Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort [2025-2026]

A combination of free running and sophisticated stay in a beautiful coniferous forest

As a single ski resort, Mt. Yakebitai is the largest in Shiga Kogen. What's more, the quality of its snow is said to be some of the best in Honshu. It has a "first track" system that allows you to fully enjoy the powder, and it also has ungroomed runs, making it the overwhelmingly most popular ski resort in Shiga Kogen for freeriders

The beauty of the scenery is also a major draw. The courses are laid out so that a beautiful coniferous forest envelops the slopes, making tree runs incredibly satisfying.

At the base of the slopes are the East, South, and West wings of the Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel. It's a high-spec resort that combines skiing with a sophisticated resort stay.

Maximum gradient: 39 degrees, average gradient: 29 degrees / Distance: 230 / Slope orientation: Northeast

This ungroomed course, with a maximum slope of 39 degrees, gets its name from its appearance when viewed from below, resembling a towering wall. The sudden change in slope from a gentle approach to a steep drop is thrilling.

When it snows, you can enjoy the superb powder unique to Yakebitaiyama in a steep and deep setting, and when there is no snow, it can be enjoyed as an off-piste slope with plenty of challenges to conquer.

Maximum gradient: 25 degrees, average gradient: 18 degrees / Distance: 400m / Slope orientation: Northeast

This is a hidden gem of powder (uncompressed snow) course on Mt. Yakebitai. With few visitors, it's a hidden gem where you can enjoy powder even at relatively late hours

▼View the course on Street View
https://goo.gl/maps/MWZ28RYaKMNMyCYu8

Maximum gradient: 25 degrees, average gradient: 10 degrees / Distance: 1180m / Slope orientation: Northeast

It's a very eye-catching course as it runs through a gondola line! It's an incredibly long course of 2,350m, and some parts are ungroomed, so after a snowfall you can slide down the long course and dive into the powder, doubling the fun

▼View the course on Street View
https://goo.gl/maps/KxevoEw6L2H8F37E7