Season ended · next season typically starts December
Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
Yuzawa's most modern resort — wide groomers, night skiing, and The Veranda summit deck. Three base zones, minutes from Echigo-Yuzawa Station.
My recommendation
Ishiuchi has one of the strongest terrain parks in Yuzawa, including Monster Pipe — a halfpipe that's now rare in Japan, typically open from February. The first lift from the base is heated, which I haven't seen elsewhere in Japan. Short lift transfers reach the top, which works well for focusing on one zone like the park. The relatively low elevation can soften the snow on warm afternoons.
TakFounder · Japow GuidesAbout the Resort
A long-running Yuzawa classic with three base zones and fast lift access, Ishiuchi Maruyama blends broad groomers, night skiing, and a modern summit experience—The Veranda at Ishiuchi—with sweeping views over the Uonuma plain. It’s minutes from Echigo-Yuzawa and links easily with nearby resorts for longer trips.
Location & Access
By Car
Tokyo→Kanetsu Expressway→Yuzawa IC→Ishiuchi Maruyama (2hr30min)
Parking
2,000 spaces
By Train
Tokyo Station → Echigo-Yuzawa Station (~1h15–1h20, Joetsu Shinkansen) → bus/taxi (~15–20 min) → Ishiuchi Maruyama.
Ishiuchi Maruyama, Yuzawa, Niigata, Japan
Terrain & Slopes
23
Courses
14
Lifts
incl. 1 gondola
4km
Longest run
Beginner45%
Intermediate40%
Advanced15%
Grooming80% groomed · 20% non-groomed
Snowboard ParkAvailable
Back CountryNot Available
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdult7,000 yen
1-Day Lift TicketChild3,800 yen
1-Day Lift TicketSenior6,000 yen
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : from 4,200 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 4,200 yen
Lesson in English EN
Ski Lesson : 3hr ¥49,500 / 5hr ¥67,500 per instructor (up to 5 pax)
English lessons available via Snow Country Instructors (operates at Ishiuchi, Naeba, Kagura and other Yuzawa resorts)
Why You'll Love Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
Three gateways, one mountain
Wide runs perfect for beginners and families
Choose the base that suits your lodging and level; movement around the hill is intuitive.
Sky-deck vibes
Light, dry “Japow” born from the Northern Alps
Ride the Sunrise Express gondola to The Veranda for dramatic winter panoramas—great for mixed groups.
Night skiing tradition
Safe snow play and sledding zones for little ones
Selected evenings keep the slopes lit for extra laps (seasonal schedule).
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
Tokyo Station → Echigo-Yuzawa Station (~1h15–1h20, Joetsu Shinkansen) → bus/taxi (~15–20 min) → Ishiuchi Maruyama.
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: 5,800 yen/day • Snowboard set: 5,800 yen/day
💳 Payment Methods
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
🌨️ Best Time to Visit
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Season has ended. Live snow and weather info will return in December.
Latest News from Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
Ishiuchi Maruyama closed for the season on 5 April
Ishiuchi Maruyama ended its 2025-2026 season on 5 April 2026, after holding its winter fireworks festival in early March.
Ishiuchi Maruyama opened for 2025-2026 on 19 December
Ishiuchi Maruyama opened for the 2025-2026 season on 19 December 2025. The large Yuzawa resort connects to GALA Yuzawa and Yuzawa Kogen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
A Yuzawa-area favorite with multiple base gates, long groomers, and night skiing on select days.
Tokyo → Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa (~80 min) → local bus/taxi to Ishiuchi gates.
January–March for best coverage; check night-skiing schedule in advance.
English-friendly lessons are available via resort partners; pre-book on weekends.
Multiple bases with rentals, lockers, restaurants; convenient for day trips from Tokyo.
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TakFounder · Japow GuidesI'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder and father of two, with over 20 years on Japan's slopes. Resorts I have personally visited are marked “Visited” and include my first-hand notes. The other resorts are summarized from public ski-area data and local reviews. I add my own notes over time.