Shiga Kogen’s front door! “Sun Valley Ski Resort” has excellent access to surrounding ski slopes

October 15, 2021
Located in Yamanouchi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Sun Valley Ski Resort is one of the ski resorts in Shiga Kogen. Sun Valley Ski Resort is also known as the entrance to Shiga Kogen, as well as a base for ski resorts in the Shiga Kogen area as there are many ski resorts densely located in close proximity to one another. The total amounts to 21 different resorts! The Resort is bustling with activity during the winter season, with tourists traveling from far and wide looking to ski and snowboard. It is also characterized by its easy access to the adjacent “Maruike Ski Area” and “Hasuike Ski Area”. One reason for the popularity of the Sun Valley Ski Resort is the ability to visit multiple ski resorts.

Less than an hour and a half from Tokyo with the Nagano Shinkansen

Shinkansen
The most attractive point about Sun Valley Ski Resort, which also functions as the entrance to the Shiga Kogen area, is its excellent access. In just one and a half hour with the Nagano Shinkansen from Tokyo, you can access it in under 2 hours.

There is a free large-scale shuttle bus that routinely runs from Nagano Station, the closest station to the ski resort. Since you can save the hassle of worrying about getting to and from the ski resort, you can set out with a sense of relief regarding transportation.

You can also access Maruike Ski Area and Hasuike Ski Area

Snow view

Surrounded by mountains, the Sun Valley Ski Resort offers many courses which take advantage of the steep inclines and natural shape of the mountain. The real pleasure of Sun Valley’s main B Course is the spectacular view spreading out before it.

The contrast between the snow-covered mountains and clear blue sky is incredibly beautiful, instantly taking your mind off of any negative thoughts you may be harboring. Another attraction found only in Sun Valley Ski Resort is being able to enjoy skiing leisurely while taking in the majestic snow-covered mountains and spectacular views of nature.

Common lift passes that can be used at all 21 ski resorts

Ski lifts
If you buy a common lift pass - adults at 5,000 yen, middle- and high-school students at 4,200 yen, and children at 2,500 yen - you can freely move back and forth between any ski resorts. Centering around the Sun Valley Ski Resort, this is a service specific to the Shiga Kogen area with 21 ski resorts densely located in close proximity.

The recommended plan for visiting different resorts is: 1) the Sun Valley Ski Resort which has spectacular views; 2) Hasuike Ski Area which has mild slopes; followed by 3) Maruike Ski Area which has courses with challenging moguls built in for intermediate and advanced skiers. Each ski resort has different characteristics, so it is recommended that you check out and compare a variety of different courses.

【Details】
Hasuike Ski Area
Location: 7148 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm

【Details】
Maruike Ski Area
Location: 7148 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00am - 3:30pm

If you’re staying overnight, the “Makuiwa Onsen Hotel Shiga Sunvalley” is just 1 minute from the slopes

Onsen
There are many ski resorts located densely in close proximity to Sun Valley, so if you can spare the time, why not stay several nights and try to visit as many as you can? Among the numerous hotels available, we recommend the “Makuiwa Onsen Hotel Shiga Sunvalley” which is conveniently located just 1 minute by car from the resort.

The pride of the Makuiwa Onsen Hotel is the natural hot springs drawn up from underground. This natural hot spring water that bubbles up from the earth is alkaline simple spring water that contains many natural elements, that has the effect of peeling off old hardened skin. As a result, your skin feels silky smooth after you get out of the bath. Women can expect a beautifying effect.

Also, it is possible to visit on a day trip for an entrance fee of 950 yen (which includes a towel and apple juice). Nagano Prefecture is famous for apple growing, boasting the No.2 production volume in Japan. Apples from Nagano Prefecture have a superb balance of sweet and sour flavor, and their full-bodied aroma fills the mouth completely. Juice from these apples cools down the body after a hot bath.

Savoring the local cuisine and local sake of Nagano

Local cuisine of Nagano
One objective for those on holiday is enjoying the local delicacies. At Makuiwa Onsen Hotel Shiga Sunvalley, you can sample local cuisine chock full of highland vegetables harvested locally.

The menu changes depending on the season, but the tempura of highland vegetables made with fresh ingredients in season, beef steak, raw horse meat, rock fish, etc. are simply out of this world. Also, don’t forget to check out the local sake and beer that goes perfectly with the local cuisine.

【Details】
Makuiwa Onsen Hotel Shiga Sunvalley
Location: 7148 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: Check-in from 3:00pm - 5:15pm, check-out at 10:00am, day trip bath 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Enjoy skiing to your heart’s content

Ski slopes at Sun Valley Ski Resort
Sun Valley Ski Resort also offers night skiing, and using a common lift pass, going around and comparing different courses at ski resorts located densely in close proximity is recommended. Enjoy the sparkling silver-white world lit up in radiant colors - oranges, greens and more...

【Details】
Sun Valley Ski Resort
Location: 7148 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm, night session: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Pricing information and schedule may not be up to date and are subject to change without notice. Please check before your trip.

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Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort Nagano Prefecture

No. 1 Ski Resort
Nov. 30th to May 31st
Courses84
Lifts48
Longest run distance4,000 m
Maximum gradient38 °
Courses84
Lifts48
Longest run4,000 m
Maximum38 °

Adult 2 people1 night

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USD 103.39〜 (JPY 16,000〜)
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