Best of Niigata Prefecture
Best Ski Resorts in Niigata Prefecture, Japan 2026/27: Largest, Highest & for Beginners
By Book & Ski · Sources checked
The short answer
By mapped runs, the biggest ski areas in Niigata Prefecture, Japan are Joetsu Kokusai (23 km), Myoko Suginohara (21 km) and Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort (19 km). The highest is Myoko Suginohara, with runs from 1,857 m (6,093 ft); the biggest vertical is at Myoko Suginohara (1,118 m); and Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort has the largest share of easy terrain (80%).
| Resort | Top elevation | Vertical | Mapped runs | Easy terrain | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joetsu Kokusai | 931 m | 714 m | 23 km | 33% | source |
| Myoko Suginohara | 1,857 m | 1,118 m | 21 km | 63% | source |
| Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort | 1,178 m | 821 m | 19 km | 57% | source |
| Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort | 1,145 m | 797 m | 7 km | 65% | source |
| Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort | 698 m | 234 m | 6 km | 80% | source |
| Yuzawa Park Ski Resort | 641 m | 193 m | 5 km | 65% | source |
Highest ski resorts in Niigata Prefecture
Higher resorts generally hold snow longer into spring. These have the highest mapped runs in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
Myoko Suginohara: 1,857 m (6,093 ft) →Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort: 1,178 m (3,865 ft) →Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort: 1,145 m (3,757 ft) →Joetsu Kokusai: 931 m (3,054 ft) →Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort: 698 m (2,290 ft) →Biggest vertical drop
Vertical is the height difference between the highest and lowest mapped runs: a guide to how long the longest descents can be.
Myoko Suginohara: 1,118 m vertical →Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort: 821 m vertical →Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort: 797 m vertical →Joetsu Kokusai: 714 m vertical →Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort: 234 m vertical →Best for beginners (most easy terrain)
Ranked by the share of mapped run length graded novice or easy. A big share of gentle runs gives beginners more room to progress; also check where the ski school meets.
Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort: 80% easy (6 km total) →Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort: 65% easy (7 km total) →Yuzawa Park Ski Resort: 65% easy (5 km total) →Myoko Suginohara: 63% easy (21 km total) →Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort: 57% easy (19 km total) →How we chose
“Best” here means measurable: size (km of mapped downhill runs), top elevation, vertical drop and the share of easy terrain, across the 6 ski areas with at least 20 km of runs and five lifts in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Figures come from OpenStreetMap via OpenSkiMap, retrieved 2026-10-10, and can differ from resorts’ own published numbers.
All ski resorts in Niigata Prefecture →Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest ski resort in Niigata Prefecture?
By mapped runs, Joetsu Kokusai, with about 23 km and 19 lifts.
What is the highest ski resort in Niigata Prefecture?
Myoko Suginohara, with mapped runs starting at about 1,857 m (6,093 ft).
Which Niigata Prefecture ski resort is best for beginners?
By share of easy terrain, Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort (80% of runs graded novice or easy). Also consider ski school locations and lift access.
Official sources
Checked on . Prices and timetables change; confirm with the operator before you pay. How we research.