STEEP is currently selling a special package called " GO GREEN + SNOW PASS " which includes summer activities and winter lift tickets . Here, we'll introduce all the summer attractions of "GALA Yuzawa," which is participating in this project.
STEEP Special Value Ticket | ¥7,000 (tax included)
[Package Contents]
① Summer Park Admission Ticket(Round trip on Gondola/Sky Lift + Access to Free Content)
② 2026-2027 Season 1-Day Lift Ticket(Adult, valid until March 31, 2027)
What is GO GREEN+SNOW PASS?
GALA Yuzawa, known for its excellent access directly connected to the Shinkansen station, will change its name from "GALA YUZAWA SNOW RESORT" to "GALA YUZAWA MOUNTAIN FIELD" in the summer of 2026, marking its 35th anniversary.
With a view to full-fledged all-season operation, the slopes have evolved into a vast "field for mountain play." What will become of the slopes that were used to carve lines in winter? Let's take a closer look at the new summer appearance of GALA, something that only skiers can truly appreciate.
Revived after 26 years!! Direct Shinkansen service in summer. From ski resorts to "real mountain playgrounds"
courtesy of JR East)
Board the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, and after passing through the long tunnel of Tanigawadake, you'll arrive at the ski center directly connected to the station. This unparalleled convenience will be revived this summer for a limited time after 26 years. The direct Shinkansen "Tanigawa" between Tokyo Station and Gala Yuzawa Station, which hasn't run since 2000, will operate in conjunction with the summer season
GALA Yuzawa has been operating as a summer park for the past 27 years, but the summer of 2026 will be different. Along with the change of its name, the operating period will be significantly extended compared to previous years. It will be the longest-running resort ever, with a total of 68 days of operation (July 18th to September 23rd).
Expectations are soaring as it evolves beyond the boundaries of a ski resort into a magnificent field for truly enjoying the mountains!
Japan's largest scenic attraction: "Panorama Coaster" and "Panorama Seesaw"
The biggest highlight of this rebranding is the new, largest-scale attraction in Japan, making the most of the winter ski slopes and being the first of its kind to be introduced in Japan. It will be located at an altitude of approximately 1,000m, in the zone where the "Bell of Love Observation Deck" is located, one level higher than the gondola's summit station
The most thrilling attraction is the "Panorama Coaster." This exhilarating new attraction uses only your own weight due to the elevation changes to glide along the rails. It is 305 meters long. The thrill of speeding through the slopes and forests while enjoying the panoramic view that unfolds before your eyes is truly authentic. Up to 5 people can ride at the same time, so you can enjoy the sense of speed and freedom that can only be experienced here with friends and family.
Experience the exhilaration of skiing down a slope in winter, but this time with the feeling of soaring through the sky.
Furthermore, also being installed in the mountaintop area is the "Panorama Seesaw," a giant electric seesaw approximately 9 meters long, the first of its kind in Japan.
In the crisp mountain air, you can leisurely enjoy the magnificent panoramic view surrounded by majestic mountains.
This is recommended for those who are not so keen on thrilling roller coasters.
Recreating winter lines in summer: "Mountain Carts" that utilize the terrain
One of GALA's most popular summer activities is the "Mountain Cart." Like the Panorama Coaster, it doesn't use engines or other power sources; instead, it uses the slope of the ski resort to take you down in a three-wheeled cart. You control the cart using only the steering wheel and brakes, experiencing a unique sense of speed close to the ground
This summer, one thing you might want to try is the newly introduced "Regular Course," designed to take advantage of the slope's terrain. With its numerous curves, this course has a layout that can be enjoyed by a wide range of skiers, from beginners to advanced. In the summer, you can control your speed while maneuvering the cart on the dirt, as if drawing turns. It's an irresistible activity for skiers.
For those who are confident in their skills, there is also a "Guided Long Course" for advanced skiers.
"SPA Gala no Yu" - an indoor attraction perfect for rainy days
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, but that's not a concern at GALA Yuzawa.
Even in bad weather, there's a wealth of indoor activities to keep you entertained all day long. From kids' ride-on radio-controlled cars and E-go-karts to mystery-solving stamp rallies and board games, there's plenty of space for families and friends to have fun.
And even after working up a sweat with activities, a route that every winter enthusiast knows awaits: the summer opening of "SPA Gala no Yu" located within the ski center at the foot of the mountain. The vast public bath, pool, and sauna area are fully operational even in summer. Cool down in the spa pool, then perfectly rejuvenate your mind and body in the sauna and hot springs. This is the ultimate reward, a moment of pure bliss, after enjoying the great outdoors
Furthermore, from August 12th (Wed) to 14th (Fri), 2026, a night festival event will be held with significantly extended operating hours. It will be a special few days with night gondola rides, sky lantern launches, festival fairs, and fireworks lighting up the night sky—things you wouldn't normally see
STEEP Special Value Ticket | ¥7,000 (tax included)
[Package Contents]
① Summer Park Admission Ticket (Round trip on Gondola/Sky Lift + Access to Free Content)
② 2026-2027 Season 1-Day Lift Ticket (Adult, valid until March 31, 2027)
Be sure to get your tickets early and enjoy Gala Yuzawa all year round!
A message from the staff of Gala Yuzawa
"This summer, GALA Yuzawa will be relaunched as 'GALA YUZAWA MOUNTAIN FIELD.' While GALA has long been known as a popular winter ski resort, we have added new attractions and activities with the hope that more people will experience the unique charm of the mountains in summer. Maintaining its
easy accessibility by Shinkansen, we aim to create a place where you can play to your heart's content amidst magnificent nature, enjoy the scenery and food, and refresh both your mind and body.
Whether you've visited in winter or are new to GALA, we invite you to experience the joy of mountain activities at the newly reborn GALA this summer."
Maki Nagumo from Gala Yuzawa
Information
Gala Yuzawa
GALA Summer Park Operating Overview
Operating Period: 68 days in total, from July 18th (Sat) to September 23rd (Wed/Holiday), 2026
Operating Hours:
・Ski Center "Kawabunga" (Gala Yuzawa Station) 9:30-16:30
・Gondola Operation 9:40-16:30
・Various Activities and Attractions 10:00-16:00
Official website:https://gala.co.jp/summer/
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