Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort — Attraction in Kusatsu

It was my first time to try skiing. We arrived there on a Saturday afternoon, around 1pm, and we tried to rent the ski wear and gear, but there were no more available sizes for us. It was full, so we just rented in a nearby shop. After renting, we went back to the Ski Resort. It is a public space and skiing there is free, as long as you have a gear. I also learned that all residents of Kusatsu Onsen can freely avail of the Gondola and lift as much as they want. We joined the Kusatsu Ski School for 5000 yen. It was helpful if you're a beginner. I even lost track of time about how long that lasted, coz it was fun--maybe about 2 hours. The teacher tried his best to speak English. After that, we just enjoyed skiing in the area. We tried the Gondola for ¥2000, and we skied from there. There is a beginner-friendly route up there. My friends also tried the ski lift for also ¥2000. For a beginner like me, I was scared to try it coz jumping off at the top was scary. One of my friends also tripped over when she jumped down. Just be careful when you try it. There is also a food court, but expect that on the weekend, it is really packed. You have to wait for vacant tables before you can sit. There is also a souvenir shop. Overall, it was an...

It suited my level beginner-intermediate snowboarding. Hardly any English signs in the area but enough friendly people trying their best to help. It's easy to get to as well from the town, I walked there via route 292. Some part of the road can be narrow but you can cut across via the Sainokawara park. The chair to the upper half of the skifield was closed due to strong wind but the sign was only at the entrance of the chair. However to get to this entrance, you'll have to go down slightly from the gondola exit, and when I figured it was closed, it's either walk uphill back to gondola platform or go down (intermediate). It was daunting as I was still a beginner at that stage. Also the gear rental can be done on site without online booking. Maybe it's communication difficulties, I was just given the gear, no fitting. Pretty much DIY. The gear rental accept credit card, but the entrance ticket office cash or cards only (I didn't pay attention which one). Food was decent and affordable. There's a water station in...

The snow in this area is not as powdery and heavy as in northern Japan such as Hokkaido and Aomori. The slopes consist 50% beginner’s courses. Some of the routes are too flat or upwards. For first timer skiers and snowboarders it will be a good place to have fun. There is an area for kids too. The rental shop has old equipments and colorful wears. Canteen has quite a number of choices for lunch. Overall I recommend this place for first timer and beginners. There is one short route for intermediate level but might be too boring for those who...