Resorts and Mountains
Below are some of the most popular mountains and ski resorts in the Snow Country region. Our instructors can go to any one of these resorts (and more!) to teach you. Choose the button below that best represents your skill level, and we’ll show you ski resorts that might suit you well.
If you’d rather, you can also just keep scrolling down and look through our list of resorts and use the table or the full descriptions below to help you make a decision.
Each one is ranked by suitability for Beginners, Intermediates, and Experts on a scale of one to three stars. One star is least suitable and three stars mean that resort is great for that ability level.
“Distance” refers to the distance from Echigo-Yuzawa Station and Pod Snow Sports.
Use the arrows at the tops of each column to sort the list of resorts.
Name | Beginners | Intermediates | Trails | Distance (km) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Yuzawa Kogen | ![]() | ![]() | 7 | 00.5 km |
NASPA Ski Garden | ![]() | ![]() | 8 | 01.6 km |
Ishiuchi | ![]() | ![]() | 24 | 07.5 km |
Kagura | ![]() | ![]() | 23 | 08.3 km |
Tashiro | ![]() | ![]() | 14 | 14.9 km |
Naeba | ![]() | ![]() | 21 | 21.8 km |
For Beginners
While each of these ski resorts also has runs for people of intermediate and expert levels, the resorts below are particularly well suited to those just beginning to learn to ski and snowboard.
Yuzawa Kogen

The base of the resort is right in the center of Yuzawa. The Family Slope at the bottom of the ropeway is skier only and is one of the gentlest runs for beginners in the whole region.
Beginner:
Intermediate:
Expert:
Runs: 10
NASPA Ski Garden

This resort is skiers-only and has a large hotel complex attached. It has a magic carpet lift where you can practice until you are ready for the first beginner run from the chairlift up the mountain.
Beginner:
Intermediate:
Expert:
Runs: 8
For Intermediates
Every resort has at least a little space for beginner and expert skies and snowboarders, but these ski resorts specialize in that happy medium. Their runs mostly focus on people who have some experience, but aren’t quite yet experts. If you’ve been skiing or snowboarding before and want a little bit more of a challenge, visit one of these mountains.
Ishiuchi

Plenty of different runs in this ski resort that links up with GALA Yuzawa. It has lots of slope-side accommodations. There are several base areas for the resort, so if you want to meet with us, we’ll need to confirm which meeting area works best for you.
Beginner:
Intermediate:
Expert:
Runs: 24
Tashiro

Tashiro Ski Resort is between Naeba and Kagura. It has plenty of long, cruise-y slopes that are great for beginners and intermediates. The first run down from the top of the ropeway can be a bit daunting for beginner skiers as it is a narrow track, but after that, there is plenty of space to explore.
Beginner:
Intermediate:
Expert:
Runs: 14
Naeba

Naeba Ski Resort is a large resort with the huge Naeba Prince Hotel at the bottom. Naeba is linked to Tashiro by the 5.5 kilometer long Dragondola.
Beginner:
Intermediate:
Expert:
Runs: 21
For Experts
Are you ready for a challenge? Take on one of these ski resorts to test your mettle. While these resorts do have runs for people of other skill levels, they’re definitely best suited for those with the skills to take on their most thrilling and challenging runs.
Kagura

Kagura Ski Resort has some great runs for intermediates and experts but can be challenging for beginners as most of the runs are rather steep. Some good backcountry opportunities are also available if you like hiking. Bring an avalanche transciever/beacon if you’re planning to do any backcountry exploration, though!
Beginner:
Intermediate:
Expert:
Runs: 23