Nestled in Nagano Prefecture’s iconic Hakuba Valley, Tsugaike Mountain Resort blends deep-powder thrills with family-friendly charm and a vibrant local culture. Known for its expansive terrain, accessible location, and après-ski scene, Tsugaike is more than a ski resort—it’s a complete alpine experience.
Gateway to the Japanese Alps
Just three hours from Tokyo, Tsugaike is an accessible escape from city life. Travelers take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station (1.5 hours), then connect via scenic bus through snow-covered valleys (another 1.5 hours). The journey is smooth, and the reward is a resort surrounded by the pristine peaks of the Northern Alps.
Tsugaike’s slopes are designed with inclusivity in mind. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, there’s a trail waiting for you:
• Beginner Terrain (50%): Wide, gentle slopes ideal for learning the ropes.
• Intermediate Terrain (30%): Great for building skills and confidence.
• Advanced Terrain (20%): Including Tsugapow DBD (Double Black Diamond), offering access to exhilarating deep powder zones.
• TG Parks: A freestyle park where skiers and snowboarders of all levels can practice tricks and jumps. The resort’s thoughtful layout makes it easy for mixed-level groups to enjoy the mountain together.
A Family-Focused Winter Wonderland
Families find plenty to love at Tsugaike. The kid-friendly slopes and designated snow play areas make the resort ideal for children experiencing snow for the first time. Multilingual ski schools ensure every guest— regardless of language—can learn safely and comfortably. Parents with toddlers can take advantage of daycare services, so everyone gets to enjoy their time on the mountain.
Beyond the Slopes: Unforgettable Snow Experiences
Tsugaike doesn’t limit the fun to skiing and snowboarding. The resort offers some of the most unique snow activities in the region:
• Tsugaike Snow Wall: Towering up to 4-5 meters, these frozen corridors offer an immersive and photogenic winter walk.
• Hakuba Tsugaike Snow Activity WOW!: A snow adventure park with activities for all ages:
– Snowmobiles and snow bikes for adrenaline junkies
– Buggy cruising through scenic trails
– Spider nets, mazes, tubing, and sledding for kids and families
These experiences ensure that non-skiers and families with diverse interests can still enjoy a day packed with winter excitement.
Dining, Relaxation, and Slope-Side Comfort
After an active day, guests can recharge at one of more than 10 restaurants and cafés scattered throughout the resort. Choices range from hearty ramen and classic Japanese curry, to international favourites. Cozy rest stations are placed thoughtfully across the mountain, offering a warm break between runs.
Most accommodations, from luxury hotels to homey lodges, are within walking distance of the slopes, so it’s easy to ski out in the morning and walk home after dinner. Tsugaike is also connected to the Hakuba Valley’s shuttle bus network, which opens the door to other resorts, villages, and onsen (hot springs).
Tsugaike Yokocho: The Soul of Après-Ski
One of Tsugaike’s most unique and beloved features is Tsugaike Yokocho, a lively gathering place located at the Gondola Bottom Station. As the lifts close and the sky turns pink, skiers and snowboarders head here to unwind.
Here’s what makes Tsugaike Yokocho special:
• Atmosphere: Strings of warm lanterns, laughter from open-air tables, and the aroma of grilled food in the air give it a festival-like atmosphere.
• Footbaths: Kick off your boots and dip your legs into natural hot water footbaths. It’s the perfect way to relax and recover.
• Local eats: Try grilled skewers, yakisoba, miso soup, or hot sake from vendors and pop-up kitchens. The casual dining scene makes it easy to sample many flavors.
• Friendly social scene: With communal tables and a mix of locals, visitors, and resort staff, Yokocho is where stories are shared, ski tips are traded, and friendships are made.
Yokocho represents Tsugaike’s community spirit—warm, inviting, and uniquely Japanese.
Tradition Meets Global Adventure
Tsugaike manages to be both culturally authentic and globally welcoming. The village features traditional ryokan inns, where you can experience tatami rooms and Japanese hospitality. At the same time, it caters to international travelers with English signage, multilingual staff, and modern comforts. Whether it’s soaking in an onsen after a powder day, joining a sushi-making class, or chatting with fellow travelers over craft beer, the resort fosters connection through culture.
Gateway to the Best of Hakuba Valley
Tsugaike is part of the Hakuba Valley network, home to multiple renowned ski resorts. With a Hakuba Valley lift pass, guests can explore nearby resorts like Happo- One, Iwatake, and Cortina. Thanks to convenient shuttle access, it’s easy to expand your adventure across different terrain and atmospheres.
Still, many choose to base themselves at Tsugaike for its relaxed pace, broad runs, and strong community feel.
Powder and Play: TSUGAPOW DBD and TG PARKS
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or just looking to try something new, Tsugaike’s mountain has you covered. Advanced riders will be drawn to TSUGAPOW DBD—an expert-only deep powder zone within resort boundaries that delivers the thrill of backcountry terrain with the safety of in-bounds control. With tree-lined runs, steep drops, and untracked snow, it’s a rare find in a resort setting and a must-try for powder hunters.
For those who prefer style and creativity, TG PARKS is where the action is. Designed to welcome all skill levels, it offers an evolving lineup of features—from mellow boxes and rollers to more advanced rails and jumps— making it the perfect space for progression. It’s not just about tricks, though—it’s about community, with riders often cheering each other on and sharing tips between runs.
Together, these two areas add a dynamic edge to Tsugaike’s already diverse terrain, creating a mountain playground where both skill and passion find their place.
Why Tsugaike?
Because it’s more than a ski resort. It’s a place where families discover snow for the first time, where powder hunters find their next line, where cultures mix over grilled snacks and footbaths, and where every snowy sunrise feels like an invitation.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort is where winter lives-in the landscape, the experiences, the people, and the memories.
Come for the snow. Stay for the stories. Find your winter at Tsugaike.
Web: www.tsugaike.gr.jp/#
