Naeba Ski Resort has 24 varied courses attracting lots of both domestic and international travelers. There’s a lot on offer, from broad and gentle slopes for beginners, to large slopes used in World Cups, along with non-compacted snow, long runs, and more for intermediate and advanced skiers.

There are also activities like snowmobiling and snowshoeing on offer, ensuring children and those who don’t ski or snowboard don’t miss out on the fun.

The 2022-2023 season began on December 17 and runs until April 9, with the highest snowfall in January and February. During this period, virtually all courses will be full of high-quality snow, including the highly-coveted powder snow.

Naeba Ski Resort can be accessed via a mix of bullet train and bus, or directly by driving. If coming by car, make sure that you have changed to studless tires.

Take the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 1 hr 20 mins). From the station’s East Exit, board the highway bus for “Kagura - Naeba” for 45 minutes until Naeba Ski Resort. You can also ride the local bus, which takes around the same time, on Platform #1 heading for “Yuzawa - Mitsumata - Kaikake Onsen - Asagai - Seibu Crystal.”

If staying at the Naeba Prince Hotel, there is also a special bus for overnight guests departing from the East Exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station. It requires an advanced reservation, so make sure to inquire when booking.

To save on your journey, we recommend booking either a Japan Rail Pass or JR East Nagano-Niigata Area Pass ahead of your visit.

If coming from Tokyo, take the Kan-etsu Expressway and get off at the Tsukiyono IC for National Route 17. After a 50-minute drive, Naeba Ski Resort will come into view. From Tokyo Station, the drive will take around 3 hours one way. When driving home, you’ll be going through the mountains, so make sure to fuel up at Naeba.

The Naeba White Snow Shuttle, a winter-limited highway bus service, also runs between Ikebukuro and Naeba.

・Period: December 17, 2022 - March 21, 2023
・Area: Sunshine City Prince Hotel - Kawagoe Matoba - Seibu Crystal - Naeba Prince Hotel
・Duration: Approx. 3 hrs 40 mins
・Inquiries: 0570-025-258 (Seibu Bus Information Center, closed weekends, public holidays)
・Opening hours: 10:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.
*Requires a reservation, Japanese language only
*Check out the website for more information (in Japanese only)

Those coming from overseas or from other regions of Japan may also be able to fly directly into Niigata Airport. After landing, take the airport bus to Niigata Station (approx. 25 mins), and then take the bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Afterwards, follow the bus information above to reach Naeba Ski Resort.

Naeba Ski Resort has 24 different courses spread out over 134 hectares, with the longest run spanning 4,000 meters. Below, we’ll outline our recommendations for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers!

Those new to skiing and snowboarding should head for the No. 4 Course or No. 5 Course. The No. 4 Course is a gentle slope running 821 meters with a maximum incline of 13.4 degrees. While No. 5 is a little steeper at 17.52 degrees, it is shorter at just 676 meters long, allowing you to choose between either length or speed.

We also recommend trying out the Dragondola Renraku Course, which runs for 1,078 meters and is accessible via the No. 3 High-Speed Lift. While this course has more curves and a steeper incline, you’ll be able to experience a thrill similar to cross-country skiing!

Intermediate skiers will love the Daishamen Ippan Course, which is accessible from the No. 2 Gondola and allows you to race down 2,387 meters from an altitude of 1,523 meters full of curves.

There is also the 1,300-meter-long Waku Waku Course with continuous S-shaped curves through the trees, which can be found in the direction of the forest on the Daishamen Ippan Course.

One of the most famous courses at Naeba Ski Resort is the World Cup Mogul Burn, which was used for the 2012 FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup in the Yuzawa Naeba tournament. It is 222 meters long with a maximum incline of 30 degrees and plenty of bumps compounding the excitement.

The 463-meter-long powder run Splash Bowl is also very popular but only opens when the conditions are right. Check the latest info on the Naeba Ski Resort website or social media to find out when it’s open.

You can purchase lift tickets for Naeba Ski Resort in advance online. For more dedicated skiers looking to stay in the area for a while, there are also discount season tickets available that can be used at the nearby Kagura Ski Resort and Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort.

Naeba Ski Resort boasts all the best skiing and snowboarding gear from popular brands across the world available for rent. For day-trippers, there are rental spots in the N Plateau Day Ski Center and the South Gate parking lot, and for those staying at the Naeba Prince Hotel, there are several spots to rent from within.

Plus, as long as it’s within rental hours, you can exchange your items for others (once per day in the hotel, as many times as you like at N Plateau). So if you’re not happy with what you’ve been given, don’t hesitate to take it back! (English assistance available)

Naeba Ski Resort has four different skiing schools: The Pandaruman Kids School, which accepts children from 3 years old; the Naeba Snow School, where you can learn skiing and snowboarding; the Naeba Ski School, which specializes in skiing; and the Naeba Yukijuku, which holds private and pole lessons. Each will work with your skills and ambition to help better your technique.

A kids school accepting children 3 and up with lessons specially designed for kids to feel like a fun game. Language support in English and Chinese is also available.
・Price: 2-hour lesson from 10,000 yen
・Available languages: Japanese, English, Chinese

This school hosts lessons accommodating a wide variety of skill levels, including beginners and kids. There are three types of skiing lessons available: Bamboo Kids, aimed at preschoolers up to 5-6; Bamboo Junior for elementary school students; and private lessons. These lessons run from those who can’t yet ride the lift or control their speed, to those looking to tackle intermediate slopes with controlled speed and turns.
・Price: Half-day lesson from 7,000 yen
・Available languages: Japanese, English, Chinese

This skiing school started all the way back in 1962 and holds group lessons for different levels. One lesson is held in the morning (10:00 a.m. - noon) and another in the afternoon (1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.). Bookings are not required - just mention you’d like to participate to the staff, and you can join on the day. There are also special lessons for those seeking to participate in tournaments or gain qualifications, making it perfect for advanced skiers too.
・Price: 4,100 yen for half-day (2 hours)
・Available languages: Japanese, English, Chinese

Naeba Yukijuku holds private lessons and pole lessons only, which is one of the most important elements of skiing technique.
・Price: From 30,000 for a one-month membership
・Available languages: Japanese only

There’s lots to do at Naeba Ski Resort outside of skiing and snowboarding, including plenty for kids.

At the family play area Waku Waku Family Snow Land (price: 1,300 yen, free for children three and under), kids can enjoy snow tubing on plastic donut-shaped sleds, which is surprisingly fast and thrilling!

For smaller children, there is also the Snow Rafting 10-Minute Experience, where you’ll be pulled on a snowmobile in a plastic raft (adults: 1,500 yen, age 3 to elementary school: 1,000 yen). Up to 6 people can ride at once, making it great for groups and families.

*Snow rafting is available for children aged three and above.

Another popular activity at Naeba Ski Resort is the Snowmobile 10-Minute Experience (easy course w/guide: 1,500 yen), which uses a small, easy-to-navigate 300 cc - 500 cc sports-type snowmobile. Plus, the guide will instruct you on how to drive it, making it a fun way to enjoy dashing through the snow.

*Available for elementary school-aged students and above.

The Naeba Nature Center also holds snowshoeing tours for those who want to get deeper into nature (adults: 6,000 yen, 6-15: 5,000 yen). You’ll be able to venture into hidden nooks you’d never find on your own, such as quiet fields away from the ski trails, while also using the gondola to explore with ease.

*Available for elementary school-aged students and above.
*All experiences have Japanese and English language support.

Naeba Ski Resort is famed for its extensive range of facilities, from the Naeba Prince Hotel to loads of different restaurants and more!

One of the most popular is Restaurant Azalea, located within the hotel. Here you can chow down on a buffet of local delicacies, including Minamiuonuma “koshihikari” rice, roast beef marinated with Niigata-grown maitake mushrooms, white shiruko dessert with amazake from brewery Hakkaisan and “kaki no tane,” and more.

Plus, there are also amazing slopeside views to enjoy with your food (adults: 6,000 yen, 6-11: 4,000 yen, 4-5: 1,500 yen, *prices are subject to change depending on day).

We also recommend M’s Cafe in the Day Ski Center, M’s Crepe next to Waku Waku Family Snow Land, and Naeba Vigore, which serves up noodles like ramen and udon plus french fries and other light meals. There is also a kebab stall out on the slopes, ensuring plenty of warm, energizing eats to relish during or after skiing.

If you’re staying overnight, the Naeba Prince Hotel has got you covered! With seamless access to the slopes, coming and going from your room is a breeze. There are twin, family rooms, and even large connected rooms fitting up to 6 people, making it suitable for all kinds of travelers. There are also luxury suites for special occasions like anniversaries and more.

Inside the hotel is a sports shop that opens in winter, selling snowboards, outdoor wear, and more for outlet prices, making it a great spot to shop for gear!

To warm yourself up after skiing, hop in the overnight guest-only indoor hot spring, Naeba no Yu, or the open-air Hiuchi no Yu, which is also open to day-trip visitors. These hypotonic natural hot springs contain sodium and potassium, and are said to be great for muscle soreness, joint inflammation, and fatigue. Slopeside rooms also boast sweeping vistas of the entire resort, offering breathtaking scenery.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Disinfected after each guest - Ventilation measures taken - Coin trays used - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Capacity limited/increased space between seats - Admission restricted; reservations advised - Entry declined to anyone feeling unwell - Guests requested to wear masks and conduct temperature checks

With a hotel, hot springs, and loads of dining options, Naeba Ski Resort is one of Niigata’s most comprehensive winter sports hubs. After skiing and snowboarding on some of Japan’s highest-quality snow, you’ll be able to soak, eat, and unwind, making your trip both an adventure and a luxury getaway!

Opening Period: December 17, 2022 to April 9, 2023 (scheduled)

Text by: Madoka Hasegawa
*The information in this article is current as of December 2022. Please check the official website for the latest information.