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Ski & Snowboard

Located in Kitashiga Kogen, Nagano Prefecture, Ryuoo Ski Park proudly declares itself “Japan’s easiest ski resort for snowboard beginners.” The resort is popular for its comprehensive support, helping visitors debut on a snowboard or improve their skills. For the 2025–26 season, the long-awaited tree-run area opens, allowing plenty of fun on its signature dry powder. This article introduces all the highlights of Ryuoo Ski Park, from breathtaking high-altitude views to an environment that satisfies beginners and advanced riders alike.

A breathtaking resort above the clouds, accessible via one of the world’s largest Ropeway

Ryuoo Ski Park is a snow resort renowned for its exceptional powder snow thanks to high elevation, a piste layout that allows runs of up to about 6 km, and a supportive environment ideal for snowboard beginners.
The mountaintop terrace “SORA terrace,” located at 1,770 m and accessible via one of the world’s largest 166-passenger Ropeway, can be reached even without skis or snowboards, making it popular with everyone. From the observation terrace, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Northern Alps and Sado Island, and under the right conditions, a sea of clouds may appear.
The slopes offer a variety of runs, from gentle courses for beginners to ungroomed trails for intermediate and advanced skiers, making full use of the natural terrain. Access to the resort is convenient: it’s about a 30-minute drive from Nakano IC on the Joetsu Expressway, and shuttle buses operate from Nagano Dentetsu Yudanaka Station and JR Iiyama Station (reservation required for the Iiyama shuttle), making it easy to reach by public transportation.

The Long-Awaited Tree-Run Area is Here! Highlights of the 2025–26 Season

Ryuoo Ski Park continues to evolve every season, and the 2025–26 season is packed with attractions. Here, we highlight the key topics to watch this season.

A tree-run area debuts on Ryuoo’s famous “Kiotoshi Bowl Course”

The biggest highlight of Ryuoo Ski Park this season is the debut of the tree-run area. Located alongside Ryuoo’s famous “Kiotoshi Bowl Course,” the tree-run area follows a valley terrain and is designed for a true surfing-style ride, offering an exhilarating experience weaving between the trees—perfect for powder enthusiasts.

Helmets are required when using the tree-run area. For those who don’t have one, free rentals are available, so you can safely take on the challenge.

Take a break at a specialty shop serving onigiri and pork miso soup made with local ingredients

“Tonton Ton,” a specialty shop for onigiri and pork miso soup near the Green Lift station, was newly reopened last season and has quickly become a popular spot. The shop offers around 20 types of onigiri made with branded rice from Shinshu. The pork miso soup features Shinshu Olein pork and Shinshu miso, allowing visitors to fully enjoy local ingredients.

Inside the facility, there is an irori (hearth) space where you can try grilling “oyaki,” a traditional dish from Nagano Prefecture. While enjoying the snowy scenery, it’s the perfect place to take a relaxing break with dishes made from local ingredients.

“Japan’s Easiest Ski Resort for Snowboard Beginners” Declaration Kicks Off Again This Season

Ryuoo Ski Park places its greatest focus on supporting snowboard beginners. From their debut to skill improvement, the resort offers comprehensive lessons and services tailored to each level.

Comprehensive lessons from beginner debut to skill advancement

Ryuoo Ski Park places a strong focus on lessons that fully support beginners in leveling up their skills. At the base-area “Snowboard Debut Zone,” a free “Snowboard Debut Lesson” is held daily. You can join anytime during the lesson hours, use it for as long as you like, and no reservation is required.

The program covers basics such as how to fasten boots and hold the board, aiming to master the leaf-style sliding technique, helping participants safely enjoy riding. Helmets are also available for free rental, allowing everyone to take the lesson with peace of mind.
Additionally, for those looking to step up after their debut, free lessons led by popular professional snowboarders—such as Lama, Tatsuo Takahashi, and Michiyo Hashimoto—will be offered on a rotating daily schedule.

Each day focuses on a single theme, such as carving or flatland tricks, and participants can join anytime during the lesson hours, making it very accessible. The lessons are conducted in a practical style, with instructors positioned at designated spots to observe and give advice on each participant’s riding.

Course Design That Snowboarders Will Love

Ryuoo Ski Park’s slopes offer a wide variety of terrain, from powder zones and broad flat runs to ungroomed courses. The layout is designed to suit all levels, from beginners to advanced riders.

The courses take full advantage of the natural terrain, providing areas for gentle practice as well as challenging slopes, allowing visitors to gradually step up their skills.

Comfortable Gear and Clothing Rentals! Helmets Available for Free

At “SPICY Rental Ryuoo Ski Park,” you can rent well-maintained gear and clothing. Making a reservation in advance is recommended for a smooth pickup.

Helmets are also available for free rental at the counter, so you can feel safe even if you don’t have one. However, small items such as gloves and goggles are not available for rent, so be sure to bring your own or purchase them on-site.

Fun for Non-Skiers Too! Diverse Activities and Delicious Gourmet Options

The appeal of Ryuoo Ski Park goes beyond skiing and snowboarding. A variety of activities are available, ensuring that even non-skiers can fully enjoy their visit.

Reach the mountaintop “SORA Terrace” with the Buggy Cruise Plan

For those who don’t ski or snowboard, the Buggy Cruise Plan is recommended. Ride a buggy from the base area to the mid-mountain ropeway station, then take the ropeway up to the mountaintop “SORA Terrace.” At the summit, you can enjoy the scenery or relax at the café, making it a popular plan for experiencing breathtaking views with ease.

A variety of unique and standout dining spots

If you visit Ryuoo Ski Park, be sure to check out its unique mountain dining options. At the mountaintop “SORA Terrace Cafe,” you can enjoy a relaxing café break while taking in the spectacular views. Cloud-themed treats, such as coffee topped with cloud-shaped marshmallows, are especially popular.
Another must-visit spot is the burger restaurant “Spirits Grill,” located in the base-area center house “THE BASE.” Its most popular item is the “Shinshu Game Burger,” made with locally sourced game meat from Shinshu. Spirits Grill operates as a burger joint during the day and transforms into a bar at night.

After skiing, refresh yourself at the hot springs of “Yu no Eki Ponpoko”

Yu no Eki Ponpoko,” an official facility of Ryuoo Ski Park located in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, is a hot spring complex where visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor baths as well as a sauna. In addition to the large bath with views of the Northern Five Peaks (Hokushin Gogaku), the facility offers a kids’ area, a play zone, and a dining area, making it enjoyable even beyond bathing.

The most popular feature is the sauna. Work up a good sweat, soak in the outdoor bath with breathtaking views of the Northern Five Peaks, and relieve the day’s fatigue. After the hot spring, it’s recommended to enjoy a hearty bowl of ramen at the on-site restaurant, “Tokkyu Tori Soba Ryusuke.”

The grounds also include cottages and trailer-style rooms available for overnight stays. Guests staying on-site can benefit from discounted lift tickets for Ryuoo Ski Park.

Ryuoo Ski Park: Safe for first-timers, fun to visit again and again

For the 2025–26 season, Ryuoo Ski Park has evolved further with the long-awaited tree-run area and enhanced free lessons. From its 1,770 m elevation, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, a support system perfect for snowboard beginners, and a variety of activities for non-skiers as well. Whether you’re trying snowboarding for the first time, chasing powder, or aiming to level up your skills, everyone can have an unforgettable experience. This winter, fully enjoy snowboarding and stunning scenery at Ryuoo Ski Park.

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