Three recommended ski resorts with convenient access in the Niigata area

"Kagura Ski Resort" boasts the highest class of snow quality in Niigata

The highest altitude at Kagura Ski Resort reaches up to 1,845 meters, boasting the best height in the Niigata area!

Due to this, the snow quality is second to none, and you can even enjoy their long-term skiing season from November to May. It’s sure to be first on the list for springtime skiing.

There is also an abundance of course variety. There’s the "Kagura Area", widely said to be number one in terms of snowfall; the "Mitsumata Area", where you can enjoy a 4,000-meter long course; and the "Tashiro Area", which is becoming sacred ground for beginner skiers. The resort is packed with features that skiers of any ability level can enjoy.

Access from the Tokyo metropolitan area is also unbeatable: around 20 minutes by bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station! This makes it also very popular with day trip skiers.

One of Japan's leading ski resorts, the famous "Naeba Ski Resort"

Naeba Ski Resort is a Japanese ski resort famous around the world. It has ski slopes that are far wider than any other in the Niigata area, and it’s one of the largest ski resorts that you can access from the Tokyo metropolitan area.

With its combination of variation-rich courses and extensive facilities, more than a few fans still rate it as being the "number one ski resort in Japan". There are more than 30 kinds of restaurants on the ski slopes, and there’s no shortage of accommodation facilities, too.

The number of courses and the balance of difficulty is also superb - it truly is the perfect ski resort to enjoy with the whole family. Recently turning its focus toward its capacity for day trips, the resort also comes complete with a convenient ski center. If you want to enjoy skiing all day long, Naeba Ski Resort is your best choice.

"GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort": direct connection between the train station and an 800 meter-high ski slope

Lastly, we’d like to introduce the "GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort", a ski resort where you can ride the gondola lift from inside the station directly to ski slopes!

As the resort is located at the foot of a snowy mountain, it goes without saying that the ease of access is simply outstanding. There is a large rental space inside the station, where you can rent skis, boards and ski wear suitable for your size. There are also extensive facilities such as onsen and restaurants.

Due to the resort being fully equipped with rental shops and lockers, even beginner skiers spend time making careful preparations before getting started. When those preparations are made, take the gondola lift and float in the air for about 8 minutes. Once you arrive at the ski slopes - that’s where the fun begins.

The maximum slope length is about 2,500 meters, with 17 courses in all. Approximately 80% of the ski slopes are made up of courses for beginner and intermediate skiers, so the overall difficulty is at a level where even beginners can relax and ski at their own pace! Of course, there are also ski school lessons in English available for those who lack confidence.

Niigata is a great location with a good balance of accessibility and satisfaction!

So there you have it!

If you want to make a ski trip straight from the Tokyo metropolitan area, a balance of good accessibility and a variety of ski slopes is important. The Niigata area has many ski resorts that satisfy both conditions, so it's no wonder it’s so loved by such a large amount of tourists.

If you’d like to casually enjoy fully-fledged skiing, make Niigata your choice!

Pricing information and schedule may not be up to date and are subject to change without notice. Please check before your trip.