Cupid Valley Ski Area

キューピットバレイスキー場
Cupid Valley Ski Area map

Joetsu City, Niigata

新潟県上越市

Planned ski season (subject to change) [?]
Saturday 21st December 2024 until mid- to late March 2025

Previous ski seasons (actual dates) [?]
2023-2024: 23rd December 2023 - 24th March 2024
2022-2023: 23rd December 2022 - 21st March 2023
2021-2022: 25th December 2021 - 21st March 2022

Introduction

Cupid Valley is a ski area located in the Yasuzuka neighbourhood of Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture.

It is on the northern slopes of Mt Higashitake, about halfway between the central city areas of Joetsu and Tokamachi. It is also around halfway between the popular Myoko and Yuzawa and Minamiuonuma regions. The area is known as Yukidaruma Kogen (loose translation as 'Snowman Highland'). The Japan Sea can be seen from the north-facing slopes on a clear day, with layers of rice fields in the foreground.

There are two quad lifts (1,600m and 1,000m) and one pair lift (500m) at Cupid Valley. The Number 2 quad lift will be extended by 600m in time for the 2025-2026 winter season (see the dotted line on the course map below to see the planned extension). That lift will be closed for the entire 2024-2025 season in preparation of the new lift. In the meantime, various CAT Tours are scheduled in that section of the mountain this season.

Note that ski area statistics (below) represent the temporary status for the 2024-2025 season, taking into account the closed Number 2 lift. Details will change again in 2025.

This ski area is one of two operating within Joetsu City. The other is the small but historic Kanayasan.

Cupid Valley opened in 1990.

The Mountain

Max Elevation

720m

Top elevation

Vertical Difference

290m

Vertical

Min Elevation

430m

Base elevation

Total Ski Courses

7

Number of courses

Longest Course

2000m

Longest course

Steepest Slope

25°

Steepest course

40%

Beginner

40%

Intermediate

20%

Advanced

2

Total ski lifts

ropeways 0

0

Ropeways

gondolas 0

0

Gondolas

quad lifts

1

Quad lift

triple lifts 0

0

Triple lifts

pair lifts

1

Pair lift

single lifts 0

0

Single lifts

other lifts 0

0

Other lifts

Skiers

50%

Snowboarders

50%

Skiing and snowboarding are both allowed at Cupid Valley Ski Area
Cupid Valley Ski Area course map small
The above image has been created by SnowJapan to show the position of ski lifts at Cupid Valley Ski Area.
Cupid Valley Ski Area course map large

Cupid Valley Ski Area facilities

park facilities

Park, off-piste & other activities

Between early January and early March 2025, various CAT tours are scheduled in sections of the ski area beyond the lifts that are operating this season.

The schedule is for tours is every Saturday, with special tours for 'inbound' visitors on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

children facilities

Families & children

The Smile Kids Park is located by the Number 1 quad lift. Entry is 500 yen or free with a valid ski lift ticket on weekends.

Plastic skis, sledges, buckets are available to rent.

Lessons

Lessons

Ski and snowboard lessons are available at Cupid Valley.

Rental

Rental & other facilities

Ski and snowboard equipment rental is available.

Cupid Valley Ski Area opening information

Opening time

Typical season

NOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAY
                     

Cupid Valley is normally open during the daytime from 8:30am until 4:30pm.

Night skiing is 4:30pm until 8:00pm on Fridays, Saturdays and nights before holidays in January, February and March 2025. (Exception: 22nd February 2025).

Cupid Valley Ski Area address & further information

address

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Sugawa
Yasuzuka-ku
Joetsu-shi
Niigata-ken
942-0534

Telephone: 025-593-2041