Dating back to its establishment in 1973, the Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort proudly holds the title of being Nagano Prefecture's first snow resort to open its doors each year. It also stands as the sole resort nestled within the charming town of Karuizawa.

For the upcoming 2025-2026 ski season, you can look forward to experiencing its winter wonders from November 1, 2025, all the way through to March 31, 2026. This means you have the exciting option to extend your ski adventure well into the early spring season!

The resort features an array of varied courses, catering to individuals of all skill levels, be they beginners or seasoned professionals. This diversity solidifies its status as one of Japan's foremost skiing destinations. What's more, it enjoys a stunning natural backdrop, offering expansive, awe-inspiring vistas that sweep across Mount Asama. The panoramic views from the summit are sure to leave you in wonder.

The Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort comes highly recommended for a diverse range of skiers, encompassing beginners, professionals, and families alike. Among the 16 meticulously crafted courses, there exists a delightful balance that spans from gentle slopes to thrilling super-steep descents with gradients as steep as 30°. This ensures an exhilarating experience for everyone, regardless of their skiing proficiency.

Here are some of the resort’s most recommended courses. Beginners can enjoy a variety of friendly trails, including Kurinoki, Prince, Usagiyama, Family, and Mominoki.

Intermediate skiers will find plenty to love on the Parallel and Panorama Trails, while advanced riders can take on the Alyeska, Asama, and Slalom Trails. With such a wide selection, there’s a perfect run for everyone.

Consisting of a wide, open space with a gentle slope, the Prince Trail is the resort’s main trail and comes highly recommended for beginners and less-experienced skiers.

For intermediate skiers, the Panorama Trail is a top recommendation. This course covers about 1,000 meters and offers stunning views of Mt. Asama. It's the longest trail in the resort, giving you ample time to enjoy the snowy Mt. Asama landscape and providing an excellent photo opportunity.

Types of Lift Tickets

Lift tickets purchased on the day are as follows.

Securing a place to stay for a two-day ski trip is a must. It is recommended to get an Overnight Stay Plan with Ski Lift Ticket. This includes a Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort lift ticket and accommodation at one of their facilities.

You can stay at three hotels by Prince Hotels & Resorts: The Prince Karuizawa, Karuizawa Prince Hotel East, and Karuizawa Prince Hotel West.

There are a wide variety of accommodations available, so you'll undoubtedly be able to plan an enjoyable trip -whether with family, as a couple, or for an outing with friends!

By staying at a hotel within walking distance of the slopes, you can fully enjoy skiing and still have time to indulge in shopping, hot springs, and local Shinshu cuisine. With Karuizawa Shopping Plaza nearby, your après-ski options are plentiful. It’s sure to make for a highly satisfying ski trip.

Ski equipment and wear can be rented or partially purchased at the ski resort, so you can visit empty-handed.

For a one-day set, snowboard or ski board rentals are 7,000 yen for adults / 6,000 yen for children (up to elementary school), and top-and-bottom wear rentals are 5,000 yen for adults / 4,000 yen for children (up to elementary school) (tax included). Gloves, goggles, hats, and other accessories must be purchased separately.

By paying online in advance, you can receive a 500 yen discount on each rental item. For more details about rentals, please check here.

At Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, a variety of ski schools offer instruction. Lessons include children’s group lessons, adult group lessons, Japanese-language group lessons, foreign-language group lessons, and private lessons, providing a wide range of options. Some schools offer multilingual support, and there are even schools specializing in Chinese-language instruction.

Ski schools that support English or other languages often recommend advance reservations, and some children’s programs include free lift tickets as a perk, so it is advisable to check in advance.

Starting in 2024, the “Debut Park” was established for beginners from elementary school age and up, providing comprehensive support from riding the lift to skiing or snowboarding. Even first-timers can safely learn using handrails, making it easy and enjoyable to debut on the slopes.

Group Lessons vs. Private Lessons
Group lessons for skiing and snowboarding are relatively affordable, typically 7,000 yen for 2 hours.In contrast, private lessons are more expensive, costing around 22,000 yen for 2 hours. For more details about the ski school, please check here.

Prince Snow Resorts offers a common kids’ program, and at Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, children up to elementary school age can enjoy free lift rides. The resort also provides work experience programs, making it well-equipped with services for families and children.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort does not offer childcare services.

Tubing, Sledding & Snow Play Areas
In addition to enjoying snow sports, there is a Snow Park where even small children can play in the snow or go sledding. Children aged 3 and above can enter for 2,300 yen per person and enjoy a snow escalator, tubing, sledding, and more.

After enjoying skiing during the day, there are also options for hot springs, gourmet dining, and more. Guests staying at Prince Hotels & Resorts properties, as well as those staying nearby, can fully enjoy their après-ski activities.

MOMIJI Hot-Spring
At The Prince Karuizawa (West Wing), there is the MOMIJI HOT-SPRING. This hot spring is exclusive to hotel guests.

Forest Hot-Spring & Spa
The East Wing features a natural hot spring facility attached to Spa The Forest Prince. This hot spring is also exclusive to hotel guests.

Hoshino Onsen Tonbo no Yu
All baths use free-flowing natural hot spring water, and its soft water is known as “beauty-enhancing water.” Although it is located a bit away from the ski resort, it is available for day-trip use.

At Hoshino Onsen Tonbo no Yu, the facilities include an indoor bath (cypress bath), outdoor bath (rock bath), seasonal/event baths, sauna (with auto-löyly), and cold-water bath. Quiet music plays throughout the facility, providing a premium hot spring experience. Winter rates are 1,350 yen for adults and 800 yen for children, while during the New Year period, rates are 1,550 yen for adults and 1,050 yen for children (the same as summer rates).

Resort Tattoo Policy
Guests with tattoos are normally prohibited from bathing, but they may enter if they use the eight specially designed cover stickers (size: 8 × 10 cm) that fully conceal the tattoos.

Here are some recommended local dishes to try in Karuizawa during winter.

Shinshu Soba (hot soba)
Warm soba is especially comforting on cold days. Varieties such as Kamo Nanban Soba, Tororo Soba, and Sansai Soba use locally sourced mountain ingredients and are highly recommended. Famous soba restaurants include Kawakamian and Shinano.

Highland Vegetable Beef Stew
Beef stew is perfect for chilly winter days. Karuizawa is known for its delicious highland vegetables, which are often simmered into hearty stews. Recommended spots include Manpei Hotel, Monzen Western Restaurant Fujiya, and Saint-Germain.

Karuizawa Cheese
Karuizawa also has a rich cheese culture, and dishes such as cheese fondue, doria, and gratin using local vegetables are perfect for winter. Atelier de Fromage, within walking distance from Karuizawa Station North Exit, is highly recommended.

Here are some popular bars and izakayas around Karuizawa Station.

Café Conversa
An authentic bistro serving dishes made with Shinshu premium beef and a wide selection of wines.

Granada Karuizawa
A hidden gem offering authentic Spanish cuisine and wine.

Sekisho Chaya
A Japanese-style izakaya featuring fresh fish, tempura, and local sake—perfect for fans of Japanese cuisine.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is located about 1 minute by taxi from Karuizawa Station South Exit on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (via Nagano), or about 10 minutes on foot.

You can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen directly from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station. There is even a free shuttle bus that runs between Karuizawa Station South Exit and Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort. Please note it runs daily only during certain seasons.

We recommend the JR TOKYO Wide PASS for foreign visitors who want to enjoy the slopes but then explore more of Nagano Prefecture. During the validity period, this discount rail pass offers unlimited rides on JR lines (including select Shinkansen) in the greater Tokyo area and is available only to foreign nationals.

The Wide PASS offers great value, covering the Kanto area served by JR East. It allows unlimited travel on reserved seats for Shinkansen and limited express trains over three consecutive days. The cost is 15,000 yen for adults (12 and older) and 7,500 yen for children (6–11 years old). Children under 6 do not need a pass if they do not require a reserved seat.

For comparison, a round-trip ticket for the Hokuriku Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station costs around 11,640 yen for adults. If traveling from Haneda or Narita airports, additional costs to JR Tokyo Station apply. With the Wide PASS, you get unlimited rides for a much lower price, plus the flexibility to explore various tourist destinations, making it an excellent deal.

You could spend a day enjoying snow activities at Karuizawa, then visit places like Kusatsu Onsen, Mt. Fuji (a UNESCO World Heritage site), or Nikko Toshogu Shrine over the next two days. The pass also covers travel to and from Haneda and Narita airports, making it a convenient option for traveling throughout Japan.

On a ski or snowboard trip, heavy luggage can be a hassle. Ideally, you want to “ski hands-free.” At Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, there is a facility called Snow House, which offers luggage delivery and storage services. Located in the day-use parking area, it is especially convenient for day-trip skiers.

For overnight guests, please check with your hotel regarding available luggage delivery services.

Here are some sightseeing spots around Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort that you can enjoy in addition to skiing, useful for planning your trip.

One of Japan’s largest outlet malls, where shopping is comfortable even in winter. Over 200 stores offer a wide range of domestic and international winter items. The illuminations make evening strolls magical, and its location adjacent to Karuizawa Prince Hotel ensures easy access.

With fewer tourists in winter than in the popular summer season, the street has a calm atmosphere. Enjoy Karuizawa gourmet treats such as bread and pastries from Boulanger Asanoya or the popular Mocha Soft from Mikado Coffee. The snow-covered classical townscape is perfect for photos.

A cozy wooden commercial area surrounded by quiet forest and the sound of flowing water. You can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients at the restaurants and cafes. At night, the area is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

The Karuizawa Winter Festival, held from November 22, 2025 to February 28, 2026, features illuminations and Christmas markets at various locations around town.

Shiraito Falls
Frozen waterfalls can be seen in winter.

Komoro Castle
Ruins Kaikoen: Beautiful snow-covered castle ruins with views of Mount Asama.

Usui Third Bridge (Megane Bridge)
The red brick arches stand spectacularly amid the snow.

Here are some recommended accommodation options around Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort.

The Karuizawa Prince Hotel (East, West, and The Prince) is a large-scale resort complex directly adjacent to the ski slopes. It also offers convenient access to Karuizawa Station and the nearby outlet shopping mall, making it an ideal choice for those who value comfort and accessibility.

Hoshinoya Karuizawa
Though located a bit farther from the ski resort, Hoshinoya Karuizawa offers a serene retreat surrounded by forest. This luxury ryokan blends modern Japanese design with natural tranquility, perfect for those who wish to relax and unwind in nature.

APA Hotel〈Karuizawa Ekimae〉Karuizawaso
Located near both Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort and Karuizawa Station, this hotel is known for its reasonable pricing and convenient location. It’s a great option for travelers seeking comfort and accessibility on a budget.