.
All the meals at five restaurants adjacent to the slopes are unique and have quality beyond the scope of galleries. After skiing, you can visit hot springs with different water quality and locations at "Yutsuzuki no Sato", dotted with eight hot springs, warming your body and heart.

[Information]

Address: 3681-35
Yamada Farm, Takayama Village, Kamitakai District, Nagano Prefecture 382-0817
Opening period: December 21, 2024 - March 16, 2025
Lift fee: 2,500 yen
(weekday adult one-day ticket)
Access: 45 minutes from Suzaka Nagano Higashi IC
Official website: https://yamaboku.co.jp/

[Comment from the ski resort]
We are very pleased to hear that it has been ranked in the survey.

The first thing that makes it different from other ski resorts is the wide range of lunch options. You can't be sure to choose from anywhere you choose, including the restaurant's top Jingisu Khan set meal, hand-made soba noodles, Miharuchaya's grilled cheese curry and pizza, or Redwood Inn's original ramen!

Our ski resort is 100% natural snow and is selling super dry powder snow. It also has a variety of terrain and is highly flexible.
Although there are no night games facilities, we are planning a "YAMABOKU Glide at Night" where you can glide with headlights on your head. Please come and enjoy an experience you won't get at any other ski resort! We also want our customers to experience the uncompressed snow as much as possible, so we leave powder on the last minute. The competition is low, so you can eat it all the way to your heart's content! "2ndSTAGE" is also held every weekend as a backcountry tour. This is also a popular program, so I recommend it!

The last frontier is known only to those who know it. Once you taste it you'll be addicted! We look forward to seeing you!

7th place: Aizu Kogen Nango Ski Resort

Aizu Kogen Nango Ski Resort boasts one of the most permanent half-pipes in Japan and a comprehensive park.
It is popular among snowboarders, but there is also a beginner's park and a kids' park where you can watch over the children from the center house.
The view from the summit is spectacular, and the Nango Blue on clear skies is impressive. Not only the park but the slopes are well maintained, and the diverse courses can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced students.

For lunch, we recommend a cute and humorous original menu, such as a special limited-edition curry rice, shaped like a rabbit, which is also the snow resort's logo, and a half-pipe cutlet curry. There are rumors that there will be an incredibly large rice ball. I hope you'll go and check it out.

[Information]

Address:
293 Kaiza Yunoiri, Minamiaizu-cho, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
Opening period: December 21, 2024 - March 23, 2025
Lift fee: 4,500 yen (5,000 yen for those over 30)
(Weekday adult one-day ticket)
Access: 120 minutes from Aizu Wakamatsu IC
Official website: https://www.nango-ski.com/

[Comment from the ski resort]
The ski resort is located in a heavy snowfall area, and is a very inconvenient ski resort, "no buses," "no trains," and "the expressway is extremely far."
All staff are fond of Nango, ingenuity and ingenuity to welcome customers who have visited this ski resort so that they can enjoy it once.

With this ranking as encouragement, we will continue to work hard to continue being a ski resort that you can enjoy in the future. thank you very much.

8th Suhara Ski Resort

Approximately 30 minutes from Uonuma IC. Suhara Ski Resort is easy to access and has a wide variety of courses, and is satisfying from beginners to advanced ski areas.

You can quickly reach the summit with a hooded high-speed quad lift that allows you to continue sliding comfortably even in bad weather. Another attractive feature is that you can play in unique terrain such as banks, walls and jump spots over the long distance to the bottom, and it has been approved by athletes who are active in freeride tournaments. the charms of Suhara Ski Resort as top riders talk about here .

There is a spacious free parking and a kids' room. There will also be many events such as test drive events and rice cake pounding events. There are many great deals that will make you want to visit, including lunch packs with lunch tickets, repeat customers discounts where you can earn points on the visit using the original app, and hot springs where you can get discounts when you show your lift ticket!

The restaurant continues to explore insatiablely to develop new menus. Don't miss out on the new, original, limited-time menu!

[Information]

Address: 1846-13
Suhara, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture 946-0216
Business Period: December 25, 2024 - March 16, 2025
Lift Fee: 3,500 yen
(weekday adult one-day ticket)
Access: 30 minutes from Uonuma IC or Horinouchi IC
Official website: https://www.suhara-ski.com/

[Comment from the ski resort]
You can enjoy the addictive heavy powder in one of the heaviest snowy areas in the country. The recommended course is the Blizzard Course, a non-compressed snow for advanced players, and the two streams running through the river, the fun of the terrain, and the deepest powder at the ski resort.

The restaurant is popular for its "blissful cutlet curry," which uses thick cutlets and specially developed curry roux. We also recommend this luxurious dish of pork bone ramen and roast beef.

9th place: Bibai National Ski Resort

Bibai Kunisai Ski Resort is easy to access, just an hour from Sapporo, and is reasonably priced with lift tickets. There are a wide variety of courses for even one lift, and you can enjoy the carefully maintained grooming burn on the north slope all day long. There are also warm and detailed services that meet the needs of skiers, including hot snacks that satisfy their hunger, free welcome drinks, and hot water for cup noodles.
For after skiing, head to Pipa no Yurinkan, a hot spring inn located on a high ground. From the hill, you can view not only Bibai, but also three towns: Naie Town, Urausu Town, and Tsukigata Town, making the view of Pinneshiri (Kabato Mountain Range). There is also a great value lift ticket that comes with a set with a hot spring. Its popularity is growing, and how long will it last become known as a hidden gem of Sorachi? Due to warm air, the snow will be closed on Sunday, March 16th, so the last time you're off to the end of the skiing season!
*Temporary opening (last): Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 - Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 (Naster Race and Youth Dream Grand Prix)

[Information]

Address: Bancho, Higashibibai-cho, Bibai-shi, 072-0000
Opening period: Mid-December 2024 to mid-March 2025
Lift fee: 2,700 yen
(weekday adult one-day ticket)
Access: 8 minutes from Bibai IC
Official website: https://bibaiski.jp/

10th White Valley Minakami

Starting this season, the former White Valley Ski Resort has been renamed White Valley Minakami. It is easy to access from the Kanto region, and elementary school students are free lift tickets on the first and third Saturdays of every month. They are taking unique initiatives, such as "Premium Powder Day," which will make 90% of the top of the slopes into a non-compressed snow area, the "Full Ski Resort Private Plan" available only on weekdays, and the original tumbler with a new logo will earn you 100 yen for coffee at the restaurant. In addition, events that children can enjoy, such as "Snow Treasure Hunt" and "Mystery Solving Guild."
It is said that morning tickets are best to enjoy powder. Check the weather forecast and aim for a time after snowfall.

[Information]

Address: Lodge
White Valley, in Tanigawa Onsen National Forest, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture
Opening period: Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Sunday, March 16, 2025
Lift fee: 5,200 yen
(weekday adult one-day ticket)
Access: 7km from Kanetsu Expressway Mizukami IC
Official website: https://www.whitevalley.jp/

[Comment from the ski resort]
Thanks to everyone's warm support, we have been able to rank this time! We would like to express our sincere gratitude.

"White Valley Ski Resort" has been reborn as "White Valley Minakami" since the 2024 season! This name encompasses the desire to make more people aware of the charm of "Minakami" and to further promote it. We aim to be a ski resort that is open to a wide range of people, from children to advanced players.

We always hold ski schools to support beginners in improving. Advanced users will be holding a "Premium Powder Day" irregularly, with 90% of the top of the slopes in a non-compressed snow area, providing a highly satisfying skiing experience.

We also have a wide range of rental items so that you can come easily even if you're empty-handed, including rental winter kick bikes for children, as well as mystery solving and treasure hunting events that the family can enjoy.

In addition, we are currently running a campaign where you can get free lift tickets for elementary school students, university students, or one family on each day of the week! We regularly deliver information about free campaigns on

Instagram All our staff look forward to welcoming you!