Skiing & Boarding

With 21 resorts and more than 50 lifts, gondolas and ropeways to navigate, Shiga Kogen can be confusing to get around. Still, once you’ve got the lay of the land, you’ll find an endless number of inter-connecting runs leading you from valley to valley, taking you down wide groomed trails, through trees and into slopeside restaurants. Be prepared to catch a shuttle back to your hotel at the end of the day, because you never know where you might end up! Shiga Kogen is best suited for beginners and intermediate. If you’re more advanced, you’ll definitely enjoy the steep runs and limited tree skiing, however you may want to catch a bus to explore Yokoteyama, Kumanoyu and Shibutoge.

Activities

Shiga Kogen is a laid back town that offers few activities other than skiing and boarding, especially when it comes to entertaining young children. Off snow activities are limited, however what there is to do is great fun! For example, it’s possible to try snowmobiling at the Yakebitaiyama ski area and to go snow rafting – this favourite Japanese past-time sees rafts towed behind snowmobiles.

Getting There & Around

Getting to Shiga Kogen is relative easy via a direct transfer from Narita airport. Alternatively, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Nagano and the local Nagaden bus – be sure to check the timetable and if you’re staying in Ichinose or beyond make sure you’re on a bus that takes you all the way. It’s easy to ski around Shiga Kogen, however there are no taxis so, if you’re traveling further afield, use the free shuttle. Use this service when you’re skiing as there are so many resorts here that you’re likely to find yourself well away from your own accommodation by the end of the day.