A lovely wintery wonderland, Yuzawa is a town in the Japanese Alps that is popular for its ski resorts and hot springs. If you’re into skiing and snowboarding, this is the town for you, as it boasts numerous ski resorts with powdery white snow and different courses perfect for all skill levels. Aside from the resorts, there are a plethora of sightseeing opportunities and lots of fun things to do. A good way to unwind between ski trips is with a visit to Ponshukan, a sake museum that features a sake bath and a tasting room.
In case you’re still looking for a ski resort and accommodation for your next trip to Yuzawa, read on and discover the top ski resorts in Yuzawa, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to ski slopes and equipment. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 27, 2025.
Top ski resorts
| Ski Resort | Skill Level Suitability | No. Of Lifts | Season Opening Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort | Beginner 35%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 20% | 11 | December 13, 2024 - May 6, 2025 |
| Naeba Ski Resort | Beginner 42%, Intermediate 25%, Advanced 33% | 12 | December 14, 2024 - April 6, 2025 |
| Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen Ipponsugi Ski | Beginner 80%, Intermediate 20% | 1 | December 21, 2024 - March, 2025 |
| Kagura Snow Resorts | Beginner 37%, Intermediate 44%, Advanced 19% | 18 | November 23, 2024 to May 18, 2025 |
| Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort | Beginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 20% | 5 | December 14, 2024 - April 6, 2025 |
| Iwappara Ski Resort | Beginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 20% | 11 | December 21, 2024 - March 30, 2025 |
| NASPA Ski Garden | Beginner 40%, Intermediate 30%, Advanced 30% | 6 | December 20, 2024 - March 30, 2025 |
| Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort | Beginner 40%, Intermediate 30%, Advanced 30% | 9 | December 21, 2024 - March 30, 2025 |
| Nakazato Snow Wood | Beginner 50%, Intermediate 30%, Advanced 20% | 2 | December 21, 2024 - April 6, 2025 |
1. GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Resort information:
- Season opening date: December 13, 2024 - May 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: Niigata Airport (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 35%, intermediate 45%, advanced 20%
- Lift details: 11 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
Yuzawa New Otani (from USD 140)
Good buffet breakfast with a variety of choices, though some mixed reviews about the dining experience.
Reasonable pricing, with a free shuttle from Echigo Yuzawa Station.
Conveniently located near Echigo Yuzawa Station and close to restaurants and bars.
Clean and spacious Japanese-style rooms, public onsen, and various activities available.
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Yuzawa Kogen)
- Nearest lift: Yuzawa Onsen Ropeway (6-minute walk)
- Distance to GALA Yuzawa: 4-minute drive
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
Yuzawa New Otani features two types of guest rooms—a Western-style room and a Japanese-style room. All guest rooms have fine furnishings and designs, not to mention nice amenities like a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and Wi-Fi. A great way to keep warm is to take a relaxing soak in the onsen, especially after being out in the snow.
Skiers and snowboarders should take advantage of the coin lockers and ski lockers for stashing their precious gear. They also have a delivery corner for receiving or sending items to the hotel, such as equipment. If you don’t have sports gear, there’s an on-site rental for cold wear, ski sets, and snowboards.
Yuzawa New Otani
Address: Yuzawa 330
6.29 km (4.0 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge
2. Naeba Ski Resort
Resort information:
- Season opening date: December 14, 2024 - April 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: Niigata Airport (2h25m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 42%, intermediate 25%, advanced 33%
- Lift details: 12 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Naeba Ski Resort
Naeba Prince Hotel (from USD 79)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Naeba Ski Resort)
- Nearest lift: No. 5 High-speed Lift (2-minute walk)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
One of the top hotels in the area and often fully booked, Naeba Prince Hotel is a ski and hot spring resort with many facilities and amenities to enjoy. Guests can replenish their energy after ski lessons with a meal at the on-site dining options. They can also enjoy the view of the slopes while relaxing in their air-conditioned rooms.
The ski lockers are close to the reception, ensuring you can casually enjoy skiing or snowboarding whenever the mood strikes. Aside from the hotel’s onsen, there’s also another special onsen up in the mountains you can access by booking a ski day trip package.
Naeba Prince Hotel
20.36 km (12.7 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge
3. Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen Ipponsugi Ski
Resort information:
- Season opening date: December 21, 2024 - March, 2025
- Nearest international airport: Niigata Airport (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 80%, intermediate 20%
- Lift details: 1 ski lift
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry packages)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen Ipponsugi Ski
Yukinohana (from USD 194)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Ipponsugi Ski)
- Nearest lift: Ipponsugi Lift, 100 meters (328.08 feet)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: PL
Yukinohana blends traditional ryokan service with the accessibility of modern hotels. The property also boasts a great location in town as it is not only conveniently close to Echigo Yuzawa Station, it also sits at the foot of Ipponsugi Ski Resort.
Back at the property, guests can look forward to kaiseki cuisine dinners, and traditional choshoku breakfasts. Those taking a break from speeding the slopes can nurse their bruises and scrapes with a rejuvenating dip in the hotel’s posh onsen.
Yukinohana
6.43 km (4.0 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge
4. Kagura Snow Resorts
Resort information:
- Season opening date: November 23, 2024 to May 18, 2025
- Nearest international airport: Niigata Airport (2h30m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 37%, intermediate 44%, advanced 19%
- Lift details: 18 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Kagura Snow Resorts
Yuzawa Grand Hotel (from USD 177)
- Distance to Kagura Snow Resorts: 11-minute drive
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Ipponsugi Ski)
- Nearest lift: Ipponsugi Lift (4-minute walk)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
Situated close to Echigo Yuzawa Station, this hotel is a fantastic choice for snow lovers who prefer staying near the town and its conveniences. That’s not to say this hotel isn’t suitable for skiers, because they are also equipped with ski-related facilities including a ski storage area and a rental shop.
Before hitting the slopes, you can first energize with the hotel’s buffet breakfast. The shuttle service is a great way to get around, especially for reaching the various ski resorts on the mountain. When you’re done for the day, you can relax and warm yourself back up with a refreshing dip in the onsen.
Yuzawa Grand Hotel
6.62 km (4.2 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge
5. Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Resort information:
- Season opening date: December 14, 2024 - April 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: Niigata Airport (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 40%, intermediate 40%, advanced 20%
- Lift details: 5 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
The Ninja Room near Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway (from USD 141)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Yuzawa Kogen)
- Nearest lift: Yuzawa Onsen Ropeway (1-minute walk)
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: Yes
More of a classic inn room with access to basic amenities, here guests can easily enjoy what daily life in Yuzawa feels like without needing to rent a whole home or book a hotel. The rental is part of a botanical cafe, so you can easily purchase a meal or drink when you need one. It’s also close to an onsen and sports gear rental shops.
For skiers, the property’s best feature is its proximity to the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway station, just across the street. It will take them up to Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort which features some of the best courses in the area. While the rental has storage space for ski equipment, it isn’t heated so you’ll have to dry your stuff to maintain them.
6. Iwappara Ski Resort
Resort information:
- Season opening date: December 21, 2024 - March 30, 2025
- Nearest international airport: Niigata Airport (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 40%, intermediate 40%, advanced 20%
- Lift details: 11 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Iwappara Ski Resort
Sierra Resort Yuzawa
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Iwappara)
- Nearest lift: Central Quad Lift, 150 meters (492.13 feet)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: No
While more of an all-season resort when it comes to amenities, Sierra Resort Yuzawa is a great choice for ski fans due to its location near the foot of Iwappara’s slopes. The nearest lift is just 150 meters (492.13 feet) away from the property, so you won’t need to lug your gear far before getting seated. There’s also an on-site rental for ski and snowboarding equipment.
Another wonderful reason to stay here is the onsen. Wash up after an exciting day out on the snow, and admire the views of the valley and the sky from either the covered onsen or the open-air sento.
Sierra resort Yuzawa
9.21 km (5.8 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge
7. NASPA Ski Garden
- Season opening date: December 20, 2024 - March 30, 2025
- Nearest international airport: Niigata Airport (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 40%, intermediate 30%, advanced 30%
- Lift details: 6 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: NASPA Ski Garden
NASPA New Otani (from USD 108)
Variety of breakfast options, delicious dinner buffet, but some disappointment with lunch and dinner choices.
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and access to ski slopes.
Conveniently located near Yuzawa Kogen ski resort with easy access from Shinkansen station.
Wide range of amenities including onsen, ski rental, and private bath.
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (NASPA Ski Garden)
- Nearest lift: No.1 Lift (1-minute walk)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
Featuring ski-in ski-out access and lifts just a few steps away, NASPA New Otani provides skiers and snowboarders a playground they’ll want to keep coming back to. Take advantage of the shuttle bus service to ferry you up the mountain, then stow your gear in your designated locker until you’re ready to hit the powder. Newbies can sign up for lessons, as well as rent gear on-site.
Guests have options of western and Japanese-style rooms, all with lovely views of the mountain. In between ski runs, you can relax with a soothing soak in the onsen, or detox in the sauna.
NASPA New Otani
7.29 km (4.6 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge
8. Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
Resort information:
- Season opening date: December 21, 2024 - March 30, 2025
- Nearest international airport: Niigata Airport (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 40%, intermediate 30%, advanced 30%
- Lift details: 9 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
Spruce Cottage (from USD 225)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to ski area: 4-minute drive to Yuzawa Nakazato
- Nearest lift: Yuzawa Nakazato No. 4 Lift (4-minute drive)
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: Yes
Surrounded by farmland, this rental home is a nice option not just during winter but also in warmer seasons. That said, the home is perfect for skiers due to its strategic location between various ski resorts. The closest lift to Yuzawa Nakazato is just a 4-minute drive or 16-minute walk. You could also maximize your trip by visiting other nearby slopes such as those in Kandatsu.
The well-equipped home is nice for extended stays as it features a kitchen as well as a laundry. There’s also a ski rack near the kitchen where you can stash your equipment. The village also has onsen establishments, and it’s worth asking the host if they have personal recommendations as well.
9. Nakazato Snow Wood
Resort information:
- Season opening date: December 21, 2024 - April 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: Niigata Airport (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 50%, intermediate 30%, advanced 20%
- Lift details: 2 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Nakazato Snow Wood
Hotel Angel Grandia Echigo Nakazato (from USD 53)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Nakazato Snow Wood)
- Nearest lift: Nakazato Snow Wood No. 1 Lift (1-minute walk)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
A stay at Hotel Angel Grandia Echigo Nakazato will make you feel that you’ll have a corner of the mountain all to yourself. It’s actually not far from the truth, as the hotel features direct access to Nakazato Snow Wood, a quaint but well-managed ski resort just behind the hotel. The lift is just within a minute’s walk, so guests can grab their equipment for the ski storage and be instantly ready to hit the slopes.
The hotel also has several lovely facilities to take advantage of. The laundromat is perfect for extended stays, while the Yuki Yuki Land play area is a fun way for little kids to discover love for snow. There are also onsen facilities, one in the main building and another in the annex where guests can admire the mountain view after a day of skiing.
Hotel Angel Grandia Echigo Nakazato
11.6 km (7.3 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge
Explore ski resorts in Yuzawa
With its many ski resorts, you’ll surely won’t run out of slopes to explore while you’re in Yuzawa. Make sure to also visit other attractions while you’re here like the Snow Country Museum and the sake museum. Also, don’t forget to check out our list of the best ski resorts in Yuzawa, Japan.
Frequently asked questions about ski resorts in Yuzawa, Japan
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