Gala Yuzawa

Gala Yuzawa

Just 75 minutes from Tokyo via bullet train, Gala Yuzawa redefines mountain access with Japan's only dedicated Shinkansen snow resort station. Visitors step from their train directly to the slopes, blending Tokyo's urban energy with the serene snow-covered peaks of Niigata. The resort's thoughtful design includes multilingual instructors, comprehensive gear rental, and soothing onsen baths where you can soak while watching skiers glide down illuminated evening runs. From complete beginners to advanced powder seekers, Gala Yuzawa's varied terrain welcomes every skill level with characteristic Japanese attention to detail.

Live Gala Yuzawa Webcams

Unable to load webcam feed

Melody Course (Central)

Every 15 minutes
Elevation: 881m / 2890ft

Positioned at the heart of Gala Yuzawa ski resort, this webcam overlooks the welcoming beginner slopes where newcomers take their first turns. Watch live as skiers and snowboarders master the basics on these perfectly groomed trails.

The heart of Gala Yuzawa beats through its 11-lift network, connecting 16 routes from the station to the summit. The central gondola system elevates skiers from arrival platform to mountain peak in minutes, opening access to 17 distinct courses. The design eliminates the typical resort commute – here, your mountain journey begins the moment you exit the train. As evening approaches, selected runs light up under powerful illumination, transforming the slopes into ribbons of light against the Niigata night sky, extending your ski day well past sunset.

Gala Yuzawa Lift System
Total Ski Lifts = 11
Aerial Tram
1
Aerial Tram
Gondola
1
Gondola
Quad Chair
3
Quad Chair
Triple Chair
2
Triple Chair
Double Chair
4
Double Chair

Gala Yuzawa Resort Elevation

3875ft1181mResort Summit2700ft823mVertical Drop1175ft358mResort Base

Trails

Total Runs

16

Total Area

173 ac

70.0 ha

Difficulty Distribution

Beginner
35%
Intermediate
45%
Advanced
20%
Expert
0%
View Full Trail Map

Location

Gala Yuzawa sits at a sweet spot where cold Siberian winds meet Sea of Japan moisture, creating perfect snow conditions in Niigata Prefecture's mountains. The bullet train connection puts Tokyo just over an hour away, making both day trips and extended mountain stays equally convenient. Beyond the slopes, visitors discover a region steeped in snow country tradition - from centuries-old sake breweries to family-run onsen baths. This special placement offers more than just exceptional skiing; it's an entrance to Japan's snow culture, all within easy reach of Tokyo's buzzing streets. Local mountain towns invite exploration with their traditional architecture, seasonal festivals, and renowned local cuisine.

Gala Yuzawa

, chubu

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Toggle layers using the controls in the top right. Ski runs and lifts are shown in the overlay.

Season Info

From mid-December through early May, Gala Yuzawa comes alive with consistent snowfall, reaching its peak from January through March. The resort catches an impressive 3.8 meters of annual snow, shaped by unique weather patterns that maintain excellent coverage throughout the season. Summer reveals another side of the mountain, as snow melts to unveil networks of hiking trails and meadows filled with mountain flowers. Each season brings its own rhythm to the resort - from winter's powdery mornings to summer's cool mountain breezes, creating year-round opportunities for mountain exploration.

Current Season

2024-2025

Opening Day

12/5/2024

Closing Day

3/29/2025

Days Open

115

Arctic Eco Sno Sidebar

Annual Snowfall

Metric

8m

800cm

Imperial

26.2ft

315in