Tsugaike: Powder Playground in the Japanese Alps

Our visit to Tsugaike Kogen Ski Area in early February was fantastic. We were incredibly lucky to experience three straight days of wonderful powder snow – that light, fresh snow that makes skiing feel amazing. Planning how to get to Tsugaike is fairly simple. However, the direct shuttle bus service to the ski area doesn't run very often, which can make the journey a little difficult. On the bright side, perhaps this limited access helps keep the slopes less crowded, creating a more relaxed feeling compared to busier resorts. For us, the excellent snow and slopes definitely made the extra travel planning worthwhile. Tsugaike really impressed us with its ski slopes, especially for skiers who are learning or want to improve. * Excellent Beginner Area: The main beginner area is outstanding – honestly the biggest and widest I've ever encountered! This huge, gentle slope is perfect for new skiers to practice safely and build their confidence without feeling rushed. * Variety for Everyone: But Tsugaike offers more than just beginner terrain. We enjoyed the nice, long ski runs through the forest, which offer beautiful scenery. There are also plenty of enjoyable slopes for intermediate skiers (those with some experience), plus some more challenging runs for advanced skiers to explore. * Powder Day Joy: During the powder days, the whole mountain was incredible. The wide beginner slopes became soft, snowy playgrounds perfect for learning to ski powder, while the forest runs offered lots of deep snow for fun turns. Overall Thoughts: While you'll need to plan your bus travel carefully, the reward is a superb ski area. Tsugaike features one of the best beginner zones available anywhere, combined with great terrain for improving your skills. Plus, you might get lucky with unforgettable powder snow, just like we did. Overall, Tsugaike Kogen provided a wonderful and memorable ski experience.