Ski Resorts
The home is well positioned for access to a wide range of ski resorts within a short drive. Options range from small, uncrowded local hills to large, internationally recognised resorts, offering terrain for beginners through to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
With reliable snowfall, varied terrain, and several distinct resort styles nearby, it’s easy to choose the right mountain for the conditions and the group.
Snow Resort The Cupid of Romance
(Kijimadaira Ski Resort)
Lifts: 7–8
Runs: ~10 official courses
Vertical: ~800 m
English Lessons: No ski school, limited private lessons some seasons.
Drive Time: 5–7 minutes
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Big wide runs, kids inflatables at the bottom of the lifts, and great beginner areas.
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The long toboggan track down the side of the run, with a lift back up.
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There’s also a small terrain park with a banked slalom course.
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The best run starts with a short hike from the top of the quad.
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Amazing views of the village and the house from the upper slopes.
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The main restaurant is good. Order from the machines, take your tickets to the collection counter. The self-pouring beer machine is Japanese ingenuity at its finest.
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Togari Onsen Ski Resort
Lifts: 4
Runs: 13
Vertical: ~650 m
English Lessons: Limited English availability, primarily Japanese.
Drive Time: 15–20 minutes
• Snowboarders’ dream with heaps of off-piste lines.
• Mainly Japanese boarders stay on piste, leaving powder runs off the side.
• Basic park with a super fun banked slalom course.
• Great resort for chasing powder a few days after a dump.
• Restaurant options range from basic to upmarket, both serving good food.
• Small, traditional town feel with fewer western visitors.
• Close to an amazing onsen for relaxing after a full day on the slopes.
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Madarao Mountain Resort
Lifts: 9
Runs: 30+
Vertical: ~440 m
English Lessons: Yes, multiple English-speaking ski schools.
Drive Time: 35–40 minutes
• Powder, powder, powder. Built for 20 cm plus days.
• Strong international ski school presence.
• Best suited to experienced riders wanting steep and deep terrain.
• Tangram Ski Circus is interconnected with Madarao on a single lift pass, offering more forgiving family-friendly terrain and an easy hotel base area, making it a good option for mixed ability groups.
• Tree runs and off-piste are the major draw.
• Known locally as “Madapow” for a reason.
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Ryuoo Ski Park
Drive Time: 25–30 minutes
Lifts: 10 (including gondola)
Runs: 17
Vertical: ~1,080 m
English Lessons: Yes, English-speaking lessons available.
• Very good learner park with two magic carpets.
• Small kids area for ski and toboggan play.
• Bottom runs are wide and flat.
• Beginner zone at the very top, often above the clouds.
• Powder tree runs off the top lifts are often untracked after snowfall.
• Advanced bowl is worth doing early. Tip: hug hard left for deep powder.
• Good rental gear, great food, small crowds, short lift lines.
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Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
Lifts: 20 (including 2 gondolas)
Runs: 36 official courses
Vertical: 1,085 m
English Lessons: Yes, several established English-speaking ski schools.
Drive Time: 20–25 minutes
• Large, snow-reliable mountain with long groomed cruisers.
• Moguls, steep off-piste and sidecountry terrain.
• Consistent deep snowfall, especially in January.
• Iconic traditional onsen village at the base.
• Can be crowded at busy times but there is a reason why it's busy. It's quality!
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Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Lifts: 48+ across 18 interconnected areas
Runs: 80+
Vertical: ~980 m
English Lessons: Available in selected areas such as Ichinose and Okushiga.
Drive Time: 50–60 minutes
• Japan’s largest interconnected ski area.
• High elevation delivers consistently cold temperatures and reliable snow.
• Long cruisers and strong intermediate terrain.
• Quieter off-piste zones with less competition for fresh snow.
• Very Japanese feel
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Lotte Arai Resort (Myoko)
Lifts: 14
Runs: 14
Vertical: ~950 m
English Lessons: Yes, strong English-speaking presence.
Drive Time: 60–70 minutes
• Upmarket resort with premium accommodation and facilities.
• Excellent beginner area with magic carpets.
• English ski lessons and lots of kids activities.
• Luxury onsite onsen.
• World-class lift infrastructure.
• Food is more expensive.
• Some of the best terrain and snow in the region.
• On a powder bluebird day, hiking to the top delivers long open powder runs with views to the ocean.
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X-Jam & Yomase
Lifts: 6 combined
Runs: ~18 combined
Vertical: ~600 m
English Lessons: Limited
Drive Time: 10–15 minutes
• Great value and close to the house.
• One lift pass covers both areas.
• Yomase has open beginner runs and great side hits.
• X-Jam is a dedicated snow park with massive features.
• Ideal for bluebird slushy days.
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Kijima Snow Park
Lifts: 3
Runs: 8
Vertical: ~400 m
English Lessons: Nothing formal
Drive Time: 5 minutes
• Closest mountain to the house.
• Cheap lift tickets.
• Mainly used by local ski race clubs.
• Top car park sits right on the snow, about 15 m from lifts.
• Easy to leave lunch and drinks in the car and ski laps.
• Almost no off-piste traffic. Fresh snow can be found days after a dump.
• Half pipe is perfect for the groms.
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Akakura Onsen Ski Resort (Myoko)
Lifts: 18
Runs: 30+
Vertical: ~730 m
English Lessons: Yes. Multiple English-speaking ski schools.
Drive Time: 55–60 minutes
• One of Japan’s most recognised powder destinations.
• Strong international presence and lively village atmosphere.
• Excellent tree skiing and sidecountry terrain.
• Good progression terrain from beginner through advanced.
• Consistent deep snowfall through January and February.
• Wide range of restaurants, bars, and onsen options.
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Suginohara Ski Resort (Myoko)
Lifts: 8 (including gondola)
Runs: 17
Vertical: ~1,124 m
English Lessons: Limited.
Drive Time: 55–60 minutes
• Huge vertical and long, sustained groomed runs.
• One of the best intermediate mountains in the region.
• Upper mountain powder can be excellent after storms.
• Often quieter and more relaxed than Akakura.
• Great summit views over Lake Nojiri.
• Strong choice for confident cruisers who want big vertical without heavy crowds.
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Seki Onsen Ski Resort (Myoko)
Lifts: 3
Runs: 6
Vertical: ~500 m
English Lessons: Nothing formal.
Drive Time: 65–70 minutes
• Small, old-school resort with a cult following.
• Famous for extremely deep snowfall totals.
• Tight tree skiing and steep fall-line terrain.
• Best suited to strong intermediate and advanced riders.
• Minimal crowds and very local feel.
• Onsen town at the base adds classic Japanese charm.
• A proper powder hunter’s mountain.
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