9 Ski Resorts In Yuzawa: Japan's Own Winter Wonderland - Updated 2025

ski resorts yuzawa
Mich
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 8 min read

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)

  • 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.

Stayed at this property?

Yuzawa New Otani

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Yuzawa 330

6.29 km (4.0 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Non-smoking rooms Fishing Facilities for disabled guests

2. Naeba Ski Resort

Naeba Ski Resort
Source: Photo by Flickr user suri used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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.

Stayed at this property?

Naeba Prince Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: Mikuni 202

20.36 km (12.7 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge

Parking Restaurant 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Skiing Family rooms Free parking Internet services

3. Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen Ipponsugi Ski

Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen Ipponsugi Ski
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Abasaa used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

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.

Stayed at this property?

Yukinohana

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Yuzawa 317-1

6.43 km (4.0 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge

Restaurant Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Skiing Internet services

4. Kagura Snow Resorts

Kagura Snow Resorts
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user senngokujidai4434 used under CC BY 2.0

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.

Stayed at this property?

Yuzawa Grand Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: Yuzawa 2494

6.62 km (4.2 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Sauna Non-smoking rooms Skiing Games room

5. Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort

Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Abasaa used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

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.

Stayed at this property?
Minami-Uonuma-Gun, Niigata-Ken, Japan

5.96 km (3.8 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge
27 reviews   Wifi Available
Private room in ryokan 2 Guests

Accommodates: 2

6. Iwappara Ski Resort

 Iwappara Ski Resort
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Famifamifami used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

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.

Stayed at this property?

Sierra resort Yuzawa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 731-1 Tsuchidaru

9.21 km (5.8 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Dry cleaning Facilities for disabled guests

7. NASPA Ski Garden

NASPA Ski Garden
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 金城 used under CC BY-SA 3.0
  • 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)

  • 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.

Stayed at this property?

NASPA New Otani

Wifi Available

Address: Yuzawa 2117-9

7.29 km (4.6 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre

8. Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort

Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
Source: Photo by user kokorowashinjin used under CC BY 2.0

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.

Stayed at this property?
Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata, Japan

10.33 km (6.5 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge
12 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 5 Guests

Accommodates: 5

9. Nakazato Snow Wood

ski trip to yuzawa-nakazato ski resort @ nigata on 22nd march, 2008 P3220050
Source: Photo by user kokorowashinjin used under CC BY 2.0

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.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Angel Grandia Echigo Nakazato

Wifi Available

Address: Tsuchidaru 4707-1

11.6 km (7.3 mi) from Kiyotsu Gorge

Parking Restaurant 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Laundry Skiing

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

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Michelle, a devoted writer and travel enthusiast, endeavors to make a living through her love for words. Her objective is to explore the world, connect with diverse individuals, and motivate others...Read more

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