Written by Carey Finn
Gala Yuzawa — a popular ski resort in Niigata Prefecture — is one of the easiest and most affordable snowboarding day trips from Tokyo. Here’s everything you need to know to go.
Pro tip: Want private transfers to or from the airport? NearMe is offering a special discount for Tokyo Cheapo readers for up to ¥1,500 off your first trip.
Basic info
- Gala Yuzawa’s 2024–2025 season: December 13, 2024 to May 6, 2025
Winter hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Spring hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
One-day pass: ¥6,800 in person, ¥5,900 online
Gala Yuzawa, sometimes written as GALA Yuzawa, is one of several ski and snowboard resorts in the Yuzawa area of Niigata, but what sets it apart is that it has its own bullet train station (aptly named Gala Yuzawa Station) — and it’s only 90 minutes away from Tokyo.
You can hop on a train just after 6 a.m. in Tokyo, grind the slopes by 8 a.m., and get back into the capital by nightfall in time to tend to your cats/child/pet rock.
Who should visit Gala Yuzawa?
The place is well suited to beginners, with a range of gentle slopes and even a sledding slope in the central area. There are some intermediate options, too, with a couple of expert courses in the northern and southern parts of the resort. There is also a 2.5 km downhill course — a fun feature aimed at beginner-intermediate snowsters.
It’s a pretty small resort, though when the connected Yuzawa Kogen and Ishiuchi Maruyama resorts are also open, there’s a bigger variety of skiing to be had.
Gala Yuzawa also has a ski/snowboarding school with English-speaking instructors. They offer both private and group lessons, ideal for those with a bit of snow shyness.
The Yuzawa area has heaps of hot springs, making it a grand old place to just kick back and relax, too.
How do I get to Gala Yuzawa?
With the Gala Yuzawa Shinkansen station right next to the slopes, the Jōetsu Shinkansen is the most convenient way to go. But, if you’re coming by car from Tokyo, the resort is about 3 km from the Yuzawa I.C. exit on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. It also has a parking area with space for around 400 cars and free all-day parking.
How much is it to ski or snowboard at Gala Yuzawa?
A one-day adult pass is ¥6,800, and a half-day pass is ¥6,000 if you buy on the day. Discounts are available for online purchases.
The only thing you need to organize separately is gear — you can either bring your own, or rent it there. You can select it as an add-on to your resort package.
Accommodation near Gala Yuzawa
If you want to make an overnight trip of it, hotels can be found near Echigo-Yuzawa Station, which is one stop away from Gala Yuzawa Station.
Pro tip: Book this package that covers your lift pass and equipment rental for ¥19,500.
What facilities are available at Gala Yuzawa?
Hitting the slopes can be tiring work, so Gala Yuzawa has plenty of space to put your feet up. Among the facilities in the resort are a large indoor pool and hot spring. Entry is ¥1,000 before 3 p.m. or ¥1,300 after, with a towel set included.
If you’re looking for a cheapo option, there’s also a free-to-enter relaxation space on the third floor of the Ski Center with benches and massage chairs, as well as a children’s play area on the second floor.
There are several restaurants offering Japanese light bites scattered around the Ski Center, Rest Area, and the North Area.
If you’re looking to bring your own gear from home, there’s also a heavy luggage counter on the third floor of the Ski Center, where you can collect and store your board or skis.
Gala Yuzawa FAQs
Is there an all-in-one package I can buy for a trip to Gala Yuzawa?
Not at the moment. While Gala Yuzawa does have a lot of space to ski and places to relax, there are no hotel facilities on site. You would have to book a separate hotel, and then pay for lift tickets for each day you visit. You can check the JR View Travel website (in Japanese) for various discount package plans, though.
But there is this package that covers your ski pass and equipment rental or this one that provides a private charter service.
I’m a more experienced skier/snowboarder. Is Gala Yuzawa worth it?
Absolutely. While the majority of courses at Gala Yuzawa are aimed at beginner- and intermediate-level participants, you’re not going to be left out. The South Area has 3 out of 5 of its slopes ranked as advanced-level courses, so there’ll be some challenges to sink your teeth into.
Can I drive to Gala Yuzawa?
You can. While the Shinkansen might be the quickest option, Gala Yuzawa is very accessible by road. If coming from Tokyo, the resort is about 3 km from the Yuzawa I.C. exit on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. Gala Yuzawa has a parking area with space for around 400 cars and free all-day parking.
Explore other places to ski and snowboard near Tokyo.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Pass prices may vary depending on the time of year. This post was first published in December 2015. Last updated in January 2025 by Patrick Balfe.
