Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort

Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort sits on Mt. Nikko-Shirane in Katashina Village, Tone County, Gunma Prefecture, and is one of the prefecture's highest altitude ski resorts. Its early opening date has made it well known in the Kanto region as the first place to ski each year. The resort is centered around the Nikko Shirane Mountain Ropeway and is situated at an elevation of 2,000m.

Marunuma Kogen is known for its exceptional quality powder snow and a long season of snow activities, typically from late November to early May. Its elevation means snow conditions here are typically better than nearby resorts in the early (December) and late parts of the ski season (from late March onwards). The resort offers powder snow comparable to Hokkaido quality.

The resort features 13 lifts offering skiers an impressive 610 metres (2002 feet) of vertical descent across 146 acres of terrain over 13 pistes. The magnificent 4,000m long downhill trail allows visitors to ski down from an altitude of 2,000m. The feature is the slope design that makes the most of the topography, with walls and banks appearing everywhere from the summit to the foot of the mountain. The well groomed 13 terrains are mainly catered for intermediates, with the Karakura Course for beginners and the Violet Course for intermediates. On days when powder snow is expected, the Silver course (755m) is left ungroomed for powder snow enthusiasts.

The resort includes a snow park equipped with kickers and JIB items laid out for all levels from beginners to experts. The center station offers comprehensive facilities including a one-day hot spring facility, changing room with powder area, shop with fast food counter, and an expanded free rest area with kids' space for families. Rental gear is available for visitors to fully enjoy the snow.

The resort is accessible by bus from JR Numata Station, taking about 1 hour, or by taxi from Kamada in about 30 minutes. By car, take the Kan-etsu Expressway to Numata Interchange, then Route 8 to Nikko region for 43km. From Central Japan International Airport, take a train (3 hours 55 minutes) to Jomokogen Station, then bus (2 hours) to the resort. Various rail passes including the JR TOKYO Wide Pass provide convenient access to the general area.