Shiga Kogen: Yakebitaiyama Ski Area
As one of the most popular ski resort destinations in Shiga Kogen, Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort brings a lot to the table. With a rich variety of terrains, 2 gondolas, 3 lifts ensuring a smooth riding experience, ski-in/ski-out hotels at the foot of the mountain, and easy access to both the Central and Okushiga ski areas, Yakebitaiyama is ideal for snow sports enthusiasts planning a long stay and looking to explore every inch of the Shiga Mountains.
— Overview of Yakebitaiyama Ski Area
— Season Dates, Operating Times, Lift & Ticket Information
— Yakebitaiyama Family Snow Park
— Accommodation in Yakebitaiyama Ski Area
— Book with Us! Accommodation & Ski Packages in Shiga Kogen
— Getting To & Around Shiga Kogen in Winter
— Tours and Charters Around Shiga Kogen
— Japan Ski Resorts: Everything You Need to Know
OVERVIEW OF YAKEBITAIYAMA SKI AREA
Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort is located between Ichinose Ski Resort in the Central Area and Okushiga Ski Resort. Boasting a total area of 61 hectares, 19 runs, 16.3 km of ski slopes, and one of the few treerun sections at Shiga Kogen, this ski area will keep even the most advanced skiers busy for quite a while.
After exploring the entire terrain, you can easily access other ski areas via connecting runs and enjoy everything Shiga Kogen has to offer.
During the season, the temperature at Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort averages between -13℃ and -2℃. Cold conditions comparable to Niseko in Hokkaido and Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada, combined with the high-altitude inland features, create ideal conditions for high-quality, dry powder snow.
For a relatively short amount of skiable slopes, Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort has a surprisingly large capacity. With 2 gondolas and 3 lifts, you will rarely find yourself waiting in line for your next run.
At Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort, you will also have the unique opportunity to challenge yourself on the famous “Olympic Course,” a run used for the Giant Slalom competition during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
One of the other highlights at Yakebitaiyama is the gorgeous mountain view from the Panorama Course. After getting off the Number 2 Gondola, take the path on the left, and you will arrive at the vantage point shortly. Soak in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains.
The views here are some of the most beautiful, if not the best, in Shiga Kogen.
The official stats are: 19 ski runs – beginner 15% / intermediate 75% / advanced 10% – serviced by 3 lifts and 2 gondolas.
SEASON DATES, OPERATING TIMES, LIFT & TICKET INFORMATION
Yakebitaiyama ski area typically open from mid-December with the official resort opening during Christmas. Exact dates vary between seasons depending on snow conditions however you can expect the entire resort to be open by mid-December to late December, and the snow should be very good to excellent by the end of December until early April. resorts connected to Yakebitaiyama have different opening and closing time, so make sure to also checkout our full Shiga Kogen Ski Resort page. Lifts typically operate from 08:30 to 16:00 (time may vary depending on the weather and snow condition). Night skiing is available at limited capacity, generally on Saturdays, with a limited number of runs. Please consult with the lift operation staff beforehand. For more Night-skiing, please refer to our page for Central Area.
As always, lift and gondola operation is subject to daily weather conditions and operation may be suspended due to high winds and heavy snowfall including white-out. The safety of skiers and snowboarders is always the paramount concern and please be aware of the local weather conditions, which can change quickly in alpine areas.
The price of the Okushiga Ski Resort lift pass has not yet been released. Please refer to the 23/24 season pricing for your reference:
Adult: 4 hours pass- JPY 6,200/ 1 day pass- JPY 7,000/ 2 days pass- JPY13,000/ 3 days pass- JPY19,000
Child: 4 hours pass- JPY 5,400/ 1 day pass- JPY 6,000/ 2 days pass- JPY11,000/ 3 days pass- JPY16,500
Visitors to Shiga Kogen’s Yakebitaiyama Ski Area have the option of an all-mountain pass – covering all 18 ski areas of the Central resorts and, in addition, Yakebitaiyama and Okushiga Ski Resorts along with Kumanoyu, Yokoteyama and Shibutouge ski fields. To get the most out your time in Shiga (and the minimal price difference), we recommend the all-mountain pass:
Shiga Kogen All-Mountain (18 Ski Area) Passes / recommended
RENTAL & SKI SCHOOL
Full set rental is available inside of Shiga Prince Hotel West, East, and South Wing. A wide range of brands and gear for beginner to advanced riders are available for your selection.
Foreign language ski and snowboard lessons are available in English through the International Ski School operating out of Okushiga. Group lessons are conducted in Okushiga and require guests to get themselves there (which is easily done on the resorts free shuttle bus).
Private lessons can be conducted anywhere in the resort, including the Yakebitaiyama ski fields, with the instructors collecting you from your accommodation and conducting your lesson on suitable nearby ski runs. Some hotels with foreign/English-speaking staff may be able to offer lessons however this service would need to be confirmed directly with your hotel.
YAKEBITAIYAMA FAMILY SNOW PARK
Not ready to get into skiing and snowboarding, but still want to enjoy the winter fun? We’ve got you covered! Directly in front of the Prince Hotel West Wing ski field entrance is the Family Snow Park (also located on the Yakebitaiyama ski map). The park is securely fenced off from the ski field and outfitted with various snow activities, including snow bikes, sleds, and tubes.
Whether you’re looking to take a break from shredding the trails or have fun with family and friends, the Family Snow Park offers a safe and exciting way for everyone to enjoy the snow.
ACCOMMODATION IN YAKEBITAIYAMA SKI AREA
The number one choice for staying while skiing at Yakebitaiyama Ski Area is Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel. Located at the foot of the mountain, Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel is a mid-range ski-in/ski-out hotel that is divided into three wings. With several different types of rooms, including twin rooms, triple rooms, and quad rooms accommodating up to 4 people, it is the ideal choice for a family or friends’ ski vacation.
BOOK WITH US! ACCOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES IN SHIGA KOGEN
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a registered travel agent, tour and charter operator offering a full-suite of winter services including ski/snowboard packages, accommodation, lift passes, private charters and a range of tours including both group and private options covering Shiga Kogen.
SHIGA KOGEN ACCOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES
As Japan’s largest and highest ski resort, Shiga Kogen is blessed with Nagano’s longest season and most reliable snow. Accommodation is dotted across the resort’s expansive 600ha of terrain with the nearby hot spring villages of Kanbayashi Onsen, Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen offering a great alternative for visitors wanting to enjoy Japan’s legendary ‘onsen’ culture – PLAN & BOOK IN SHIGA NOW!
GETTING TO & AROUND SHIGA KOGEN IN WINTER
Located approximately 45KM (1 hour drive) to the east of Nagano City and 280KM (<5 hours drive) to the northwest of Tokyo, most visitors head to Shiga Kogen via Nagano Station. As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinaknsen running from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Nagano Station is a convenient point from where to head to Shiga using the Nagaden Snow Monkey/Shiga Kogen Express Bus.
For the express bus timetable to and from the resort, see our ‘Nagaden Shiga Kogen Express Bus Timetable’ page. For details on how to reach Shiga from Nagano and beyond, see our ‘How to Get to Shiga Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info’ page.
Located in the Hasuike area, Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki (Mountain Station) is the resort’s primary transport hub. Express and local bus services stop at the mountain station, with the new ‘Pulse’ Gondola providing immediate access to the Giant ski area. The resort’s shuttle bus also operates from the mountain station, making it a great point from which to start and end your time in Shiga Kogen.
TOURS AND CHARTERS AROUND SHIGA KOGEN
Headquartered in nearby Nagano City, Snow Monkey Resort is ready to service all of your tour based needs in the area. With a number of options for both group and private tours, we are sure that we can make your vacation one you will remember forever!
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun In Shiga Kogen | |
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| Period | December to March |
| Time | 08:45 – 17:30/18:00 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Snow Monkey Park Area |
| Adult Rate | ¥21,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,300 |
With the Snow Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen being so close together, it makes perfect sense to combine the two for a day trip, and with this tour that’s just what we’ve done! Starting with a trip to a snow field in Shiga Kogen for a chance to have fun with some snow based activites (sleddding and more!), the group will then head on to the Monkey Park to watch as these furry primates relax in the hot spring water. With lunch and transport included, this tour is a complete day of activities for you and your group to try.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:35 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Operating year round, this tour will bring you to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, right in the foothills of Shiga Kogen. In the morning, your group will start with a guided tour of Nagano City’s historic Zenkoji Temple including a Sake tasting, with lunch afterwards closer to the monkey park. Once you have finished eating, everyone will be off to the Snow Monkey Park to see what all of the fuss is about! Although there is no snow in the seasons outside of winter, the monkeys will still be in the park, and in Spring and Summer you can even see the cute newborn baby monkeys.
If you are not in need of a guide and would like to make your own schedule, we also offer private charter services. With well trained and safe drivers, we are ready to bring you to and from the Shiga Kogen area from any point of your choice, including places as far away as Tokyo. You can even hire a guide to come along and make it your own private, personalized tour! Please contact us HERE for more information on pricing and availability.
JAPAN SKI RESORTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Did you know that Shiga Kogen is just one of the more than eighty ski resorts in Nagano and more than five hundred in Japan? Needless to say, when you choose Nagano for your winter getaway you are spoiled for choice! Our ‘Japan Ski Resorts’ page has everything you need to know to start planning your ski and snowboard adventure including: LATEST NEWS & DEALS, THE BEST RESORTS IN NAGANO & JAPAN, FAQs and of course OUR SKI PACKAGES, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT & TOURS.
