＜Ski Resort Guide 2024-2025＞ Joetsu International Ski Resort (Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture)/vol.18

2025.1.4

skiing-ground2024SkiSki resortSnow boardopen at nightJoetsu International Ski AreaMinamiuonuma CityNiigata Prefecture

Full weekend events! Extensive slopes with 4 zones

◆Opening period: December 13 – April 6, 2025 (tentative)

1.Features of slopes and courses
2.Events
3.Lunch Information
4.Data

1.Features of slopes and courses

Joetsu International Ski Resort, a snow resort overlooking Minamiuonuma City in Niigata Prefecture, is located 7 minutes from the Shiozawa Ishiuchi Interchange on the Kanetsu Expressway.

From the official website of Joetsu International Ski Resort

The greatest feature is the size of the slopes, which are composed of four zones, and the wide variety of courses (30% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 20% advanced), with 22 courses in all, suitable for all levels from beginners to experts.

The “Mother’s Zone” stretches in front of the Hotel Green Plaza Joetsu, the symbol of Joetsu International Ski Resort, and is recommended for beginners and families.

Kids Paradise,” ‘Sled Land,’ and ‘Sponge Bob Kids Park’ are spread out on the slopes in front of the hotel, where small children can enjoy playing in the snow in peace. The “Snow Park,” equipped with a half pipe and kickers, is also popular with beginners and advanced skiers alike.

On the north side is the Panorama Zone, an area for intermediate skiers who can enjoy the varied and undulating terrain, and on the south side is the Active Zone with challenging courses for advanced skiers who are confident in their abilities.

The “Forest Zone” is located at the far end of the ski area on the Touma side of Tokamachi City, where you can enjoy skiing in a relaxing environment amidst a beech forest.

All zones can be accessed by lift, and it may be fun to conquer all areas in a tour-like atmosphere.

Joetsu International Ski Resort is open for night skiing from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day. If you purchase a “one-day admission ticket+,” you can ski during night skiing without worrying about the time. Enjoy the fantastic atmosphere of the slopes and snow quality that is different from that of the daytime.

From Joetsu International Ski Resort official channel

2.Events

Joetsu International Ski Resort offers a variety of free-of-charge events on weekends.

New Year’s Eve countdown event
■Date: Tuesday, December 31, 22:30 – 24:30
■Location: Special stage on the slope in front of the hotel
■Content: This year’s main guest is the impersonator “Hori”.

PETIT TRIASLON
■Date: Every Saturday and Sunday from January to March, 11:00 a.m. reception
■Location: In front of the hotel in Kids Paradise
*Adults 3 years old and up to 4th grade elementary school students; Kids Paradise admission ticket required.
■Description: Triathlon of 3 events: Swim + Run + Ride.

Jokoku Snow Fireworks
■Date/Time：Saturday from January to March, 21:00 scheduled
■Location：Nagamine slope
■Fee：Free admission

Iwappara & Jokoku Sled Race
■Date: Sunday, January 26, Monday, February 24, and Sunday, March 23, 11:00-12:00
■Place: Sled Land

Snow Sports Day
■Date: Saturday, February 1 and Saturday, March 1
■Location：Next to Kids Paradise
■Contents：Competitions in unique events on snow. There will be prizes for each event.

*Event details are subject to change.

There will also be a giveaway campaign for cars and other great prizes this season. For details, please visit the website.

3.Lunch Information

There is a wide variety of restaurants in each zone on the slopes of Joetsu International Ski Resort.

In the Mothers Zone on the west side, there is the restaurant Mont Blanc at the entrance to the main slope, where you can enjoy the chef’s special monthly pork bowl (monthly special) and other dishes, and the restaurant St. Moritz, which serves ramen, donburi, curry, etc.

Oshiruko, a specialty of freshly baked rice cake 690 yen (tax included)

The Panorama Zone is home to the Oshiruko Teahouse, which serves the famous oshiruko as well as curry and udon noodles.

The Forest Zone is home to Limoges, which boasts a hearty menu, and Horn, which has a fireplace and a homey atmosphere.

4.Data

■Address: 112-1 Kabanosawa, Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture
Atema Slope is located in Atema, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture.
■Opening period: December 13 – April 6, 2025 (tentative)
Night operation: December 21 – March 23, 2025, 17:00 – 21:00
■Opening hours: 8:00 – 21:00
■Fees: 1-day admission ticket (open – 17:00) / Adults (junior high school students and older) 5,500 yen, Juniors (3 years old – elementary school students) 3,500 yen, Master (60 years old and older) 4,300 yen 1-day admission ticket + (open – 21:00) / Adults 5800 yen, Juniors 3800 yen, Master 4600 yen Afternoon & Night-time admission ticket ( Afternoon & Night skiing admission ticket (13:00-21:00)/Adult 4,500 yen, Junior 2,800 yen, Master 3,500 yen Night skiing admission ticket (17:00-21:00)/Adult 1,500 yen, Junior & Master 1,000 yen One time admission ticket (from opening to 21:00)/800 yen (1 ticket per lift required)
■Rental fee: 3-piece ski set (board + boots + poles) 1 day / Adults 4,500 yen, Children 3,500 yen 2-piece board set (board + boots) 1 day / Adults 4,500 yen, Children 3,500 yen Full set (ski or board set + clothing) / Adults 8,000 yen, Children 6,000 yen