Tsugaike Mountain Resort
Otari Village, Nagano
Introduction
Tsugaike Mountain Resort is a large ski area located in Otari Village in the northwestern region of Nagano Prefecture. Otari is just north of Hakuba Village, and Tsugaike is one of the ski areas making up what most people know as the Hakuba region.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort has been operating since 1950, and until 2021, it was always known as Tsugaike Kogen.
The wide main lower areas are particularly suited to beginner skiers and snowboarders.
TG PARKS is a snow park in the upper section of the ski area, wbile a gated known as Tsugaike Powder DBD (or Tsuga Pow DBD) is available in the main powder season. To take part, attending lectures and signing agreements are necessary.
The ski area has a long gondola lift called Eve with a mid-point station, seven operating quad lifts, one triple lift, and six pair lifts for the 2023-2024 season. (A few ski lifts on the mountain have been taken off the official course maps and appear to no longer be operating, but this change has not affected available terrain).
The Tsugaike Ropeway, located at the top of the ski area, opens only in the late spring season.
The Hakuba region is about an hour west of central Nagano City. There are (currently) ten ski areas within Hakuba Village, neighbouring Otari Village to the north and Omachi City to the south. They are collectively promoted as Hakuba Valley. View the full list here.
In recent years, the region has become one of Japan's most popular winter sports regions with overseas visitors, giving it an increasingly international feel.
The spectacular natural mountainous surroundings and associated outdoor activities make Hakuba popular throughout the year.
The Mountain
1704m
Top elevation
904m
Vertical
800m
Base elevation
10
Number of courses
5000m
Longest course
35°
Steepest course
50%
Beginner
30%
Intermediate
20%
Advanced
16
Total ski lifts
1
Ropeway
1
Gondola
7
Quad lifts
1
Triple lift
6
Pair lifts
0
Single lifts
0
Other lifts
Skiers
40%
Snowboarders
60%
Tsugaike Mountain Resort facilities
Park, off-piste & other activities
There are a few special areas at Tsugaike Kogen including TG Parks (by the Han-no-ki high speed pair lift) and the gated Tsugaike Powder DBD areas.
Families & children
The Kids Park is by the Kane-no-naru-oka course area and features a moving walkway and items to play with. Entry is 500 yen (with one adult entering at no charge). It is usually open from 10:00am until 3:00pm on weekends and holidays.
Various other activities are available at Tsugaike including sledding, snow shoes, snow scoots and fat bikes.
Lessons
Ski and snowboard lessons are available at Tsugaike Mountain Resort.
There are a number of independent ski and snowboard schools that cover the Hakuba area and offer lessons in English and other languages.
Rental & other facilities
Ski and snowboard equipment & wear rental is available.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort opening information
Typical season
| NOV | DEC | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tsugaike Mountain Resort is normally open from 8:00am until 5:00pm.
There is no night skiing operations at Tsugaike during the 2024-2025 winter season.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort address & further information
Tsugaike Kogen
Otari-mura
Kitaazumi-gun
Nagano-ken
399-9422