Charmant Hiuchi Ski Resort

Charmant Hiuchi Ski Jō

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Charmant Hiuchi boasts one of Japan's top snowfalls and a unique 'ungroomed terrain' philosophy. Its proximity to the Sea of Japan ensures exceptional powder snow well into early May, offering a long season of pure enjoyment.

sports

HighlightsExceptional ungroomed areas perfect for powder snow
Long season allowing skiing until early May
Japan's longest non-stop powder area, 'Tobiyama,' stretching 1,101m
All courses accessible from the summit
Extensive backcountry and off-piste lessons available

Basic Information

Address: 1821 Nishitobiyama, Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan Search for tourist attractions in Niigata

Access: By Car: Approximately 30 minutes from Nō IC on the Hokuriku Expressway (via General Prefectural Road Nishitobiyama-Nō Line). Roughly 4 hours from Tokyo, 2 hours 30 minutes from Takasaki, 1 hour from Nagano, 1 hour 40 minutes from Matsumoto, 1 hour from Toyama, 2 hours from Kanazawa, and 5 hours from Osaka. By Bus: During the operating season, on weekends, national holidays, and specific periods, a shuttle bus service connects from Nō Station on the Echigo Tokimeki Railway. Take the local bus (¥550 one-way) from Nō Station to Tamugihira Bus Stop. From there, transfer to a free shuttle bus bound for Charmant Hiuchi Ski Resort. Local buses operate on weekends and national holidays from December 16th to May 5th. They run daily from December 23rd to January 8th, with the exception of New Year's Day. Show route

Op.Hours: **Lift Operation Hours:** First Quad Lift: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Second Pair Lift: 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM (Operates on weekends and national holidays only, from April 8, 2024, until the end of the season) Third Pair Lift: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Operates on weekends and national holidays only, subject to availability) **Restaurant 'Salut' Hours:** 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last order at 3:00 PM) **Kids' Room Hours:** 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM on weekends, national holidays, during winter break, and spring break (Closed on weekdays)

Cld.Days: Closed during the off-season (typically early May to early December). Please check the official website for lift operation status.

Fee: **Lift Ticket Prices:** 1-Day Pass: Adults ¥4,800, Children (ages 3 to junior high school students) ¥3,400 Half-Day Morning Pass (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM): Adults ¥3,900, Children ¥2,800 Half-Day Afternoon Pass (12:00 PM - closing): Adults ¥3,400, Children ¥2,300 Single Ride Quad Lift (one-way): Adults ¥600, Children ¥300 Single Ride Pair Lift: Adults ¥300, Children ¥300 Family Pack (1 adult, 2 children): ¥7,100 *Infants under 3 years old are free. Discounts available for persons with disabilities, seniors, and Itoigawa city residents. **Rental Fees:** Carving Ski Set / Snowboard Set: 1-Day ¥4,800, Half-Day ¥3,800 Wear Set: 1-Day ¥4,400, Half-Day ¥3,200 Expert Rental (skis/board only): 1-Day ¥5,300, Half-Day ¥4,200 *Rental discounts available exclusively for school participants. Gloves and goggles are not available for rent.

INFO: **Parking:** 1,000 spaces, Free. Gates open from 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Due to heavy snowfall, please refrain from using or parking on access roads and in the parking lot between 6:00 PM and 7:00 AM the following day. If you arrive early in the morning, please wait at Michi-no-eki Marine Dream Nou along National Route 8. **Mobile Phone Reception:** SoftBank service is poor inside the Center House. Please be aware if you plan to use smartphone apps, mobile lift tickets, or cashless payment methods. For discount coupons, we recommend printing them out beforehand and bringing them with you. **Safety Warnings:** Due to heavy snowfall, venturing off-piste without sufficient skill carries a risk of getting lost. Entry into areas outside the designated ski resort management zone is prohibited. Flying drones or other unmanned aircraft is prohibited without special permission. Please do not allow children to wander off unsupervised.

HP: https://charmant-hiuchi.jp/

Overview

Charmant Hiuchi Ski Resort, located in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, stands as a truly unique destination, proudly adhering to its 'non-groomed terrain' philosophy. Since its opening in 1998, it has continuously captivated skiers and snowboarders from across the country with its abundant snowfall and exceptional powder. Despite its proximity to the Sea of Japan, its geographical location, separated by mountains from the Myoko area, means it receives less direct sunlight, resulting in incredibly high-quality snow. This unique feature allows for a long season of skiing and riding well into early May. The resort allows skiing and riding across all areas except designated dangerous zones, with ungroomed terrain making up 65% of its total 96-hectare footprint. With an efficient layout that provides access to all courses from the summit, Charmant Hiuchi offers over 30 diverse course patterns. These range from the groomed 'Snowman' run, boasting a maximum 37-degree pitch, to 'Tobiyama,' one of Japan's longest non-stop powder areas. Powder zones like 'Tobiyama,' 'Surge,' and 'Oritani' are particularly challenging, featuring varied terrain and tree runs that demand technical skill, thrilling even the most seasoned experts. The Center House features 'Salut,' a restaurant serving dishes made with local Koshihikari rice, and 'Arles,' a shop offering ski and snowboard accessories as well as souvenirs. The rental shop offers not only standard ski and snowboard equipment but also a comprehensive selection of gear for deep snow adventures, including snowscooters, backcountry skis, and beacons. The ski school also provides lessons for backcountry and off-piste skiing, supporting a more profound mountain experience. Visitors should also be aware of precautions unique to a heavy snowfall region, such as the prohibition of parking and access road usage from 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM during winter. Early arrivals may need to wait at Michi-no-Eki Marine Dream Nō. However, the superb snow quality bestowed by this rich natural environment more than compensates for any inconvenience. Once you visit, you're sure to be captivated by its snow.

Charmant Hiuchi Ski Resort

Highlights

Basic Information

Overview

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