Nagano, Japan
Nagano is home to the majestic mountains of the Japanese Alps and host to the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is the place to go if you love skiing and snowboarding.
Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is an outdoor sports mecca particularly famous for skiing and snowboarding. Often called the “roof of Japan,” it boasts the highest mountain ranges in the country.
Nagano is home to 80 ski resorts, from the sprawling Shiga Kogen to the compact and family-friendly Fujimi Panorama Resort . Depending on local conditions, slopes start opening in late November and run until mid-April or even later at the higher elevations.
The Japanese Alps, also known as the “Roof of Japan” is divided broadly into 3 mountainous regions: northern (Hida Mountains), central (Kiso Mountains), and southern (Akaishi Mountains).
Japan Northern Alps lies along the prefectural borders between Nagano, Gifu and Toyama.
There are 99 ski resorts in the Nagano Prefecture. In the Nagano Prefecture, you can look forward to 799 kilometres of slopes: the ski resorts are served by 466 ski lifts.
the annual snowfall depth in Nagano, Japan amounted to around 48 centimeters
The ski resort Shigakogen Mountain Resort is the biggest ski resort in the Nagano Prefecture. The total slope length is 83 km.
5 Best Ski Resorts in Nagano
Quieter than Happo One, combining two mountains with ski terrain versatility
Family-friendly including indoor and outdoor play areas
Night skiing available suitable for kids and beginners
Home to the best terrain park in Nagano
Limited nightlife at base and shuttle require to get to Happo Village
Closest airports
Haneda Intl. Airport – 183 miles (4 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport – 213 miles (5 hour drive)
Goryu ski resort
Combining two stand-out mountains into one top-notch ski area, Hakuba 47 & Goryu quite literally serves up a little of everything to keep every type of skier and snowboarder happy. This ski resort is all about variety and finding freshies has never been easier. There’s no denying it, some skiers and snowboarders visit Hakuba 47 & Goryu for no other reason than for the epic terrain parks. On the downside, off the mountain there isn’t so much to do, with just a few places to stay, eat, and drink next to the slopes. However, the advantage of this is that the slopes rarely get crowded!
Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park
24196-47 Kamishiro, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9211, Japan
Website: hakuba47.co.jp
- HAPPO ONE 白馬八方尾根スキー場 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Largest ski area in Hakuba Valley with the most accommodation, dining and nightlife
Highlights
Lots of terrain variety including Olympic race trails
Happo Village has everything you need
Easily accessible from most resort accommodation
Slopes can get very busy on weekends and holidays.
Closest airports
Haneda Intl. Airport – 185 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport – 216 miles (5 hour drive)
Happo One ski resort
Happo One offers up Hakuba Valley’s largest ski area and home to some seriously snowy steeps (it’s where the Olympic Super-G event was held). If you’re looking for plenty of challenging terrain, Happo One is sure to satisfy, and with plenty of first-rate restaurants and bustling bars you’ll be entertained off the slopes too! Happo One really does cater for everyone, whether you’re looking for a top-notch restaurant or just somewhere to hang out and drink with friends. It’s without a doubt one of the most well-rounded destination ski resorts in Nagano, even the whole of Japan.
Website: happo-one.jp
- Nozawa Onsen 野沢温泉スキー場 a village located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2019, the village had an estimated population of 3,653 in 1395 households and a population density of 63 persons per km². The total area of the village is 57.96 square kilometers. Charming traditional village and amazing onsens. Consistent powder and terrain for all abilities Village is jam-packed with onsens hot springs. Closest airports
Haneda Intl. Airport – 172 miles (4 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport – 201 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Kandahar East and West race trails in the distance at Nozawa Onsen
Kandahar East and West race trails in the distance at Nozawa Onsen
Why Ski Nozawa Onsen?
Before skiing transformed this historic mountain village into a fantastic ski resort, people came to Nozawa Onsen for its healing hot spring baths. Now it combines these two attractions perfectly, along with retaining its small-town feel. One of Nozawa Onsen’s most convenient features is that everything in the village is clustered together. Accommodation is either on the mountain or just a few minutes’ stroll from the lifts, while restaurants, bars, and shopping at your doorstep no matter where you stay. Spectacular scenery awaits too, especially when the sun sets in front of skiers making their last run down the mountain!
Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan
Website :
4. SHIGA KOGEN 志賀高原
Shiga Kogen is a ski resort and hiking spot, located in the Jōshin’etsu-kōgen National Park in the highlands of Yamanouchi, Nagano, Japan. In 1980, an area of 13,000 hectares was designated a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve.
Perfect corduroy groomers and access to the largest connected ski area in Japan
Terrain for all skiing abilities
Ski-in/ski-out accommodation is the norm
Lifts and trails connect you to many neighboring resorts
No real ski village at the base area so dining venues are limited
Closest airports
Haneda Intl. Airport – 188 miles (4 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport – 214 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Shiga Kogen Nagano
Shiga Kogen offers a massive 19 stand-alone ski resorts
Welcome to the largest interconnected ski area in Japan! Shiga Kogen is made up of 19 separate ski resorts, with trails running between them through the mountains and a shuttle bus operating on the roads below. Our top pick from all of them is Yakebitaiyama where the white stuff stays in excellent condition for longer compared to some nearby resorts. It also enjoys bigger dumps than other ski spots in the region, and its high elevation guarantees some wonderful views. It’s also close to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, which makes for an unforgettable day trip off the slopes.
7148 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Website: shigakogen.gr.jp
- Hakuba Cortina 白馬コルチナスキー場
Deepest powder in Hakuba Valley, and some of the best tree skiing.
Best family-friendly night skiing in the valley
Terrain is best suited for advanced skiers
Higher snowfall than nearby mountains
Only one hotel here with a few restaurants to choose from.
Haneda Intl. Airport – 194 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport – 222 miles (5 hour drive)
Itadaira course black run at Cortina Japan
Itadaira Course (black run) at Cortina
Closest airports
Cortina has to be one of the best resorts in Hakuba Valley for its family-friendly night skiing. The long, wide, and gentle beginner course can be a bit of fun for skiers of all abilities. Advanced skiers will also love this place, and after a dump it’s a true powder junkie’s dream, just be prepared to share! The slope ends by the hotel at the bottom, and the bar makes for an ideal place to sit and enjoy a drink. There’s no ski town at Cortina but luckily the facilities here are top notch so you shouldn’t get bored, with the onsen being especially excellent.