Nagano
Season ended
Ontake 2240
A very high-elevation resort in the Kiso area of Nagano, with one of the highest bases in Japan. It is known for light, dry powder, big mountain views, and a long 7 km panorama run that even beginners can ride down.
Based on local data and reviews
About the Resort
Ontake 2240 (now also called Ontake Ski Resort) is a very high-elevation ski resort in the Kiso area of Nagano, Japan, on Mount Mikasa. Its summit is at about 2,240 m and its base is at about 1,420 m, one of the highest bases of any resort in Japan. The high elevation keeps the snow light, dry, and good in quality, and lets the resort stay open later into spring than many lower resorts.
The resort covers about 68 ha, with around 7 courses, a vertical drop of about 820 m, and wide courses up to about 100 m across. The longest run is a panorama course of about 7,000 m, gentle enough that beginners can ride it down while enjoying views of the Central Alps, though the very top has a short steep section. The level split is about 30% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 20% advanced, and there is a mogul course, a pole course, an off-piste area, and a snow park, plus a free sled area for small children.
The resort sits high in the mountains and is most easily reached by car. There is an observation bath at the base.
Official website: Ontake Ski Resort
Location & Access
By Car
Via the Chuo Expressway and then mountain roads into the Kiso / Otaki area. Allow extra time in winter; snow tires or chains are required, and the high roads can be cold and icy.
Parking
Parking is available at the base. Check the official site for current fees.
By Train
Limited. The resort sits high in the mountains and is most easily reached by car or organised tour. Public transport into this part of the Kiso area is limited; check options well in advance.
Nagano, Japan
Terrain & Slopes
7
Courses
4
Lifts
7km
Longest run
Beginner30%
Intermediate50%
Advanced20%
Snowboard ParkNot Available
Back CountryNot Available
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdultSee official site (about 4,800-5,000 yen in recent seasons; Tuesday rate lower)
1-Day Lift TicketChildSee official site (a regional campaign gives free or reduced lift tickets to children from certain nearby municipalities; check current details)
1-Day Lift TicketSeniorSee official site
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : N/A
Snowboard Lesson : N/A
Why You'll Love Ontake 2240
Very high elevation and light powder
One of the highest bases in Japan
Ontake 2240 has a summit at about 2,240 m and a base at about 1,420 m, one of the highest bases of any resort in Japan. The high, cold air keeps the snow light and dry, which the resort calls aspirin snow. The high elevation also means the snow lasts well, so the resort can stay open later into spring than many lower resorts.
A long 7 km run that beginners can ride
A gentle panorama course with big views
The longest run is a panorama course of about 7,000 m. It is gentle enough that beginners can ride it down from the top while enjoying wide views of the Central Alps, though the very top has a short steep section. The courses are wide, up to about 100 m across, so there is plenty of room. Stronger skiers have a mogul course, a pole course, and an off-piste area.
Family snow play and big views
A free sled area and an observation bath
There is a free area where small children can play on sleds, plus a snow park. After skiing, there is an observation bath at the base with mountain views. Because the resort sits so high, clear days give some of the best panoramas of any resort in the area.
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
Limited. The resort sits high in the mountains and is most easily reached by car or organised tour. Public transport into this part of the Kiso area is limited; check options well in advance.
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 Ontake 2240
No news available at the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Ontake 2240
Yes. About 30% of the courses are for beginners, and the long 7 km panorama course is gentle enough that beginners can ride it down from the top, apart from a short steep section near the very top. There is a free area where small children can play on sleds. The wide courses give families plenty of space.
There is a ski school at the resort. English support is limited compared with large international resorts, so it is best to book a lesson ahead of time and confirm English directly with the school before you travel.
This resort sits high in the mountains and is most easily reached by car, on the Chuo Expressway and then mountain roads into the Kiso area. Public transport is limited, so a car or an organised tour is usually the practical option. Allow extra time in winter for snowy mountain roads.
The base is at about 1,420 m and the summit at about 2,240 m, one of the highest of any resort in Japan. The high, cold air keeps the snow light and dry, and the snow lasts well, so the resort can stay open later into spring. Clear days also give wide views of the Central Alps.
The resort is on Mount Mikasa, to the southeast of Mount Ontake, and operates as a normal ski resort, with hazard maps and emergency systems in place. As with any mountain area, it is sensible to check the official site for current conditions before you travel.
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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.