Echigo Yuzawa Ski Resorts 越後湯沢 スキー場

Echigo Yuzawa is the setting for "Snow Country" by Yasunari Kawabata, the first Japanese author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Echigo Yuzawa is internationally-known for its abundance of fluffy, powder snow. Accessible from Tokyo in under two hours, this area is abuzz with activity in winter. There are 11 ski fields scattered around the main station, and each has its own perks. Here are some top picks:

Naeba Ski Resort is ranked one of the top ski resorts in Japan thanks to its reputation as an international skiing event venue, home to Japan's largest rock music festival, and a beautiful alpine park on the top of Mt. Naeba .

The elevation of the slopes is steep, and the courses are best for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

Kagura Ski Resort is interconnected with Naeba Ski Resort via the Dragondola—the longest lift in Japan. It is quieter than Naeba, and there are more beginner courses. Many skiers and snowboarders are attracted to Kagura because it is less crowded than Naeba Ski Resort and has plenty of beginner runs but also offers off-piste fun.

With its own shinkansen station, Gala Yuzawa Resort is one of the most easily accessible ski resorts in the Echigo Yuzawa region and receives a lot of snow each year. With its convenient access from Tokyo, it can, however, get crowded on weekends.

Like Naeba, the courses at Gala are best for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

Kandatsu Snow Resort is the place to be for snowboarders. It boasts some of the steepest terrain in Niigata , with gradients of up to 45 degrees on some runs. Off-piste and tree run courses are also available.