Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort 池の平温泉スキー場

For some of Japan's heaviest snowfall and powder snow to rival that of Niseko and Hakuba , head to Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort in southern Niigata prefecture for exceptional skiing and snowboarding.

Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort is accessible by car, train, and shuttle bus, with ski bus services running from various stations in Tokyo during winter.

By train and bus: From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, and then transfer to the Kita Shinano-sen line and get off at Myoko Kogen Station. Fairly regular shuttle buses run from Myoko Kogen Station to the resort, with taxis another popular option.

By car: From Tokyo, take the Joshinetsu Expressway. Access Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort from the Myoko Kogen Interchange or Shinano-machi Interchange. Alternatively, Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort can be reached by national non-tolled Route 18.

Featuring wide, gentle slopes and lengthy wooded trails, Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort offers six ski lifts and ten courses in total. From the mountain base to the top, the vertical elevation of the mountain is about 740 meters, while the longest course measures approximately 4,000 meters. Catering to skiing novices as well as experienced snow hounds, lessons and gear rental are also available.

A post-ski soak is ideal for resting your weary muscles after a day of conquering the mountain. Stop by the multiple hot springs at the Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort entrance; some springs even offer outdoor baths. Various restaurants and eateries can be found at the mountain base.