Suginohara Ski Resort

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Myoko Suginohara
Myoko Suginohara
Suginohara has some lovely tree skiing
Suginohara has some lovely tree skiing
Suginohara sidecountry
Suginohara sidecountry
Suginohara has a good range of slopeside eateries
Suginohara has a good range of slopeside eateries
Puki Yuki the snow goddess blesses Myoko Kogen
Puki Yuki the snow goddess blesses Myoko Kogen
Suginohara Myoko Ski Resort
Suginohara Myoko Ski Resort
Lake views at Myoko Suginohara
Lake views at Myoko Suginohara
Myoko Suginohara has highly renowned sidecountry
Myoko Suginohara has highly renowned sidecountry
Suginohara has long cruisers
Suginohara has long cruisers
The Suginohara Gondola
The Suginohara Gondola
Myoko Suginohara
Myoko Suginohara
Suginohara Ski Resort has 2 hooded quad chairs
Suginohara Ski Resort has 2 hooded quad chairs
Wide open groomers
Wide open groomers
The hooded quads are nice on inclement weather days
The hooded quads are nice on inclement weather days
The very slow access double chair from the village
The very slow access double chair from the village
Suginohara Ski Resort Myoko
Suginohara Ski Resort Myoko
Suginohara Myoko has long cruisy groomed runs
Suginohara Myoko has long cruisy groomed runs

Suginohara Ski Resort

Readers Ratings

Suginohara

Suginohara4/57
Suginohara4 out of 5 based on 7 reviews
  • Recommend
    86%
  • Would Revisit
    86%

Suginohara Ski Resort Myoko

Myoko Suginohara is possibly our favourite of the Myoko ski resorts, with its super long cruisy groomers, 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 that 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 like 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.

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 Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort is reasonably good.
  • Like the other main Myoko ski resorts, it generally receives abundant snow. The aspect isn’t great for warm sunny days, yet it has the highest elevation of the Myoko ski resorts.
  • Suginohara has fantastic sidecountry and backcountry for experts, and also a small amount of fun tree skiing inside the resort boundaries.
  • On clear days, the ski area affords lovely views of the lakes and the valley, and Fuji if you’re lucky.
  • Kids under 13 years of age ski free.
Cons
  • There are no group snowsports lessons in English at Suginohara.
  • 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 that challenging.
  • For those staying in Suginosawa, the bus transport to other Myoko ski areas is limited and arrives too late for first lifts, and there are no night buses to get to the Akakura restaurants and bars.
  • The access lift from the Suginosawa village starts too late and doesn’t get you up for first gondola.
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. 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 to 1,855m). Suginohara only has 5 lifts, but the lift infrastructure is reasonably good considering 3 lifts are fast and 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 beginner and mellow 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.

More information on the terrain can be found on the Suginohara skiing page.

Suginohara Snow

Suginohara scores lots of goodness from the Yuki gods 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, whilst the unfavourable aspect plays out when temperatures rise.

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 is the furthest south of the main Myoko ski areas.

There are a few buses daily to Suginohara from other Myoko villages. If you stay in Suginosawa village at the base of Suginohara and want to sample other Myoko ski areas, you’ll ideally want to have a car or stay at a lodge that offers shuttles.

 

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 largely hasn’t been westernised, there is only one restaurant/pub, and most people stay at their accommodation for dinner. Much of the Suginohara accommodation offers half board, is inexpensive, and is ski-in ski-out or close to the slopes.

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. The village has an onsen, the Naena-no Yu, which is open for day trippers. Unlike Seki Onsen where the water is coloured, the Suginosawa hot spring water is clear.
[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"]
Tours That May Include Suginohara

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

The Legendary Roadie
HOSTED & GUIDED ROAD TRIP
11 Days | 10 Nights | 8 Days Skiing
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Experience Japan powder like no other on this legendary road trip where you will visit up to 8 resorts in 3 prefectures; Nagano, Gunma & Niigata! Join a tour as a solo traveler, couple or small group. Max 6 spots per tour so get in quickly!
Price p/p From price based on twin-share, standard package at Lodge Aibiya.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,343
View Details
 
Pow Pow Japan Tour
HOSTED GROUP PACKAGE PRIVATE TOUR
Cultural Ski & Snowboard Adventure
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Ski Japan's famous powder in conjunction with a rich cultural experience on this hosted tour. The tour is hosted by a local Japanese person who speaks fluent English; whilst the focus of the tours is primarily snow sports, you will experience the culture, food & festivities beyond the normal ski/snowboard adventure.
Price p/p From price based on 8-day sample itinerary, twin-share room (group of 6).
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,526
View Details
 
Myoko to Hakuba Backcountry
GUIDED LIFT ASSISTED BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
8 Nights | 9 Days
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This lift assisted backcountry tour takes in Myoko, Nozawa Onsen & Hakuba & is ideal for advanced to expert backcountry skiers and split boarders. These 3 areas are known for deep snow & epic tree skiing. Join as a solo, couple or small group; max 8 guests per tour.
Price p/p Price per person based on 2025 tours
USD 4,699
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See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Suginohara here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Nagano Powder Chaser
HOSTED & GUIDED SKI & CULTURE PACKAGES
3, 4, 5 & 6 Nights | 2, 3, 4 & 5 Days Skiing/Boarding
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Don't let a lack of time, budget or resort knowledge hold you back from a ski/snowboard trip in Nagano this winter. Experience many of Nagano's best ski areas with guides who have an intimate knowledge; based in the culturally rich town of Yudanaka. Tours can be CUSTOMISED for 3 nights or more. Share
Price p/p From price based on 3-night stay with 2 days skiing/boarding) in a twin share Japanese room with private bathroom.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,065
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 5% Off tours between 13th and 31st March 2024
Nagano Ski/Board Progression
SKI / SNOWBOARD GUIDED INSTRUCTION
10 Days | 9 Nights | 8 Skiing | Up to 8 Ski Areas
Ability: Intermediate to Strong Intermediate
Learn to ski and ride deep powder with more confidence or improve your on-piste technique whilst checking out some of Nagano's fabulous ski areas away from the masses of foreigners. In addition to the skiing and snowboarding, experience an area rich in culture and history.
Price p/p From price based on per person twin-share room with shared bathroom.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,008
View Details
 
Japan Snow Tour
GUIDED PROGRESSION TOUR
8 Days | 7 Nights | 5 Days Skiing | Up to 7 Ski Areas
Ability: Beginner to Advanced
Want to improve your riding to tackle bigger and better terrain? Well this tour could be for you! Get ski or snowboard instruction and learn to ride & ski deep powder whilst immersing yourself in Japanese culture.
Price p/p From price based on twin/triple/quad-share room occupancy for 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in AUD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,859
View Details
 
See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Suginohara here

Ski & Snowboard Camp Tours

NZSIA Ski Instructors Course
LEVEL-1 SKI INSTRUCTOR COURSE
5 Days Instruction | 6 Days Lifts | 7 Nights Lodging
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
Come and ride in Japan as a solo or with a couple of mates and achieve your level 1 NZSIA ski instructors certificate. Professional NZSIA qualified coach, great accommodation & more...
Price p/p Based on bed in a shared room (max 3 per room)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed price might vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 1,936
View Details
 
NZSIA Snowboard Instructors Course
LEVEL-1 SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTOR COURSE
5 Days Instruction | 6 Days Lifts | 7 Nights Lodging
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
Come and ride in Japan as a solo or with a couple of mates and achieve your level 1 NZSIA snowboarding instructors certificate. Professional NZSIA qualified coach, great accommodation & more...
Price p/p Based on bed in a shared room (max 3 per room)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed price might vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 1,936
View Details
 
See all Ski & Snowboard Camp tours that visit Suginohara here
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