Niigata
Season ended
Okutadami Maruyama
A rare spring-skiing resort in Uonuma that closes in midwinter and reopens for one of the longest spring seasons in Japan, running into mid-May. Deep snow, lake views, and a 4-kilometre run.
Based on local data and reviews
About the Resort
Okutadami Maruyama is a ski resort in Uonuma, Niigata, with a very unusual season. Because the snowfall here is so heavy, the resort cannot operate safely in the middle of winter. Instead, it opens for an early-season period from late November to around early January, then closes for the deep midwinter, and reopens from late March for a long spring season that runs into mid-May. This makes it one of the best spring-skiing resorts in Japan, and a place to ski long after most other resorts have closed.
The mountain has 10 courses and 5 lifts, with a base around 745 metres and a top around 1,242 metres. The level split is about 40% beginner, 30% intermediate, and 30% advanced, and the longest run is about 4 kilometres. From the summit there are views over the surrounding peaks and the Okutadami Dam lake. There is a kids park, an on-site hot spring, and snow parks that are popular in spring. In the spring season the snow is deep and the weather is milder, which suits families who find midwinter cold hard going.
Access is remote and needs planning. By car, the resort is about 35 kilometres from Uonuma interchange, reached through the Okutadami Silver Line, a long series of tunnels. There are no petrol stations on the final stretch, so drivers should fill up in town first. Because the resort is deep in the mountains, most visitors come by car or arranged transport, and it is best treated as a special spring-ski destination rather than a quick day trip.
Official website: Okutadami Maruyama Ski Resort
Location & Access
By Car
N/A
Parking
N/A
By Train
N/A
Niigata, Japan
Terrain & Slopes
4
Courses
5
Lifts
4km
Longest run
Beginner40%
Intermediate30%
Advanced30%
Snowboard ParkNot Available
Back CountryNot Available
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdult5,000 yen
1-Day Lift TicketChildN/A
1-Day Lift TicketSeniorN/A
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : N/A
Snowboard Lesson : N/A
Why You'll Love Okutadami Maruyama
One of Japan's best spring-ski seasons
Open into mid-May, after most resorts close
Okutadami Maruyama has an unusual season. It closes in deep midwinter and reopens from late March for a long spring season that runs into mid-May. This makes it one of the best places in Japan for spring skiing, with deep snow and milder weather long after most other resorts have closed for the year.
Deep snow and a long run
Heavy snowfall and a 4km descent
The snowfall here is so heavy that the resort cannot operate safely in midwinter. That same deep snow gives excellent spring conditions and supports a long run of about 4 kilometres from the summit. Snow parks are popular in the spring season, and there are some ungroomed areas for deeper snow.
Lake and mountain views with an onsen
Summit views over Okutadami Dam lake
From the summit at about 1,242 metres there are wide views over the surrounding peaks and the Okutadami Dam lake. The resort has an on-site hot spring, so families can soak after skiing. The remote setting deep in the mountains gives a quiet, scenic feel that is different from busy roadside resorts.
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
N/A
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: —/day • Snowboard set: —/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
Latest News from Okutadami Maruyama
No news available at the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Okutadami Maruyama
Yes, in spring. About 40% of the courses are for beginners, there is a kids park, and the milder spring weather suits families with small children. Just remember the resort is closed in deep midwinter, so plan for the spring season.
The resort has a ski school (Okutadami Snow Academy), but English support is more limited than at large international resorts. It is best to book ahead and confirm English directly with the school before your trip.
It has two periods: an early season from late November to around early January, and a long spring season from late March into mid-May. It is closed in the deep midwinter. Always check the official site for the current dates.
Access is remote. By car it is about 35 km from Uonuma IC through the Okutadami Silver Line tunnels, with no petrol stations on the final stretch. Without a car, public transport is limited, so most visitors use arranged transport. Check options with the resort before your trip.
Yes. The resort has an on-site hot spring, and the summit views over the Okutadami Dam lake and surrounding peaks are a draw. The spring scenery, with snow and fresh green in the valleys, is part of the appeal. The setting is quiet and remote.
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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.