Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest ski resorts
Metres of snow each year
+
Interconnected Resorts
Ski Trails
33
Lifts & Gondolas
33
Longest Ski Run
km
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is one of Japan’s largest and most popular ski areas, located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Nagano Prefecture. It’s renowned for its extensive terrain, excellent snow conditions, and stunning natural beauty. It was the site of
What are some key points about Shiga Kogen:
Size and Terrain: Shiga Kogen offers a vast ski area with interconnected slopes spanning multiple peaks and valleys. It boasts over 80 kilometers of trails suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from gentle beginner runs to challenging expert terrain. It is said to equal the size of ten Disneylands! Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is so vast that it is impossible to see everything in one day, so it is a good idea to learn about the characteristics of each ski resort and then decide which ones you cannot miss.
Snow Quality: Situated at high elevation, Shiga Kogen typically receives abundant snowfall throughout the winter season (usually 12 metres plus), with it’s high elevation ensuring excellent powder conditions. The resort’s altitude also helps maintain quality snow well into the spring months.
Interconnected Resorts: Shiga Kogen is made up of eighteen interconnected resorts, including Ichinose, Yakebitaiyama, Okushiga Kogen, and others in five main areas (see more detail below). Visitors can purchase a single lift ticket to access all areas, providing a wide variety of slopes to explore.
Facilities and Amenities: The resort offers a range of facilities and amenities, including rental shops, ski schools, restaurants, and accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. Additionally, there are hot springs (onsen) in most hotels, where visitors can relax and unwind after a day on the slopes.
Winter Activities: While skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions, Shiga Kogen also offers other winter activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and sledding, providing options for non-skiers or those looking for additional experiences. The views from the mountain are spectacular. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji.
Accessibility: Shiga Kogen is easily accessible from major cities like Tokyo and Nagoya by train and bus. The closest major transportation hub is Nagano City, from where buses run directly to the resort area. Shuttles are available from Narita, Haneda and other Nagano Ski Resorts.
Overall, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts seeking diverse terrain, reliable snow conditions, and a memorable mountain experience in Japan.
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Piste Guide
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Overview
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort was originally 18 ski different resorts before eventually joining together on one ticket. So over the years the different resorts and areas have developed their own own characteristics. Here’s a brief introduction for each of them, together with what is probably their defining feature.
- Central area (for kids and beginners)
The central area in the center of Shiga Kogen is the largest area, consisting of 13 ski resorts. There is a wide variety of courses, so try to find your favorite one.The Rabbit Course at Ichinose Diamond Ski Resort and the Monkey Course at Ichinose Yamanokami Ski Resort are recommended for beginners to practice at and for families with children.
Higashi-Tateyama Ski Resort also has the giant slalom course that was used in the Nagano Olympics. Although it is a course for experienced skiers, it offers the rare experience of skiing down the same course that the athletes ran.
- Yokoteyama area (the highest altitude in Japan!)
The Yokoteyama area consists of Yokoteyama Ski Resort and Shibutoge Ski Resort, both located at 2,307m above sea level, the highest point in Japan. You can enjoy the finest natural powder snow. You can also enjoy a 360-degree view from the summit, and on a clear day you can see all the way from Mt. Fuji to the Sea of Japan.
There are various courses, including a course that winds down the mountainside for intermediate skiers and a forest course for advanced skiers. Courses with steep inclines and ungroomed snow are popular among advanced skiers.
Also, once you reach the summit, we recommend stopping by a bakery called “Yokote Sancho Hütte.” As the bakery at the highest altitude in Japan, it has been featured in the media many times. It is so popular that most of its bread is sold out by mid-morning.
- Kumanoyu area (high-quality powder snow)
The Kumanoyu area is a popular area in Shiga Kogen where you can enjoy good quality powder snow. The area is located at a high altitude and faces north, so the snow stays smooth for a long time. The good condition of the slopes throughout the day is a great point.The Kumanoyu area has five lifts and 12 courses. There are many courses aimed mainly at beginners, children, and intermediate skiers, making it a recommended area for families and those looking to improve their skills. The “Mogul Run” course is the perfect course for practicing on mogul slopes. Next to the lifts is the “Chibikko Hiroba” (Children’s Square), where children can play in the snow with sleds and toys, making it a great place to bring small children.
- Yakebitaiyama area (recommended for foreign skiers)
The Yakebitaiyama area is the largest in the Shiga Kogen highlands, and has a course through a beautiful coniferous forest. The Yakebitaiyama area is also known for its excellent snow quality, said to be some of the best in Honshu.The “Olympic Course” at Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort is famous as the famous course used in the Nagano Olympics, and is popular with tourists. The Giant Slalom is a long course of over 2 kilometers that is extremely challenging! A course that can be enjoyed by a wide range of skiers from beginners to advanced skiers.
Additionally, Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort offers the benefit of free lift tickets for elementary school students and younger throughout the season, making it a popular area for families.
- Okushiga area (popular with families)
In the Okushiga area, there is a kids’ park exclusively for children. It has a forest course for children and a fully equipped kids’ room, making it a very popular area for families.The Okushiga area has a good balance of runs for beginners to advanced skiers, so a wide range of people can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
The Okushiga area, located at the very back and receiving a large amount of snow, is one of the few ski resorts that operates only on natural snow. This area offers a vast range of ski resorts, including overhead powder runs and beautiful tree runs.
But wherever you head in Shiga Kogen you can rely on some of the most consistent Japan powder on offer.
Shiga Kogen Shuttles
Airport and resorts shuttles. Starting from only 5,900 yen. Book online!
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Lift Tickets
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Night Skiing
Is there ‘nighta’ night skiing in Shiga Kogen? Very definitely, yes! It’s on offer at several resorts (see below) – but not every night. Check in with your Shiga Kogen accommodation before heading out to find out the nearest Shiga Kogen night skiing option.
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Weather
Current snow and weather conditions in Shiga Kogen.
Shiga Kogen 7 Day Outlook (from Meteoblue)
Resorts Near Shiga Kogen
There are nearly 25 ski resorts within 60-90 minutes of Shiga Kogen, such as Togakushi and Ryuoo. Also nearby are the slopes of Madarao Kogen/Tangram, Togari Onsen, Kurohime Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, the Myoko Ski Resorts plus many more. Rent yourself a car and discover as many as you want!
Not sure where all the Nagano resorts are? They’re all listed here, as well as the nearest train station.
Book Shiga Kogen Accommodation
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Restaurants
A sampling of some of the on-mountain restaurants at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Ski School, Guiding and Backcountry Tours
There are ski schools located in Shiga Kogen ski resort offering lessons in English. These ski schools offer lessons for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders, and caters to both children and adults.
Click below for more info and bookings!
Shiga Kogen backcountry and ski-touring tours are approximately 3 (Half day) and 5 (Full day) hours. The starting time and location of the tour is decided based on snow conditions, your abilities and your preferences.
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