Niigata is one of Japan’s premier snow destinations and is especially worth visiting for international travelers. Its biggest draw is the consistently good snow quality that can be enjoyed throughout the ski season.

The region offers a wide range of options, from large, internationally oriented resorts to quieter ski areas with a more local atmosphere. With smooth Shinkansen access from Tokyo, Niigata is well suited to short trips and even day skiing.

Another key appeal is that many ski resorts are located next to onsen towns. After a day on the slopes, visitors can relax in traditional hot springs and enjoy local cuisine, making Niigata an ideal destination for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.

Niigata’s ski resorts are broadly divided into two main areas: Yuzawa–Uonuma and Joetsu–Myoko, each with a distinct character.

Yuzawa–Uonuma is easily reached from Tokyo, making it ideal for first-time visitors and short trips. Joetsu–Myoko, on the other hand, is known for heavier snowfall, deep powder, and a quieter, more nature-focused atmosphere.

Whether you prefer a convenient, lively resort or a more relaxed snow-country experience, Niigata offers an area to match your style.

Skiing in Niigata varies noticeably by area, so understanding the differences in snow quality can help you choose the right resort. The prefecture’s ski areas are broadly divided into the Yuzawa–Uonuma area and the Joetsu–Myoko area, each offering a distinct snow experience.

The Yuzawa–Uonuma area is known for reliable, easy-to-ski conditions. Fresh snowfall brings pleasantly light powder, while groomed runs tend to firm up nicely, providing good edge grip. Well-maintained pistes make this area especially comfortable for beginners and intermediate skiers.

In contrast, the Joetsu–Myoko area stands out for both the volume and lightness of its snow. Heavy snowfall and colder temperatures often create deep, fluffy powder, delivering that floating sensation powder lovers seek. The snow pairs perfectly with natural terrain and ungroomed areas, making it a favorite for more adventurous skiers and riders.

The Yuzawa–Uonuma area is especially popular for its easy access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. It is one of the most convenient regions for short trips and first-time ski travelers to Japan.

During peak season, snowfall and snow conditions are generally stable. Well-groomed runs dominate, making for smooth and comfortable skiing.

The snow here is slightly moist but offers good edge grip. This creates forgiving conditions that suit beginners and intermediate skiers.

The atmosphere is lively and casual, with many families and group travelers. Resorts tend to feel active and welcoming rather than secluded.

In the shoulder season, crowds are lighter and the pace is more relaxed. Spring skiing is particularly enjoyable thanks to higher sunshine rates, along with easy access to hot springs and local cuisine.

The Joetsu–Myoko area is known as one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall regions. During peak season, its biggest draw is deep, light powder snow.

Snowfall here is exceptionally abundant, making it a favorite among intermediate to advanced skiers and powder enthusiasts. Ungroomed zones and terrain that follows the natural contours of the mountains are a major highlight.

The overall atmosphere is calm and less resort-like. This area suits travelers who want a more immersive experience focused on mountains and nature.

Another distinctive feature is the large number of lodgings run by foreign owners, reflecting the area’s long-standing international appeal.

Even in the shoulder season, snow coverage remains strong, allowing for a long ski season. Visitors can enjoy a quieter stay that feels distinctly like a traditional snow country escape.

The Yuzawa–Uonuma area is one of Niigata’s most accessible ski destinations, making it ideal for first-time visitors and short trips from Tokyo. With well-developed resorts and reliable conditions, it offers a comfortable and stress-free ski experience.

Naeba Ski Resort features 24 varied courses, including a wide slope once used in World Cup races, ungroomed steep runs, and long cruising courses. Its layout allows skiers and snowboarders of all levels to enjoy the mountain in different ways.

Beyond skiing, the resort offers activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing. A kids’ ski school welcoming children from age three, with foreign-language support, makes Naeba a reassuring choice for international travelers and families alike.

Courses & Terrain
Naeba Ski Resort is a major ski destination with 24 diverse runs and a longest course stretching about 4,000 m. The layout is well balanced, with roughly 40% beginner terrain, making the wide, gentle slopes around the base area ideal for first-timers and families.

Higher up the mountain, advanced skiers will find challenging ungroomed terrain, including the 39-degree Splash Bowl, once used for World Cup races. The resort is also connected to the Kagura and Tashiro areas via the Dragondola, one of Japan’s longest gondola lifts, allowing seamless access across the vast Mt. Naeba ski area.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Schools
Naeba offers four ski schools to suit different ages and goals. These include Panda Man Kids’ School for children from age three, Naeba Snow School for skiing and snowboarding, Naeba Ski School for focused ski instruction, and Naeba Yukijuku, which specializes in private lessons and pole training. Each school provides careful, level-appropriate guidance.
Family-Friendly Info
Naeba Ski Resort features Wakuwaku Family Snowland, a popular area for families. With a variety of attractions, this kids’ snow park lets even non-skiing children fully enjoy playing in the snow. Activities like snow trains and snowmobiles are also available, along with family-friendly facilities such as a shoes-off kids’ room, nursing room, and restrooms with diaper-changing tables.
Access
From Echigo-Yuzawa Station (East Exit) on the Joetsu Shinkansen, it takes about 45 minutes by local bus to reach the resort. During the winter season, the Naeba White Snow Shuttle highway bus also operates directly from Ikebukuro.
Restaurants & Accommodation
Inside Naeba Prince Hotel, located right in front of the slopes, Restaurant Azalea serves buffet-style meals featuring local ingredients. The hotel also has indoor baths for guests only, known as Naeba no Yu, as well as the open-air Hotakano Yu, which is open to day visitors.

Kagura Ski Resort offers one of Japan’s longest seasons, typically running from late November to mid-May. The resort is made up of three areas, Tashiro, Kagura, and Mitsumata, with the Kagura area especially popular for its reliable powder snow. Early in the season and again in spring, Kagura Park opens with kickers and jib features, while Kagura Ski School also offers lessons focused on powder skiing and moguls.

Courses
Kagura Ski Resort features 32 courses with a maximum run of 6,000 meters, spread across the Mitsumata, Kagura, and Tashiro areas. Around 80% of the terrain is suited to beginners and intermediate skiers, while about 35% of the courses are left ungroomed. Advanced-only runs from an elevation of 1,845 meters offer deep powder and natural terrain, and thanks to the long season, powder snow and mogul slopes can often be enjoyed well into spring.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Schools
Kagura Ski Resort offers a wide range of ski and snowboard schools for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced riders. Lessons are available by level and focus, including powder snow and mogul techniques, making it easy to find a program that matches your goals.

Family-Friendly Info
The resort also has activities designed for families with young children. In the Mitsumata area, attractions include a kids’ slope and park, with a fenced-off snow play zone where children can enjoy sledding and slides. Even first-time visitors to the snow, including children under three, can safely experience the fun of winter.

Access
As with Naeba Ski Resort, access is easy via Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen. From the East Exit, local buses reach the resort in about 30 minutes. By car, Mitsumata Station is about 46 km from Tsukiyono IC via Route 17, while Tashiro Station is about 39 km from the same interchange.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Each area features restaurants with a distinct atmosphere, including a Nordic-style restaurant in Tashiro, mountain hut-inspired dining in Kagura, and open, spacious venues in Mitsumata. The Kagura and Naeba areas are connected by an express bus from Naeba Prince Hotel. For those who love winter mountains, staying overnight at Wada Hut near the fifth station of Mt. Naeba is also a memorable option.

GALA Yuzawa is known for its excellent access, just 74 minutes from JR Tokyo Station by Joetsu Shinkansen. The resort offers ski lessons in foreign languages, making it easy and reassuring for international visitors to get started. There are also fun activities like snowmobile sled tours, where you are pulled across the snow by a snowmobile. If you are seeing snow for the first time but want to try skiing, this resort is an ideal place to begin.

Courses
GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort is directly connected to the Shinkansen station, offering outstanding convenience along with 16 varied courses. The layout is well balanced for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers, with wide gentle and moderate slopes that are especially popular.

There are also ungroomed deep powder courses and dedicated mogul runs for more experienced skiers. From first-timers to advanced riders, it is a compact, urban-style resort where you can choose runs that match your level and mood on the day.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Schools
For active travelers who are seeing snow for the first time but want to try skiing, GALA Yuzawa offers ski lessons taught in foreign languages. Classes are available in English, Thai, and Chinese, making it easy for international visitors to join with confidence.

Family-Friendly Info
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, GALA Yuzawa has a Yuki-Asobi Park where young children can safely enjoy the snow. The fenced area includes sledding, tubing, and snow play zones for relaxed family fun. Popular activities also include snowmobile rides across open snowfields and snowmobile sled tours. A free-to-join igloo festival is usually held each season and is a great way to enjoy a classic winter experience.

Access
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to GALA Yuzawa Station, which opens directly onto the ski resort. If you get off at Echigo-Yuzawa Station instead, a free shuttle bus is available during the peak season, usually from late December to late March.

Restaurants & Accommodation
The resort complex includes restaurants, a spa, and childcare facilities, making it easy to relax after time on the slopes. For overnight stays, ryokan around Echigo-Yuzawa Station are a good choice, including traditional inns such as Ippan Senri Oyunoyado Nakaya and Yukiguni no Yado Takahan.

Easy to reach by both car and train, Maiko Snow Resort features wide-open slopes with 26 courses and a longest run of 6,000 meters. Beginners can enjoy the gentle Run-Run Course from the gondola summit, perfect for a scenic long cruise down the mountain. The resort also offers plenty of activities, including snow rafting, snowmobile rides, and a kids’ park. With ski schools that specialize in English and Chinese instruction, even first-time international visitors can feel comfortable giving skiing a try.

Courses
Maiko Snow Resort is a large-scale ski area with 26 courses and a longest run of around 6,000 meters, offering plenty of room to enjoy long descents. The terrain is well balanced, ranging from gentle beginner slopes to intermediate and advanced runs that make use of the mountain’s natural features. With top-to-bottom skiing from summit to base, the resort is designed to suit everyone from families to experienced skiers.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Schools
Maiko Snow Resort runs ski and snowboard schools for everyone from beginners to advanced riders. Options include level-based group lessons, private lessons, and dedicated kids’ and junior classes, so you can choose based on your goals. English- and Chinese-language instruction is also available, and the resort supports SAJ- and JSBA-certified badge tests.

Family-Friendly Info
The family area features a kids-only slope where children can enjoy sledding, play equipment, and building snowmen. The Smile Kids Park, with both free and paid zones, includes dedicated practice lanes, while activities like snow banana boats and snowmobile experiences add extra fun. Facilities for families are well equipped, with a kids’ room for preschoolers, nursing rooms, diaper-changing tables, and free rest areas.

Access
By car, the slopes are just about one minute from Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC. If arriving by Shinkansen, free shuttle buses run from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, making access easy and convenient.

Restaurants & Accommodation
From restaurants inside Maiko Kogen Hotel to dining options across the slopes, there is a wide variety of menus to enjoy. The hotel overlooks the snow-covered runs and features a spacious open-air jacuzzi. Day-use bathing is also available, making it easy to finish a day of snow activities with a meal and a relaxing soak.

With a vast area of 236 hectares, Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort is one of the largest ski areas along the Kan-Etsu Expressway corridor. Its 23 courses make the most of abundant natural snowfall and expansive terrain, appealing to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. Beyond skiing, visitors can also enjoy snow glamping in dome tents, where you can relax while taking in views of the winter landscape. For children, the kids-only Skids Camp school supports snow play and first-time ski experiences, with lessons available for ages 4 to 9 and tailored to each child’s level.

Courses
Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort is a spacious ski area with 13 lifts and 23 courses, offering a well-balanced layout for beginners through advanced skiers. It is one of the largest resorts along the Kan-Etsu Expressway, with a longest run of around 4,000 meters that makes for an enjoyable long cruise.

All courses are covered in 100% natural snow, ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to more varied lines for intermediate and advanced skiers. Tree runs, ungroomed areas, and night skiing add to the appeal, while sledding zones provide extra fun for families. The resort’s use of natural terrain keeps each run engaging and never repetitive.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Schools
Ishiuchi Maruyama offers five different schools to suit a wide range of levels and goals. The kids-focused Skids Camp supports first-time ski experiences in a fun, confidence-building way, while the SAJ-certified Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski & Snowboard School covers everything from beginner to advanced levels. For skill improvement, lessons are also available at the SIA-certified Ishiuchi Pro Ski School and Hatsukaishi Ski & Snowboard School. Snowboarders can choose the JSBA-certified IPSS Snowboard School, which offers lessons across various time slots and categories.

Family-Friendly Info
Kids Snowland is a dedicated area designed for safe snow play, including sledding and hands-on fun in the snow. The fenced space features sled runs and play equipment, allowing even very young children to enjoy the snow before they are ready to ski. With clear sightlines for parents, it is a comfortable option for families looking for relaxed winter fun.

Access
From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, a free shuttle bus reaches the resort in about 10 minutes. By car, it is an easy five-minute drive along flat roads from Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC, making it a reassuring choice even for those less confident behind the wheel.

Restaurants & Accommodation
There are an impressive 24 dining options across the slopes, ranging from hearty Western-style meals to local specialties. Restaurants are spread across the base, mid-mountain, and summit, so a warm meal is always close by. Around the resort, a variety of pensions and ryokan are available, making it easy to choose accommodation that fits your budget and travel style.

Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort is easily accessed from the hot spring town via one of the world’s largest ropeways, which carries up to 166 passengers and climbs to an elevation of 1,000 meters. The resort offers a wide variety of courses for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, along with areas for sledding and playground-style snow fun, plus an indoor kids’ room called Kodomo Hiroba.

A scenic terrace with sweeping panoramic views has also opened, adding more ways to enjoy the mountain beyond skiing. For those who want structured instruction, ski and snowboard schools with English and Chinese support are available as well.

Courses
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort features a total of eight courses spread across the highland area accessed by ropeway and the base area below. Highlights include the steep Aoi Keshi course for advanced skiers and the gentle Panorama course, where you can enjoy the scenery as you descend.

Intermediate skiers can take on the Kisuge course, while beginners are well served by the Cosmos, Family, and Debut courses. With a longest run of around 5,000 meters from summit to base, the layout is welcoming for families and first-time skiers while still offering variety across skill levels.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Schools
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort centers around an SAJ-certified ski school, offering lessons for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. Classes are available for kids and seniors, along with private lessons. By advance reservation, English- and Chinese-language instruction can also be arranged, making the resort welcoming for international visitors.

Family-Friendly Info
The resort provides plenty of snow play experiences for young children who are not yet ready to ski or snowboard. In addition to sledding and snow play areas, there are snow experience walks that let families stroll through the winter landscape at an easy pace. The ropeway makes access simple, even with strollers, and observation spots and rest areas are well maintained, creating a relaxed environment for families to enjoy the highland scenery.

Access
From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, it is about an eight-minute walk to the resort. A free loop shuttle bus is also available, taking around three minutes. By car, the drive from Yuzawa IC takes about five minutes.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Dining options range from authentic Italian cuisine with slope views to menus featuring local ingredients and casual summit cafés. For accommodation, onsen ryokan around Echigo-Yuzawa Station are a convenient choice, allowing you to soak and unwind after skiing and enjoy a slower pace the following day.

NASPA Ski Garden has remained a ski-only resort since its opening, creating a calm and comfortable environment for skiers of all levels. Every course is designed to lead back to the NASPA New Otani Hotel, which makes navigating the slopes especially reassuring for beginners.

At the same time, the resort offers plenty of challenges for intermediate and advanced skiers, including fully ungroomed runs and dedicated mogul courses. Ski schools with English and Chinese support are also available, making it a great choice for international visitors trying skiing for the first time. Off the slopes, activities such as snow rafting, snowmobile rides, and night buggy tours add even more ways for families to enjoy the winter experience together.

Courses
NASPA Ski Garden is a ski-only resort with a calm atmosphere, featuring a total of eight courses. Most runs are gentle and well suited to beginners and families, making the layout ideal for lessons and practice.

For intermediate and advanced skiers, there are also courses with steeper sections and enough length to feel rewarding. The longest run is around 2,200 meters, and all slopes are directly connected to the hotel for added convenience. With snowboarding not permitted, the resort offers a relaxed and safe environment for skiers.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Schools
NASPA Ski Garden operates an SAJ-certified ski school with lessons tailored to all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. Classes are available for kids and juniors, as well as private lessons, allowing guests to choose based on age and goals. As a ski-only resort, instruction places a strong emphasis on safety, making it an excellent environment for first-time skiers.

Family-Friendly Info
The resort also features a snow play area where young children who do not ski can enjoy sledding and simple snow activities. Facilities such as nursing rooms, diaper-changing tables, and rest areas are available, providing peace of mind for families. With direct access to the hotel, moving around with children is easy and stress-free.

Access
From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, a free shuttle bus reaches the resort in about three minutes. By car, it is roughly a five-minute drive from Yuzawa IC, offering excellent convenience.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Dining options range from hotel-operated restaurants that can be accessed in ski boots to airy mid-slope eateries, with four restaurants in total to suit different tastes. For accommodation, staying at NASPA New Otani Hotel allows guests to relax in comfort while enjoying views of the snowy landscape right outside.

Located in southwestern Niigata, the Joetsu–Myoko area is known for its reliable snowfall, spacious ski resorts, and easy access from the Kanto region. With a wide range of resorts suited to beginners, families, and confident skiers alike, it is a popular choice for travelers who want plenty of room to ski without the crowds.

At Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort, around 80% of the 16 courses are designed for beginners and intermediate skiers, making it a safe and comfortable choice for both children and adults. The resort’s wide slopes and long runs, with a maximum length of about 8.5 km, mean there is plenty of space to ski without feeling crowded.

The ski school is staffed by experienced instructors certified by the All Japan Ski Federation, who provide guidance tailored to each skier’s ability, helping guests improve at their own pace.

Courses
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort features 16 courses spread across a vast area, with a total ski distance of around 18,660 meters and an impressive longest run of about 8,500 meters. With a vertical drop of roughly 1,124 meters, the resort offers a wide variety of terrain for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.

Gentle panoramic runs and family-friendly routes are well balanced with dynamic intermediate and advanced courses, including challenging steep sections. A snow park with jibs and kickers adds extra variety, making it easy to enjoy different styles of skiing throughout the day.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Schools
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort offers lessons ranging from beginner basics to skill-building for intermediate and advanced skiers, as well as preparation for SAJ-certified badge tests. Dedicated kids’ and junior classes and private lessons are also available to suit different goals. In addition to English-language instruction, Chinese-language classes are offered, making the school accessible for international visitors. Availability and languages should be confirmed in advance.

Family-Friendly Info
Children of elementary school age and under ride the lifts for free, allowing families to enjoy gentle slopes and snow play without added cost. The resort also runs the Kids Support Project, where ski and snowboard set rentals for elementary school children are free on the third Sunday of each month.

Access
From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu-Myoko Station, then transfer to the Echigo Tokimeki Railway to Myoko-Kogen Station. From there, it is about a 15-minute taxi ride to Suginohara Ski Resort.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Restaurants are conveniently located near the gondola base station and the main parking area, making it easy to grab a meal before or after skiing. A ramen corner is also available, perfect for warming up on cold days. Nearby accommodation options often offer ski plans that bundle lodging with a 1-day lift or gondola pass.

Akakura Onsen Ski Resort offers a varied mix of terrain, from steep slopes to wide, gently changing runs, all covered in 100% natural snow. Known for its consistently high-quality powder, the resort is especially popular with skiers who value snow conditions. Beginners can enjoy wide, long courses, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves on steep slopes and mogul runs. With three ski schools on site, lessons are available for all levels, from first-timers to experienced skiers, with careful, level-appropriate instruction.

Courses
Akakura Onsen Ski Resort spreads across the lower slopes of Mt. Myoko and features 17 courses that cater to a wide range of abilities. Many of the runs are wide and easy to ski, including the long Panorama Course, making the resort enjoyable for beginners and families.

For advanced skiers, there are more varied options such as the Mogul Challenge course, which offers a steeper and more technical ride. Night skiing is also available on the Kumado slopes, adding another way to enjoy the mountain after dark.

Lift Tickets & Rentals

Schools
There are three ski schools around Akakura Onsen Ski Resort, catering to a wide range of levels from beginners to advanced skiers. Each school offers both group and private lessons, taught by certified instructors who prioritize skill development and safety. English instruction is available, including lessons by native or fluent English-speaking instructors, making the schools suitable for international visitors. Private lessons are generally conducted in English, and other languages such as Korean or French may be available upon request with advance confirmation.

Access
By car, the resort is about an eight-minute drive from Myoko-Kogen IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway, with free parking for up to 1,300 vehicles. By train, a free shuttle bus runs from Myoko-Kogen Station and takes around 12 minutes.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Dining options are located around the lift areas across the slopes, making it easy to enjoy a meal during ski breaks. Just nearby, Akakura Onsen offers a wide selection of atmospheric accommodations, from hotels right by the slopes to traditional ryokan and cozy pensions, allowing visitors to choose lodging that suits their travel style.

In this article, we introduced nine recommended ski resorts in Niigata Prefecture for the 2025–2026 season, chosen for their easy access and consistently good snow conditions. The Yuzawa and Uonuma areas offer convenient day trips from the Tokyo region, while the Joetsu and Myoko areas are known for deep snowfall and quality powder.

Across these regions, you will find a wide range of resorts, from beginner- and family-friendly layouts to more serious terrain with powder and ungroomed runs. With onsen hot springs and local food also part of the experience, use this guide to help choose a ski resort that best fits your travel style.