#Japan #Niigata #Smile Resort #Yuzawa Nakazato #Snow Activities

Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort Starts Winter Operations in 2025

Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort, one of the key destinations under the Smile Resort brand operated by Hospitality Operations Co., Ltd., is set to open its doors for the 2025-2026 winter season on December 28, 2025. This resort promises to cater to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, making it an ideal choice for family winter outings.

Situated just 5 km from the Yuzawa IC on the Kanetsu Expressway, Yuzawa Nakazato is easily accessible and designed to provide visitors with an incredible snowy experience. The resort features a beginner-exclusive area known as the Angel Glade and the Smile Kids Park, both equipped with state-of-the-art, dome-covered snow escalators, perfect for families looking to introduce their children to winter sports.

Facilities and Attractions

The resort offers a diverse range of slopes to suit all skill levels, including exciting tree runs and off-piste courses for intermediate to advanced skiers. Moreover, ample free spaces such as the Blue Train Nakazato area ensure a variety of comforts while enjoying the beautiful winter landscape.

This season, Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort introduces several new features and activities:

• - FUN RIDE ZONE: Newly designed kid-friendly attractions include artificial elements that allow children to enjoy sliding while enhancing their skiing and snowboarding skills.
• - Growth Park: A unique terrain park created by pro snowboarder Takashi Sekiguchi, features varied landforms for both beginners and experts to enjoy creative play.
• - BOARDRIDERS: Now open at the resort, this shop features brands like VOLCOM, DAKINE, QUIKSILVER, and ROXY, catering to snowboarders and skaters with gear and apparel.
• - Increased shuttle bus services from Echigo-Yuzawa Station make reaching the slopes even more convenient, with buses running every 20 minutes, down from 30, to improve accessibility.

Family-Friendly Features

Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort stands out as a family-friendly destination with facilities tailored for children and beginners. In the Smile Kids Park, visitors can engage in fun activities like sledding and snow tubing, encouraged by the all-weather operations of the enclosed snow escalators. The Angel Glade offers a convenient learning environment equipped with a 100-meter dome-covered escalator, allowing young skiers to focus on their skills without the stress of traditional lift operations. Safe and separated from more advanced trails, the glade is perfect for kids' snow sports debut.

Exciting Events This Season

This winter season, Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort is hosting several special events:

• - Yuzawa Winter Fireworks on January 1 - Enjoy a spectacular display as fireworks light up the evening sky over the slopes.
• - Kids Ski Day - On every third Sunday of the month, lift tickets for elementary school students are free.
• - 2026 TOYO TIRES FWT Jr. Qualifier from January 31 to February 3 - Witness the world's top riders participate in this thrilling competition.

Operational Details

• - Season Dates: December 28, 2025 to March 29, 2026
• - Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• - Lift Rates:

- 1-Day Ticket: Adults: ¥6,400 / Middle & High School Students: ¥5,200 / Elementary: ¥3,200
- 5-Hour Ticket: Adults: ¥5,200 / Middle & High School Students: ¥4,200 / Elementary: ¥2,500

Resort Information

• - Facility Name: Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
• - Location: 5044-1, Todar, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata, Japan
• - Contact Phone: 025-787-3301
• - Access: 10-minute drive from Kanetsu Expressway Yuzawa IC, or 15 minutes via free shuttle bus from JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station
• - Website: Yuzawa Nakazato

Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort is dedicated to providing an unforgettable snowy experience, ensuring winter fun for everyone!