Okushiga Kogen

Eleven courses spread across 500m of vertical, with a surprising 30% advanced terrain that includes some of Shiga's best tree skiing zones. The 3km cruising run is perfect for intermediates, while the upper bowls hold powder longer than anything at lower elevations. Don't expect gnarly steeps - this is about flow, trees, and snow quality over adrenaline.

Refreshingly Japanese - mostly domestic families and serious local skiers who know something the tourists don't. Weekends get busy with Tokyo day-trippers, but midweek you'll have runs to yourself. The base area feels like a proper mountain lodge, not a shopping mall with lifts attached.

"Seems to be the biggest ski resort in Japan (if you include all connections). No line up no waiting for lifts."

— Google Review

• ✓Powder hunters who've done the tourist circuit and want to remember why Japanese snow is legendary
• ✓Intermediates ready to progress into trees and off-piste without the pressure of Niseko's scene
• ✓Families who want legitimate skiing without crowds, English menus, or inflated resort prices

• ✗Your Japanese is limited to 'arigato' and you panic without English signage everywhere
• ✗You need challenging expert terrain - the steeps here are fun, not terrifying
• ✗You're chasing apres-ski nightlife - this place rolls up the sidewalks by dinnertime

Mid-January through late February for the deepest, driest powder - the high elevation keeps snow cold and fresh even during warm spells. Avoid New Year week when domestic crowds surge, and book midweek stays in January for the best combination of powder and solitude.

1. Expecting English support beyond basic signs - bring a translation app or brush up on ski terminology
2. Not reserving the express bus from Nagano during peak periods - it fills up on weekends and holidays
3. Overlooking the tree skiing zones - some of Japan's best in-bounds glade runs are here if you know where to look

1. Free WiFi at the top of the chairlift means you can actually post those powder shots - most Japanese resorts still haven't figured this out
2. The smoking area is unfortunately connected to the restaurant's ventilation system - avoid sitting near the entrance unless you enjoy secondhand smoke with your ramen
3. Take the glade runs seriously - the powder in the trees stays fresh for days after storms while the main runs get tracked out by noon