[Snow Resort Introduction] Iwahara Ski Resort (Iwahara Ski Resort)
(photo by Iwahara official website)
Yuzawa's long-established ski resort has witnessed Japan's skiing trends in various eras since its opening in 1931.
The main theme is " Both adults and children can enjoy skiing with peace of mind ." It has a dedicated ski area for beginners.
There are exclusive discounts for children’s day every month, as well as multiple theme activities. It is a parent-child friendly ski resort that is also loved by Japanese families!
Iwahara Ski Resort also has "the second longest snow basin dedicated ski slope in Japan, 634m"
You can enjoy playing in the snow without skiing!
There are 20 ski trails in total. From beginners to advanced players, everyone can find a ski trail that suits them at Iwahara Snow Resort.
(Green Line) 40% - Spacious and straight, providing a safe practice space for beginners
(Red Line) 40% - Spacious terrain, suitable for advanced skills
(Black line) 20% - Spacious non-snow area, varied and overlooking the surrounding mountain views
▍Features of the ski resort:
▪The slopes are straight and wide
▪There are many gentle slopes, suitable for beginners to practice with peace of mind
▪Daily night skiing (Saturdays and holidays ~ PM20:00 | Weekdays and Sundays ~ PM 19:00)
▪Free shuttle bus to and from the station
▪There is a beginner’s area, a children’s play area, and a snow basin trail area.
▪The snow road route is easy to understand and difficult to get lost.
▍Recommended groups:
▪Suitable for ski and snowboard beginners - there are ski trails of moderate slope and length.
▪Diversified ski pass combinations - more affordable ski passes suitable for different needs.
▪Family travelers – a beginner’s area, a children’s play area, and a snow basin trail area, where you can have fun even if you don’t ski.
▍Editor’s opinion:
Iwahara Ski Resort is about a 10-minute drive from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. It has many gentle slopes and wide, straight slopes, making it perfect for beginners to practice safely! The length of the slope is just right for you when you first start practicing. It’s not too short to make you feel like you haven’t had enough fun, and not too long to make you think it’s too difficult. The slopes are very friendly to novices and children, allowing you to enjoy the fun of sliding. And the sense of accomplishment of completing the entire ski trail. Whether it’s your first time skiing, a beginner who is still figuring out Sturn, or an advanced person who is exploring red lines and black lines, you can find a ski trail that suits you.
▲The second longest 634m snow basin trail in Japan
▲The wide and gentle snow trails provide beginners with a sense of security!
| Iwahara Ski Resort (Iwahara Ski Resort)
Official website: https://www.iwa-ppara.com/ Address: 〒949-6103 731-79 Oji Tsuchitaru, Yuzawa Town, Minami Uonuma County, Niigata Prefecture Weekdays, Sundays and holidays (1/8・3/20)………………8:00～19:00 (Night skiing from 17 to 20 hours) |
▍Discounted cable car tickets
➔ https://www.secure-site.jp/ASP/smart_ticket/jkokusai/index.cgi
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▍Ao Doulang’s TIPs for first-time skiers: (Continuously updated)
▲photo by outdoorland (welcome to collect and share, I hope it can help all snow lovers)
1. Take the shuttle bus
Take the East Exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station
The route is
Station East Exit -> Iwahara Sanroku Tower 1 -> Iwahara Chubu Tower 2
Remember to get off at the end of the ride , "Ryoden Park 2 Iwahara Nakafu" !
The "Iwahara Nakafu area" is the main area for beginners to practice. "Beginner area, children's play area, snow basin area, and restaurants" are all concentrated in the Nakafu area!
➔Shuttle bus timetable: https://iwa-ppara.com/access/
2. Ski equipment rental at ski resorts
Ski equipment can be rented at the ski resort center next to the P1 parking lot of "Ryosukuro 2 Iwahara Chuka-ku" . The center is equipped with "ski equipment rental, lockers, changing rooms, hot springs, restrooms, rest rooms, and a store."
(PS. This center does not have a built-in restaurant)
➔Ski equipment rental: https://iwa-ppara.com/rental/
(You can make an appointment online, so you don’t have to worry about on-site language communication problems)
3.Ticket booth in Iwahara Nakafu area)
Go out of the ski resort center of "Ryosun Park 2 Iwahara Nakabu Area" and walk up the slope towards the ski resort. You will see the "Wooden Hexagonal Ticket Booth" where you can buy tickets.
▲(Pink on the left is the restaurant, and on the right is the hexagonal ticket booth) You can see many private restaurants in this area for dining, but remember that these are private restaurants and you cannot occupy a seat for a long time!
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▍ Reference for ski resort activities in 2022-2023:
▲ Snow sports games that both adults and children can participate in (obstacle race, snowball rolling, tug of war, etc.)
Reference for past events: https://iwa-ppara.com/event/2024_undoukai/
▲Snowman making competition
