Kanayasan Ski Resort (Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture) vol.10

2022.12.23

Slope guideSkiSki resortSnow boardJoetsu CityNiigata PrefectureKanayayama ski area

The birthplace of skiing in Japan! There is also a museum of skiing history. Scheduled from mid-January to mid-March.

Five minutes by car from the Joetsu Takada IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway. The “Kanaya-yama Ski Resort” is located just a short distance from the downtown area of Takada, Joetsu City.

Symbol of Mt. Kanaya Bronze statue of Major Lerch

Mount Kanaya is the birthplace of skiing, where Major Theodor von Lerch, a soldier of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, first introduced skiing techniques to Japan in 1911.

Although it is a very compact municipal-run slope, there are three courses, ranging from beginner courses to advanced courses, with gentle and steep terrain for all levels. There is also a dedicated area for children to enjoy sledding to their heart’s content, and the area is crowded with families on winter holidays. When the weather permits, a panoramic view of the Takata Plain can be seen from the summit.

Next to the ski resort, there is also the “Memorial Museum of the Birthplace of Japanese Skiing” where visitors can learn about the history of skiing in Japan. It exhibits photos, ski equipment, and other valuable historical materials from the time of its birth.

During the operating period, “Lerch Festival,” a winter tradition in Joetsu City, will be held on February 4 (Sat.) and 5 (Sun.). Lifts will be open free of charge on those days (however, they may be suspended depending on snow conditions and other factors on those days).

Data

■Address: 595-2 Onuki, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture
■Operating period: January 16, 2022 – early March (subject to snowfall)
■Operating hours: 9:00 – 16:30  
■Fees: Single lift ticket: Adults (high school students and older) 210 yen, children (elementary and junior high school students) 160 yen / 11-lift ticket: Adults (high school students and older) 2,100 yen, children (elementary and junior high school students) 1,600 yen
■On Saturdays, free of charge for junior high school and elementary school students who present Joetsu City Children’s Day Passport and reside in Joetsu City.

Ski Day Privileges

■Contents：Free Lift Service
■Target：All visitors
■Date：January 12 (Thursday)

Ski Children’s Day Privilege

■Contents：Free lift service
■Target: Elementary school students and younger
■Dates：3rd Sunday in January-February