Why Ski Resorts Around Iiyama Are PreferredTaste of
Shinshu and Ease of Access
Why are ski resorts around Iiyama so popular? Its appeal lies in its ``deep flavor that is unique to Shinshu.'' Madarao Plateau and Iizuna Plateau are popular highland resorts in the summer, while Nozawa Onsen and Togari Onsen are famous hot spring resorts that are visited by many hot spring fans throughout the year. Shinshu's hometown atmosphere and culture attract Japanese people to the snowy mountains.
The ski resorts in the Shinetsu area are located inland and at high altitudes, so they are naturally blessed with high-quality snow. Since the temperature is low, you can enjoy so-called dry powder that does not contain any moisture. Furthermore, Nagano Prefecture is divided into many small mountain massifs, so it is hilly and has an especially rich natural topography. Many ski resorts are full of interesting natural terrain and have many course variations.
Additionally, the area's location makes it easy to access by car from anywhere in the Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka areas. There are many ski resorts that can be accessed within an hour or so by bus from JR Iiyama Station, and day skiing on the Hokuriku Shinkansen is also possible.
The area around Iiyama, which is surrounded by the mountains of northern Shinshu at an altitude of about 1,200m, is dotted with large-scale and popular ski resorts that represent Japan. Let's take a look at the characteristics and charms of each!
Snow, mountains, hot springs, village culture that makes you want to live
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort｜NOZAWA ONSEN
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort boasts one of the largest scales in Japan and a hot spring town full of Japanese atmosphere.
There is a lot of snowfall throughout the season, and there are 36 courses that satisfy families and beginners to advanced skiers. The altitude difference from the summit to the bottom is 1,085m, and the ski area is one of the largest in Japan for a single ski resort.
Once you slip, you can feel this spec. The slopes are wide, the running distance is long, and there is plenty of natural terrain. Due to the appropriate lift placement, it is possible to efficiently flow into various courses. The non-compressed snow zone in the Yamabiko area at the top of the mountain is popular with skiers and snowboarders who like powder.
It is a mesmerizing zone for lovers of deep snow. For après-ski, Nozawa Onsen enjoys walking around the hot spring town while soaking in the footbath, and visiting the 13 hot springs.
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| Top altitude 1,650m | Longest run 10,000m | Elevation difference 1085m | Maximum slope 39° |
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44 courses | 19 lifts | 2 gondolas | ropeway -book |
◆Official website/ http://www.nozawaski.com/winter/
“MADAPOW” and Japan’s No. 1 Tree Run Course are the highlights
Madarao Kogen Ski Resort | MADARAO MOUNTAIN RESORT
Although the altitude is not very high at 1,305m, most of the courses face the north slope, so you can enjoy the powder on Madarao Plateau, where high-quality snow repeatedly falls.
The deep powder is also called ``Mada Pow'' and attracts many powder freaks. Madarao Plateau is characterized by a course layout that takes advantage of its undulating terrain.
In particular, the tree run course, which runs through the trees, has a wide variety of 15 courses, and the number and quality of these courses is overwhelming. It is also known as the best tree run in Japan. In addition, the number of courses on non-compacted snow is expanding rapidly, and the scale of the courses is now comparable to the number of courses on compacted snow. It provides an excellent environment for skating on the natural terrain.
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| Top altitude 1,350m | Longest run 2,500m | Elevation difference 440m | Maximum slope 37° |
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32 courses | 10 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆ Official website: http://www.madarao.jp/ski
Powder run starts in just 25 minutes from JR Iiyama station
Togari Onsen｜TOGARI ONSEN
Togari Onsen is very easily accessible, taking about 15 minutes by car or 25 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Iiyama Station.
Another feature is the outstanding view of Shinano-daira. The attraction for powder-loving skiers is that in addition to the abundant snowfall and good snow quality, there are also tree run courses and three uncompacted snow courses.
On weekends when the nearby Nozawa Onsen is crowded or when the gondolas are stopped due to strong winds, it's a good idea to ski efficiently on the powder at Togari Onsen in front. In addition to skiing, there is also a wealth of content that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, such as snowmobile night cruises and snowmobile fat biking.
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| Top altitude 1050m | Longest run 2,500m | Elevation difference 400m | Maximum slope 35° |
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13 courses | 4 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆ Official website / https://togari.jp/winter/
Recommended video of Togari Onsen Ski Resort
IIZUNA
RESORT
Iizuna Resort has a variety of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced skiers, such as a long course of 2,500 meters, an uncompacted snow course, and a mogul course.
Still, it is about 25 minutes by car from Nagano city, and access is excellent. It is a very convenient and familiar ski resort that is easy to visit when you feel like skiing. If the weather is good, you can enjoy night riding while watching the night view of Nagano City.
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| Top altitude 1,500m | Longest run 2,500m | Elevation difference 600m | Maximum slope 32° |
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7 courses | 3 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆ Official website / https://iizunaresort.com/ski/
Family-friendly
Tangram Ski Circus | TANGRAM SKI CIRCUS
Located on the northern slope of Mt. Madarao, it is adjacent to Madarao Kogen Ski Resort.
A compact family-type ski resort with no gondolas or long-distance lifts. If you are an intermediate or higher skier who wants to ski well, we recommend using the Madarao All-Mountain Common Ticket for the neighboring Madarao Kogen. There are also a variety of snow activities that the whole family can enjoy. Hotels with direct access to the ski slopes are also popular with families.
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| Top altitude 1,320m | Longest run 2,500m | Elevation difference 520m | Maximum slope 35° |
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19 courses | 5 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆ Official website / https://www.tangram.jp/ski/
THE SNOW RESORT CUPID OF ROMANCE is a great snow resort when the wind is blowing.
Kijimadaira Ski Resort has been reborn as the ``Snow Resort God of Romance.''
Only 20 minutes by car from Joshinetsu Expressway Toyota Iiyama IC. Located on the north slope of Mt. Takasha, the ultra-wide course with a maximum width of 250 meters is the symbol of Kijimadaira. The overall layout is mostly gentle, but it is also famous for having an extremely steep slope of 46 degrees at the top of the slope. Even if the area around Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort has strong winds, the wind in Kijimadaira is often weak. It's also a good idea to escape to Kijimadaira when Nozawa Onsen is obviously crowded, such as during the year-end and New Year holidays or on weekends. The Children's Plaza, where admission is free, also has one of the largest 800m sledding courses in Japan, so the whole family can enjoy a holiday in the snowy mountains.
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| Top altitude 1,270m | Longest run 2,000m | Elevation difference 794m | Maximum slope 46° |
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9 courses | 6 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆ Official website / https://kijimadaira-ski.com/
■(Old) Kijimadaira Ski Resort Recommended Video
*Information as of the end of January 2024. For details, please refer to the official website of each ski resort.