The most important information had learned was that the free shuttle between the stops was slow and infrequent. I would recommend avoiding taking them if possible. That means, avoid skiing down a different trail than where you had started and ended up far away. Check your map before going down the trail.
The resort is HUGE! There are so many different "resorts" in a single area, and there are even more resorts in other areas. But you could just stay in one area and that's enough.
We began at the Yamanoeki Bus Stop, where the Alpina Sports Ski Rental Office and coin lockers were located. You can also park your car next to the building. We caught the bus the first day and drove the next. Right next to the building is a gondola that takes you to the skiing area.
We spent most of our time on gondola/lifts 15, 16, 34, and 33, and that was more than enough to fill the whole day. There's a cafe stand and a dining room on top of the mountain if you need some food. The dining room is good for a quick bite.
We saw monkeys here running around and jumping on top of hotel awnings, and even on top of people's cars. The hotel workers obviously despised the monkeys. They would throw snow and even point the snow blowers at them to try to scare them away. They tried to tell me why, but the language barrier prevented me from fully understanding. However, it's clear that they are considered a nuisance.
Shiga Kogen is a great place for novice skiers. There are many long, green trails perfect for practicing and having fun. We stuck to the green trails the entire time, and we never got bored. It’s also really accessible from Tokyo, and both the lift ticket and ski rental prices were really great. The only downside is that we went in March when there wasn’t much powder left. We plan to go back in January next time for a more powdery experience.
One of the best ski resort in Japan. Famous Japanese powder snow. Not crowded at all, food and stay at prince hotel was great! Very reasonable priced lift tickets.
Feb 2023
Shiga Kogen area is a great place to ski as it is mostly connected to the other ski areas (save for a few which required bus transfer to) so there is less scope to get bored with skiing the same runs, good mix or green, red & black slopes, plenty of lunch food options outside of the Prince ski area. Relatively quiet with few lift queues, and close to snow (onsen) monkey park
One minor gripe is there are quite a few areas where you need to walk up gradients to get to ski lifts or neighbouring ski areas
One major detraction is the lack of any sort of night life once the skiing has finished for the day, with not many restaurants choices connected by the local shuttle
Slopes are wide and not crowded on weekdays. This is at Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Area. We stayed at Prince Hotel and truly is a ski in and ski out convenient hotel.
A large ski area with 18 Ski Resorts, offering various slope types suited for people of different ski/snowboard proficiency. The ski lift pass will be accepted at all ski resorts. It snowed almost daily during Feb 24, so the skiing experience was great.
This Hasuike station is the entry and transit stop for the free shuttle buses to various ski resorts. There are three main routes (Northbound, Southbound and Outbound to Snow Monkey Park), so do always check with the bus driver. You can purchase the one-way bus tickets (2200JPY) to and fro Nagano Station using the ticketing machines available at Nagano station( bus stop at East Entrance Stop Number 23) and Hasuike Station.
Most of the hotels in other areas may require you to book dinner with them, as those areas may not have restaurants open for dinner. Ichinose area is the most crowded with grocery and restaurants offering dinner. The price is also more reasonable.
Okushiga area seems a bit more private and prime, with the restaurants charging at higher price. Kumanoyu area is less crowded but seemed more suited for beginners. The restaurants also charge reasonably.
