Blanche Takayama Ski Resort is a skiers-only resort, located in Nagawa town to the north of Lake Shirakaba in the central eastern region of Nagano Prefecture. It is the most northerly of the ski resorts in this particular area and has been operating since 1985. The resort boasts of fine weather on over 80% of days during the season (though some readers may well be feeling that such a thing is not something to boast about!)
There are a number of ski and snowboard resorts scattered around the mountainous area that stretches from Kirigamine highland and Kurumayama to the north, over to Lake Shirakaba and Mt Tateshina a little further to the east and then Mt Yokodake and the Yatsugatake mountain range further south. This region usually gets a relatively large amount of clearer weather conditions and does not usually receive as much snow as other highland areas. The region is part of the Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park and is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. The famous Venus Line sightseeing road runs through the area.
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.
Ski lessons are available at Blanche Takayama Ski Resort at the Ski School and the Kids School.
Snowboarding is not allowed at this resort.
Equipment Rental
Ski Rental:
Available
Snowboard Rental:
Not available
Ski equipment and wear rental is available.
Children's facilities
The 'Chibikko Wan-Park' is located at the base of the resort and there are various areas: Ski Area, Sledge Area, Tubing Area and Snowmobile Area. Entry is 1,000 yen (free with valid lift ticket). Other charges for various activities may apply.
Park information
There is also a 3,700m long beginner cross course.
Blanche Takayama Ski Resort Season & Opening Times
Typical season is from Early December until Early April
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
Daytime
Weekends and holidays
Normally open from 8:00am until 4:30pm
Weekdays
Normally open from 8:30am until 4:00pm
'Nighta' (night skiing)
Weekends and holidays
No
Weekdays
No
Opening information
Blanche Takayama Ski Resort is normally open from 8:30am until 4:00pm on weekdays and from 8:00am until 4:30pm on holidays.
There is no night skiing at this area.
Blanche Takayama Ski Resort Lift Ticket Charges
Adults
Child
Pre-School age
Older Child
Elementary School age
Senior
55-69 year olds
1 Day
4,800 yen
1,000 yen
2,800 yen
3,800 yen
2 Days
8,200 yen
1,800 yen
4,800 yen
6,200 yen
Half Day
4,000 yen
2,500 yen
3,000 yen
1 Lift Coupon
600 yen
Season Ticket
48,000 yen
9,000 yen
25,000 yen
40,000 yen
2020-2021 Season lift tickets
A Gold ticket for those ages 70 and over is also available - charges are 3,000 yen for 1 day; 5,200 yen for 2 days and 2,500 yen for a half day.
Half day tickets are valid from opening until 1:00pm or from 11:30am until closing.
Early season half price one day lift tickets are available until 11th December 2020.
A number of family tickets are available:
Family A ticket (1 adult and 1 elementary school age child) - 7,000 yen Family B ticket (1 adult and 2 elementary school age children) - 9,500 yen Family C ticket (2 adults and 1 elementary school age child) - 11,000 yen Family D ticket (2 adults and 2 elementary school age children) - 14,000 yen
A season ticket allows the holder to buy a 1,000 yen one-day lift ticket at other nearby ski resorts (Kurumayama, Pilatus, Shirakaba Kogen, Shirakaba 2in1, Shirakaba Royal Hill and Echo Valley).
Getting to Blanche Takayama Ski Resort
By public transport
Train
37.9km from Ueda Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line
27km from Chino Station on the Chuo Honsen line
Information
Blanche Takayama Ski Resort is about 27km from Chino Station on the Chuo Honsen line.
Bus
No free shuttle bus service is available.
A taxi from Chino Station takes about 50 minutes.
By Car
23.5km from the Okaya IC on the Nagano Expressway
29.5km from the Suwa IC on the Chuo Expressway
39.2km from the Ueda Sugadaira IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway
Nearest national route: Route 152 (3.7km away)
Nearest prefecture road: Prefecture Road 155
Direction
Blanche Takayama Ski Resort is located to the north of Shirakaba lake and just under 4km off Route 152, otherwise known as Daimon Highway.
From the Suwa IC exit on the Chuo Expressway, turn right onto Route 20 and just over 1.3km later turn left onto Route 152. Follow this road up to and past Lake Shirakaba and follow the signs to the resort which is signposted off Route 152 to the north of the lake.
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