Introducing seven of the most popular, most recommended ski resorts in the Yuzawa Area, each with easy access!

Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort, with a ski center conveniently connected to a train station

Gala Yuzawa is one of the most well known ski resorts in Japan for day trips because it’s only a 75-minute trip from Tokyo Station. Its number one feature is the convenient ski center building connected to the Shinkansen station. Out of ski slopes in the Yuzawa Area, Gala Yuzawa’s are at a high elevation, so its main attraction is the quality of snow.

In addition to skiing, the resort is also a one-stop shop for dining, shopping, onsen, and sightseeing. This attracts many beginners who would like to enjoy a day trip of skiing while packing light. This resort is definitely recommended for those skiers looking for ease and comfort.

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Naeba Ski Resort, 55 years of history and tradition

Naeba Ski Resort, a leader in Japan’s ski boom. The ski slopes here are considered some of the widest even within the Yuzawa Area, with a large selection of courses.

While it started out as a ski resort focused on overnight stays, it’s now expanding to attract more skiers visiting on day trips. Operated by the Prince Hotel, the surrounding facilities include restaurants, hotels, and onsen. The resort is not easily accessible via Shinkansen, so traveling by car is recommended. If you’re looking for the experience of a large resort, this is the place you should check out.

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Kagura Ski Resort, the number one destination in the Yuzawa Area for powder snow

The highest elevation reaches 1,845 meters, making it one of the highest ski slopes in the Yuzawa Area. This makes for out-of-this-world soft powder snow. The resort is known for its long operating season from November to May due to heavy snowfall. Visitors love the opportunity to enjoy spring skiing in the Yuzawa Area.

If choosing a ski resort based on snow quality, Kagura Ski Resorts is without a doubt your best bet. While the gondola lift is usually busy, the view from the peak on a clear day is stunning, making it well worth the wait.

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Maiko Snow Resort, a great option for both a day trip or short overnight stay

Maiko Snow Resort is a popular resort among beginners and families. Conveniently located about 1km away from the Shiozawa-Ishiuchi Interchange on the expressway, and easily accessible by both car and Shinkansen, this resort features mainly gentle courses with ski slopes located on a flat hill ideal for beginners.

The facilities surrounding the ski slopes, including the ski center, are well planned out, and aim to be a place “fun for day trips or overnight stays”. The overall quality of available accommodations is high, which is a welcoming factor for families to enjoy their resort stay.

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Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort, where ski slopes await after stepping out of the train station

As with Gala Yuzawa, this is a unique ski resort where you can see the ski slopes right as you leave the train station. Although it normally requires a transfer from the Shinkansen, some limited express trains connect directly with the Tokyo metropolitan area depending on the time frame, making it easily accessible.

The ski slope extends widthwise on the mountain, meaning none of the longer courses descend from the top of the mountain. However, the courses are very well established. This resort is recommended for those wishing to experience a stroll or enjoy onsen in the old-fashioned onsen district and guesthouse district right outside of the station. This is a friendly and down-to-earth ski resort.

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Kandatsu Snow Resort, with the largest day trip-oriented facility in the Yuzawa Area

Kandatsu Snow Resort is known for its long hours of operation. The resort is open almost all night during peak season. The courses are well thought out, providing extra fun. This resort is recommended for active people looking for a variety of interesting courses to try out.

One of the draws of this resort is Resort Hall, a large-scale dedicated facility for day trip users. This facility next to the ski slopes offers a large rest area and nap room that can be used free of charge, as well as a large bathing facility that can accommodate up to 400 people. This resort offers one of the top facilities in the Yuzawa Area.

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NASPA Ski Garden, a ski-exclusive resort where snowboarding isn’t allowed

NASPA Ski Garden is one of the few resorts in Japan that caters where snowboarding isn’t allowed. The ski slopes are fairly compact with only a few courses, as snowboarding is not allowed, but this is the best place for beginners or children to practice their skills.

The hotel, located close to the slopes, offers high quality accommodations that allow families to enjoy a luxurious stay. While the ski resort is selective of its audience, with no snowboarding allowed, the luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere and beginner-friendly courses alone are a draw.

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The Yuzawa Area is jam packed with popular ski resorts

So there you have it! A summary of popular ski resorts in the Yuzawa Area.

The Yuzawa Area is home to many ski resorts that offer their own unique features and attractions. After learning about what each resort has to offer, find one that best suits your needs.

Click here for more information on ski resorts in the Echigo-Yuzawa Area

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