What other travelers are saying about Katashina Kogen Ski Resort
Late December 2022 until late March 2023
2021-2022 season (actual): 25th December 2021 - 27th March 2022
Katashina Kogen is a ski area located in Katashina village in the northeastern region of Gunma Prefecture.
It is one of the few ski areas in Japan that remains skiers-only.
The popular character Miffy is very prominent at this ski area, and it emphasises family and children-oriented activities.
There are three triple lifts and three pair lifts at Katashina Kogen, and the steepest course is 25 degrees.
White World Oze Iwakura is closeby, though the two ski areas are not physically connected, and they do not share a joint lift ticket.
Katashina Kogen has been operating since 1967.
The region to the east of Minakami town and to the northeast of Numata city comprises Kawaba village and Katashina village. There are several ski areas around this region's mountains, all of which are accessed off the main Route 120 road from central Numata. The road is also known as the Nihon Romantic Highway. It continues east towards Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, but the prefectural border section is closed during the main winter season.
These are my impressions of the mountain biking course during the green season.
The course is short, but the lift ride time is also short, so even beginners can enjoy it repeatedly.
The course mainly consists of flow trails and jumps.
This year, a full-fledged jump lane was added, so even advanced riders can enjoy it.
The way the lift loads is unique, so if it's your first time, please ask a staff member.
The parking lot is on the grass next to the slope, so there is plenty of space to park.
At reception, you sign a pledge at the management building before paying.
QR code payment is also available.
Rental bikes are also available.
There are toilets and vending machines, but the restaurant was closed.
The weather in Katashina Village is cool, so we enjoyed it even in the middle of summer.
I went on a weekday.
At 3,500 yen for a one-day lift ticket, including a 1,000 yen meal voucher, even for non-members, I think this is one of the best ski resorts in terms of value for money.
The resort has a medium-sized scale with plenty of runs to enjoy, and most of the runs have nicely packed snow, making them easy to ski on.
There are cottages on the slopes, and it seems possible to stay overnight while skiing, so it seems like a great place to spend some time relaxing.
I was surprised at how efficiently the food was served, even during busy times, and how quickly my order was brought out.
Overall, I think this is a great ski resort that leaves you feeling satisfied.
Katashina Kogen Ski Resort lift ticket prices vary by season, with adult day passes typically ranging from 3,000-4,500 yen. Discounted rates are available for children, seniors, and multi-day passes. Night skiing tickets and rental equipment packages are also offered at competitive rates.
To reach Katashina Kogen Ski Resort from Tokyo, take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen Station, then transfer to a bus or rental car for the 30-minute drive to the resort. Direct ski buses from Tokyo are also available during peak season, taking approximately 3 hours total travel time.
Katashina Kogen Ski Resort features 10 varied ski runs across 44 hectares, with terrain suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. The resort offers groomed pistes, powder skiing areas, and a terrain park, with a longest run of 2,000 meters and vertical drop of 400 meters.
Katashina Kogen area offers various accommodation options including traditional ryokan inns, ski lodges, hotels, and vacation rentals. Many properties provide ski packages with lift tickets and equipment rental. Popular nearby hotels include pension-style lodges and onsen hot spring resorts within walking distance of the slopes.
Katashina Kogen Ski Resort typically operates from mid-December through late March, with the best skiing conditions usually found from January to February. Peak powder snow season is January-February, while March offers warmer spring skiing conditions with longer daylight hours and fewer crowds.
