Shiga Kogen

Shiga Kogen is the largest linked ski area in Japan, comprising 18 interconnected resorts with a combined 79 courses and 51 lifts, all accessible on a single lift pass. Located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, the resort complex spans a vast alpine landscape with a base elevation starting at 1,340m and reaching up to 2,307m at the highest point — the highest lift-served skiing in Japan. The high altitude ensures excellent snow quality and a long season stretching from late November through early May.

The terrain is incredibly diverse, ranging from gentle beginner slopes at areas like Ichinose Family to challenging expert runs at Okushiga and Yokoteyama. Shiga Kogen hosted the giant slalom and slalom events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. The area is also famous for the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where snow monkeys bathe in natural hot springs. Multiple hotels and lodges are scattered throughout the resort, and the nearby Yudanaka and Shibu onsen towns provide excellent hot spring accommodations.