Ski and Snowboard Resorts in Niigata

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Naeba Ski Resort

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Mikuni 202

This resort has close to 20 runs served by 13 gondolas and lifts including Dragondola the world’s longest gondola at 5481 meters. Mt. Naeba is a large ski complex that also includes the Kagura Tashiro Ski Resorts that are connected by gondola. The Naeba Prince Hotel is directly adjacent to the resort grounds. It sees many visitors for the ski resort in the winter and the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL that is held in the summer.

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Akakura Onsen Ski Area

Nigata Pref. Myoukoushi Akakura Hot spring

This ski resort offers a complete set of courses that includes beginner runs and a kids area. It has wide slopes and 17 runs spreading out over Mt. Myoko. Guests can ride a lift and moving belt from Akakura Onsen at the base of the mountain to quickly access the slopes. This resort is also popular for its additional night-time business hours and location that is only about 10 minutes away from Myoko Kogen I.C. on the Joshin-etsu Expressway.

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Joetsu Kokusai Ski Area

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumashi Kabanosawa 112-1

This ski area is located on the slopes just outside the JR Joetsu Line’s Joetsu International Skiing Ground Station. The various ski slopes, spanning an area into which 214 Tokyo Domes would fit, range from advanced level courses with a highest gradient of 38 degrees, to slopes which beginners can happily enjoy. There are also two types of half pipes for both skiers and snowboarders to use. Because the ski slope is on the northern side of the mountain, it has abundant snowfall, and skiers can also enjoy the powder snow. Additionally, there are sled-only courses and snow games slopes exclusively for children, so the whole family can have fun.

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AKAKURA Kanko Resort Ski Resort

Nigata Pref. Myoukoushi Tagiri 216

This ski resort adjacent to Akakura Onsen is a mere eight minutes from Myoko-Kogen Interchange. Besides being easily accessible, its free parking lot with room for 1,000 cars right next to the slopes means guests can start skiing immediately upon arrival. The resort, Japan’s first officially-designated international ski area, has courses for all ability levels, but an especially good selection of intermediate and expert courses. The Hotel Number 5 lift offers guests a long course around 4,000 meters in length. A free ride park is also located along each course. For small children, we recommend the Chibikko Hiroba (Kid’s Square) located by the parking lot.

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Maiko Snow Resort

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumashi Maigo 2056-108 Maiko Snow Resort

This all-season resort is just off the Kita-Kanto Expressway’s Shiozawa Ishiuchi Interchange. The ski slope consists of 26 courses in total, the longest of which, is approximately 6,000 meters. There are three different areas, catering to all levels, from children and beginners to advanced level skiers. Visitors can also enjoy using the Snow Scoots and Snow Motos to explore, or to walk around using snow shoes. There are outdoor leisure facilities for auto camping, glamping and barbequing in the summer. Additionally, visitors can enjoy playing with their dogs at the Dog Field. There is a free shuttle bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station.

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Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Tsuchidaru 5044-1

This ski area is a five-minute drive from Yuzawa Interchange. The slopes, located 1,000 meters above sea level, are accessed by one of the world’s largest ropeways. The ski area has a great variety of courses for all ability levels. These include the expert-level Aoikeshi Course with its maximum slope of 28 degrees, the wide intermediate-level Kisuge Course, the beginner-level Panorama Course that lets people glide down Mt. Omine at a relaxed pace, and Snow Land. The ski area connects directly to Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort and Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort at the peak, giving guests even more course options. Visitors can also take a bath Komakusa no Yu, the natural hot springs spa located in the cable car’s lower end station.

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NASPA Ski Garden

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Yuzawa 2117-9

Snowboarding is not allowed at this pure ski resort located a five-minute drive from Yuzawa Interchange. The resort is popular with families with children looking to enjoy skiing at a relaxed paced. Eight well-balanced courses suited for all ability levels are available. Powder lovers are sure to love the ungroomed expert courses. Small children not yet used to snow can play in the snow at the resort’s Kids Garden. A hotel, NASPA New Otani, is located at the base of the resort.

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GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Yuzawa Chihira 1039-2

This ski resort is directly linked to the GALA Yuzawa Station. The Cheers gondola rises up to the ski slope’s central area, from which point skiers can choose from any of 17 courses. The snow is of high quality, perfect for everyone from beginners to advanced level skiers, and the ski resort is directly linked to the Shinkansen train line, making it even convenient. In addition, a skiing and snowboarding school officially recognized by SAJ/JSBA has been opened, and instructors with a wealth of experience carefully construct lessons according to their students’ levels. The resort also has a full range of facilities, including hot springs, a lounge and a day-care center.

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Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumashi Yamaguchi 1610

This ski resort is located alongside the JR Joetsu line, on Minamiuonuma’s Mt. Hakkai. Placed on a gently sloping mountain ridge, the courses run from the peak to part-way down the mountain, with steep gradients. The ski resort is best known for its intermediate and advanced level slopes, but it does also have courses for beginners. The Mt. Hakkai Ropeway extends from the ridge to the summit of the mountain, at an altitude of 1,147 meters, and on a clear winter’s day, there is a breathtaking panorama all the way from the North Japan Alps to the Sea of Japan. Additionally, a ski school officially recognized by the Ski Association of Japan is held here, with beginners to intermediate skiing and snowboarding lessons.

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Kagura Ski Resort

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Mitsumata 742

The Kagura Ski Resort acquired its name in 2006 after the Kagura Mitsumata Ski Resort and Kagura Tashiro Ski Resort merged. Each of the various areas have their own characteristics such as the Kagura Area where intermediate and advanced skiers/snowboarders can enjoy steep slopes from a height of 1845 meters the Tashiro Area where visitors can enjoy gently sloping runs and beautiful scenery and the Mitsumata Area that is family friendly with slopes for little ones. Furthermore the Naeba Ski Resort and Kagura Ski Resort’s Tashiro Area are connected by a 5481-meter gondola.

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