A number of unique ski areas lie across the eastern slopes of majestic Mt. Myoko. There are endless ways to enjoy skiing here, from long, scenic, tree-lined slopes to challenging bump runs—and especially deep, deep powder.

For those who want variety in their skiing, the interconnected Akakura Kanko Ski Resort (Akakan) and Akakura Onsen Ski Resort together provide 32 different courses for all levels. Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort provides both wide, gentle slopes and one of the best board and ski parks in Japan. Myoko’s Suginohara Ski Resort has everything from steep bump runs and open slopes to Japan’s longest run—a full 8.5 km in length. Seki Onsen Resort is known for its all-access powder, especially among snowboarders, while Myoko Ski Park Resort and Kyukamura Myoko Ski Resort are great for families who prefer more leisure skiing. Myoko also boasts a number of ski schools with English-language skills to help you improve your skiing, or to get out into the beautiful backcountry of the area.

All the ski areas allow full access to snowboarders, with terrain parks for those who live for the challenge of winter sports. Myoko is a paradise for winter sports lovers.

Perhaps the oldest true ski resort in all of Japan, Akakan was founded in 1937, with the signature Akakura Kanko Hotel still right in the middle of the slopes. It’s not just old, though; Akakan boasts a wide range of tree-lined courses that continue to draw the young (and lots of young-at-heart skiers).

Connected with Akakan, skiers can enjoy both areas on a combined ticket, or each separately. The area has many runs especially suited for beginning and intermediate skiers. And, with Akakan, it shares the town of Akakura at its base—a traditional onsen (hot spring) town: the perfect place to enjoy traditional Japan after skiing!

There are two sub-areas to this relative gentle area, set in the midst of a romantic birch and beech forest. With long, wide slopes, this ski resort boasts one of the best snowboard parks in Japan, for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.

Myoko Suginohara boasts a diverse range of ski trails. There are beautiful views of Lake Nojiri and the mountains to the south and east (even Mt. Fuji on a clear day) with long downhill trails for all levels. Suginohara’s 8.5-kilometer (5.3-mile) run is the longest in the nation.

Seki Onsen Ski Resort is renowned for its deep, soft powder snow. A smaller family-owned area, it makes up for size with interesting topography and massive snowfall—it’s one of the best places in Japan for powder hounds.

Families and beginning skiers seeking to enjoy a leisurely skiing experience shouldn’t miss Myoko Ski Park Resort. Its gently sloping, wooded trails have a 7-degree average slope. The ski lodge has complete facilities, including restaurants.

Beginning skiers and snowboarders can safely take on the challenge of Kyukamura Myoko’s gentle slopes running no more than 16 degrees. The ski slopes are close to the lodging facilities, so skiers can conveniently return to their room for a break. Here skiers can enjoy skiing at their own pace.

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There are even more ski areas in the Myoko region; they're just not based on Mt. Myoko. All are within 30 minutes or so by car, and provide some skiing alternatives during your stay here. North of Mt. Myoko, and still within Myoko City, so we'll start here. This is a large, self-contained resort with hotel, spa, shopping and dining, rentals, etc. It's famous for controlled offpiste skiing; there are several zones from the top of the area that will open for skiing once the resort's patrollers and avalanche team give the OK. A shuttle bus runs to the resort from Joetsu-Myoko Station, so it is possible to reach teh resort using public transport.

Two resorts on Mt. Madarao, across the valley from Mt. Myoko to the east. Tangram's narrow upper runs are clearly visible from the Mt. Myoko resorts, while the larger Madarao Resort faces more to the north. Both are interconnected; shuttle buses have run from Myokokogen Station to Tangram, and may again (we're just not sure yet in this almost post-covid period). Madaro's gladed runs are popular on powder days.

facing east on the base of Mt. Kurohime, just to the south of Mt. Myoko, this is a report of gentle slopes, great for families and beginners, with some steep sections to keep the more adventurous happy. Very friendly, local feeling.