Niigata area boasts some of the highest snowfall in Japan. The Yuzawa/Chuetsu area is a major ski mecca with many famous ski resorts. All ski resorts have excellent access, being close to Shinkansen stations and expressway interchanges, and can be reached from the city center in 2.5 hours. Let's see what kind of ski resorts there are!
Even though it is only a few hours from the metropolitan area, there are both park and powder types available.
A large number of skiers come to the Yuzawa area, whether they are air and jib skiers or powder and backcountry skiers. This is because there are many authentic ski resorts with good conditions. In terms of parks, Ishiuchi Maruyama and Kandatsu Kogen are famous for their high quality snow parks. For powder enthusiasts, Kagura and Maiko Snow Resort are popular, as they are said to have an environment that makes it easy for beginners to start riding powder safely.
The Yuzawa area is one of Japan's leading rice producers, and ``Uonuma Koshihikari'' is very famous. It is also a sake producing region, and there are many famous sake brands, including the well-known ``Hakkaisan.'' Don't miss the local sake and local cuisine that can only be found in a rice region. It even comes with a hot spring. Every ski resort has a hot spring facility at its base, which is great because you can take a bath even on a day trip.
Winter in Niigata is a full package: it's close, it's good for skiing, it's good for drinking and eating, and it's good for relaxing. It is a delicious area that satisfies the needs of urbanites who are picky about convenience and gourmet food.
, a long-established ski resort that continues to evolve and combines responsiveness and comfort
｜ISHIUCHI MARUYAMA
A long-established ski resort with a long history of 70 years.
Ishiuchi Maruyama does not rest on its laurels and uses innovative initiatives to provide new facilities and services every year. The 2023-24 season saw further evolution, with the addition of a new pair lift ``Central Family Lift'' in the base area of the central exit, the introduction of IC card charge tickets, and the opening of a new day-use center ``Resort Center Annex OPEN.'' The ski slopes have 23 courses that take advantage of the varied topography and are covered with light snow brought by seasonal winds from the Sea of Japan.
Powder freaks flock here in January as the snowfall is especially heavy and there is plenty of Uonuma powder to enjoy. Another selling point of Ishiuchi Maruyama is its overwhelmingly comprehensive park. Jump-type items are laid out in a large space so that you can apply your makeup in a flowing manner. One of the largest super pipes in Japan is something you should try at least once.
 |  |  |  |
| Top altitude 920m | Longest run 4,000m | Elevation difference 664m | Maximum slope 35° |
 |  |  |  |
23 courses | 13 lifts | 1 gondola | ropeway -book |
◆ Official HP / https://ishiuchi.or.jp/
■ Ishiuchi Maruyama ski resort recommended video
If you want to get better at freeriding, go here!
Maiko Snow Resort｜MAIKO SNOW RESORT
Only 1 minute from Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC!
The location is irresistibly convenient for those who prefer to drive their own cars. Many of the slopes are relatively gentle, giving the impression that they are suitable for families and beginner and intermediate skiers. But the truth is, for freeskiers, it's completely different. The number of uncompacted snow courses that take advantage of the rich natural terrain has expanded rapidly, and there are currently five locations.
Many of the courses face north, and the smooth Uonuma powder accumulates, making it a perfect freeride zone. Ever since the Okuzoe Tree Run Area was opened to the public, it has become even more fun. The environment for enjoying freeride has become even more powerful. ``Back Country Tour'' is a service that takes you through backcountry areas developed by local guides.You can enjoy backcountry riding safely and efficiently by riding with a guide in areas where the conditions are good that day. You can also take lessons to learn backcountry skiing techniques.
There is also a ``Fast Track'' event, so if you want to enjoy freeriding even more and improve your riding skills, Maiko is the place for you.
| | | |
| Top altitude 920m | Longest run 6,000m | Elevation difference 660m | Maximum slope 32° |
| | | |
26 courses | 9 lifts | 1 gondola | ropeway -book |
◆ Official HP / https://www.maiko-resort.com/winter/
■ Maiko Snow Resort recommended video
The facilities and courses are well-equipped, yet in front of the station!
Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort｜YUZAWA NAKAZATO SNOW RESORT
About 10 minutes from Yuzawa IC, JR Echigo Nakazato Station and the ski center are directly connected, making it easy to access by train.
Starting with the unique Blue Train rest area that uses an actual train, there are plenty of rest areas where you can take off your boots and relax. The slopes are mainly wide and spacious gentle slopes. Although suitable for families and beginners, there are many spots that even free skiers can enjoy. The 32-degree steep challenge course is uncompacted snow, so if you're lucky the morning after it snows, you can enjoy powder riding, and it's usually a tough bump dojo. A long run of up to 2,000m is possible if you connect it from the top to the bottom.
| | | |
| Top altitude 702m | Longest run 2,000m | Elevation difference 244m | Maximum slope 32° |
| | | |
17 courses | 6 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆ Official HP / https://www.yuzawa-nakazato.com/winter/
Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort recommended video
, a treasure trove of playful topography where natural topography remains
｜NAEBA
Naeba is probably the most famous ski resort in Japan.
It has 24 diverse courses, 2 snow parks, 3 gondolas, and the longest ski slope is 4 km on a vast ski slope with a total area of 134 hectares spread over Mt. Bamboo shoots. The extensive facilities and diverse activities centered around the Naeba Prince Hotel will satisfy skiers of all ages and aspirations, but Naeba is also a favorite for free skiers. There are six steep slopes, including Naeba's famous ``Big Slope'' with a maximum slope of 32 degrees, as well as an official course for the FIS Alpine World Cup. After a snowfall, the uncompacted snow course is a thrilling steep and powder course for advanced skiers.
``Fast Track'' is another reason why freeskiers love Naeba. Every Sunday morning from January 1st (New Year's Day) to March 10th (Sunday), 2024, you can ride the first and second gondolas for 2,000 yen for 30 minutes before the lift opens. The dates for Gondola 1 and Gondola 2 are different, so check the official website.
Additionally, the terrain park in front of Prince has a reputation for park-type attractions. I'm happy because it's always well maintained and I can practice safely. The neighboring ``Kagura Ski Resort Tashiro Area'' can also be easily accessed via Japan's longest ``Dragondora''. This variety, sense of scale, and the charm of Mt. Naeba around the world are still alive and well.
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,789m | Longest run 4,000m | Elevation difference 889m | Maximum slope 32° |
| | | |
24 courses | 11 lifts | 3 gondolas | ropeway -book |
◆ Official HP / https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/naeba/winter/
Recommended videos for Naeba Ski Resort
place where you can aim for deep powder along the Kanetsu Expressway
｜KAGURA
Kagura is easily accessible by car or Shinkansen, and is especially recommended for powder beginners.
The powder course on the slopes has 3 lines that are both steep and long. In addition, the side country and back country (outside the ski area) that can be accessed from the lift are popular spots that are crowded with many powder freaks after the snowfall. Kagura can access the backcountry area from the summit by wearing avalanche gear such as a beacon. You can enter the mountain from a special gate installed near the summit lift, and even beginners can take on the challenge of a backcountry tour with a guide service. After learning how to handle the gear on the slopes, it's a great way to safely make your debut in the backcountry.
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,845m | Longest run 6,000m | Elevation difference 1,225m | Maximum slope 32° |
| | | |
32 courses | 15 lifts | 1 gondola | 2 ropeways |
◆ Official HP / https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/kagura/winter/
■Kagura Ski Resort Recommended Video
166-passenger ropeway takes you to the summit in 7 minutes.
Yuzawa Kogen | YUZAWA KOGEN
Arrive at the foot of the ski resort by free shuttle bus from JR Echigo Yuzawa Station in about 2 minutes.
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort is characterized by its dynamism that allows you to access the summit at an altitude of 1,000m from the foot of the mountain by ropeway. I definitely want to enjoy the "7 minute walk in the air". The famous course is a long run with a maximum run distance of 5 km from the top to the foot. Going downhill while admiring the magnificent panorama of the Echigo Sanzan and the Tanigawa mountain range is exhilarating. During the high season or when a low pressure system arrives, you can expect high-quality powder snow in the Yuzawa area.
``YUZAWA SNOW LINK'', a common pass that allows you to freely go back and forth between ``Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort'', the adjacent ``GALA Yuzawa'', and ``Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort'', is very popular. , a vast skiing area with a total of 48 courses, 900m deep and 5000m north to south has been created.You can travel between each ski resort by ropeway, lift, or free shuttle bus, and enjoy a wide variety of courses.
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,170m | Longest run 5,000m | Elevation difference 800m | Maximum slope 28° |
| | | |
8 courses | 4 lifts | Gondola -base | 1 ropeway |
◆ Official HP / https://www.yuzawakogen.com/
Recommended video of Yuzawa Kogen
, a rare station-front resort in the world where you only need one Suica card
| GALA YUZAWA
It takes about 75 minutes from Tokyo by Joetsu Shinkansen.
GALA Yuzawa boasts a miraculous access, directly connected to the ski resort from the station. Since JR East is the operating body, the Shinkansen + lift ticket, rental, etc. are bundled, and it is convenient that you can spend cashless with one Suica for meals, hot springs, and most of the facilities. The big appeal of GALA Yuzawa is that you can go skiing on the spur of the moment and travel empty-handed. Access and convenience are not the only strengths of GALA. Despite its compact size, it has 16 courses and the longest running distance is 2,500m. Since you can go there in a day, you can check the weather forecast and go out in the early morning to catch powder.
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,181m | Longest run 2,500m | Elevation difference 823m | Maximum slope 33° |
| | | |
16 courses | 9 lifts | 1 gondola | 1 ropeway |
◆ Official HP / https://gala.co.jp/winter/
■ GALA Yuzawa recommended video
A variety of courses ◎
Joetsu Kokusai where everyone from kids to experts can enjoy | JOETSU KOKUSAI
Easy access as it is close to Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC.
Furthermore, the selling point of Joetsu Kokusai is the variety of course variations brought about by the big scale where you can enjoy four areas. There is also a course where you can play with terrain, from super steep parts with a maximum gradient of 38 degrees. And from the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the beautiful Echigo mountain range, which increases your satisfaction. Depending on how you play, you can attack your favorite slopes, enjoy a leisurely tour of all areas, or stay at a hotel on the slopes and ski thoroughly.
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,017m | Longest run 6,000m | Elevation difference 817m | Maximum slope 38° |
| | | |
22 courses | 19 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆ Official website: http://www.jkokusai.co.jp/ski
MUIKAMACHI HAKKAISAN, a steep slope with a ropeway ride that is perfect for skiing
It is a region of heavy snowfall where snow clouds arriving from the Sea of Japan first fall, and the snowfall during the peak season is extremely heavy. The course built along the ropeway has a maximum slope of 26 to 35 degrees, an average slope of 17 to 25 degrees, and an altitude difference of 805 meters, making it an advanced course. It is famous as a powder spot where skaters with thick boards gather after snowfall.
The lower part of the slope is gentle, and the upper part is all steep upper to intermediate courses. The snow-capped high coniferous forest is beautiful, and it is a ski resort that feels a little different from other ski resorts in North America.
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,165m | Longest run 5,280m | Elevation difference 805m | Maximum slope 35° |
| | | |
11 courses | 4 lifts | Gondola -base | 1 ropeway |
◆ Official HP / https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/hakkaisan/winter/
NASPA Ski Garden, now a rare ski slope exclusively for skiers
Approximately 3 minutes by free shuttle bus from Echigo Yuzawa Station. This ski slope, which is rare these days, is exclusively for skiers and has 8 courses, catering to all types of skiers, including a 2.2 km long course that even beginners can enjoy from the mountaintop, steep slopes, mogul burns, uncompacted snow areas, parks, and other courses for intermediate and advanced skiers. are doing. Another attraction is the Pingu Kids Garden, which is dedicated to sledding, and the abundance of snow activities.
| | | |
| Top altitude 690m | Longest run 2,200m | Elevation difference 260m | Maximum slope 38° |
| | | |
8 courses | 5 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆Official website/ https://naspa.co.jp/ski/
, the shortest 69 minutes from Tokyo and the closest to Kanto, with ``100% natural snow''
| KANDATSU SNOW RESORT
It's easily accessible, taking only 69 minutes from Tokyo on the Joetsu Shinkansen and about 7 minutes on the free shuttle bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. By car, it's about 1 km from Yuzawa IC on the Kanetsu Expressway, only 3 minutes, and parking is free all day. Night skiing is open from early morning until 2 a.m., and there is no other ski resort where you can enjoy such a long and fulfilling day. It has everything you need to enjoy on a day trip, including a relaxing hot spring and sauna, a nap space with Wi-Fi, and plenty of restaurants with a wide variety of menus, making it one of Japan's top-class destinations in terms of convenience and comfort.
Even beginners can enjoy a long run of 3,500m on the slopes, and both beginners and advanced skiers will be satisfied with the uncompacted powder area with plenty of high-quality snow, the hump area, and the steep slopes with a maximum slope of 45 degrees. Kandatsu is also famous for its high-quality snow park and free ski school.
◆Official website/ kandatsu.com
[Yuzawa area ski resort]
- Ishiuchi Maruyama
- Maiko Snow Resort
- Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
- Naeba
- Kagura
- Yuzawa Plateau
- Gala Yuzawa
- Joetsu International
- Yuzawa Park
- Iwappara
- Chateau Shiozawa
- Muikamachi Hakkaisan
- Okutadami Maruyama
- NASPA ski garden
- Kandatsu Snow Resort
- New Greenpia Tsunan
*Information as of the end of January 2024. For details, please refer to the official website of each ski resort.