Kumanoyu

12 marked runs across 260m of vertical, but that's missing the point - this is a gateway to Shiga Kogen's best backcountry. Five short black runs and decent intermediate terrain on-piste, but the real action is in the sidecountry tree runs and off-piste bowls that you'll have mostly to yourself. At 1,700m base elevation, the snow stays deep and dry even when lower resorts are struggling.

This is proper Japanese local territory - minimal English, slow old-school lifts, and the kind of place where you're more likely to see ski tourers than Instagram photographers. Weekdays you'll genuinely have runs to yourself; even weekends feel empty compared to the Shiga Kogen circus up north. It's quiet, respectful, and focused on skiing rather than the scene.

"Had the place nearly to ourselves on a Sunday! Very quiet on weekdays which made for great skiing!"

— Google Review

• ✓Powder hunters who want untouched sidecountry without the backcountry commitment - the lift-accessed terrain here opens up serious off-piste options
• ✓Onsen obsessives who want world-class mountain hot springs with their skiing - the jade-green outdoor baths here are genuinely special
• ✓Experienced skiers seeking solitude - you'll have runs to yourself on weekdays and minimal crowds even on weekends

• ✗Your Japanese is limited to 'arigato' - this place has minimal English and you'll struggle with basic resort navigation
• ✗You need groomed cruisers and high-speed lifts - the terrain is limited on-piste and the lifts are painfully slow old doubles
• ✗You're looking for beginner-friendly terrain - despite being part of Shiga Kogen, this corner is more about steep pitches and sidecountry access

December through February for the deepest powder - the 1,700m base elevation holds snow better than most Nagano resorts. Avoid the resort entirely during low snow periods as the limited terrain becomes even more restrictive.

1. Expecting the all-resort Shiga Kogen pass to provide good value here - for such a small area, you're essentially forced into the expensive multi-resort ticket
2. Not checking snow conditions before the journey - with limited terrain, this place needs good coverage to be worthwhile
3. Assuming the staff will help with chairlift difficulties - multiple reviews mention staff won't slow or stop lifts even when people are falling

1. The staff can't/won't slow the lifts even when people fall loading - practice your chairlift skills before you get here or you'll be that person sprawled in the snow
2. Skip the overpriced base lodge food - pack snacks or eat before you arrive. Trust us on this one
3. Check if both lifts are running before making the journey - one lift down significantly limits your terrain options at this small area