Shizukuishi Ski Resort offers nighttime skiing under a kaleidoscope of stars

November 29, 2021
Located at Shizukuishi Town in Iwate Prefecture, Shizukuishi Ski Resort is a famous course that hosted to the 1993 Alpine Ski World Championships. The ski resort is known for its variety of runs, spanning from beginner-friendly with wide with moderate slopes, to runs spanning upwards of 4,500 meters for intermediate and advanced skiers. Let’s take a closer look at Shizukuishi Ski Resort.

Shizukuishi Ski Resort offers stunning starry skies you feel like you can almost reach out and touch

Night sky seen from the slopes
One of the reasons why Shizukuishi Ski Resort is so popular is that nighttime skiing begins at 4:30pm. The slope gets dark around then because the sun sets earlier in the winter time, and the resort is located deep in the mountains. The slopes lit up at night under the orange glow of lights create a beautiful backdrop, unlike daytime skiing.

On nights with clear skies, if you’re lucky, you might even be able to see the Milky Way. Nighttime skiing here offers the luxury of skiing under a glittering night sky full of twinkly stars. This stunning experience is made possible because Shizukuishi Ski Resort is tucked away in the mountains far away from other light sources.

Dedicated practice area providing beginners added peace of mind


Reference: www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/shizukuishi/coursemap/
Another one of Shizukuishi Ski Resort’s draws is a dedicated practice slope perfect for beginners. The Family Slope at the top of the ropeway offers a practice zone dedicated to beginners.

It offers a gentle slope and wide run. Beginners need not worry about more experienced skiers speeding by or running into others practicing nearby.

Regular ski lessons for beginners are also available at the Family Slope. Expert instructors carefully teach students how to fall safely and walk using their skis. Beginners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

Full lineup of other snow activities besides skiing

Shizukuishi Ski Resort’s snowcat
The snow field cruise is a must-try activity at Shizukuishi Ski Resort. The snow field cruise uses a snowcat which drives atop the snow. This snow field cruise aboard the huge snowcat is one of the most popular snow activities offered at Shizukuishi Ski Resort.

The adventure takes you across an undulating snow field at high speed, providing an experience like a rollercoaster where the vehicle leans left and right and bounces up and down almost causing you to fall out of your seat. The snowcat is high off the ground, providing a thrilling ride and great views. The other draw of this ride is watching gracefully as skiers make their way down the slopes.

Wide range of activities for the kids

Kids’ Park
Don’t worry if you brought along small children who aren’t old or tall enough to ski or snowboard. The ski resort offers a full assortment of fun-filled kids areas sure to please your little ones. A snow play area for children called “Shizukuishi Snow Land” is located at the base of the slopes.

Here, you’ll find plenty of things to do for the kids, including a snow Ferris Wheel that uses sleds and Snow Striders for sliding atop the snow, among other activities. There is also a 75-meter long snow escalator, making it easy to get up the hill for tubbing and sledding.

The snow escalator saves you time and keeps you focused on playing by removing the hassle of having to walk up the slippery snow-covered hill with a sled.

【Details】
Shizukuishi Snow Land
Opening Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Price: 1,000 yen (children under 3 free)

If you’re planning to stay overnight, be sure to book the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel right in front of the slopes

A room at the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel
If you’re looking for a luxurious resort experience, be sure to book a guestroom that provides a sense of the four seasons with unique Japanese interior designs. We especially recommend the corner rooms on the eighth and ninth floors of the high rise when staying at the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel.

These guestrooms were designed for the guest to experience Iwate Prefecture, and feature a number of furnishings and decorations that provide a sense of the region’s allure - including Nambu ironware, a traditional craft unique to Iwate, and indigo dye used to color clothing worn during festivals.

The interior designs highlighted with dark brown and beige hues provide a modern and soothing atmosphere. These rooms are a sure bet if you’re looking to relax and forget about the time. Don’t forget the stunning views from the large windows. Be sure to check out the mountain tops dusted with a light powdering of snow.

【Details】
Shizukuishi Prince Hotel
Address: Takakura-onsen, Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
Opening Hours: check-in at 3:00pm / check-out at 11:00am

Takakura Onsen, open for day trip use, featuring fresh-flowing hot spring water

The onsen
After a day on the slopes, be sure to check out Takakura Onsen located inside the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel. The highlight of Takakura Onsen is the open air bath fed by an all-natural hot spring. The onsen is a hydrogen carbonate spring that is very effective for peeling away old skin layers. Many women frequent the onsen, having heard about its reputation for providing a beautifying effect on the skin.

The outdoor open air bath of Takakura Onsen is not to be missed. Gracefully swimming carp can be seen up close in the pond next to the open air bath. It’s quite a sight to see the swimming carp while taking a dip outdoors, covered in a blanket of snow.

Takakura Onsen also accepts day spa visitors. Admission is 620 yen for adults and 310 yen for children. Be sure to take a dip in the onsen to relax and rejuvenate your body after a day on the slopes.

【Details】
Takakura Onsen
Opening Hours: 5:00am - 10:00am, 2:00pm - 12:00am

Make your own special family memories at Shizukuishi Ski Resort


Reference: https://twitter.com/Fumiya_tkhs/status/943731624104955904

Within the facility adjacent to Shizukuishi Ski Resort, you’ll find a nursing room, kids’ room, and a lounge, which cater to families who are looking to enjoy skiing as well as places to relax. Visit Shizukuishi Ski Resort for your next memorable winter family vacation.

【Details】
Shizukuishi Ski Resort
Address: Takakura-onsen, Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm

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

Related ski resorts

Shizukuishi Ski Resort Iwate Prefecture

Dec. 23rd to Mar. 24th
Courses20
Lifts6
Longest run distance2,648 m
Maximum gradient33 °
Courses20
Lifts6
Longest run2,648 m
Maximum33 °

Adult 2 people1 night

2024-05-14
USD 133.25〜 (JPY 20,620〜)
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