Visit Gifu’s Ski Resorts to enjoy the best snow in Japan and famous hot spring hideaways!
Gifu is an area of heavy snowfall boasting some of the finest snow and some of the best ski resorts in Japan. After the buds sprout all at once in spring, the green season comes to an end as the mountains are magically colored by the changing hues of leaves in fall, which abruptly passes to mark the start of the long winter. With the snowfall season coming early, the winters in Gifu Prefecture are quite long making Gifu a prime destination for skiing in Japan. The powdery snow continues to fall silently, eventually covering the whole area with a blanket of snow. This marks the full-fledged kickoff of the ski season.
In such a snow country Gifu Prefecture, skiing and snowboarding are must-do experiences. In this section, we will introduce some of western Japan’s largest and best ski resorts in the Gujo area, some lesser well-known ski resorts in the Hida region, and the ultimate hot spring resorts to enjoy along with the slopes.
Enjoying the powder snow to your heart’s content and then warming yourself up in the hot spring bath afterwards…How about coming out here in Gifu for such an exquisite trip?
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Gujo Snow Resort, comprised of 10 ski areas, is the largest ski resort in western Japan and a popular destination for both long-stay and short-stay visitors. Blessed with excellent snow quality, this snow resort was the venue for the FIS World Cup 2008.
Surrounded by the Japanese Alps, the beautiful mountainsides are dotted with ski resorts and lined with inns,ski hotels and day-trip bathing facilities complete with natural hot springs. The area has many courses with relatively gentle slopes, allowing skiers and snowboarders of all levels to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
In particular, Takasu is the largest ski resort area in western Japan. Furnished with a wide variety of courses as well as a large kids’ park where children can play safely, this is an ideal snow resort for families.
Why not visit one of Gifu Prefecture’s best slopes and make it the highlight of your winter trip?
Takasu Snow Park & Dynaland Ski Resort
The Biggest and Best Snow Resorts in Western Japan
Business period: Early December to late April *Please note that the business period is subject to change due to snow conditions.
・Takasu Snow Park: All days 8:00-16:30
・Dynaland Ski Resort: Weekdays 8:00-16:30 / Weekends & holidays 6:00-16:30; Night skiing 18:00-23:00
The town of Takasu in Gifu Prefecture boasts the largest ski slopes in western Japan and is home to some of the best ski resorts in Japan. Takasu Snow Park and Dynaland Ski Resort are located next to each other on the same mountain, offering a total of 31 courses with a wide variety of terrain. The two courses are connected at the top by the iconic SP Gondola, which has remained unchanged since its establishment in 2006. Upon reaching the 1,550-meter summit, visitors are greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Hida mountains, which comprise one of the ranges of the Japanese Alps. The most distinctive feature of this resort is its long cruising courses. One of the most popular courses of this ski resort is the Dynamic Course for beginners and intermediate skiers, which extends up to 4,900 meters from the top to the bottom of the mountain. There are also many course variations that only advanced skiers can enjoy, such as side country (uncompressed snow) side trails and untouched, bumpy slopes with a maximum incline of 40°. Even if you visit here with friends who have different skiing or snowboarding skills, the gondola takes you to the top of the mountain, where each person can select the course that is most suited to their own level. If you take advantage of the first track, which starts at 7:30 a.m., you can enjoy skiing on the beautiful freshly pressed snow while admiring the breathtaking view of the mountain range as it glistens in the morning glow. Dynaland ski resort stays open for night skiing until 23:00, offering visitors the unique opportunity to enjoy the snow from early in the morning to late at night.
The “TAKASU TERRACE”, which has a sky-blue beach-like design and boasts panoramic views from the summit, is the perfect place to relax your weary legs and feet. Also known for its spectacular views of the mysterious sea of clouds that can only be seen under certain weather conditions, this popular spot attracts lines of people on weekends. Families with children who are too young to ski or snowboard should try the “YUKINOS” kids’ park at the foot of the slopes. In an area of 8,000 square meters, which is larger than a soccer field, children can experience sledding, riding on snow striders, snowmobiling, tubing, and other activities.
Takasu Snow Park is easy to access. By car, it takes a mere 10 minutes from the Takasu Interchange and 15 minutes from the Hirugano-Kogen Smart Interchange (ETC only) on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway. If you are coming by train, direct buses are available from Nagoya, Gifu, and Takayama stations. A wide variety of skis, snowboards, and clothing are available for rent, so there is no need to worry if you don’t have your own gear. Also, by taking advantage of skiing or snowboarding lessons, even beginners can become proficient enough to enjoy long runs. We hope you will experience these slopes that are representative of Gifu.
Best ski resorts in Japan recommended for beginners
Family-friendly Hirugano Highlands Ski Resort
Business period: Early December to late March *Please note that the business period is subject to change depending on snow conditions.
Weekdays 8:30-16:30
Weekends and holidays 8:00-16:30
With gentle slopes and large expanses on both sides, Hirugano Highlands Ski Resort is easy to ski for beginners and children and can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. The Forest Course is especially popular for its adventurous atmosphere and unblemished fresh powder snow. “Hirugamo Kids Land” located within the ski resort is full of innovations that allow children to safely enjoy sledding, playing in the snow, and making snow huts. Being very easy to find along Route 156, we recommend staying at the ski resort for a few days, relaxing at one of the many ski hotels,guest houses and cottage-style inns located nearby.
There is a combo ski lift ticket that can be used at six ski resorts including the three ski resorts introduced here and also Gujo Vacance Mura Ski Resort, WhitePia Takasu and Washigatake Ski Resort, with free shuttle bus service connecting each ski resort. There is also a direct bus service from Nagoya Station to Hirugano Kogen, providing easy access to the area for visitors arriving from afar.
In addition, Gujo is home to Snow Wave Park Shiratori Kogen, Wing Hills Shirotori Resort, Meiho Ski Resort, and Outdoor In Motai Ski Resort. We invite you to stay for an extended period so that you can fully enjoy Gujo Snow Resort, the largest skiing area in western Japan, while touring its unique ski resorts.
After enjoying the snow in Japan, relieve your fatigue at Gero Onsen, one of the three most famous hot springs in Japan.
If you visit ski resorts in the Gujo area, Gero Onsen is a great place to stop by, even if it means going out of your way a little. Renowned as one of the three best hot springs in Japan, bathing in the hot spring baths here is an experience not to be missed.
Gero’s hot water is clear and colorless, with a slight aroma. Said to have been discovered near the top of Yugamine in the middle of the Heian period (947-957), the springs have a long history. Footbaths can be found throughout the town, and strolling around while browsing for souvenirs and eating snacks is recommended.
Access by car is recommended. Exit at the Gifu Yamato IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, continue on Route 256 past Otaki Limestone Cave, and after passing Gero IC, turn onto Route 41 to Gero Onsen. The journey usually takes about 90 minutes, but during the snow season, it might be better to give a little more time for your peace of mind. Tire chains are required.
If you want to enjoy the best powder snow in Gifu Prefecture, we recommend the Hida area on the north side of the Hida mountain range. With less crowds, this area lets you enjoy a relaxing stay. Ski resorts in Hida area, which is centered around Okuhida Hot Spring Village, are known for their excellent snow quality due to their high elevation. Hida’s powder snow is characterized by fine particles and low moisture content, You’ll feel as if you are floating on air when you go skiing or snowboarding on it.
Enjoy the best powder snow in Japan
“Kawaii” Ski Resort, with its easy access from Hida Takayama
Business period: Late December to late March *Please note that the business period is subject to change depending on snow conditions.
All days 9:00-16:00
Hida Kawai Ski Resort can be enjoyed by anybody from families to advanced skiers with a preference for powder snow. It is conveniently located, only 30 minutes by car from the Hida Takayama Interchange. The slopes are uncrowded and uncomplicated, providing ease of access for those wanting a more relaxed environment at Gifu’s “smallest slopes”. In addition, the quality of the powder snow is as good as any of the surrounding ski resorts. The resort offers a full lineup of skis and snowboards for rent, as well as snow drives and sleds for playing in the snow, so there is no problem coming just as you are.
One of the best things about this resort is the view of the sea of clouds you can enjoy from the ski lifts. Such vistas are visible on clear days when the weather conditions are just right. The adjoining cafeteria offers homemade cooking, making this a cozy resort where you can enjoy a meal that will warm your body and soul.
One of the best ski resorts in Japan less crowded for a moment of relaxation
Hirayu Onsen Ski Resort, the hidden jewel of Okuhida
Business period: mid-December to late March *Please note that the business period is subject to change depending on snow conditions.
All days 8:00-16:20
Hirayu Onsen Ski Resort, located deep in the Okuhida Hot Spring Village, is a hidden jewel near the famous Hirayu Onsen hot springs in Okuhida offering exceptional skiing in Japan. With the ski resort located at an elevation of 1,300 meters above sea level, it always has plenty of snow throughout the season and allows visitors to always enjoy the best powder snow.
The ski resort has three courses and two lifts, and the slopes have well-compacted packed snow with a diverse layout. Another major appeal is that there is no waiting time for the lifts, allowing visitors to enjoy skiing and snowboarding all day long without stress.
The gentle “Family Slope” is fun and safe for beginners and children. There is also the “Yunodaira Course,” ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers with steep 40-degree slopes, and the “Giant Course,” for more advanced skiers, with 1.5 km of slopes of up to 38 degrees and an average of 26 degrees, to satisfy skiers of all levels.
In addition, the Hirayu no Mori hot spring facility, located a minute’s drive from the resort, where visitors can enjoy 16 open-air baths, indoor baths, saunas and more.
Okuhida Hot Spring Village consists of more than 100 sources
Open-air baths with a view of the best snow in Japan will bring sheer celestial bliss for you!
Okuhida Hot Spring Village, nestled in the bosom of the North Alps, also known as the roof of Japan, comprise five famous hot springs: Hirayu Onsen, Fukuji Onsen, Shinhirayu Onsen, Tochio Onsen, and Shinhotaka Onsen.
Hirayu-no-Mori One-day Onsen, a 50-minute drive from Hida Takayama Ski Resort and a 2-minute drive from Hirayu Onsen Ski Resort, is easily accessible. Containing numerous baths, this is a facility where you can spend the whole day, never getting bored. A short drive will also take you to Fukuji Onsen, Shinhirayu Onsen, and Tochio Onsen, all of which boast outstanding spring quality and location. And for an even more secluded and truly unique experience, we recommend visiting Shinhotaka Onsenkyo, the remotest part of Okuhida Hot Spring Village.
Here, you can relax and unwind yourself in the warmth of hot springs amidst the snowy surroundings.
