BookA top ski resort in Japan & an Olympic game venue
Higashidateyama Ski Resort was the venue for the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Premium direct access from the resort.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are also plenty of other fascinating activities such as guided snowshoeing.
Ski & Snowboard
Guided Tours
Forest course & ski slope tours
The quality of the snow could be impressive especially for the squeaking sounds when we walk on it. Shiga Kogen ski resort proudly presents ski slope tours with scenic landscapes and natural wonders. There are full-day courses for beginners to tour and ski all around the woods. We especially recommend these guided packages for families as individualized lessons are included to make sure you are good to begin your thrilling descent.
Located in the center of the national park at an altitude of over 1,500m, Shiga Kogen is home to as many as 21 ski resorts with 84 courses in total- they should be on your radar for skiing and snowboarding from early December to early May every year. The resorts pride themselves on the powder snow, downhill runs along the ridges, romantic forest courses, and wide slopes for beginners and families. They are, all in all, family-friendly ski resorts.
The forest course guarantees participants stunning views- the magnificent nature, splendid trees, and the lovely sunset over the Northern Alps.
Shiga Kogen ski resorts and ski slopes nearby HIGASHIDATE
A ski tour guide of the forest course
Skiing lesson (parallel skiing)
For courses that start from HIGASHIDATE, our resort, the professional guide will take you to settle for lunch and to a string of scenic spots along the way. Toilet breaks are, of course, included. There are two major courses- the Higashitateyama Course and the Nishidateyama Course. Both are 1-day courses with a lunch session, parallel skiing lessons, and short breaks. (See the below to learn more about the parallel skiing lessons.)
Nearby Mt. Nishidateyama
(Weather permitting and subject to changes according to the conditions of participants)
Departure from our resort → Higashitateyama peak(gondola) → Photo shooting time → A parallel skiing lesson at Terakoya Ski Resort → Takamagahara → Ichinosetengu course (forest course for beginners) → Diamond Ski Resort → Ski training → IchinoseYamanokami Ski Resort → Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort → Ichinose Diamond Ski Resort → Ichinose Family Ski Resort → Takamagahara Ski Resort → Nishidateyama Ski Resort → Nishidate beginner course → Hoppo Quad → Dismissal at our resort
(*) If you were lucky enough, you might take nice pictures of the Northern Alps sunset when skiing down the Nishidate beginner course on a clear day
Nearby Mt. Higashitateyama
(Weather permitting and subject to changes according to the conditions of participants)
Departure from our resort →Hoppo Bunadaira Ski Area → parallel skiing lesson → Higashitateyama (gondola) →Photo shooting time →A parallel skiing lesson at Terakoya Ski Resort → Higashitateyama forest course →Hoppo Bunadaira Ski Area → Dismissal at our resort
(*) Explore the long forest course (3,500m) for the scenic views of trees and the entire highland in mysterious foggy weather. The perfect finale of the course is the magnificent view of the Northern Albus.
Deep snow mogul lessons
There are different skiing lessons for all different conditions and varying levels of competency- skiing on deep snow with a normal or a special board, or even moguls; professional training on ungroomed trails, bumps/moguls, and downhill parallels. You can also create your poster as a super skier (to be completed upon your next visit). Create a mind-blowing unforgettable memory with us!
(*) We’re pleased to provide board selection advice. Be mindful that we have no group classes for beginners but all tours are open for all. Parallel skiing classes are individualized training based on the competency and requests of participating skiers, perfect for all from beginners to advanced skiers (deep snow, moguls, etc.).
Backcountry ski tours, alpine skiing, and off-piste tours limited to telemark skiing
The annual backcountry ski tour organized by the Shiga Kogen Plateau Tourism Association is led by experienced coaches on exclusive off-piste. This premium experience also provide a certificate for all participants.
Backcountry ski tour courses
Backcountry (Shiga Kogen Yokote to Kusatsu)
Suspended this year
Backcountry (Shiga Kogen Yokote to North Shiga)
Shiga Kogen Plateau Yokote - Kusatsu - Shiga Kogen Plateau
Day 2 Depart from Yakebitaiyama at 9:30 am, arrive at Komaruyama Ski Resort, and return to Shiga Kogen Plateau by bus. Kitashiga (North Shiga) Backcountry is only for select skiers with approved physical strength and techniques of SAJ Class 1 or above.
Visit the Shigakogen Tourism Association's homepage to learn more about the Shiga Kogen backcountry guides
Instructors
Shiga International Ski School
They provide ski and snowboard lessons for all levels. Whether you are a first timer or already advanced, their instructors make sure you improve while having fun. Their instructors are from all over the world. Therefore, they can provide lessons in a variety of languages to suit your needs.
Ski rentals
Alpina Sports Rentals
Alpina Sports Rentals & Retail has opened at Shiga Kogen YAMANOEKI, located in the central area of Shiga Kogen.
We offer high-grade skis and snowboards for rental, and also there is a retail shop selling accessories such as knit caps and gloves.
You can easily start skiing and snowboarding by visiting our one-stop rental store.
Snow Can Rentals
These stores in the Ichinose, Takamagahara, and Yokoteyama/Kumanoyu areas in Shiga Kogen are in authentic European and North American resort styles, offering a wide range of quality beginner, intermediate, as well as premium models for your comparison. You can also find all sorts of clothing and accessories there.
Snowshoeing
Shiga Kogen snowshoeing
Touching encounters with winter landscapes and small animals (guided tours)
A much-loved experience of snowshoeing through pure white snow
Experience the true essence of winter of the Shiga Kogen Plateau with an experienced guide.
Offering 2 courses for those who are confident in their physical strength and beginners.
(The winter snowshoeing is organized by the Shiga Kogen Guide Association from mid-January to late March every year. Please contact the association at 0269-34-2133 to learn more.)
Snowshoeing courses
Asahiyama Course
Pass by Biwa Pond, climb up the steep Asahiyama, then pass through the Ichinose Swamp to reach the Sun Valley. This is a tough snowshoe course for those who are confident in their physical strength.
Nature explore course
Perfect for snowshoe beginners as the slopes are less tough and the distance is relatively shorter. The course starts at Shinshu University Nature Education Center and then goes around the Nagaike Pond.
Tailormade guided tour
Let our expert guide accommodate your requests to dive into nature and explore an authentic side of it.
Click on the link below to see the Summer/Winter pamphlet of Shiga Kogen Nature Conservation Center, details of the courses, and detailed terms and conditions.
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