Norn Minakami Ski Resort

Norn Minakami Ski Resort is positioned within the Minakami region of northern Gunma Prefecture, an area recognized as Japan's outdoor adventure capital. The resort has established itself as the closest ski resort to Tokyo, making it particularly popular among day-trippers seeking accessible winter sports. Minakami's seven ski resorts are part of a broader winter sports culture that developed around the region's natural hot springs and the dramatic Tanigawa mountain range.

The resort sits at the base of the Tanigawa mountains at elevations between 820 and 1,220 meters, with a vertical drop of 400 meters. This terrain supports 4.7 kilometers of ski slopes served by 4 lifts. The mountain environment provides the dry powder snow conditions characteristic of Gunma's northern regions, suitable for both recreational skiing and snowboarding. Beyond winter sports, the resort transforms seasonally, hosting a daffodil festival from late April to mid-May when thousands of yellow and white flowers bloom across the sun-facing slopes.

Visitors experience diverse skiing terrain across multiple courses graded for different abilities. Advanced skiers can tackle the A course with its steep, ungroomed deep snow sections, while intermediate skiers enjoy the B course's high-speed descents and the E course's varied terrain. The resort operates a dedicated Snow Land area at the base with a 40-meter magic carpet providing easy access to family-friendly snow play attractions, with entry priced at 1,000 yen per person. A distinguishing feature is extended night skiing operations until midnight, allowing visitors to maximize their time on the slopes.

The resort is located 3 kilometers from the Minakami Interchange on the Kanetsu Expressway, approximately 100 minutes by car from Tokyo. Free parking is available daily. Public transport options include free shuttle buses operating from JR Minakami Station (approximately 20 minutes) and from Jomo-Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen. The resort's proximity to 18 hot spring areas in Minakami Onsen Village allows visitors to combine skiing with traditional Japanese onsen experiences.