If you’re looking for a ski resort with easy access and great snow quality, the Gujo area in Gifu Prefecture is your best bet. Located just about two hours from Nagoya, these ski resorts are perfect for a same-day round trip. You can even make it straight from Chubu Centrair International Airport in around two and a half hours by car, allowing you to hit the slopes right after your flight.

The Gujo area is also known for its abundance of hot springs, offering the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a day on the slopes. Additionally, the popular tourist destinations of Takayama and Shirakawa-go are just about an hour away, making it easy to continue your adventure without wasting any time.

With a variety of ski resorts in the Gujo area, each catering to different tastes and skill levels, you’re sure to find one that suits you. In this article, we’ll introduce some of the top resorts and highlight their unique features, helping you choose your ideal destination.

Dynaland: A Ski Resort Open Until 11 PM Every Night

Dynaland is one of the largest ski resorts in western Japan, boasting a wide range of courses that cater to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. This resort is connected by a lift to the neighboring Takasu Snow Park, allowing you to enjoy both resorts with a single pass. Together, these two resorts offer a combined 31 courses, making it a paradise for ski enthusiasts.

Dynaland is an excellent place for beginners, with plenty of courses and practice areas designed to help you get the hang of skiing before you take on the more challenging slopes at Takasu Snow Park.

The resort also offers English-language lessons for international visitors, ensuring you can learn quickly and effectively in small groups of 1-4 people. (Advance reservations are required.)

If you’re new to skiing and unsure about the equipment, Dynaland offers rental packages that include everything you need: ski wear, skis, hats, gloves, goggles, and more. This makes it easy and stress-free for beginners to get started.

One of Dynaland’s standout features is its night skiing, available until 11 PM every day. While most resorts close by the evening, Dynaland offers a magical night skiing experience, where you can glide down the slopes under the stars. Plus, without the sun’s glare, there’s no need to worry about sunburn or the snow’s reflection.

For families, Dynaland’s Kids’ Park Baboon is a paradise. It features a sledding slope, a large snow play area, and indoor playground equipment, all in a safe environment. If your children are eager to try skiing, there are beginner slopes where adults can practice with their little ones, as well as ski lessons for children aged four and up.

Several hotels are located within a five-minute walk from the slopes, perfect for those who want to hit the slopes again the next day.

Additionally, there are ski tours that offer direct access from Nagoya, Gifu, and Takayama stations, making it easy to enjoy a one-day ski trip.

Takasu Snow Park: The Most Popular Ski Resort in Western Japan

Takasu Snow Park holds the title of the most visited ski resort in western Japan, a testament to its enduring popularity and reputation. Situated next to Dynaland, Takasu Snow Park offers a joint pass that allows you to explore both resorts in one visit. With a combined 31 courses stretching over 43 kilometers, this area is the largest ski destination in central and western Japan

Takasu Snow Park is particularly favored by advanced snowboarders, having once hosted the Snowboard World Cup. The resort is known for its long courses, making it a top choice for those looking to test their skills.

One of the standout features of Takasu Snow Park is its large gondola, which stretches 2,500 meters and takes you directly to the summit at an altitude of 1,550 meters. From the top, you can enjoy a variety of courses, including the main three runs that descend about 4,000 meters, offering a truly exhilarating long-distance skiing experience.

Another must-visit spot at the summit is the breathtaking café, TAKASU TERRACE. Located at 1,550 meters above sea level, this café features an open terrace where you can dine under the clear blue sky while taking in panoramic views. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a sea of clouds. The café offers Instagram-worthy treats like "HIRUGANO MILK," served with a tiny doughnut hanging from the straw.

While most ski resorts close by March, Takasu Snow Park remains open until late April, making it an ideal destination for those visiting Japan later in the season who still want to enjoy some skiing.

Washigatake Ski Resort: Expansive Slopes for a Comfortable Ride

Washigatake Ski Resort features 13 courses ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to forested trails for advanced skiers. Thanks to a combination of natural snow and snowmaking, the resort maintains excellent dry snow conditions. The most striking feature is the 400-meter-wide slope, allowing you to ski freely without worrying about collisions. With a shared pass, you can also access the adjacent White Pia Takasu, offering a combined total of 26 slopes to explore.

The resort boasts a 1,200-meter-long park area, known as a "freestyler's mecca" due to its history of producing Olympic athletes. It offers a range of facilities suitable for everyone from beginners to experts.

At the Kids' Park, White Adventure, families can enjoy sledding and practice snowboarding or skiing, creating unforgettable memories of their first snow experience together.

The resort's largest dining venue, Restaurant Rocky, not only offers ample seating but also satisfies with a diverse menu featuring Japanese rice bowls, ramen, pasta, and more.

Hotel Rainbow, with its ski-in/ski-out convenience, provides the perfect base for enjoying the resort. The hotel offers five room types, Wi-Fi, and a buffet-style dinner with a wide selection of dishes. The functional Center House at the resort includes a restaurant, rental shop, and bathing facilities, making it a convenient option for day-trippers looking for an all-in-one experience.

Winghills Shiratori Resort: Top-Brand Rental Gear Available

Winghills Shiratori Resort features nine slopes, ranging from challenging 30-degree pitches for experts to gentle runs for beginners. While skiing, you can also take in the stunning mountain scenery. The longest course stretches 3,500 meters, offering a thrilling long-distance run.

The resort’s gondola, the only one in the area with seating, whisks you to the 1,350-meter-high summit in just eight minutes—giving you a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

If you're looking to improve your skiing or snowboarding skills, consider signing up for lessons at Winghills Shiratori Resort. The school is led by the reigning All-Japan Snowboarding Champion, ensuring high-quality instruction. With lessons available for all levels, even kids can enjoy learning here.

Winghills Shiratori Resort is renowned for its rental gear, featuring top global brands like Burton's Step On series for snowboards, Atomic for skis, and Ice Peak for wear. Even if you arrive empty-handed, you can rent high-quality equipment on-site.

One of the five dining options at the resort, The LOOK, offers stunning snow-capped mountain views and serves championship-winning pizza from a competition organized by the Neapolitan Pizza Association.

After a day on the slopes, unwind at the natural hot spring Manten no Yu, located at the 2nd parking lot. For those looking to extend their stay, the luxury inn Manten no Yado offers exclusive accommodations with private open-air baths and kaiseki cuisine featuring local ingredients. For a more affordable option, Hotel Villa Wing, just a 3-minute walk from the ski area, is ideal for a quick rest and an early start on the slopes the next day.

Even non-skiers can have fun with activities like sledding and snow rafting. The resort also features a Kids' Park and indoor play area, making it a great option for families with young children.

Meiho Ski Resort: A Haven for Beginners and Kids

Meiho Ski Resort offers 13 diverse courses catering to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. The resort is famous for its ultra-long slope starting at an elevation of 1,600 meters, offering stunning views of the Northern Alps. With various shops, gourmet options, and the nearby Meiho Onsen, this is a perfect ski resort to visit on a winter road trip.

Meiho Ski Resort features a free beginner area called the Step-Up Zone, where you can practice skiing on a 50-meter moving conveyor belt before hitting the lifts or slopes. Since everyone around is also a beginner, there's no pressure to rush. If you're looking for a ski resort that caters to beginners, Meiho Ski Resort should be at the top of your list.

Meiho Ski Resort also boasts Meiho Snow Land, the largest snow play area in western Japan. For an entrance fee of ¥1,200 (free with a lift pass or afternoon ticket), children can enjoy a spacious, dedicated slope, with free rentals of sleds, snow tubes, and striders.

Meiho Ski Resort is also known for its delicious food. At Maruten Dining, located midway up the slope, you can enjoy dishes like tempura, tonkatsu, and curry. The tempura, in particular, is a favorite, fried to order for a crispy, piping-hot treat.

Wrap-up

The Gujo area ski resorts are known for their excellent snow quality and convenient access from Nagoya. If you're planning a trip to Nagoya and looking for a ski destination, this is the place to be. Each ski resort has its own unique appeal, so rather than searching for the best ski resort, look for the one that's best suited to your needs. Consider your skiing level, companions, and preferred time on the slopes, and you'll find the perfect resort for you.