Suginohara Ski Resort Myoko
Myoko Suginohara is possibly our favourite of the
Myoko ski resorts, with super long cruisy groomers, some nice tree skiing and fun sidecountry. Often called “Sugi” for short, Suginohara Ski Resort is proud to have the longest run in Japan at 8.5km. The only problem with their claim is that Zao Onsen actually has a longer run (10km), although the Zao run is more of an annoying traverse than a thigh burning fall line cruiser!
Suginohara Myoko Kogen is a Prince Resort but it doesn’t quite fit the mould. Firstly there are no ski patrollers chasing you when you head off-piste, and there’s no imposing Prince Hotel at the base area as with
Naeba,
Furano,
Shizukuishi, and Yakebitaiyama at
Shiga Kogen. The little village at the base of the Suginohara Ski Resort is called Suginosawa Onsen, and there are no towering hotels and it’s retained its Japanese flavour. English isn’t widely spoken, although this is changing with the ever increasing popularity of
Myoko Kogen.
Pros and Cons of Myoko Suginohara
Pros
- Sugi has long groomed runs and is ideal for intermediates and confident beginners.
- The lift infrastructure at the Suginohara Ski Resort is reasonably good.
- Like the other main Myoko ski resorts, it generally receives abundant snow, although the aspect isn’t great for sunny days.
- Suginohara has fantastic sidecountry and backcountry for experts and also provides some fun tree skiing inside the resort boundaries.
- Kids under 13 years of age ski free and ski rentals are free on weekdays (except holidays).
- On clear days, the ski area affords lovely views of the lakes and the valley.
- It’s generally quiet midweek and easy enough to find freshies, although the popularity of Myoko Kogen is increasing.
Cons
- There are no on-site facilities for English speaking kids such as ski school or child care.
- Like a lots of Japanese ski resorts, the ski area isn’t big enough to provide adequate variety for a long holiday. It’s best combined with other Myoko and/or Niigata and Nagano ski resorts.
- Also typical of many Japan ski resorts, there’s very little advanced piste terrain and the black runs are not particularly challenging.
Pro or Con Depending On Your Perspective
- English isn’t widely spoken in the village, although this is changing with the ever increasing popularity of Myoko Kogen.
- There’s not much to do at Suginosawa other than ski or snowboard and soak in an onsen.
- Overnighters will need to BYO party and keep expectations very low regarding evening dining options. Staying at Suginohara provides an inexpensive and very quiet alternative to staying at the quasi-westernised parts of Myoko Kogen.
Suginohara Ski and Snowboard Terrain
Suginohara is medium sized for a Japanese ski resort, and it’s long and skinny with a big vertical drop of 1,124 metres (731-1,855m). Suginohara only has 5 lifts, but the lift infrastructure is reasonably good considering 3 lifts are fast & protect you from the elements.
The ski area is below the treeline and the trail stats (40% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 20% black) largely reflect the piste terrain, which is mostly mellow beginner and intermediate groomed runs. Suginohara has some enjoyable off-piste skiing and riding in the trees, particularly off the top lift. It’s not steep but the variety of tree spacing keeps it fun.
The Sugi terrain park is decent and is making the resort increasingly popular with freestylers.
Suginohara Snow
Suginohara scores lots of goodness from the Yuki gods with somewhere in the realm of 13 metres of snowfall on average per season. The top of the resort typically has great snow quality during the peak of winter thanks to its high elevation.
Where is Myoko Suginohara?
Myoko Kogen is located one hour north of the city of Nagano in the Niigata Prefecture – see the
travel to Myoko Kogen page for information on getting there. Suginohara is located on the southeast flank of Mt Myoko and the furthest south of the main Myoko ski areas.
Suginosawa Onsen Accommodation
The Suginosawa Onsen village at the base of the Suginohara ski resort is very quiet and more of a large collection of pensions and lodges than a village per se. The village hasn’t been westernised, there is only one or two restaurants, and most people stay at their accommodation for dinner. Much of the Suginohara accommodation is inexpensive, ski-in ski-out or close to the slopes, includes half board, and some lodges have an on-site onsen.
Suginohara Accommodation Listings
Facilities
Suginosawa and the ski resort have various basic ski and snowboard rental shops. The base area also has a retail shop selling lots of snacks, beverages, sundries and basic ski accessories. The official ski school is only for those fluent in Japanese, although it’s possible to get a private lesson from one of the international ski schools in the area.
During the day there are lots of food options to choose from, particularly at the base of the Mitahara lift #2, or there are eateries at the Center Area and the large cafeteria at the main base.
[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Myoko Kogen" subcategory="Suginohara Rentals"]
Suginohara Restaurants & Bars
Suginohara isn't known for its nightlife but it is slowly evolving to cater for international tourists.
[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Myoko Kogen" subcategory="Suginosawa Onsen Restaurants"]
