Nagano: Japan's freeride paradise of powder and tradition

Welcome to Nagano

The ideal destination for an unforgettable skiing vacation in Japan. Discover the best ski spots in Nagano, Japan's white paradise, where the snow falls faster than your New Year's resolutions.

This landlocked, mountainous region in the heart of Honshu is undoubtedly Japan's dream destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With the northern, central and southern Japanese Alps surrounding it, Nagano offers a diversity of ski resorts to suit all tastes, from families looking for easy slopes to freeriders dreaming of ungroomed terrain.

But Nagano is much more than just a ski destination. Japanese authenticity and hospitality are everywhere, offering unique experiences that go far beyond the snowy slopes.

More than 80 ski resorts

In 1998, Nagano hosted the Olympic Winter Games, marking its entry into the big leagues. Since then, the region has become a magnet for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. With some 80 resorts spread across the Japanese Alps, the region boasts the highest concentration of ski resorts in the country.

But what really sets the Nagano region apart is the diversity of its terrain. Among the most emblematic resorts are :

Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort

Nestled at the northern end of the Hakuba Valley, this resort is a paradise for powder and tree-skiing enthusiasts. With impressive snowfalls, Cortina is an undisputed benchmark for sidecountry skiing in Japan, where off-piste sectors are easily accessible from the lifts. But even in paradise, there are rules to follow. The entire ungroomed area of the resort is classified as a "self-responsibility area", which means that the resort is not responsible for grooming or safety, and no avalanches are triggered. In other words, you're on your own, and the responsibility for your safety rests entirely with you. In the event of injury or rescue, you'll have to bear the costs, so it's a good idea to hire a guide to help you explore this terrain with complete peace of mind.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

Nozawa Onsen, the doyenne of Japan's ski resorts, is not only the oldest, but also the one with the highest number of Olympic athletes per capita. And it's easy to see why this little resort is so proud of its achievements! Nestled in the heart of an authentic spa village, Nozawa Onsen is the perfect place to combine adventure on the slopes with absolute relaxation. At the top of the resort, the Yamabiko area is the playground par excellence for ski enthusiasts, with its two quad chairlifts and five runs stretching from 800 to 1300 meters. However, the runs can be as busy as rush hour on the Tokyo subway, so stay alert not only to avoid trees, but also to avoid colliding with other skiers or snowboarders. Fortunately, the village's traditional onsens are there to welcome you back after your exertions.

Madarao and Tangram

Although located at a lower altitude than other resorts, Madarao and Tangram offer some of the best tree-skiing terrain in all of Japan. These resorts boast one of the largest ungroomed ski areas in Nagano, thanks to their many forest trails. After a fresh snowfall, you'll find pockets of powder around the resort, even in the late afternoon. Lift tickets are available for Madarao or Tangram only, but for optimum access and more fun, opt for the "all-mountain" pass.

Other must-sees in Nagano

• Yamaboku Wild Snow Park: your well-kept secret in the heart of Nagano - the kind of spot where you take the time to enjoy every turn, every curve, without having to fight for the best line.
• Hakuba Happo-One: This is the biggest resort in the Hakuba Valley - with its 1,701-meter vertical drop and steep slopes, it hosted the 98 Olympic Games and the Free Ride World Tour. If you're looking for technical terrain with breathtaking views, Happo-One won't disappoint.

More than just skiing: a destination for all seasons

If Nagano is synonymous with snow and winter sports, the region transforms itself into an equally spectacular playground when the snows melt. In spring, summer and autumn, the mountains reveal a verdant landscape, offering a multitude of outdoor activities. The possibilities are endless: hiking, mountaineering, cycling, and even cultural visits to the region's many temples and historic villages.

• Hiking and mountaineering: Nagano is the ideal starting point for exploring the Japanese Alps. From easy trails for beginners to technical climbs for experienced mountaineers, each mountain tells a different story.
• Cycling and mountain biking: With its winding roads and mountain trails, Nagano is an incredible playground for cyclists. Whether you're a road or mountain biker, the routes here will challenge you while rewarding you with breathtaking views.
• Culture and Tradition: Don't miss a visit to Zenko-ji temple in Nagano City, a national treasure that has been attracting pilgrims for nearly 1400 years. The Togakushi shrines, nestled in the mountains, are also a must for those seeking to connect with Japan's history and spirituality.

Practical Tips by Captain Wild

We know you're here for adventure, probably for the trip of a lifetime, but even the best have to think about safety. Here are a few tips to make sure your trip to Nagano doesn't end with you trying to explain in Japanese how you managed to get lost off-piste.

• Access: Nagano is easily accessible from Tokyo via shinkansen, allowing you to switch from urban hubbub to mountain serenity in no time. Once in Nagano, a short journey by bus or local train will take you directly to the ski resorts.
• Equip yourself properly: If you're coming for the freeride, make sure you have the necessary equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe. Nagano is full of rental stores, where you'll find everything you need to tackle the powder.
• Educate yourself: always check weather conditions and avalanche risks. Learning is key: before venturing into unmarked areas, why not take a mountain safety course?

Enjoy Your Trip and Leave with a Peaceful Mind

Hiring a local guide or travel agency isn't a luxury, it's an investment. Why should you? Well, we know you're a freerider at heart, but we wouldn't want your big moment to end with you lost in the snow trying to do Morse code with your ski poles. At Captain Wild, we're a bunch of outdoor enthusiasts committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience.

Leaving with a travel agency means offering yourself local expertise, logistical peace of mind, security in case of unforeseen events, and optimization of your time, while enjoying the company of enthusiasts who share the same interests as you. Away from the hassle of organization, you can concentrate on what's essential: living an authentic adventure and making unforgettable encounters.

Discover our 8-day trip to Moyko and Nagano right here.

Want to find out more about the neighboring region? Check out our article on Myoko: "Myoko Kogen: the unofficial guide to getting lost in the powder"..

We've been taking enthusiasts like you to Japan for three years now. Ready to get started? We'll be waiting for you with a smile on your face and your skis sharpened.