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Tangram Ski Circus
Tangram Ski Circus, on Mt. Madarao’s northwest flank, links with Madarao Kogen and offers 14 courses, tree-run zones, and family-friendly slopes with reliable powder. With ski-in/ski-out Hotel Tangram and easy Shinkansen access, it’s a convenient choice for both adventure seekers and families.
Last Updated: October 11, 2025 by Tak
Currently Closed
N/A°C
Temperature
0cm
Fresh Snow
Resort Stats
0cm
Base Depth
19
Courses
2.5km
Longest Run
Currently Closed
Please wait till winter season :)
Powder Quality
8.0
Legendary Japanese powder
Terrain Variety
7.0
Diverse slopes & terrain
Family Friendly
8.0
Perfect for all ages
Latest News from Tangram
About the Resort
Tangram Ski Circus sits on the north-west flank of Mt Madarao in Shinano-machi, Nagano Prefecture, and links directly with neighbouring Madarao Kogen at the summit.
- The compact area packs 14 official courses serviced by five lifts (2 quad chairs, 3 doubles) and delivers a respectable 520 m of vertical—from the 800 m base to the 1,320 m peak.
- Recent seasons have seen Tangram introduce five designated tree-run zones and relax off-piste rules, complementing its wide groomers and gentle beginner slopes.
- A joint “Madarao + Tangram” ticket unlocks a combined 51 courses across the two mountains, all reached via a short crossover lift at the top.
- Frequent Sea-of-Japan storms blanket the north-facing slopes in reliable, dry powder and reward riders with views of Hokushin Gogaku and Lake Nojiri.
- The slopeside Hotel Tangram offers true ski-in/ski-out convenience plus on-site onsen, an indoor pool, restaurants and rental desks—ideal for hassle-free family stays.
- Access is straightforward: about 45 minutes by local bus or taxi from Iiyama Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and roughly one hour by reservation shuttle from Nagano Station.
Why You'll Love Tangram Ski Circus
Expansive Area Linked with Madarao Kogen
Ski freely between two resorts with one lift pass
Tangram Ski Circus is directly connected to Madarao Kogen Ski Resort, allowing you to explore both areas with a single lift ticket. With a wide variety of runs from beginner to expert, the combined terrain offers more than you can cover in a single day.
Family-Oriented Facilities and Services
Kids’ parks and snow play areas for young children
Tangram offers a kids’ park, dedicated sledding area, and gentle slopes with magic carpets, ensuring that even small children can enjoy the snow safely. The slopeside hotel makes it an ideal choice for family ski vacations.
Relaxed and Uncrowded Atmosphere
A quieter, hidden-gem ski area
Tangram is known for its calm atmosphere and lighter crowds, making it perfect for beginner practice or leisurely family skiing. Even on weekends, lift lines are short, allowing you to maximize your time on the snow.
Slopeside Hotel Convenience
Ski-in, ski-out with onsen and dining right at your door
The slopeside Hotel Tangram offers ski-in, ski-out convenience. After skiing, relax in the hot springs or enjoy a variety of dining options without leaving the resort.
Plan Your Visit
Ticket Information
Operating Season
December 20 - March 31
Weather dependent
Operating Hours
Lifts: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Night Skiing: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Weekends)
Current Prices
1-Day Lift Ticket (Adult)6,000 yen
1-Day Lift Ticket (Child)3,700 yen
1-Day Lift Ticket (Senior)5,500 yen
Access Information
Location
By Car
Tokyo→Kanetsu Expressway→Joshinetsu Expressway→Tangram (3hr)
Parking
2,000 spaces
By Train
Tokyo Station→Joetsu-Myoko Station(2hr)→Bus(25min)→Tangram
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese
Ski Lesson : from 4,200 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 4,200 yen
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
Tokyo Station→Joetsu-Myoko Station(2hr)→Bus(25min)→Tangram
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: ¥4,800 yen/day • Snowboard set: ¥4,800 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
Terrain
Course Map
Course Map
TERRAIN INFORMATION
Level Guide
Beginner
40%Intermediate
35%Advanced
25%Grooming Status
Groomed
85%Non-groomed
15%Facilities
Snowboard Park
Available
Back Country
Not Available
Lift Facilities
Gondola
1
unitsLifts
8
unitsTERRAIN INFORMATION
Level Guide
Beginner
40%Intermediate
35%Advanced
25%Grooming Status
Groomed
85%Non-groomed
15%Facilities
Snowboard Park
Available
Back Country
Not Available
Lift Facilities
Gondola
1
unitsLifts
8
unitsPhoto Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about skiing at Tangram Ski Circus
What should I bring for skiing in Japan?
Essential items include warm clothing, waterproof gear, gloves, goggles, and sunscreen. Most resorts offer equipment rental, but bringing your own gear is also an option.
Are there English-speaking staff?
Most major ski resorts in Japan have English-speaking staff, especially at information desks, rental shops, and ski schools. However, learning basic Japanese phrases can enhance your experience.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time is typically from late December to early March, with January and February offering the best snow conditions. March provides longer daylight hours and milder weather.
How do I get to the resort?
Most resorts are accessible by train and bus from major cities like Tokyo. The Japan Rail Pass can be very useful for getting around, and many resorts offer shuttle services from nearby stations.
What about accommodation?
Options range from luxury hotels to traditional ryokans and budget-friendly hostels. Many resorts offer ski-in/ski-out accommodation, while others are located in nearby towns with shuttle services.
For more general questions (about money, culture, transport, etc.), please see our main Japan Skiing FAQ page.
View Main FAQ
About Tak
I'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder with more than 20 years on the slopes. As a father of two, I enjoy riding natural terrain and side hits, and I'm passionate about helping international visitors discover the best of Japan's ski resorts. Off the slopes, I love family time, dogs, and soaking in Japanese onsen.