Travel report for the Maiko Snow Resort! 5 first-hand insider insights

11 November, 2024
We went to the Maiko Snow Resort - the largest-scale resort in the Yuzawa area, reachable in as quickly as 90 minutes from Tokyo, by taking the Shinkansen and a free shuttle bus! There are 26 courses in total, and the longest ski course is 6,000 meters. There are plenty of facilities so that both guests coming for a day trip, and those planning to stay the night, can enjoy. Everyone from experts to entire families can have a great time at the Maiko Snow Resort. Here, we’d like to show you 5 things we discovered when we dropped by the resort!

Even beginners can try their hand at a long run on the Nagamine Ranran Course!

View from the Nagamine Ranran Course
If you use the gondola lift - with a total length of 2,800 meters - to get to the summit in a flash, you’ll see the magnificent 6,000 meter course before you! This long course is the largest of its kind in the Yuzawa area.

The beginner-oriented detour course Nagamine Ranran is available from the gondola lift summit station, so even if there is a difference in skill levels within your group, everyone can enjoy skiing down from the summit!

Enjoy an elegant ski in the non-compacted snow area Peak Performance Off-Piste Zone.

A snowboarder in the non-compacted snow zone
After heavy snowfall, you can enjoy riding through powder snow in a non-compacted snow area boasting a maximum incline of 32 degrees.

This area is only opened under special conditions, making it a rare event. This is a steep and rapidly changing course, with a ski distance of 1,000 meters.

Why not challenge your skills on a thrilling ski course while gazing at the incredible view?

Unlimited nighttime skiing with the “One Coin” Ski Pack!

Nighttime skiing
An expansive, gentle slope used for nighttime skiing within the Maiko Area - it’s open everyday during the season, so you can ski to your heart’s content at any time!

This is a flat and wide course, so it’s perfect for enjoying together with your friends! The One Coin Nighttime Skiing Campaign has been operating since the 2017 season, and for measly 500 yen you can ski as much as you like.

Nighttime skiing runs from December 28 until March 17. Operation hours are from 4:00pm until 8:00pm. Be sure to check it out!

The Day Ski Center - all the services that day trip guests are after

The Day Ski Center from the outside
Complete with onsen, and free break areas, the Ski Center is an oasis for day trip skiers and snowboarders.

It’s connected to a large-scale food court, giving you a wide selection of options for meals. The Spa Maiko Onsen is fully-equipped with relaxation rooms, so we recommend using this as a hub for your post-ski break time.

Enjoy the Canadian vibe at Whistler Cafe

A number of Canadian-themed dishes
At the Whistler Cafe in the food court, there are plenty of menu items that will give you a taste of Canadian cuisine.

They’re known for their hamburgers, but the major draw is the uniquely Canadian dish “poutine”, where gravy and melted cheese is poured over French fries. Would be delicious together with a beer, eh?

Enjoy the biggest large-scale resort in the Yuzawa Area

Thus concludes our travel report on the Maiko Snow Resort.

There’s no better place you can enjoy a slope with a true resort feeling, and one that’s easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area. Whether you go for a day trip or spend the night, try making some snowy memories at the Maiko Snow Resort!

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

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Maiko Snow Resort Niigata Prefecture

No. 2 Ski Resort
Dec. 20th to Mar. 30th
Courses26
Lifts13
Longest run distance6,000 m
Maximum gradient32 °
Courses26
Lifts13
Longest run6,000 m
Maximum32 °

Hotel + lift pass

2 people1 nightAUD 239.01〜
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Lift ticket

AUD 66.457% OFF
AUD 61.34〜 (JPY 6,000〜)
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Rentals

AUD 100.1910% OFF
AUD 89.96〜 (JPY 8,800〜)
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Lessons

AUD 224.91〜 (JPY 22,000〜)
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