Great for day trips from the Tokyo metropolitan area! The Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort is a popular attraction for families

April 08, 2021
Located in Ueda City in central Nagano, the Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort is a long-established ski resort with a history dating back to 1927. The slope is split into three areas, consisting of a total of 18 ski lifts. Situated in an ideal location accessible on a day trip from the Tokyo metropolitan area, the Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort is a favorite destination year-in, year-out for many skiers and snowboarders all over Japan. The ski resort is easily accessed from the Tokyo metropolitan area either by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, or by expressway. From Tokyo you can get to the ski resort in 2 hours 20 minutes by catching the Hokuriku Shinkansen and then transferring onto the Ueda Bus, or you can arrive by car in 2 hours 10 minutes on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway.

What kind of ski resort is the Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort?

A snowboarder getting some air
Sudagaira Kogen is a ski resort located some 200 kilometers from the Tokyo metropolitan area, which roughly translates to 2 hours 40 minutes by car, and 2 hours 30 minutes by Shinkansen and bus. With its convenient location, the ski resort is a favored destination for school excursions and club activities centered in the Kanto area. The course also offers several tracks intended for competitive skiing. The massive slope expands out over a highland plateau at an elevation of 1,250 meters, with some 60 courses on offer.

With a high clear weather rate, there is a high likelihood that you will be enjoying skiing to the fullest under clear blue skies. Artificial snowfall equipment is also in place, leaving no reason to worry about light snowfalls from December onwards.

The Davos Area, ideal for families

Ski slope
The Davos Area consists of four slopes, the Ura Davos, Oku Davos, Schneider, and Schneider Family, and is linked by a total of six ski lifts. Featuring a gradual descent and a shorter course length, this area also offers great visibility. This is the perfect course for families and beginners.

The wide range of courses means everyone can ski as much as they want. The Oku Davos slope is particularly popular with families skiing with their kids, offering a gentle incline with a short travel distance. The ability to take in spectacular views of the Northern Alps on a clear day is yet another attraction.

Snowcat tours offering outstanding 360 degree panoramic views

Snowboarders gathering at a snowmobile
The ski resort offers popular tours traveling the 2,207 meter ascent up Mt. Neko in a snowmobile. The tour departs from the Number 1 ski lift peak on the Oku Davos slope. The tour takes 25 minutes to arrive at its destination 2,170 meters up the mountain, taking in views of frost-covered trees - a sight not readily seen further down the mountain. Tour participants then ski all the way back down the mountain.

Other sunrise tours are also on offer. Tour participants gather at the early hour of 4:30am to take in the sunrise from the peak of Mt. Neko. The experience of taking in the glow of the rising sun while warming yourself up with a hot beverage is something special. This plan comes especially recommended for families.

The Taro Area features a fanning course layout ideal for intermediate skiers

Taro Area
The Taro Area fans out to the base of Mt. Taro. The area consists of four slopes, Omote and Ura Taro, Hinode, Tengu, and Shirogane Schwartz, which are connected by six ski lifts. The Taro Area features a sharper incline compared to the Davos Area, with a widely varied course layout intended for intermediate skiers.

Particularly popular courses include the Ura Taro Schiheil Course, a broad course that features a slightly sharp descent that remains constant for smoother runs, and the Taro Long Course, a low sloped course that runs through the forest. The resort is open for nighttime skiing on the Hinode slope on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) and national holidays.

Kids’ Park and Board Park offering a selection of safe courses

Snow escalator
A Kids’ Park is also setup from January to March on the Ura Davos slope, Tengu slope and Ohmatsu slope. Children who are not old enough to go skiing and snowboarding can play with the wide range of equipment on offer, including sleds and various shaped plastic cushions.

Protective netting is installed around each Kids’ Park for better safety and peace of mind.

The Hinode slope is unique in that it also features a Board Park. This area is only accessible to snowboarders, and features mini jump ramps and the like. This is perfect for those looking to practice their favorite tricks without having to worry about those around them.

The Pine Beak Area, featuring difficult courses for advanced skiers

Wide open slope
While the Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort features a large amount of courses for beginner and intermediate skiers, the Pine Beak Area is particularly suited to advanced skiers. This area consists of the Ohmatsu and Tsubakuro slopes, and is connected by six ski lifts. The Panorama Course and the Champion Course are both long-run courses that extend over 1,000 meters. The Cross Course is open to both skiers and snowboarders.

The slopes are feature-rich, with some 11 changeup variations including waves and more. With its reasonable difficulty setting, this is a popular area often taken on by beginners as well.

Rich array of dining options on offer! The unique slope dining options are something else to look out for

Baked curry
Make sure to drop by Restaurant Mel’s, a popular lunch spot near the slopes. Located just off the Schneider slope, this store’s main attraction is none other than its baked curry. The dripping cheese atop the vegetable-packed curry is sure to have tongues wagging.

Another recommendation is the Hotel Mackinlay’s Tantanmen ramen dish. Fry-cooked vegetables and minced meat sits atop the thin noodles in perfect harmony with the slightly spicy ramen soup. This fine dish is sure to have you coming back!

There are many other varieties of slope dishes on offer. Come in and experience this gourmet selection perched on the slopes!

A beginner-oriented slope with a well-balanced course layout

A snowboarder landing a trick
Situated in a convenient location from the Tokyo metropolitan area, the Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort offers a colorful range of slope courses that have something for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced skiers. The ski resort also continues to be highly popular among families, with a full set of family oriented facilities, including Kids’ Parks and dining facilities!

Why not bring the whole family to enjoy this advanced, well-balanced snow resort?

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

Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort Nagano Prefecture

Dec. 9th to Mar. 31st
Courses60
Lifts19
Longest run distance2,200 m
Maximum gradient36 °
Courses60
Lifts19
Longest run2,200 m
Maximum36 °