Went for a day trip from Tokyo during the start-of-spring public holiday. Quite a few trains were nearly complete but could reserve still a place a day in advance. Once at the last stop of Gala, all was very well organised. Bought ski pass in 5 minutes, despite a full train decending just upstairs from the train station. Then ordered online at a kiosk my skis and boots, paid with credit card. Highlighted expert skier but think that related to the settings of the ski bindings, not the skis itself - they were very basic Fischer skis, felt plastic with no stability of edges. Better check for advanced skis if available... Then able to book a cheap locker at another kiosk and drop all stuff and normal shoes. And then take the gondola up, ski sticks you take yourself at exit of top gondola. Very easy all in all! Over 3m of snow, there was a new dump the day before, excellent sun, everything open, the black slopes were not groomed. Very nice for a day!!
A very ideal ski resort that is accessible via Tokyo. If you are looking for a nearby ski experience near Tokyo, this is the place. Can get very crowded on some parts but there are also some places here that are not crowded. All in all a good place and would recommend.
This snow/ski resort, is accessible for everyone even you are not doing ski.
The ticket price for gondola, not too pricey.
But, if you only want to play snow, maybe this is not for you.
In fact, you can play snow outside the door near the rental area, with barely no one there. (No need to ride the gondola).
There were too many people, and it can be dangerous if you are not aware of the ski-people.
Even the parking space was full, and we need to find ourselves a parking spot, 15 minutes walking from the entrance.
But still, there are many things to do other than skiing that you can choose.
We were so lucky to have a snowfalls!
But still, it was a good experience for all of us, especially me, who loves Japan the most.
Great ski/snowboard resort for beginners to intermediates. Access from Tokyo’s amazing (walk right off the Shinkansen to the resort, pick up your rental gear, then walk to life and go!)
Views are beautiful and slopes are not so crowded on weekdays. Try to cafe which is on the edge of the slopes and is a great spot to take a break.
We had a good experience at Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort. As soon as we arrived at the station, there were people guiding tourists were to buy tickets. On the same floor, there are counters where you get your gondola and lift tickets. If you won’t be skiing, like us, you just need a gondola ticket and you will be able to go up and down as many times as you want during the day. The ride takes just a few minutes. We had big bag packs and left them at the station because it’s the only place where they have big lockers. We rented moon bikes at the top, they give you a helmet with a camera. When the activity ends, they give you a QR code so you can download your video.
