[Ski area information 2023-2024] Cupid Valley (Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture)/vol.7

The longest run distance is 4,000 meters! Pleasant skiing with a view of the Sea of Japan

◆Operating period: December 23, 2023 – March 17, 2024 (tentative)

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

1.Features of slopes and courses

Approximately 33 km from the Joetsu IC and Kakizaki IC of the Hokuriku Expressway.
Cupid Valley is a snowman plateau located in Yasuzuka-ward, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture.
Surrounded by beautiful trees, the ski resort is located on the slopes of 1129-meter-high Hishigatake Mountain, and on a clear day, you can ski comfortably while enjoying the view of the Sea of Japan.

Cupid Valley has a total of 12 courses.
It features a wide variety of areas (40% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 20% advanced), including a non-snow area for advanced skiers, a beginner course that even beginning skiers can enjoy, and the Smile Kids Park.

From Cupid Valley official website

Cupid Valley’s course takes advantage of the natural terrain and is laid out with a variety of banks and waves.
The course is well managed and safe to ski.
*The second quad lift will be suspended for the 2024-2025 season (from December 2024) due to renewal.

The “Tree Run Area,” a non-snow area for advanced skiers, stretches from the top of the second quad lift to both sides of the lift and features 100% natural powder.
Prior application is required to run.
*Please apply on-site or through the official website.

For children who want to enjoy playing in the snow, the dedicated “Smile Kids Park” is recommended.
The area is equipped with a “snow escalator,” a kind of conveyor belt, which you can ride up to the top.
Play equipment on the snow, sleds, and tubes are also provided, so you can come empty-handed and have fun.
*Smile Kids Park is open only on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and year-end and New Year holidays.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from Monday, January 15 are event days.
We are planning events that can be enjoyed even on weekdays.
Please check the official website for details.

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From Cupid Valley official YouTube

2.Events

Scheduled to be held on February 24, 2024 Corridor of Lights: Yasuzuka Candle Road & Yamanoue Snow Festival
*Last year’s fireworks

Opening Event
■Date: Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24, 2023
■Contents: A “half-price lift ticket” for the next use will be given to those who purchase a one-day or five-hour lift ticket (first 100 visitors), and free tonjiru (pork miso soup) service by the Azuka Tourist Association (Center House, 2F).

Ski Camp for Senior High School Students (by reservation only)
■Date: Friday, December 29, 2023
*This tour may be cancelled due to snow conditions.
■Application period: Monday, December 4, 2023 – Monday, December 25, 2023
■Participation fee: 8,000 yen (including 1-day lift ticket, full-day lesson, lunch, and rental set)
■Terms of appointment: 20 (in advance)
■Application Method: Phone: Tel 070-1253-5438 (9:00-16:00)
■Participation target: 5th and 6th grade elementary school students at beginner to intermediate level

Snowboard camp for elementary school students (by reservation only)
■Date: 1st session: Saturday, January 13, 2024, 2nd session: Sunday, January 14, 2024
■Application period: Saturday, December 16, 2023 – Wednesday, January 10, 2024
■Participation fee: 8,000 yen (including 1-day lift ticket, full-day lesson, lunch, and rental set)
■Troops: 10 each (first)
■Application Method: Phone: Tel 070-1303-6937 (9:00-16:00)
■Participants: 1st session: 1st to 3rd grade elementary school students, 2nd session: 4th to 6th grade elementary school students

Sledding for Adults
■Date: January 6, 2024 (Sat.) – March 10, 2024 (Sun.) Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
■Time: 16:30 on each day
■Meeting place: 3rd Pair Lift boarding area
■Entry fee: 300 yen (valid for one person only)
*Meet at the 3rd pair lift station at 16:30 each day. Sledding on the slopes after hours.

day for skiing
■Date: Friday, January 12, 2024
*All lift ticket purchasers will receive a “half-price lift day pass” for next use.

Old Style DAY
■Date: Sunday, February 18, 2024
■Demo run time: 12:00~
■Meeting place: 3rd Pair Lift descent area
■Demo run capacity: 50 people (first-come-first-served basis)
■Content: Guests coming in old style will receive a one-day lift ticket for the day, and from 12:00, we will gather at the 3rd pair lift landing for a demo run with everyone.

Corridor of Lights Yasuzuka Candle Road & Yamanoue Snow Festival
■Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024
■Description: Candle-lit venue full of events. The popular fireworks display will be the finale of the event.
*After 17:00, visitors by car will be charged 500 yen per car.

Mr. Lerch Ski School
■Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024
■Payment time：9:00 ～ on the same day.
■Troops: 10 each (first)
■Target: Elementary school students who are skiing for the first time

FINAL FESTA
■Date: Sunday, March 3 and Sunday, March 10, 2024
■Target: Elementary and junior high school students
■Contents: Free ski & snowboard school. 50% off rental ski and snowboard sets.

The 14th Lerch Cup
■Date: Saturday, March 9, 2024
■Description: A giant slalom competition will be held using the promenade course to the center slope.
*The above courses and course restrictions apply on the day of the event.

Splash contest
■Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024
■Contents: Cool! Beautiful! Funny! Stylishly! Show the judges how good you are!

3.data

■Address: 4820 Sugawa, Yasuzuka-ward, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture
■Opening period: Saturday, December 23, 2023 – Sunday, March 17, 2024
*However, it will be closed on January 9 (Tuesday) and March 11 (Monday) to 15 (Friday).
■Opening hours: 8:30-16:30 (lift operation hours)
■Fees: 1-day lift ticket: Adults: 5,000 yen, Junior and senior high school students and seniors: 4,000 yen / Elementary school students: 3,000 yen
*Seniors must be at least 60 years old.
■Smile Kids Park fee: 500 yen for a one-day lift ticket (open free of charge on weekdays)
■Rental fee: Ski/snowboard (1 day) 4,800 yen for adults, 3,800 yen for elementary school students and younger
Wear set (1 day) 4,500 yen for adults, 3,500 yen for elementary school students and under
Full rental set (1 day) 8,000 yen for adults, 6,000 yen for elementary school students and younger
*Wear rental does not include accessories such as hats, goggles, and gloves.
*For hygiene reasons, goggles, gloves, and hats are not available for rent.
■Ski Children’s Day Privileges
・Contents：Free lift
・Target: Elementary school students and younger
・Dates: Third Sunday of the month from December to March

4.Lunch Information

Dine at the Blanc Neige restaurant, which is a great place for adults and children alike.
A wide variety of menu items such as the famous “Aho-meshi”, Niigata’s B-class gourmet “Tare-katsudon”, standard “Curry” and “Ramen” are waiting for your visit.

Miso ramen 1,200 yen

Ramen is something you will miss on the cold slopes. Our recommendation is the classic delicious Miso Ramen.
It is a bowl of noodles that will warm your body and soul.

Rice omelet with thickened egg 1,500 yen