Yokoteyama Shibutoge

Yokoteyama is Japan's highest ski resort at 2,307m, which means exceptional powder quality that stays cold and dry long into spring when lower resorts have turned to slush. The terrain itself is mellow - 65% beginner with wide-open pistes - but the real draw is the high-alpine environment, volcanic peak views, and virtually zero crowds. If you're chasing steep terrain, look elsewhere, but for powder quality and peaceful cruising, this place delivers.

Absolutely - 65% of the 11.6km terrain is beginner-friendly with wide, open pistes perfect for building confidence. The high-alpine setting gives you serious mountain views without technical demands, and the minimal crowds mean you can practice without dodging other skiers. Just be prepared for exposed chairlifts and weather that can change fast at this elevation.

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano Station (about 1.5 hours), then catch the Nagaden bus to Shiga Kogen, which takes another hour or so. Total journey is 2.5-3 hours and costs around ¥10,000-12,000 one-way. The bus runs regularly during ski season but check schedules in advance.

January-February delivers peak powder, but the real secret is March-April when you're skiing pristine spring snow while everyone else has hung up their skis - the season runs until May thanks to the 2,307m elevation. Always check wind forecasts before going, as this high-alpine location gets hammered and lifts shut down fast when it's blowing.

Limited English - basic signs and ticket counters exist, but don't expect much beyond that. This place runs on pointing and smiling rather than hand-holding, so brush up on basic Japanese phrases or come prepared to figure things out as you go.

Rarely crowded even on weekends - weekdays you'll practically have the place to yourself. Peak hours are weekends from 10am-2pm, but even then lines are minimal compared to major resorts. One reviewer noted they didn't queue once during Christmas holidays.

The longest ski season in Japan - late November to May - thanks to that 2,307m summit elevation, plus genuinely excellent powder that stays cold and dry long after lower resorts turn to mush. While other resorts are closing in March, you're still skiing light powder here well into spring.

Check wind forecasts religiously - lifts close without warning when it's blowing and there are no refunds. Pack layers like you're climbing a mountain because it can be 20 degrees colder at the summit than the base. If you're skiing in spring (March-May), get there early as afternoon sun can make things sticky even at altitude, and don't expect challenging terrain - this is cruising mountain, not steep-and-deep territory.