Popular in Japan! Top 7 best Ski Resorts in Nagano

Nagano Prefecture, home to the Japanese Alps, Kamikōchi, and Karuizawa, is renowned for its mountainous terrain, making it a mecca for skiing and snowboarding in Japan. Hosting the Winter Olympics in 1998 further solidified its status as a world-famous destination. Consequently, not only domestic enthusiasts but also many skiers from overseas flock to the region.

In this article, we will introduce 7 recommended ski resorts from among the many in Nagano Prefecture. From authentic ski resorts that have been Olympic venues to family-friendly ski resorts, and even ski resorts where you can relax in hot springs, we will introduce a variety of ski resorts. We hope you find your favorite ski resort in this article.

Characteristics of ski resorts in Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture boasts the expansive Japanese Alps, with mountain ranges exceeding 3,000 meters, resulting in numerous slopes suitable for ski resorts across the region. As a result, Nagano Prefecture is home to the highest number of ski resorts in Japan, totaling 68 as of 2020.

The snow quality at ski resorts is characterized by premium powder snow without excess moisture. Additionally, with heavy snowfall concentrated in the northern regions, you can always enjoy skiing and snowboarding on fresh snow.
Another feature is that the ski resorts are open for a long time.Although the business hours vary depending on the ski resort, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding from early November to early May.
The great appeal of ski resorts in Nagano Prefecture is that you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding for long periods of time with high-quality snow.

Recommended ski resorts in Nagano Prefecture

Recommended #1: Ryūō Ski Park

Ryūō Ski Park is a large ski resort with an altitude difference of approximately 1,000m and a course that allows skiing up to approximately 6,000m. It is conveniently located approximately 16 km from Shinshu Nakano IC and a minimum of 3 and a half hours from central Tokyo.

The biggest feature is the spectacular view that spreads out below. For example, from SORAterrace, located at an altitude of approximately 1,770 meters near the summit, you can overlook a blanket of snow. Furthermore, if you are lucky, you can see the fantastic scenery of a sea of ​​clouds spreading out below you. Therefore, it is a ski resort recommended for those who want to enjoy skiing and snowboarding with the best scenery.

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Recommended #2: Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park

“Hakuba47 Winter Sport Park” in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture is a ski resort that can be used with the same lift ticket as the adjacent ski resort “ABLE Hakuba GORYU”. Therefore, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in a vast area utilizing both ski resorts.

Both Hakuba47’s courses and Hakuba GORYU’s courses have many courses for beginners and intermediates. Among them, “Route 1” is a popular course for intermediate skiers, where you can slide down while looking down on the city of Hakuba. Therefore, it is a recommended ski resort for beginners to intermediate skiers who want to enjoy a variety of courses.

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Recommended #3: Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort

Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort, located in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan and was used as the venue for the 1998 Nagano Olympics. For many skiers, it has become a dream ski resort that they want to visit at least once.

The biggest feature is the large panoramic view of the Northern Alps that can be seen from the 1,830m summit. Therefore, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding with the best scenery. The features of the courses are that there are many courses for intermediate level skiers, and some courses have a longest run distance of 8,000m. Therefore, this ski resort is recommended for intermediate skiers and above who are confident in their ski skills.

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Recommended #4: Okushiga Kōgen Ski Area

Shiga Kōgen, the largest winter resort in Japan, is also famous as a winter destination. Okushiga Kōgen Ski Area, located in Shiga Kōgen, is the northernmost ski resort in the area. Situated deep in the mountains, it is known for receiving heavy snowfall.

The biggest feature is the powder snow, which is said to be one of the best in Japan. The moisture content is low, so you can experience fluffy snow. Additionally, due to the heavy snowfall, we do not use snow machines on all courses, resulting in 100% natural snow. Therefore, it is a recommended ski resort for those who want to enjoy skiing on the best snow.

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Recommended #5: Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort is a ski resort located in Karuizawa, one of Japan’s leading resort areas. Since it is operated by Japan’s largest hotel brand, Prince Hotels, Karuizawa Prince Hotel is also open, which is directly connected to the ski resort.

There are many courses for beginners to intermediate skiers, so even those with little skiing experience can easily enjoy it. In addition to the ski resort, it also has Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, so you can enjoy shopping. Furthermore, it’s conveniently located just 1 minute by shuttle bus from Karuizawa Station, making it possible to take a day ski trip from Tōkyō.
If you want to easily go to a ski resort in Nagano Prefecture from Tōkyō, this is a recommended ski resort.

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Recommended #6: Tsugaike Kōgen Ski Resort

Tsugaike Kōgen Ski Resort is a popular ski resort with high-quality powder snow, long runs with a longest run distance of over 5,000m, and a variety of courses. It is one of the largest ski resorts in the Hakuba area.

The biggest feature is the wide variety of courses available. Not only are there plenty of courses for beginners and intermediates, but there’s also a tree run through the forest and a kids’ park for children. This is a ski resort that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to advanced skiers, children to adults. Therefore, it is a recommended ski resort for families or large groups.

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Recommended #7: Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is a ski resort located in Nozawa Onsen, a representative hot spring area in Nagano Prefecture. Therefore, you can enjoy hot springs at hotels and ryokans near ski resorts.

The biggest attraction is that it is a family-friendly ski resort. For example, there are many courses that you can enjoy with your children, and there is also a child-care center. There is also a kids park at Hikage Slope, where parents and children can have fun using sleds and play equipment. Therefore, it is a recommended ski resort if you are going to a ski resort with children. We highly recommend warming up your body after skiing in a hot spring.

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