SHIGA KOGEN Shiga Kogen, Nagano www.shigakogen-ski.com
Okushiga Kogen
Shibutouge Terakoya Yokoteyama
Yakebitaiyama Yama no Kami
Ichinose Family Tanne no Mori
Hoppo Bunadaira, Higashidateyama, Nishidateyama
Diamond
Kumanoyu Giant
Kidoike
Hasuike
SunValley Maruike
If you include all 19 interlinked ski resorts, Shiga Kogen in northern Nagano is Japan’s largest ski resort area. Surrounded by 2,000-meter mountains, Shiga has good elevation and is a great place to get in some early or late season runs, as the season stretches from late November to early May. Shiga Kogen hosted the women’s downhill, slalom, the super giant slalom and both snowboarding events for the 1998 Nagano Olympic Winter Games. With more than 80 accommodations scattered around the area, there is no shortage of places to stay, although it has retained an “old school” feel with most restaurants found inside hotels; some serving Shiga Kogen’s excellent microbrew. There are many onsen in the area to soak in after a day on the mountain, yet the most famous in the area is off-limits to humans. Jigokudani Yaen Koen is a sanctuary for resident snow monkeys that lounge in their own hot springs, while visitors snap away with their cameras. Shiga Kogen has limited ATM access (ATM is available at the Shiga Kogen Post Office in the Hasuike area), so bring some cash. One common lift pass allows you to ride 66 lifts on 21 slopes with more than 80 unique courses as well as access to the free shuttle bus, so you can get around to the various resorts. If you plan to try all the ski areas, you’ll need to give yourself at least a few days to explore the various terrain.
Okushiga Kogen is known as “Skiers Paradise” as it remains a skiers-only resort, (along with Kumanoyu), while Yakebitaiyama is a Prince Resort with excellent facilities. The Hoppo Bunadaira area is great for beginners and families with small children while Higashidateyama is best suited for advanced skiers, although there is a gentle woodland course as well. The resort hosted the men’s and women’s giant slalom in the 1998 Olympic Games, and it boasts an extremely challenging downhill course. The restaurant at the summit of Mt. Higashidate boasts incredible panoramic views and is the starting point to get to other ski areas such as Terakoya. ACCESS By Train and Bus: 110 minutes from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, then bus (70 minutes) to Shiga Kogen resorts
HOPPO BUNADAIRA - HIGASHIDATEYAMA - NISHIDATEYAMA (0269) 34-2301 www.shigakogen.in Nov. 21 - Mid Mar. 8:30 - 16:30 1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,400
50% 1
Park
ACCESS By Train: 110 minutes from Tokyo Stn. to Nagano Stn. By Car: 300 minutes from Tokyo
Beginner Lifts
Intermediate Gondola
Advanced
40% 4
10% 1
Longest course: 3,500m Top Elevation: 2,030m
7
courses Base Elevation: 1,325m
YAKEBITAIYAMA (0269) 34-3117 www.princehotels.com/en/ski/shiga_kougen.html Dec. 7 - May 6 8:30 - 16:30 (18:30 - 20:30) 1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,400
35% 2
Park
35% 3
30% 3
Park
ACCESS By Train: 110 minutes from Tokyo Stn. to Nagano Stn. By Car: 300 minutes from Tokyo
Beginner Lifts
Intermediate Gondola
Advanced
15
Longest Course: 2,500m Top Elevation: 2,000m
courses Base Elevation: 1,550m
OKUSHIGA KOGEN SKI FIELD (0269) 34-2225 www.okushiga.jp/information/ Dec. 15 - May 6 8:30 - 16:30 1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,400
45% 1
Park
ACCESS By Train: 110 minutes from Tokyo Stn. to Nagano Stn. By Car: 300 minutes from Tokyo
Beginner Lifts
For more Nagano information visit OJ Online (www.outdoorjapan.com)
50
T R AV E L E R
Intermediate Gondola
Advanced
35% 5
20%
Longest Course: 2,200m Top Elevation: 2,000m courses Base Elevation: 1,460m
9