Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort Ski Resort Overview

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.

Where is Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort located?

Myoko Suginohara is located in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, on the eastern side of the Mt. Myoko massif.

It sits about:

• 10 minutes by car from Akakura Onsen
• 15–20 minutes from Ikenotaira and other Myoko resorts
• Roughly 3.5 hours from Tokyo by train and local transport

While there are a few lodges near the base, most visitors stay in Akakura or nearby onsen towns and commute daily.

What kind of ski resort is Myoko Suginohara?

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:

• Very long beginner-to-intermediate runs
• High vertical descent in a single lap
• Consistent powder conditions
• Gondola-based access to upper terrain
• Spacious pistes with minimal congestion

Terrain parks are available, but this is not a freestyle-centric resort.

How big is the mountain?

Suginohara is one of the four main resorts on Mt. Myoko and offers serious scale.

Key stats:

• Summit elevation: approx. 1,855 m
• Base elevation: approx. 731 m
• Vertical drop: approx. 1,124 m
• Season length: mid-December to late March (conditions permitting)

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:

How many lifts does Myoko Suginohara have?

There are 5 lifts as follows:

• Suginohara Gondola (8-person, backbone of the resort)
• Suginohara Pair Lift No. 1
• Suginohara Pair Lift No. 2
• Mitahara High-Speed Lift No. 2
• Mitahara High-Speed Lift No. 3

The gondola does most of the heavy lifting, moving skiers quickly from base to upper mountain.

How many ski runs are there and what are they like?

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:

• Gentle, sustained beginner courses
• Rolling intermediate pistes ideal for carving
• Steeper advanced lines and mogul sections
• Ungroomed powder areas after snowfall
• A dedicated terrain park zone

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.

Is Myoko Suginohara good for beginners?

Yes — especially confident beginners who want long, forgiving slopes rather than short practice runs.

Beginner-friendly features include:

• Wide, low-angle groomed trails
• Gradual pitch changes
• Clear trail signage
• Easy gondola access without narrow bottlenecks

Absolute first-timers may prefer smaller resorts, but progressing beginners tend to love Suginohara.

Is it suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers?

Very much so.

Intermediate skiers benefit from:

• Long, consistent pitches
• High-speed carving terrain
• Minimal crowding even on weekends

Advanced skiers will find:

• Steeper advanced courses
• Mogul runs
• Powder lines after storms
• Natural snow zones off main pistes

The challenge here comes more from length and endurance than extreme terrain.

Does the resort offer ski and snowboard lessons?

Yes. Multiple schools operate at Suginohara.

Lesson options include:

• Group and private lessons
• Ski and snowboard programs
• Children’s lessons
• Instruction in Japanese, English, and Chinese (provider dependent)

Are rentals available?

Yes. Rental services are located at the base area.

Available equipment includes:

• Ski and snowboard sets
• Boots and poles
• Snowwear (jackets and pants)

Rental gear is modern and well maintained. Gloves and goggles are generally not rented and should be brought or purchased separately.

Are there restaurants on the mountain?

Yes. Dining options are concentrated near the base and lift access points.

Typical offerings include:

• Casual cafeterias
• Local Japanese comfort food
• Curry, ramen, and set meals
• Coffee and café-style options

There are also many additional dining choices in Akakura and surrounding areas after skiing.

How much are lift tickets?

Suginohara offers several ticket options depending on duration and age group.

Typical choices include:

• 1-day tickets
• 2-day passes
• 4-hour tickets
• Season passes

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.

Is Myoko Suginohara on the Ikon Pass?

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.

Is there night skiing?

No. Suginohara operates daytime skiing only.

Lift hours generally run from morning through mid-afternoon, depending on conditions and lift.

When does the ski season usually run?

Typical operating period:

• Mid-December to late March

Actual opening and closing dates depend heavily on snowfall and weather patterns. Heavy snow seasons may extend operations, while warm spells can shorten them.

Is parking available?

Yes. Parking is:

• Free
• Located near the base area
• Suitable for day visitors

Roads are generally well maintained, but snow tires or chains are essential in winter.

How do I get to Myoko Suginohara?

By train

• JR services to Myoko-Kogen or nearby stations
• Taxi or local shuttle to the resort

By car

• Approx. 3.5 hours from Tokyo
• Access via expressways and mountain roads

Public transport is workable, but a car offers more flexibility.

Who is Myoko Suginohara best suited for?

This resort is ideal for:

• Intermediate skiers and snowboarders
• Riders who love long, uninterrupted runs
• Powder seekers after snowfall
• Families with confident children
• Ikon Pass holders exploring Japan

It is less suited for nightlife-focused travelers or terrain-park-only riders.

Final thoughts

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.