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Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort is just a 2.5-hour trip from the Tokyo area, whether you drive or take the Shinkansen and bus – making it super easy to get to! There are plenty of reasons why it's known as one of the "easiest to ski" resorts. The resort spreads out across a vast 1,250-meter-high plateau, with over 60 diverse runs that everyone, from kids to adults, can enjoy regardless of skill level. With amazing snow conditions, great rental shops, and ski schools, Sugadaira Kogen is the perfect place to fully enjoy skiing and snowboarding this season!

Reason 1: Japan's 2nd Largest Number of Runs! Enjoy a Huge Variety with 60 Diverse Courses!

Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort has 12 unique slopes across 3 areas, with a total of 60 courses, making it the 2nd largest in Japan! The variety of runs caters to all kinds of skiers and snowboarders, offering plenty of challenges and endless opportunities to discover new favorite routes. With so many course options, crowds are spread out, so you can enjoy skiing at your own pace without long waits. Plus, with lots of lifts, you’ll spend more time on the slopes and less time waiting in line. For advanced skiers, the steep, flat slopes are a big hit, and there are wide runs and multiple lines to choose from, giving you the perfect environment to fine-tune your skills.
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Reason 2: Japan's Largest Big Resort, Covering the Same Area as 37 Tokyo Domes!

The vast 175 hectares of slopes spread across 3 areas are so big, you can't possibly ski them all in one day! Since the resort is wide, it's a good idea to plan which area you want to ski in advance.

There are parking lots at each area, and you can use shuttle buses to travel between some of the areas. Beginners and families will love the amazing views at Davos, while intermediate and advanced skiers can enjoy both Pine Peak and Taro. Pine Peak’s challenge course, with a 36-degree mogul slope, is for the most advanced skiers! Plus, the stunning views that change with each area are one of the best parts of Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort.

Reason 3: 80% Sunny Days! Boost Your Energy on Clear Sky Slopes!

Skiing and snowboarding don’t always mean clear skies, but at Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort, the sunny day rate is an amazing 80%! While part of the fun of skiing and snowboarding is enjoying whatever nature throws at you, there’s nothing quite like skiing under clear skies. When it’s sunny, visibility is great, making it easier to ski, and the lift rides are more comfortable too – super important for beginners or little kids enjoying the mountains. On top of that, you’ll get more lift time, which means you’ll improve faster. The clear blue skies, known as "Sugadaira Blue," will definitely leave you with unforgettable memories!

Reason 4: The Best Snow Conditions, Thanks to the Cold Temperatures!

Sugadaira Kogen is one of Japan’s coldest areas, often recording the lowest temperatures in the country. With chilly weather throughout the season, the resort can maintain great snow conditions. The cold air means less moisture in the snow, which makes for light, powdery snow that's super easy for beginners to glide on. Even during the day, you'll get to experience excellent snow quality, and if you're lucky enough to catch fresh snowfall, you’ll be hooked on that soft powder! The resort also takes pride in its grooming skills, and carving on the perfectly maintained slopes is an absolute blast. Thanks to a good balance of natural snow and artificial snowmaking, you can enjoy skiing for a long season – around 150 days! With its amazing natural environment and state-of-the-art snowmaking machines, you can ski to your heart’s content all season long!

Reason 5: A 150-Day Long Season with the Latest Artificial Snow Machines!

Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort, known for its record-low temperatures, usually opens in mid-November. However, as you may know, in recent years, warmer weather and delayed snowfall due to climate change have sometimes pushed the start of the season back. To ensure a steady, early start each season, Sugadaira Kogen introduced new, efficient snowmaking machines that take advantage of the cold. Before this, the resort closed by late March, but with the new snow machines, they’ve been able to maintain great conditions even when temperatures are higher, allowing for a longer season. Spring, when the snow softens and the weather is nice, is perfect for practice and a great chance to improve! Thanks to Sugadaira Kogen's cold climate and the latest technology, you can enjoy a 150-day long season!

Reason 6: Confidence in Our Grooming Technology!

At Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort, 95% of the slopes are groomed, 3% are ungroomed, and 2% are mogul runs. The condition of the groomed runs, which make up the majority of the resort, directly impacts how easy and enjoyable they are to ski on. That's why we make sure to carefully groom the entire vast resort every day with snowcats. The snowcat operators are highly skilled and experienced, and we take great pride in our grooming techniques. Practice your carving turns or freestyle on our perfectly groomed runs, and you’ll definitely see your skills improve!

Reason 7: Free Parking Every Day!

Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort has parking for about 3,000 cars, and the best part? All parking is free every day, including weekends and holidays like New Year’s! There are parking lots near each slope, so you can park close to the area you want to ski, making it super convenient. Since there’s no parking fee, it’s easy to just swing by whenever you feel like it. Plus, there are 3 parking lots with 24-hour restrooms, so whether you arrive late at night or early in the morning, you’ll be all set. You can even park and wait for the resort to open, so you can hit the slopes first thing and enjoy a full day of skiing!

Reason 8: Just 2.5 Hours from the Tokyo Area! Only 30 Minutes from Ueda Sugadaira IC!

You can get to Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort in just about 2.5 hours from the Tokyo area – super easy! It’s about 200km from Tokyo, and with snow-melting roads leading from Ueda Sugadaira IC, you don’t have to worry about driving in the snow, even if you’re not used to it. If you're coming from Nagoya, it takes around 4 hours via the Tomei Expressway, Chuo Expressway, and the Joshinetsu Expressway. Don’t have a car? No worries! You can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen or the Chuo Main Line and Shinanorail to Ueda Station, and from there, it’s a short bus ride to the resort. Getting there is a breeze!
For more details on access, click here.

Choosing the right ski resort is the first step to enjoying skiing and snowboarding!

Japan is home to an incredible number of ski resorts, but if you're looking for the best, most comfortable environment, skiing and snowboarding can get even more exciting. A resort that meets all the key conditions—1) lots of courses, 2) a vast area, 3) a high rate of sunny days, 4) cold temperatures for great conditions, 5) a long season, 6) excellent grooming, 7) free parking, and 8) great access—is hard to find. Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort checks all these boxes. That’s why they proudly declare themselves the "easiest-to-ski resort in Japan." With all these amazing features, this resort is sure to make your dream ski experience a reality!
text：Makiko Kishino
Discover the魅力 (charm) of Sugadaira here!

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