Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Naeba Ski Resort is a large, representative ski resort located in Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture. Development began in the 1970s, and the resort area has grown into an integrated ski resort, hotel, and resort facilities. With a full range of facilities, including accommodations such as the Naeba Prince Hotel, rentals, ski and snowboard schools, and restaurants, it caters to a wide range of people, from families to advanced skiers.
Its features include stable snow quality thanks to abundant snowfall from the Sea of Japan side, long runs with long runs, a variety of slopes (for beginners to advanced skiers), and the ability to travel to and from the neighboring Kagura area via a large gondola called the "Dragon Dola." In the summer, it is also the site of an outdoor music festival (Fuji Rock Festival), making it a bustling area throughout the year.
Highlights
- Dragon Gondola: A long gondola that connects Naeba and Kagura. On clear days, you can enjoy the magnificent panorama of the Echigo mountain range.
- A wide variety of courses: From gentle slopes for beginners to steep intermediate and advanced courses, as well as challenging long runs.
- Prince Resorts offers a full range of facilities, including the Naeba Prince Hotel, ski centre, rental equipment and guide schools, so you can enjoy yourself even if you come empty-handed.
- Hot Springs and Cuisine: After skiing, you can soothe your fatigue in the nearby hot springs. Echigo's local cuisine and sake are also appealing.
- Seasonal events: Night games and winter programs are held in the winter, and large events such as Fuji Rock are held in the summer.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest Shinkansen station: Echigo-Yuzawa Station (Joetsu Shinkansen). Easily accessible from Tokyo, it is convenient for both day trips and overnight stays.
- Access from the station: From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, you can access the ski resort and hotel by local bus, shuttle bus, or taxi. In winter, direct buses and hotel shuttles often operate, so be sure to check in advance.
- Access by car: Take the Kan'etsu Expressway from Yuzawa IC or any IC heading towards Yuzawa or Mikuni. Parking is available at the ski resort/hotel, and may fill up during peak seasons, so we recommend arriving early.
- Direct buses and express buses: Direct buses may operate from the Tokyo metropolitan area during the winter season. Some buses require reservations, so please check the official information.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip: From Tokyo, it takes about 2-3 hours by Shinkansen and bus (including travel). It is possible to ski on a day trip, but due to travel time, it will be a hectic itinerary with an early morning departure and evening return.
- 2 days, 1 night: Enjoy a leisurely stay with one day of skiing plus travel. We recommend including a stay in the hot springs and meals.
- Multiple nights (2 nights or more): Suitable for those who want to ski for multiple days, sightseeing in the surrounding area (hot springs, nearby ski resorts), or participating in summer events.
Nearby spots
- Echigo Yuzawa Onsen Town: There are hot spring facilities, day spas, and souvenir shops around the station. Ponshukan, where you can sample Japanese sake, is also popular.
- Gala Yuzawa and Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort: The Echigo Yuzawa area is dotted with other easily accessible ski resorts, and ladder skiing is also available.
- Kagura Ski Resort: A large ski area accessible via Dragon Dora. It boasts powder snow and a wide variety of runs.
- Nearby hot springs and sightseeing: Takaragawa Onsen and surrounding mountain hot springs, small sake breweries, local cuisine restaurants, etc.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets very crowded during the New Year holidays, spring break, weekends, and when Fuji Rock is held, and you may have to wait for accommodation, parking, and lifts. We recommend making reservations and arriving early.
- Roads and Weather: As this is a heavy snow area on the Sea of Japan side, blizzards, poor visibility, frozen roads, and road chain restrictions may occur. In winter, we recommend using tire chains or studless tires, and planning with ample time to spare.
- Safety and Manners: Skiing off the course or skiing in an unsafe manner is dangerous. Please follow signs and instructions from ski staff, and be mindful of your surroundings. Beginners are recommended to use a ski school.
- Equipment and preparation: Don't forget to prepare for the cold (warm clothing, gloves, goggles, etc.), charge your phone, and check your insurance. Rental equipment is available, but if it's busy, the size you want may not be available.
- Environmental Consideration: Please take your trash home with you, follow the rules within the facility, and behave in an eco-friendly manner.
(Additional Information) Please be sure to check the official website or local information in advance for the latest lift operation status, shuttle bus schedules, event information, and snow conditions.
