Kurumayama Kogen SKYPARK Ski Resort

Kurumayama Kogen SKYPARK Ski Resort sits atop Mount Kurumayama at 1,925 meters elevation, the highest peak in the Kirigamine Range. Recognized as one of Japan's one hundred famous mountains, this highland destination has developed into a family-friendly winter sports area known for its exceptionally open terrain. The resort occupies the northeast slopes along the scenic Venus Line in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, where the highland abounds with approximately 600 species of seasonal plants and flowers that transform the grassland throughout the year.

The resort distinguishes itself through its remarkably open layout covering approximately one million square meters with minimal tree coverage. This design creates wide, unobstructed runs across eight distinct courses that cater to all abilities, with terrain divided into 40 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, and 20 percent advanced slopes. The longest run, the Panorama course, extends 2,000 meters with a vertical drop of 350 meters. The area operates three quad lifts and five pair lifts to service the slopes. Mount Kurumayama maintains an exceptional 70 to 80 percent clear sky ratio throughout the winter season, providing consistently sunny conditions from early December through late March.

From the summit, visitors experience panoramic views encompassing Mount Fuji, the Southern Alps, Central Alps, Northern Alps, Mount Asama, and the Yatsugatake mountain range. The resort features the Sponge Bob Kids Park, the largest children's snow park in the region, offering snow tubing, sleighing, and various snow play activities. Snowshoe trekking expeditions guide visitors through snow-covered forests to Yashima Wetland for nature observation and animal tracking. During summer months, an observation lift provides access to alpine wildflowers, particularly the carpet of daylilies that bloom in July.

Transport from Tokyo or Nagoya requires approximately three hours by car via the Chuo Expressway to Suwa Interchange, continuing on the Venus Line and Route 152 for 28 kilometers. By rail, visitors take the JR Chuo Line to Chino Station, then transfer to bus or taxi service. The taxi journey from Chino Station takes approximately 40 minutes at a daytime fare of roughly 10,000 yen. Adult one-day lift tickets cost 4,800 yen, with senior and junior high school rates at 4,200 yen and elementary school tickets at 2,800 yen. The Kids Park entrance fee is 1,500 yen on weekdays and 2,500 yen on weekends and holidays, though children under two and lift ticket holders enter free.