Yuzawa Ski Resort 湯沢

Published on : 08/03/2019
by : J.R.

Skiing 1h30 from Tokyo

Passing skiers will be delighted to discover the small resort of Gala Yuzawa, easily accessible by train from the Japanese capital. Young and old can simply discover the joys of winter sports!

Gala Yuzawa station is mainly known because it is accessible in 1h30 by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo , a rarity! It has a very long season (from November to May), during which Tokyoites flock. Gala Yuzawa station is also very close to two other stations with which it offers a joint ticket: Ishiuchi Maruyama and Yuzawa Kogen . The slopes of the Gala Yuzawa station are installed on the slopes of Mount Takatsukara , culminating at 1181 meters.

To read: The Japanese Alps

Gala Yuzawa Shinkansen Station is located at the foot of the mountain , and is directly connected to the station's lobby . You will find in the adjacent building, the Cowabunga center , all the necessary information, in English. It is also in this large center that you can rent all the necessary equipment for a day of skiing or snowboarding: skis, boots, poles (for around 4,900 yen per day), but also coats, goggles, etc. The center is also home to changing rooms, restaurants, cafes, and even a spa area with an onsen.

Once ready, all you have to do is take the main cable car which connects the Cowabunga center to the Cheers center located at the bottom of the slopes . Different chairlifts will then take you to the top of the different slopes to start a beautiful day full of thrills.

The slopes of the resort

Gala Yuzawa offers 17 trails to passing skiers. These are organized into three main zones: the north, south and central zones .

For amateurs, the longest track is 2.5 km long. It is a resort very accessible to all, especially for families : indeed, 35% of the slopes are dedicated to beginners, 45% to intermediate skiers, and a small 20% for experts (black slopes.)

Most of the runs are groomed, however the long run called "Bronco", reserved for people with a very good level, as well as the short "SuperSwan" bump run are ungroomed, which will delight lovers of powder snow. Note that off-piste is strictly prohibited .

An observation post housing sanitary facilities is installed at an altitude of 1,030 metres. From there, you can admire a splendid panorama over the valley and take some beautiful shots.

winter activities

Like many Japanese ski resorts, the Gala Yuzawa area offers many other activities to enjoy the joys of snow.

The sleigh ride pulled by a snowmobile is a classic of the resort. It allows you to enjoy the landscapes of the region quietly, and with others. Guided snowshoe hikes through the forest are also offered, as well as cross-country skiing.

A playground has also been installed, in particular to enjoy crazy toboggan runs . The more adventurous can try their hand at sliding on a big inflatable buoy !

After a good day of skiing, the return to the Coabunga center is salutary: this is where you will find an onsen to relax, as well as restaurants serving curry, a specialty of the region.

The station's tracks close at 5 p.m.: you can then catch a Shinkansen back to Tokyo .

To spend the night on site in a hotel, you will have to go to the small town of Yuzawa thanks to the free shuttles set up by the various hotels, such as the Yuzawa Toei, the Yuzawa Grand Hotel, or the Futaba Niigata.

Japan by Shinkansen: buy the Japan Rail Pass

Address, timetable & access

Address
Phone
+81 (0)25-785-6543
Timetable
From Tokyo station, take the Joetsu shinkansen to Gala Yuzawa station. Ticket price: 7090 yen (56€).
Price
1-day adult pass: 4,600 yen (36€)1-day child pass: 2,300 yen (18€)Combined ticket for the three stations of Yuzawa: 5,700 yen (45€)
Website
https://gala.co.jp/winter/english/