Like many non-westernised Japanese ski resorts, the magnitude and scope of the services and amenities at Tangram Ski Resort seems out of keeping with the small size of the ski area. The services and facilities are very well developed and are housed in the large deluxe Hotel Tangram and the adjacent day lodge at the base of the ski area.

Facilities for Children

Tangram is very family friendly but I can’t imagine too many foreign families using Tangram as a base considering it’s not very English friendly.

Tangram has a nursery for kids 3 months up to pre-school age, and a kindergarten snow activity class for children ages 4 to pre-school. Don’t expect the staff to speak English.

A kids’ park is located at the base of the resort and has some fun play equipment and tobogganing and tubing opportunities. It’s free if you have a lift ticket. Otherwise it attracts a small fee.

Snow rafting and kids’ snowmobiling is also available.

Tangram Ski and Snowboard School

Lessons are only with Japanese ski instructors so unless you’re fluent in the Japanese language, you’ll need to head over to Madarao for a private ski or snowboard lesson.

Tangram Ski and Snowboard Rental

Tangram has ski and snowboard equipment rentals as well as clothing rentals. The equipment is mostly targeted to those who remain on-piste, but they also have a small range of fat skis.

Eating On Mountain

Tangram has a huge cafeteria (does it ever get packed??!!!) that looks up to the slopes. The fare is pretty consistent with other non-westernised Japanese ski resorts.

Shops

There is a small Tangram ski shop that features lots of ski and snowboard accessories such as helmets, gloves, beanies, backpacks and goggles. The shop also has a small amount of apparel and some Tangram souvenirs.

Next door is a general retail shop that has lots of those confectionary gifts. Shops like this must love whoever started the silly Japanese tradition that the domestic holiday makers have to take gifts back to their work colleagues! The shop also has snacks, beverages, various sundries and other souvenirs.

This is Japan, so of course there are vending machines too if you want a drink!