Naeba Ski Resort is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers, boasting 24 diverse courses. The resort offers a range of activities, from gentle slopes for beginners to large slopes used in World Cup competitions, as well as non-compacted snow and long runs for intermediate and advanced skiers.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are also plenty of other activities available such as snowmobiling. This ensures that everyone, including children and those who don't ski or snowboard, can enjoy the winter fun at Naeba Ski Resort.

The snowiest period at Naeba Ski Resort is around January to February. During this time, almost the entire ski area is covered in snow, allowing you to enjoy any course to the fullest. Experience Naeba’s winter with its high-quality powder snow!

Naeba Ski Resort is a well-rounded destination that caters to a wide range of visitors. With the Naeba Prince Hotel directly connected to the slopes and well-equipped kids’ areas, it is especially recommended for families and beginners. The resort features many beginner and intermediate courses, providing an easy environment for practice, while mogul runs and ungroomed zones offer plenty of challenge for advanced skiers as well.

In addition, Naeba offers a variety of snow activities such as snowmobiling and other on-snow experiences, making it a great choice for those who value a full resort-style stay beyond skiing. Its excellent access from Tokyo is another advantage, making it convenient for both day trips and overnight stays.

Naeba Ski Resort has 24 courses spread over 134 hectares, with the longest 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 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, 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.

Types of Lift Tickets

Here are the main lift ticket types and their prices.

In addition, lift tickets and select packages can be purchased through Live Japan at the link below.

Online Reservation (Smart Tickets)
By purchasing a Smart Ticket on the official Prince Hotels website by the day before, you can receive a discount and skip the ticket counter. For details, see the official website.

Season Pass
There is a season pass covering Naeba, Kagura, and Muikamachi Hakkaisan. Example prices are as follows.

Additionally, travel agencies offer accommodation packages that combine lift tickets with hotel stays. Using these packages can help reduce overall costs.

Naeba Ski Resort’s rental corners offer a wide selection of popular international ski and snowboard brands. Day visitors can rent equipment at the Day-Use Ski Center “N-Plateau” and the South Gate Parking Area, while guests staying at the Naeba Prince Hotel have multiple rental corners available within the hotel.

The resort also features a Free-Change System, allowing item exchanges within the rental period (once per day at hotel rental corners; unlimited at N-Plateau). If you try equipment and find it doesn’t suit you, you can swap it for something else. Staff can assist in both Japanese and English. You can find details at https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/naeba/winter/info/.

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 16,000 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 7,700 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 AM - noon) and another in the afternoon (1:30 PM - 3:30 PM). 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: From 7,700 yen for half-day (2 hours, online booking)
・Available languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (private lessons only for those who require multilingual support)

At Yuki Juku, the lessons offered are limited to private lessons and pole lessons, where poles are set up on the ski slopes for practice. Experience the comprehensive pole training that covers all aspects of skiing technique.
・Price: Pole lessons start from 4,500 yen for a half-day session.
・Available languages: Japanese only
・Details: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/naeba/winter/school/

Naeba Ski Resort offers plenty of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding! There are many options for children, making it a great destination for families.

Waku Waku Family Snow Land
At Naeba Ski Resort, the popular Waku Waku Family Snow Land is a favorite among families. This children’s snow playground is filled with various attractions, allowing even kids who don’t ski to fully enjoy the fun of snow.

Once inside, children can enjoy attractions such as inflatable play areas, a carousel, adventure gyms, snow escalators, snow tubing, and sledding.

For example, snow tubing is an exciting ride where you can spin around on the slopes and pick up more speed than you might expect, making it full of thrills!

Snow Train
The Snow Train is an attraction where a boat is pulled across the snowy field by a snowmobile. It accommodates 2 to 4 people, making it perfect for families or groups to enjoy together. The speed can be adjusted according to your preference, so it is safe and enjoyable for all ages.
・Price: 1,500 yen per person per ride.

Snowmobiling at Naeba Ski Resort

The snowmobiling experience organized by Kappa CLUB uses small 600cc sport-type snowmobiles, allowing you to enjoy snow driving easily after a brief instruction from a guide. No license is required.
・Price: Varies by course, starting from 2,000 yen.
・Details: https://tour.kappa-club.com/snowmobile.html/

Naeba Ski Resort does not offer childcare services.

There are facilities such as a kids’ room where children can relax without shoes, a nursing room, and restrooms equipped with diaper-changing tables.
・Details: Official website

Naeba Ski Resort is also well known for its facilities beyond skiing, including hot springs and gourmet dining. Several restaurants are located throughout the resort, including within the Naeba Prince Hotel

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, 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.

There are also several day-use hot springs around the area outside the Prince Hotel. For example, Yukisasanoyu features 100% natural flowing spring water. Rich in iron, it helps retain warmth after bathing and is believed to have skin-beautifying effects. The facilities include outdoor baths, indoor baths, and foot baths.

Resort Tattoo Policy
In the case of Yukisasanoyu mentioned above, entry is permitted for individuals with tattoos.

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 (depending on the season).

Plus, there are also amazing slopeside views to enjoy with your food (adults: 7,120 yen, 6-11: 4,750 yen, 4-5: 1,700 yen; prices are subject to change depending on the 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.

A small, cozy Japanese-style izakaya called Tsukushitei is recommended for skiers. It is located a short walk from Naeba Prince Hotel in the Asagai area. The menu mainly features Japanese dishes such as sashimi, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), grilled fish, simmered fish, and tempura. On cold days, it’s especially enjoyable to pair your meal with hot sake.

There are several ways to access Naeba Ski Resort from Tokyo, including public transportation (Shinkansen and bus), highway buses, and cars.

By Public Transport (Bullet Train + Bus)
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes). From the East Exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station, take the route bus bound for Asagai / Naeba Prince Hotel from the Yuzawa Station Bus Terminal (Platform 1) to Naeba Ski Resort (approx. 45 minutes).

If you are staying at Naeba Prince Hotel, there is a hotel shuttle bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station East Exit exclusively for hotel guests. Reservation is required, so be sure to confirm when booking your hotel.

By Bus
Every winter, a limited-period highway bus called the Naeba White Snow Shuttle operates from Ikebukuro to Naeba. Note that reservations must be made online (from 1 month before use) and service is available in Japanese only.

By Car
If driving from Tokyo, take the Kan-Etsu Expressway and exit at Tsukiyono I.C., then follow Route 17. After about 50 minutes, you will reach Naeba Ski Resort.

Driving in winter mountain conditions is not recommended, but if you must drive, winter tires are essential. Since the route includes long mountain roads, it is also advisable to refuel in Naeba.
・Approximate driving time from Tokyo: 3 hours one way.

Recommended: JR TOKYO Wide PASS
We recommend the JR TOKYO Wide PASS for foreign visitors who want to enjoy the slopes but then explore more of Niigata 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.

There are several ways to access Naeba Ski Resort from Tokyo, including public transportation (Shinkansen and bus), highway buses, and cars.

The JR TOKYO Wide PASS mainly covers the Kanto area served by JR East and allows unlimited travel on Shinkansen and limited express trains with reserved seats for three consecutive days. The price is very reasonable: 15,500 yen for adults (12+) and 7,750 yen for children (6–11). Children under 6 do not need the pass as long as they do not occupy a reserved seat.

So, how good of a deal is it?
For example, a regular round-trip reserved seat fare on the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station costs about 12,520 yen for an adult. If you are traveling from Haneda or Narita Airport, you would also need to pay for the train ride to Tokyo Station. With the Wide PASS, you can ride as much as you want and visit various destinations, making it a great value.

You could spend one day enjoying the snow in Naeba, and use the remaining two days to visit places within the pass area, such as Kusatsu Onsen, Mt. Fuji (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or Nikko, home to the World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Since both Haneda Airport and Narita Airport are included in the valid area, this pass may cover all your train travel from the moment you enter Japan.

While the pass can be reserved online in advance, the available languages and pickup locations are currently limited. For now, it is more convenient to purchase it after arriving in Japan. You can buy it at JR EAST Travel Service Centers and ticket offices such as those at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Ikebukuro, and Shinjuku.

Please note that this pass is available only to travelers holding a non-Japanese passport, and you must present your passport when purchasing. You can purchase a pass online at the link below.

When traveling for skiing or snowboarding, carrying heavy gear can be a hassle. At Naeba Ski Resort, you can take advantage of a convenient delivery service that allows you to ship your bulky equipment in advance and pick it up on the day you ski. This makes traveling by Shinkansen much easier and more comfortable.

There is a dedicated delivery counter located in Building No. 4 of the Naeba Prince Hotel, and anyone can use the service even if they are not staying at the hotel. It is a great option to lighten your load. For details, please see the official website.

Here are some sightseeing spots around Naeba where you can enjoy yourself beyond skiing — perfect for adding variety to your travel itinerary.

Located near Echigo-Yuzawa Station, this unique hot spring is attached to Ponshukan and features baths infused with Japanese sake. It’s said to promote blood circulation and relaxation; a great way to unwind after playing in the snow.

One of the world’s largest ropeways, capable of carrying up to 166 passengers, takes you to an altitude of about 1,000 meters. From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of the snow-covered mountains and the town of Yuzawa — a truly breathtaking winter landscape.

A short trip from Naeba brings you to Kiyotsu Gorge, where a 750-meter-long tunnel walkway allows you to explore the dramatic, snow-covered canyon. Strolling through this serene winter landscape offers a uniquely atmospheric experience.

Here are some recommended accommodation options around Naeba.

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, 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.

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!

*The information in this article is originally from December 2022, and updated in November 2025. Please check the official website for the latest details.