What are the features and timing of ski resorts in Karuizawa?

When can you enjoy skiing in Karuizawa?

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, the earliest ski resort in Nagano Prefecture, opens on Saturday, November 1, 2025 and runs until Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The "Takamine Mountain Park (former Asama 2000 Park) Ski Area" near Karuizawa and the "Yunomaru Ski Area" near the Tokyo metropolitan area also usually open from late November or early December to early April. The skiing can be enjoyed for a long period of time from before or shortly after the onset of winter on the calendar until the beginning of spring.

Features of Karuizawa's ski resorts

The snow play area, beginner courses, and challenging steep slopes can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners and children to advanced skiers and snowboarders. There are ski resorts conveniently located next to the station and Highway Oasis, as well as ski resorts with good snow quality at elevations of 2,000m or higher.

Although snowfall is not abundant, ski resorts at higher elevations offer powder snow, and ski resorts that prepare their slopes mainly with artificial snow are also popular for their smooth and silky snow.

Lift fares (one day) start at an average of about 5,500 yen. Ski and wear rentals range from 8,000 yen to 11,000 yen for a complete set. For lodging, you can expect to pay from about 14,000 yen per night with two meals (Yunomaru Kogen Hotel).

Items you should definitely bring to the ski resort

Lift ticket case
An indispensable item for comfortable skiing. If you rent clothes, be careful as you tend to forget them.

Warm-weather goods
Clothing and accessories such as fleece, knit cap, neck warmer, and gloves. It is better to wear everyday clothes in case you spend time off the slopes. You will sweat more than you think, so a change of underwear is also useful.

Sunscreen
The high percentage of sunny days means that the snow surface is highly reflective, so don't forget to bring sunscreen and lip balm in case you get snow burn.

Cautions for Direction by Car

If you are driving, studless tires are a must. Many roads from the nearest I.C. to the ski resort are icy in places, and residents wear studless tires from mid-November to early April.
In addition, a high percentage of expressways have chain restrictions when snow accumulates, so carrying chains is recommended. Please note that in Nagano Prefecture, driving on snow-covered or icy roads without taking anti-slip measures is a violation of the Road Traffic Law.

Recommended ski resorts around Karuizawa

1
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area

Conveniently located within walking distance from the station

The only ski resort in the town of Karuizawa, it will open on November 1, 2025, the earliest in Nagano Prefecture. About an hour from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train, the ski area is spread out within sight of the station.
The ski area has a well-balanced layout with a variety of courses, from beginner courses such as the open main slope and the "Family Course" where the course width and slope are consistent and easy to ski, to advanced courses with steep slopes with a maximum slope of 30 degrees.

The view of snow-capped Mt. Asama is spectacular, and the "Panorama Course" and the upper part of the "Slalom Burn" are recommended photo spots as well as the top of the mountain.
During the season, there are also many events such as "Free Lift Tickets for 20-Year-Olds" and "Kids Free Program" for children of elementary school age and younger.
The Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is adjacent to the resort, so there is plenty to do after skiing.

Local Guide Comment

Direction is possible both by Shinkansen and by car, and a shopping mall is conveniently located nearby.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area

• Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
• 10 minutes walk from JR Karuizawa Station
• Free shuttle bus service from the south exit of JR Karuizawa Station
• Operating period: November 1, 2025 (Sat) - March 31, 2026 (Mon)
  Operating hours: 8:00 - 17:00 *Vary according to the season
• No holidays
• Lift ticket (Sun): 7,000 yen or more for junior high school students and older (varies depending on the season), free for elementary school students and younger (100 yen fee if purchased online in advance)
  Rental [Ski boards, boots, and poles / 1 day] 6,500 yen for junior high school students and older, 5,500 yen for elementary school students and younger
  Wear】Junior high school students and older: from 4,500 yen, elementary school students: from 3,500 yen
• 0267-42-5588
• Charged
• Operating hours and lift ticket prices vary depending on the season. Check website for details.

2
Saku Ski Garden Parada

Popular with families with small children

Karuizawa is known as the only ski resort in Japan that is directly connected to the expressway, making it the easiest to Direction from the Tokyo metropolitan area by car. Divided into two areas, "North Parada" and "South Parada," the resort offers a full range of beginner and intermediate courses, including gentle slopes for beginners and families, and "Kids' Land" exclusively for sledding. There is also a course for advanced skiers who ski down steep slopes from an elevation of 1,050 meters to Sakuhei, allowing them to enjoy skiing according to their skills.

The spectacular scenery is another attraction of this ski resort. The magnificent view of Mt. Asama from "North Parada" and the evening view of Saku-daira from "South Parada" are unparalleled.
The "Minami Parada" also has a Daytrip Destinations Property called "Hirao Onsen Miharashi no Yu" (Hirao Hot Spring Miharashi's Hot Spring). In addition to the open-air outdoor hot spring, the spa is equipped with a bedrock bath and a forest therapy room, where visitors can relax and enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Tateshina and the Yatsugatake Mountains.

Local Guide Comment

The direct connection to the expressway makes it safe even for those who are anxious about snow-covered roads. There are plenty of slopes for children, making it ideal for snowy mountain debuts.

Saku Ski Garden Parada

• 2066-1 Kamihirao, Saku-shi, Nagano MAP
• Approx. 12 min. by car from JR Saku-Heira Station
• Free shuttle bus service from JR Saku-Hira Station Sengen Exit
• Operating period: December 20, 2025 (Sat) - (tentative)
  Lift operating hours: 8:30 - 16:30 *weekdays from 9:00
• No holidays
• Lift ticket (Sun): Adults (high school students and older): from 5,600 yen, Seniors (60 years and older): from 4,800 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: from 3,200 yen, Children under elementary school age: from 2,200 yen
  Rental (Sun): Ski or snowboard set + upper/lower wear: Adults 8,400 yen, Junior high school students and under 6,100 yen
  Please check the website for more details.
• 0267-68-5116
• Free of charge
• Business hours vary by day. Check website for details.

3
Takamine Mountain Park (formerly Asama 2000 Park) Ski Area

Enjoy high-quality powder snow

Located on the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures, at 2,050 meters, it is the highest ski resort in the area surrounding Karuizawa, and offers fine powder snow throughout the season. There are spacious, gentle sloping courses that are safe for children and beginners, as well as a full range of intermediate courses where you can enjoy comfortable cruising. The single slope course, ideal for practicing high-speed carving turns, is also popular with advanced skiers.

It is also known as a venue for ski tournaments such as the "Masters Ski Tournament" and the "Kimura Kiminori Cup Ski Tournament," which attract many participants.
On the third Sunday of every month, "Ski Children's Day" is held, where elementary school students receive free lift tickets.

Local Guide Comment

It is cold due to the high elevation, but the snow quality is excellent! Restaurants have a wide variety of menus and are delicious.

Takamine Mountain Park (former Asama 2000 Park) Ski Area

• Takamine Kogen, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 45 min. by car from JR Sakuhira Sta.
• Free shuttle bus service from Tateshina Exit of JR Sakuudaira Station *See website for details.
• Operating period: December 8, 2025 (Mon) - April 19, 2026 (Sun)
  Operating hours: 8:30-16:00
• No holidays
• Lift ticket (Sun): Adults (junior high school students and older): 4,300 yen and up, seniors: 3,800 yen and up, elementary school students: 2,700 yen *Preschool children ride free when accompanied by an adult.
  Rental fee (Sun) Ski or snowboard set: Adults 6,800 yen, children (infants to elementary school students) 5,400 yen, clothing: Adults 5,800 yen, children 4,600 yen
• 0267-23-1714
• Free of charge
• Lift ticket prices vary depending on the season. For details, check the website.

4
Yunomaru Ski Resort

Refresh yourself in the Outdoor hot spring after skiing.

Located at an elevation of nearly 2,000 meters, the ski resort is well known for its powder snow. There are a total of 9 slopes with a wide variety of slopes for beginners to advanced skiers, and they are easily accessible from the Parking. It is convenient to stay at the Yunomaru Kogen Hotel, which is directly connected to the slopes, and all six parking lots are free of charge and open 24 hours a day.

The Yunomaru Kogen Hotel also has an Outdoor hot spring where visitors can take a one-day trip. There are also six rest houses, a free sleeping area, a day care center, and other facilities.

Local Guide Comment

The slopes are wide and comfortable, so even beginners can ski without worries.

Yunomaru Ski Area

• Niibari-Yunomaru, Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 25 min. by car from Shinano Railway Shigeno Station
• Operating period: November 23, 2025 (Sun) - April 5, 2026 (Sun)
  Operating hours: 8:30-16:30
• No holidays
• Lift ticket (Sun): Adults 5,400 yen, Junior/High school students 4,200 yen, Children 3,200 yen, Seniors 4,200 yen
  Rental fee (Sun): Ski or snowboard set: Adult 4,500 yen, Child 3,000 yen, Wear: Adult 3,500 yen, Child 2,500 yen
• 0268-64-0400
• Free of charge
• Lift ticket prices vary depending on the season. For details, check the website.