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 2024-2025 ski season, you can look forward to experiencing its winter wonders from November 1, 2024, all the way through to March 31, 2025. 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.

This rich assortment includes the welcoming Kurinoki Trail, Prince Trail, Usagiyama Trail, Family Trail, and Mominoki Trail for beginners. Intermediate skiers can enjoy the Parallel Trail and Panorama Trail, while those seeking more advanced challenges can tackle the Alyeska Trail, Asama Trail, and Slalom Trail. With such a wide range of options, there's a perfect trail for every skier.

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.

There are also cost-saving options available, such as the Kids Free Program offering free lift tickets for young children and weekday lift deals for those in their twenties (planned). Families with young kids can explore the Snowman Park, a dedicated area for safe snow activities like sledding and tubing.

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. Please note it runs daily only during certain seasons.

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!

After enjoying your stay near the slopes and getting in plenty of ski time, you can continue the fun with shopping, a soak in the hot springs, and local Shinshu cuisine.

And with Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza nearby, there are plenty of things to do after skiing, guaranteeing an undoubtedly satisfying trip.

During the ski season (December 21, 2024 - March 20, 2025), two types of lift tickets are available: 4-hour tickets (adults: 8,300 yen, junior-high/high school/seniors: 7,800 yen), and 1-day tickets (adults: 8,800 yen, junior-high/high school/seniors: 8,300 yen).

You can conveniently rent ski-wear and equipment, eliminating the need to bring your own gear on the trip. A 1-day set, including skis/snowboard, is available for 6,000 yen for adults or 5,000 yen for children (elementary school students).

Additionally, ski-wear (tops & bottoms) can be rented at 4,500 yen for adults or 3,500 yen for children (elementary school students). (All prices include tax.) Please note that gloves, goggles, and hats are available for purchase separately.

・Season: November 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025
・Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM from November 1 to December 20)

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is just an hour away from Tokyo and offers rental gear, making it an ideal choice for a winter sports getaway in Japan. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pro, you can easily add skiing or snowboarding to your Japan itinerary and enjoy your time in Karuizawa!

Please note that the information in this article is accurate as of the publication date, and opening times, services, and prices may change under different circumstances.

This information was originally posted in 2020 and updated in November 2024. Please check the official website for the latest details.