THE TAKASU MOUNTAINS
The TAKASU MOUNTAINS is the largest ski resort alliance in Western Japan and is made up of six local ski areas. All of the ski resorts are linked together and the layout of the ski resorts is broadly split into two large ski areas at its centre with Takasu Snow Park and Dynaland (hereinafter, “TAKASU DYNA”) making up one area, and Washigatake Ski Resort and White PIA Takasu (hereinafter, “WashitoPIA”) making up the other. In addition to the two giant areas are two family-oriented, compact ski resorts: Hirugano Kogen and Gujo Vacance Mura. Snow lovers of all persuasions can find something to suit them thanks to the wide variety of ski resorts here. The combined total length of the ski slopes in this mega-resort is 73 kilometres with a total of 66 courses available—the largest and most plentiful in all of Japan. There is no other ski area of this scale in Western Japan (and very few across all of Japan) that offers shared lift passes and shuttle buses to-and-from the slopes for everyone to enjoy.
An added bonus is that the TAKASU MOUNTAINS is within an hour’s drive to popular tourist destinations such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, Hida Takayama, Gujo Hachiman, and Gifu Castle. Not only do you get to ski or snowboard to your heart’s content, but you can also experience Japanese culture through these fascinating tourist attractions. What makes this location so great is that not only are there hotels within the mega ski resort itself, but visitors can also centre their stays in popular sightseeing locations, such as Gujo Hachiman or Hida Takayama, and then enjoy a few days of skiing as they please in the surrounding ski areas.
THE LARGEST SKI RESORT IN WESTERN JAPAN—TAKASU DYNA
TAKASU DYNA takes the crown as the largest ski area within the TAKASU MOUNTAINS, boasting ten lifts and gondolas and a total of 31 courses. The massive area sits on the famous Mount Dainichi, which towers at a height of 1,709 metres tall, and features some prominent ski areas filled with high-quality snow as well as phenomenal powder snow in the high season. As with all ski areas on Gifu, this area is decked out with many snow machines with TAKASU DYNA home to over 200 of them—more than any other ski resort in the area. It’s important to have the peace of mind that the ski slopes here will always be in great condition, no matter what the weather may be, especially in recent times when the climate can be highly unpredictable. The plentiful snow machines make for decent snow over an extended season from December to April, and the slopes at the base of the mountain specifically for sledding paired with the well-stocked rental services for kids means the artificial snow here is also great for those looking to experience winter fun in the snow.
The area for kids features a course for sleds with a conveyor belt and six sleds ready to go there. There’s also an indoor playground area, which you don’t often find at ski resorts, that includes a jumping castle and ball pit for kids to have a ball with. Visitors can also find a food court fitted with family seats here. It’s a pleasant delight to spend the day at a ski resort filled with facilities where both parents and children can enjoy themselves.
For the more hardcore snow-sport lovers, there is a world-class super pipe as well as the popular “MIXED UP BANKS,” which is a combined park featuring banks and kickers. It’s easy to understand why visitors keep returning because of how accessible the area is. A single lift will take enthusiastic shredders to the moguls course, banks, and obstacle course.
There are a total of eight restaurants in the area and while there may be a variety of different cuisines, including local delicacies, a place I highly recommend is the Takasu Terrace at the top of the mountain. Nothing beats chowing down on a special hamburger made in collaboration with a famous local ham-maker as you gaze upon the amazing view which can sometimes feature a sea of clouds. The closest hotel to this ski area is the Villa Mont Saint. This hotel, oozing with retro vibes, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023 and has captured popularity for its nostalgic feel. While guests can enjoy the buffet-style breakfast filled with a variety of dishes, it’s the chef ’s handmade bread for breakfast that is all the rage. The breads are sold in the lobby lounge as well and are sold out almost every day.
WASHITOPIA—A SKI RESORT FEATURING DIRECT ACCESS TO A HOTEL
WashitoPIA is the next largest ski area in Western Japan, following Takasu Dyna, with eight lifts and a total of 26 courses. This resort boasts excellent access with it being located three kilometres from the nearest expressway exit as well as having direct buses from Nagoya during the ski season.
At the base of the ski area is an eye-catching triangular hotel that offers ski-in-ski-out facilities—the Washigatake Kogen Hotel Rainbow. An advantage of staying at this hotel is that guests can use the discounted lift tickets sold here to head to the slopes when they’re open early in the morning or at night. Its location offering direct access to the slopes makes it great for visitors who want to hit the slopes whenever they please without having to worry about travel times. Right at the front of the hotel is White Adventure, which is a kids area where children can do some sledding or practice their skiing and snowboarding. There are also facilities where children can play inside of the hotel itself, making it stand out as a family-friendly establishment. The buffet-style meals here offer Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes in their plentiful lineups. Guests particularly gush about the steaks that the chef grills up on the spot for you as well as the chocolate fondue. There is also a variety of places serving traditional Gifu cuisine in the area.
With its easy access from Nagoya and other major cities in Japan, why not plan a visit to the TAKASU MOUNTAINS for next winter?
Web: takasumountains.com/
