Naeba Ski Resort (2023-2024 Guide): Niigata’s Winter Sports Heartland

About Naeba Ski Resort

Naeba Ski Resort is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers, boasting 24 diverse courses. The resort offers a range of activities, from gentle slopes for beginners to large slopes used in World Cup competitions, as well as non-compacted snow and long runs for intermediate and advanced skiers.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are also plenty of other activities available such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing. This ensures that everyone, including children and those who don’t ski or snowboard, can enjoy the winter fun at Naeba Ski Resort.

When is the best time to enjoy Naeba Ski Resort?

The 2023-2024 season runs from December 16 until April 7, with the highest snowfall in January and February. During this period, virtually all courses will be full of high-quality snow, including the highly-coveted powder snow.

How to get to Naeba Ski Resort

Naeba Ski Resort can be accessed via a mix of bullet train and bus, or directly by driving. If coming by car, make sure you have changed to snow tires.

Public Transport (Bullet Train + Bus)

Take the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 1 hr 20 mins). From the station’s East Exit, board the “Kagura – Naeba” highway bus for 45 minutes until Naeba Ski Resort. You can also ride the local bus, which takes around the same time, on Platform #1 heading for “Yuzawa – Mitsumata – Kaikake Onsen – Asagai – Seibu Crystal.”

If staying at the Naeba Prince Hotel, there is also a special bus for overnight guests departing from the East Exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station. It requires an advanced reservation, so make sure to inquire when booking.

To save on your journey, we recommend booking either a Japan Rail Pass or JR East Nagano-Niigata Area Pass ahead of your visit.

Car

If coming from Tokyo, take the Kan-etsu Expressway and get off at the Tsukiyono IC for National Route 17. After a 50-minute drive, Naeba Ski Resort will come into view. From Tokyo Station, the drive will take around 3 hours one way. You’ll go through the mountains when driving home, so fuel up at Naeba.

Special winter bus service

The Naeba White Snow Shuttle, a winter-limited highway bus service, also runs between Ikebukuro and Naeba.

・Season: December 16, 2023 – March 24, 2024
・Area: Sunshine City Prince Hotel – Kawagoe Matoba – Seibu Crystal – Naeba Prince Hotel
・Duration: Approx. 3 hrs 40 mins
・Inquiries: 0570-025-258 (Seibu Bus Information Center, closed weekends, public holidays)
・Opening hours: 10:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.
*Requires online reservation (reservation starts one month before the date of use), Japanese language only
*Check out the website for more information (in Japanese only)

Flights

Those from overseas or other regions of Japan may also be able to fly directly into Niigata Airport. After landing, take the airport bus to Niigata Station (approx. 25 mins), and then take the bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Afterward, follow the bus information above to reach Naeba Ski Resort.

Naeba Ski Resort Courses: 24 runs suiting all levels

Naeba Ski Resort has 24 courses spread over 134 hectares, with the longest spanning 4,000 meters. Below, we’ll outline our recommendations for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers!

Recommended slopes for beginners

Those new to skiing and snowboarding should head for the No. 4 Course or No. 5 Course. The No. 4 Course is a gentle slope running 821 meters with a maximum incline of 13.4 degrees. While No. 5 is a little steeper at 17.52 degrees, it is shorter at just 676 meters long, allowing you to choose between either length or speed.

We also recommend trying out the Dragondola Renraku Course, which runs 1,078 meters and is accessible via the No. 3 High-Speed Lift. While this course has more curves and a steeper incline, you’ll be able to experience a thrill similar to cross-country skiing!

Recommended slopes for intermediates

Intermediate skiers will love the Daishamen Ippan Course, which is accessible from the No. 2 Gondola and allows you to race down 2,387 meters from an altitude of 1,523 meters full of curves.

There is also the 1,300-meter-long Waku Waku Course with continuous S-shaped curves through the trees, which can be found in the direction of the forest on the Daishamen Ippan Course.

Recommended slopes for experts

One of the most famous courses at Naeba Ski Resort is the World Cup Mogul Burn, used for the 2012 FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup in the Yuzawa Naeba tournament. It is 222 meters long with a maximum incline of 30 degrees and plenty of bumps compounding the excitement.

The 463-meter-long powder run Splash Bowl is also very popular but only opens when the conditions are right. Check the latest info on the Naeba Ski Resort website or social media to find out when it’s open.

Naeba Ski Resort Lift Tickets (+ Season Tickets For Kagura, Muikamachi, Hakkaisan)

You can purchase lift tickets for Naeba Ski Resort in advance online. For more dedicated skiers looking to stay in the area for a while, discount season tickets can be used at the nearby Kagura Ski Resort and Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort.

Rentals at Naeba Ski Resort (+ Exchange items for free!)

Naeba Ski Resort offers a wide range of skiing and snowboarding equipment from top brands worldwide that are available for rent. If you’re planning a day trip, you can rent the gear from the N Plateau Day Ski Center or the South Gate parking lot. And for those staying at the Naeba Prince Hotel, several rental spots are available within.

Moreover, if you’re not satisfied with the equipment you’ve received, you can exchange it for others within the rental hours. At the Naeba Prince Hotel, you can exchange it once per day, and at N Plateau, you can exchange it as many times as you like. English assistance is available to ensure your comfort.

Naeba Ski Resort Skiing School: From kids classes to advanced lessons

Naeba Ski Resort has four different skiing schools: The Pandaruman Kids School, which accepts children from 3 years old; the Naeba Snow School, where you can learn skiing and snowboarding; the Naeba Ski School, which specializes in skiing; and the Naeba Yukijuku, which holds private and pole lessons. Each will work with your skills and ambition to help better your technique.

Pandaruman Kids School

A kids school accepting children 3 and up with lessons specially designed for kids to feel like a fun game. Language support in English and Chinese is also available.
・Price: 2-hour lesson from 12,000 yen
・Available languages: Japanese, English, Chinese

Naeba Snow School

This school hosts lessons accommodating a wide variety of skill levels, including beginners and kids. There are three types of skiing lessons available: Bamboo Kids, aimed at preschoolers up to 5-6; Bamboo Junior for elementary school students; and private lessons. These lessons run from those who can’t yet ride the lift or control their speed, to those looking to tackle intermediate slopes with controlled speed and turns.
・Price: Half-day lesson from 7,700 yen
・Available languages: Japanese, English, Chinese

Naeba Ski School

This skiing school started all the way back in 1962 and holds group lessons for different levels. One lesson is held in the morning (10 AM – noon) and another in the afternoon (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM). Bookings are not required – just mention you’d like to participate to the staff, and you can join on the day. There are also special lessons for those seeking to participate in tournaments or gain qualifications, making it perfect for advanced skiers too.
・Price: 4,600 yen for half-day (2 hours)
・Available languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (private lessons only for those who require multilingual support)

Naeba Yukijuku

Naeba Yukijuku holds private lessons and pole lessons only, which is one of the most important elements of skiing technique (as of October 2023, price and other details are yet to be decided).
・Price: From 30,000 for a one-month membership
・Available languages: Japanese only

Naeba Ski Resort activities

There’s lots to do at Naeba Ski Resort outside of skiing and snowboarding, including plenty for kids.

At the family play area Waku Waku Family Snow Land (price: 1,300 yen, free for children three and under), kids can enjoy snow tubing on plastic donut-shaped sleds, which is surprisingly fast and thrilling!

For smaller children, there is also the Snow Rafting 10-Minute Experience, where you’ll be pulled on a snowmobile in a plastic raft (adults: 1,500 yen, age 3 to elementary school: 1,000 yen). Up to 6 people can ride at once, making it great for groups and families.

*Snow rafting is available for children aged three and above.

Another popular activity at Naeba Ski Resort is the Snowmobile 10-Minute Experience (easy course w/guide: 1,500 yen), which uses a small, easy-to-navigate 300 cc – 500 cc sports-type snowmobile. Plus, the guide will instruct you on how to drive it, making it a fun way to enjoy dashing through the snow.

*Available for elementary school-aged students and above.

The Naeba Nature Center also holds snowshoeing tours for those who want to get deeper into nature (adults: 6,000 yen, 6-15: 5,000 yen). You’ll be able to venture into hidden nooks you’d never find on your own, such as quiet fields away from the ski trails, while also using the gondola to explore with ease.

*Available for elementary school-aged students and above.
*All experiences have Japanese and English language support.
*As of October 2023, activities are scheduled to be held, but details such as price are yet to be decided.

Naeba Ski Resort restaurants: Buffets, kebabs, and more!

Naeba Ski Resort is famed for its extensive range of facilities, from the Naeba Prince Hotel to loads of different restaurants and more!

One of the most popular is Restaurant Azalea, located within the hotel. Here you can chow down on a buffet of local delicacies, including Minamiuonuma “koshihikari” rice, roast beef marinated with Niigata-grown maitake mushrooms, white shiruko dessert with amazake from brewery Hakkaisan and “kaki no tane,” and more. (depends on the season)

Plus, there are also amazing slopeside views to enjoy with your food (adults: 6,000 yen, 6-11: 4,000 yen, 4-5: 1,500 yen; prices are subject to change depending on the day).

We also recommend M’s Cafe in the Day Ski Center, M’s Crepe next to Waku Waku Family Snow Land, and Naeba Vigore, which serves up noodles like ramen and udon plus french fries and other light meals. There is also a kebab stall out on the slopes, ensuring plenty of warm, energizing eats to relish during or after skiing.

Accommodation at Naeba Ski Resort: A luxury stay at the slopeside Naeba Prince Hotel

If you’re staying overnight, the Naeba Prince Hotel has got you covered! With seamless access to the slopes, coming and going from your room is a breeze. There are twin, family rooms, and even large connected rooms fitting up to 6 people, making it suitable for all kinds of travelers. There are also luxury suites for special occasions like anniversaries and more.

Inside the hotel is a sports shop that opens in winter, selling snowboards, outdoor wear, and more for outlet prices, making it a great spot to shop for gear!

To warm yourself up after skiing, hop in the overnight guest-only indoor hot spring, Naeba no Yu, or the open-air Hiuchi no Yu, also open to day-trip visitors. These hypotonic natural hot springs contain sodium and potassium, and are said to be great for muscle soreness, joint inflammation, and fatigue. Slopeside rooms also boast sweeping vistas of the entire resort, offering breathtaking scenery.

There are also rooms with private views of the ski resort fireworks!

Make the most of winter at Naeba Ski Resort

With a hotel, hot springs, and loads of dining options, Naeba Ski Resort is one of Niigata’s most comprehensive winter sports hubs. After skiing and snowboarding on some of Japan’s highest-quality snow, you’ll be able to soak, eat, and unwind, making your trip both an adventure and a luxury getaway!

Season: December 16, 2023 to April 7, 2024 (scheduled)

Text by: Madoka Hasegawa
*The information in this article is current as of December 2023. Please check the official website for the latest information.