January 6, 2026
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort offers long ski runs, deep powder, and a 1,100m vertical drop on Mt. Myoko in Niigata, Japan.
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort sits on the lower slopes of Mt. Myoko in Niigata Prefecture. With Japan’s longest single ski run stretching roughly 8.5 km and a vertical drop of over 1,100 meters, it offers a very different experience from compact, lift-dense resorts.
The mountain receives enormous snowfall each winter — often exceeding 10 meters — while its open layout and modern gondola system keep crowds spread out. On clear days, skiers are rewarded with wide-angle views across Lake Nojiri and, in rare conditions, even Mt. Fuji far to the south.
This guide covers the key questions skiers and snowboarders usually ask when deciding whether Myoko Suginohara is the right fit.
Myoko Suginohara is located in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, on the eastern side of the Mt. Myoko massif.
It sits about:
While there are a few lodges near the base, most visitors stay in Akakura or nearby onsen towns and commute daily.
Myoko Suginohara is a medium, vertical-focused ski resort that emphasizes distance, flow, and natural snow rather than dense lift networks.
It is particularly known for:
Terrain parks are available, but this is not a freestyle-centric resort.
Suginohara is one of the four main resorts on Mt. Myoko and offers serious scale.
Key stats:
The vertical alone puts Suginohara among the bigger resorts in Japan. In fact, as of the writing of this article, we have 366 resorts. Myoko Suginohara ranks #1 for vertical. Here are the top 3 resorts sorted by vertical:
There are 5 lifts as follows:
The gondola does most of the heavy lifting, moving skiers quickly from base to upper mountain.
Myoko Suginohara offers a wide mix of groomed and natural terrain, with a strong bias toward long cruising runs.
The trail network of about 16 pistes includes:
The signature feature is the 8.5 km continuous descent, allowing riders to ski top-to-bottom without interruption.
Get Myoko Suginohara’s PDF ski map here.
Yes — especially confident beginners who want long, forgiving slopes rather than short practice runs.
Beginner-friendly features include:
Absolute first-timers may prefer smaller resorts, but progressing beginners tend to love Suginohara.
Very much so.
Intermediate skiers benefit from:
Advanced skiers will find:
The challenge here comes more from length and endurance than extreme terrain.
Yes. Multiple schools operate at Suginohara.
Lesson options include:
Yes. Rental services are located at the base area.
Available equipment includes:
Rental gear is modern and well maintained. Gloves and goggles are generally not rented and should be brought or purchased separately.
Yes. Dining options are concentrated near the base and lift access points.
Typical offerings include:
There are also many additional dining choices in Akakura and surrounding areas after skiing.
Suginohara offers several ticket options depending on duration and age group.
Typical choices include:
Children aged 12 and under ski free, which makes this resort particularly attractive for families.
An adult 1 day lift ticket is Yen 8,000 (Yen 7,200 if you are a Seibu Prince Global Rewards Member) as of Jan, 2026.
Yes. From the 2025–2026 winter season, Myoko Suginohara is included in the Ikon Pass program.
Ikon Pass holders can access the resort directly at the lift gates without advance reservations, subject to pass type and blackout dates.
No. Suginohara operates daytime skiing only.
Lift hours generally run from morning through mid-afternoon, depending on conditions and lift.
Typical operating period:
Actual opening and closing dates depend heavily on snowfall and weather patterns. Heavy snow seasons may extend operations, while warm spells can shorten them.
Yes. Parking is:
Roads are generally well maintained, but snow tires or chains are essential in winter.
By train
By car
Public transport is workable, but a car offers more flexibility.
This resort is ideal for:
It is less suited for nightlife-focused travelers or terrain-park-only riders.
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort delivers a big-mountain feel without big-resort chaos. Its defining features are long vertical descents, deep snow and lots of vertical make it one great resort! If your idea of a great ski day involves fewer lift lines, longer laps, and room to breathe, Myoko Suginohara is an excellent choice.
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