Iwappara Ski Resort (Niigata) 1-Day Lift Ticket + Equipment & Wear Rental

An hour and a half from Tokyo, a ski trip to a vast snowy field facing the Tanigawa Mountains.

Located in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, Iwahara Ski Resort is a snow resort near Tokyo, easily accessible by taking the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa Station in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and then a free shuttle from the station. Stepping onto the slopes, the expansive Tanigawa Mountain Range unfolds before your eyes, and with virtually no trees or buildings to obstruct your view, you'll feel a sense of openness and freedom. The 20 courses, 40% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 20% advanced, offer a wide range of experiences for everyone, from first-timers and families to experienced skiers. The ultra-wide Main and Grand Burn slopes, located in the middle of the resort, offer gentle slopes with a maximum width of approximately 200 meters, making them ideal for practicing turns without worrying about other skiers. Near the summit, there are also advanced courses with a maximum slope incline of 35 degrees and uncompressed snow, making this resort an attractive destination for advanced skiers seeking powder and steep slopes. At the bottom, there is a kids park where children can play safely and a long sledding course of approximately 634m in length, so even children who are not yet able to ski properly can enjoy sledding and playing in the snow to their heart's content. The main slope and kids' zone are adjacent to each other, so it is easy for parents to come down from skiing and join their children, which is another advantage unique to Iwahara Ski Resort.

Area Introduction

Beginner & Family Course
The slopes are primarily gentle and wide, with areas like the Family Course, Beginner Course, and the lower section of the Grand Burn offering a variety of slopes. The Main and Grand Burn areas, in particular, boast ultra-wide, gentle slopes reaching up to 200 meters wide. This makes them ideal for practicing straight descents, plows, and basic turns without worrying about other skiers. This area is highly recommended for beginners learning skiing or snowboarding, as well as families with children.

Intermediate Long Run & View Course
The intermediate courses are centered around the top of the main burn, the center slope, and the West Course. These courses, with moderate slopes and lengths, extend from the middle to the top of the mountain, offering stunning views of the Tanigawa Mountains and Yuzawa Village, perfect for long turns and carving. The West Course, located on the western slope, offers a charming backdrop to the sunset, bathing the mountains and slopes in a vibrant glow.

Advanced & Non-Pressure Challenge Course
For advanced riders seeking a more challenging ride, the advanced course near the summit is worth a look. It features steep sections with inclines of up to 35 degrees, as well as powder courses maintained on uncompressed snow depending on weather and snow conditions, offering a new challenge for riders accustomed to groomed, gentle slopes. The uncompressed sections can vary significantly in difficulty depending on conditions, so they're recommended only for advanced riders.

Kids Park & Long Sledding Course
For children who can't yet ski, there's a dedicated kids' park and a long sledding course measuring approximately 634 meters. The conveyor lift (magic carpet) allows for effortless sledding, making it one of the most popular areas for family trips. Parents can also enjoy the gentle slopes right next door, allowing them to join the kids at any time, making for a convenient experience.