This snow/ski resort, is accessible for everyone even you are not doing ski.
The ticket price for gondola, not too pricey.
But, if you only want to play snow, maybe this is not for you.
In fact, you can play snow outside the door near the rental area, with barely no one there. (No need to ride the gondola).
There were too many people, and it can be dangerous if you are not aware of the ski-people.
Even the parking space was full, and we need to find ourselves a parking spot, 15 minutes walking from the entrance.
But still, there are many things to do other than skiing that you can choose.
We were so lucky to have a snowfalls!
But still, it was a good experience for all of us, especially me, who loves Japan the most.
We had a good experience at Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort. As soon as we arrived at the station, there were people guiding tourists were to buy tickets. On the same floor, there are counters where you get your gondola and lift tickets. If you won’t be skiing, like us, you just need a gondola ticket and you will be able to go up and down as many times as you want during the day. The ride takes just a few minutes. We had big bag packs and left them at the station because it’s the only place where they have big lockers. We rented moon bikes at the top, they give you a helmet with a camera. When the activity ends, they give you a QR code so you can download your video.
My experience at Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort was nothing short of enchanting. Nestled in the picturesque Japanese landscape, the resort is renowned for its breathtaking winter scenery. I was truly delighted to immerse myself in the stunning natural beauty surrounding me, from the glistening snow-covered peaks to the serene pine trees blanketed in a layer of white. Each moment spent there filled me with joy and a sense of wonder.
GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort Review: A Winter Wonderland with Easy Access
If you’re looking for a convenient and exciting winter getaway from Tokyo, GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is one of the best options out there. The fact that it has its own Shinkansen station (yes, literally at the resort!) makes it incredibly easy to access. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or someone just starting out, GALA Yuzawa has something for everyone. But be warned—it gets extremely crowded on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly!
Getting There: 3 Ways to Reach GALA Yuzawa
1. The Cheapest Option: Bus Packages (Under ¥10,000)
If you’re planning to visit frequently or are on a budget, bus tour packages are the most affordable way to go. These packages often include round-trip transport and lift tickets, all for under ¥10,000! It’s a great deal for those who want to visit again and again without burning a hole in their pocket.
Find affordable bus packages here
2. The Most Convenient Option: Shinkansen (Under ¥15,000)
For those who prefer speed and comfort, the Joetsu Shinkansen takes you from Tokyo Station to GALA Yuzawa Station in just 75 minutes. A one-way ticket costs around ¥7,250, and even if you add rentals and lift tickets, you can keep your total trip under ¥15,000. Perfect for a quick, hassle-free ski trip!
Check Shinkansen schedules and ticket prices
3. The Best Value for Foreign Residents: Tokyo Wide Pass (¥15,000 for 3 Days)
If you have a foreign passport (including residents), the JR Tokyo Wide Pass is a fantastic deal. For ¥15,000, you get unlimited JR train travel for 3 days, including the Joetsu Shinkansen to GALA Yuzawa. This pass pays for itself in just one round trip, making it the best choice if you plan to explore more places.
Details about the Tokyo Wide Pass
The Resort Experience
❄️ Beginner-Friendly Slopes: “Melody Slope”
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, Melody Slope is the best place to start. It’s not steep at all, making it a comfortable place to practice without fear of major wipeouts. If you’re a first-timer, this is the ideal spot to get used to the snow before moving on to bigger challenges.
⚠️ Crowds Can Be Overwhelming
GALA Yuzawa’s biggest downside is the crowds on weekends and public holidays. Expect long lines at the lifts and busy slopes. If you can, go on a weekday for a much better experience.
Final Verdict: Is GALA Yuzawa Worth It?
✅ Easy access from Tokyo
✅ Great for beginners
✅ Affordable travel options
❌ Too crowded on weekends
❌ Not the best choice for advanced skiers
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
GALA Yuzawa is one of the most convenient ski resorts from Tokyo, especially for beginners and casual skiers. However, if you’re looking for a quiet, advanced skiing experience, you might want to consider less crowded resorts. But for a quick day trip or weekend getaway, it’s hard to beat GALA Yuzawa!
GALA is easily accessible via shuttle from Echigo Yuzawa Station at Platform 5 (take the orange line). If you are not a local, don't worry because everything would be available in various languages as well.
For example, if you are there to rent anything, forget the fear of being unable to communicate with the staff on what you want including your sizes etc. They have self-selection stations that allows you to pick and choose what you'd like to rent from sets to ala carte if you happen to bring some of your own gear eg. snowboarding wear etc.
Prices are very friendly as well, with the snowboarding board, boots and helmet at a friendly 8500 yen, and a half-day, one-day lift ticket at 6500 yen.
Be prepared to be greeted by powder snow with a variety of narrow and wide slopes. I was here on a Saturday in January but in the peak afternoon it wasn't that crowded at all on the wide slopes and you could still snowboard comfortably. Be wary though, the slopes may be a little steep for first-timers so do find an area to grasp the basics first.
Love the big space, friendly prices and fast services. Cheers GALA!
