Iwappara Ski Resort — Attraction in Yuzawa

One of the best skiing areas I have been in Japan. There are a variety of different ski lifts to go for different levels of difficulty. The highest peak closes at around 4:30pm which is a safe thing as during winter it gets dark rather early. However, if you still want to ski during the night there is also a night time area where you could ski well into The night. If you choose to go there be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes and gloves and they tend to freeze, yes, freeze as the snow melts on your gloves and freezes again.

You can choose to live in one of the few hotels that are on The mountainside (1/4 up The mountain I think) where they provide Japanese style living quarters with public bathrooms and onsen (little small) as well as catering (small portions for those who are used to western portions).

On a good day with clear weather the view is simply stunning. And is worth every penny and minute...

A very good resort. It is not huge but a good place to ski or snowboard with some fun runs. There are two ways into the resorts with Ski Centers at the base and half-way up the resort. Several restaurants and hotels right on the slopes. There is a good play area for children and the resort run a free shuttle (a trailer with seats towed behind a snowmobile) from the mid-station ski area over to the kids area (which is in the middle of the slopes.) There is also a long sledging course under one of the lifts. The main run at Iwappara is really long and wide. You can see it as you drive into Yuzawa on the expressway from the south - a big strip of white running down...

We did not ski, but this is a nice place for family. There is a snow-play (yuki-asobi) area for kids, like sliding and making snowballs. Lots of cafes, restaurants and ski equipment rental shops within walking distance. Apparently strolling around the area is free as long as you don't ski, snowboard or take the ski lifts. Unfortunately we already paid 4,300 yen each person, which we thought...