Mt Norikura Snow Resort is located on the eastern foothills of Mt Norikura, to the west of central Matsumoto city in Nagano Prefecture. The resort covers quite a wide area and is known for often very good snow conditions. There are a few official ungroomed snow course areas. It has been operating since 1961. Mt Norikura Snow Resort recently changed hands and is now part of the Blue Resort group.
For the 2020-2021 season the Torii One quad lift and Wasabisawa Lift will not be operating and the Yamaboushi lift may also be rested on weekdays.
Nagano Prefecture is located in the Chubu region of the main island of Honshu. Most of the Northern Alps, Central Alps and Southern Alps are located within Nagano (along with neighbouring prefectures). Nagano has the second highest number of ski and snowboard resorts in all of Japan and they are spread around the whole prefecture. Nagano city and many of the major ski resorts are located in the northern region.
The Mountain
2000m
500m
1500m
35"
20
5000m
8
15%
45%
40%
Skiers 60%
Ropeways
Gondolas
Quad lifts
Triple lifts
Pair lifts
Single lifts
Other
Boarders 40%
0
0
2
1
5
0
0
Mt Norikura Snow Resort Snow Depth Statistics
Official snow depth numbers from the current season and previous season
Ski and snowboard lessons are available at Mt Norikura Snow Resort.
Equipment Rental
Ski Rental:
Available
Snowboard Rental:
Available
Ski and snowboard equipment rental is available. Ski and snowboard wear rental is also available.
Children's facilities
There is a kids park called 'Kids Park Norikurando'. Entry is 500 yen and it is open from 9:30am until 3:30pm. (The mascot for the resort appears to be an eye-patch wearing bird... looks fairly friendly though and the kids seem to like him/her!)
Park information
There is a park area as well as a number of ungroomed course areas at Mt Norikura.
Mt Norikura Snow Resort Season & Opening Times
Typical season is from Mid December until Early April
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
Daytime
Weekends and holidays
Normally open from 8:45am until 4:30pm
Weekdays
Normally open from 8:45am until 4:30pm
'Nighta' (night skiing)
Weekends and holidays
No
Weekdays
No
Opening information
Mt Norikura Snow Resort is open from 8:45am until 4:30pm.
There is no night skiing at this area.
Mt Norikura Snow Resort Lift Ticket Charges
Adults
Child
Elementary & Junior High School age
Older Child
Senior High School age
Senior
55 years & over
1 Day
4,300 yen
2,200 yen
2,200 yen
3,300 yen
4 Hours
3,800 yen
1 Lift Coupon
500 yen
400 yen
400 yen
500 yen
12 Lift Coupons
5,000 yen
4,000 yen
4,000 yen
5,000 yen
Season Ticket (all)
40,000 yen
20,000 yen
30,000 yen
Season Ticket (weekdays)
34,000 yen
20,000 yen
26,000 yen
The 4 Hour ticket is valid for four hours from the time of purchase.
If you live in Matsumoto or nearby, a cheaper one day lift ticket is available for 3,000 yen.
There are also various special lift ticket prices including the following:
Children's Day is the 3rd Sunday of January, February and March - Elementary school age ride the lifts for free, 100 get a free burger (!) and there's some kind of offer on for snowmobile experiences. Cosplay Day is the 4th Sunday of January, February and March - arrive in complete cosplay gear for a free lift ticket. Monday - 'Ladies Day' (excluding 13th January and 24th February) - 2,100 yen one day ticket special price Wednesday - 2,100 yen one day ticket special price for anyone and everyone. Including eye-patch wearing birds Thursday - 'Senior Day' (excluding 13th January and 24th February) - 2,100 yen one day ticket special price
Getting to Mt Norikura Snow Resort
By public transport
Train
29km from Shin Shimashima Station on the Kamikochi Line
43km from Matsumoto Station on the Shinonoi Line
Information
Mt Norikura Snow Resort is 29km from Shin Shimashima Station on the Kamikochi line and about 43km from Matsumoto Station.
A free shuttle bus from central Matsumoto is available, mainly on weekends. Reservations are required (at least 4 days in advance).
By Car
40.6km from the Matsumoto IC on the Nagano Expressway
44.4km from the Shiojiri Kita IC on the Nagano Expressway
50.4km from the Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway
Nearest national route: Route 158 (11.5km away)
Nearest prefecture road: Prefecture Road 84
Direction
Mt Norikura Snow Resort is about 40km from the Matsumoto IC exit and 44.4km from the Shiojiri Kita IC exit on the Nagano Expressway.
From the Matsumoto IC exit, turn right onto Route 158 and follow the road for about 29km until reaching the sign to turn left onto Prefecture Road 84. Follow the signs to the base of the resort.
MESSAGE FROM SNOWJAPAN We feel for everyone who wanted to be able to visit Japan this winter but are unable to. Please read this message about this season and coronavirus. Stay safe everyone, wherever you are.
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Reader Resort Rankings
General
72
Snow conditions
61
Courses & terrain
72
Lift system
58
Apres ski
50
Ranking points are submitted when writing Resort Reviews Write Resort Review
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