Steepest slope at 45 degrees! Try the most challenging course in Japan at Kijimadaira Ski Resort.

Conquer the super advanced course with 45 degree slope!

Here we will introduce you to the Pioneer Course, the most difficult course at Kijimadaira. The slope's steepest point is at 45 degrees and its average steepness at 35 degrees. This is one of the steepest slope across this country. You will only find one other resort that has a slope with this steepeness in Japan and it is Mauntoresui Ski Area in Hokkaido.

You will get to experience the thrill from sliding down a slope that almost feels like a vertical drop and coming down on bumpy slope at high speed scattering powder snow. This is one of a kind experience that is only possible here at Kijimadaira Ski Resort. Because the slope is on the north side of the mountain, you can enjoy the powder snow on the Pioneer Course which is a snow sacred spot privileged to advanced skiers. If you want to challenge the so-called Japan's hardest slope, you should visit this resort.

Pioneer Course is only open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Japan's national holidays. Depending on the snowfall, it may be closed, so you should call to check if you wan to challenge this course.

3 Courses Recommended for Beginner Skier

Although Kijimadaira is well known for its steepest slope in Japan, the resort offers many gentle slopes attracting family skiers. Perfect Course, Family Course and Romance Course are the three trails suitable for novice skier to practice.

Perfect Course, well balanced slope

This the most popular beginner level course at Kijimadaira Ski Resort and is 750 meter long with 17 degrees tilt at its steepest point. This course has bumpy and gentle areas throughout the course so you won't get bored. Also a wide and well-groomed run with compressed snow. Because this resort is less crowded, you can make make use of the whole slope to practice.
On the side of this slope, there are tiny artificial small hills (called continuous waves) created for beginner skiers to feel the thrill.

Family Course, gentle slope for families

This course is 800 meter long and is relatively gentle from top to bottom providing novice-friendly environment for practicing basic tricks of ski and snowboard.
Along this trail runs a 800-meter sledge slope which lets you experience one of the few long sledge ride. Adults can also try this course. If you get bored of skiing, you should try sledding on the long course.

Romance Course, night skiing and spectacular view

Romance Course is the only beginner course open for night skiing. You can enjoy a good view from the slope.
The slope becomes less steep as you go down on the course with some areas almost flat.

At night, you will find yourself in a fantastic atmosphere quite different from the day time. The night view from the course top is a must see if you are visiting Kijimadaira area.

Sky Course, 1,200 meters long

Sky Course is a slope boasting 1,200 meters in length and is recommended for beginner and intermediate skiers. The slope is 250 meters wide which allows you enough space to make turns freely. Because this resort is usually less crowded, you don't need to worry so much about bumping into other skiers.

The wide open slope allows you to not only keep an eye on your child but also enjoy the beautiful view of mountains around the resort on a sunny day. Many skiers speak highly of its well maintained snow making this course the main run of the resort.

Kodomo Hiroba, a snow play park for Children

Fun aspect of Kijimadaira Ski Resort is it has a dedicated area for kids to play in the snow.
There is a 50-meter long moving walkway so children who cannot use the lifts can play in this area without worries. The area is split into two areas, sled only area and ski area.

There is Wanpaku Course right next to Kodomono Hiroba where you can enjoy small bumps and tunnels. You can choose Kodomo Hiroba or Wanpaku Course depending on the ski level of your child.

Wide range of menu options

There are ten restaurants located along the Romance Course in the foothills of the mountain, many of which serve good food. There is enough seating so you don't need to rush to get a spot at lunch time. This is one of a few publicly run resorts with good restaurants. Menu ranges from curry, deep fried pork (Tonkatsu), beef stake, rice bowl dishes to desserts.
With ten restaurants on the slope, you have enough options to choose from.

A direct shuttle from a nearby station

To get to Kijimadaira Kogen Ski Resort, you would hop on Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) and disembark at Iiyama Station which is one station after Nagano Station. From the station, it takes about 15 minutes to Kijimadaira. The whole trip takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes from central Tokyo, so a day trip is feasible.

During the winter season, a direct shuttle bus runs from the station to the resort. This bus stops at Maguse Onsen en route so you can enjoy hot springs after skiing on your way home.

Hotel Panorama Land Kijimadaira is a direct access from ski slopes and has hot springs and a heated pool, perfect for families.

Summary

How did you find Kijimadaira Ski Resort?

The resort maybe known for the super advanced course (and we do recommend it for those who want to try Japan's steepest slope!), but it is also a family-friendly ski area with many beginner level courses. Not being too far away from Tokyo, you can visit Kijimadaira either as a day trip or a stay-over trip.

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