A Scenic Location in the Center of Shiga Kogen
Rich Natural Surroundings on the Slopes of Mount Higashidate
The ski areas spread across the northwestern foothills of Mount Higashidate, which rises to 1,994 meters. Located in the central part of Shiga Kogen, they form the heart of the Ichinose district, an area known for its numerous hotels and other accommodations.
A Variety of Slopes for Different Levels
The wide main slope of Ichinose Family provides a comfortable environment for beginners, while three forest runs surrounded by coniferous trees offer a more immersive mountain experience.
On the southwestern side, the quiet slopes of Tanne no Mori wind through the forest. Each section has its own distinct character, making the area relatively easy to explore even for first-time visitors.
Magnificent Mountain Views
From the upper part of the ski area, skiers can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding mountains. Mount Yakebitai, rising 2,009 meters, and Yakebitaiyama Ski Area can be seen to the right, while Ichinose Diamond Ski Area and Nishitateyama Ski Area lie to the left.
On clear days, the view extends even farther toward the dramatic peaks of the Northern Japan Alps, adding spectacular scenery to the skiing experience.
Excellent Connections with the Wider Shiga Kogen Ski Area
Easy Access to Neighboring Ski Areas
One of the greatest advantages of Ichinose is its central location within Shiga Kogen. From the Ichinose Quad Lift, No. 3 Quad Lift, and No. 8 Quad Lift at Tanne no Mori Okojo Ski Area, skiers can access neighboring areas such as Takamagahara Mammoth Ski Area, Higashidateyama Ski Area, and Terakoya Ski Area.
Smooth Travel Between Ski Areas
A pedestrian overpass near the base makes it easy to move between Ichinose and Ichinose Diamond Ski Area. This extensive network allows visitors to explore a much larger area without being confined to a single set of slopes.
For skiers staying for several days, the connections make it possible to enjoy different terrain and scenery each day.
Base Facilities and Parking
Convenient Base Area
The base of the ski area has a range of facilities, including lift ticket offices, restaurants, accommodations, and first-aid services. Several buildings and facilities are operated by different businesses, creating a convenient hub for visitors.
Parking Options
There is no dedicated parking lot exclusively for these ski areas. Day visitors can use the Sports Land Parking Lot or Panorama Parking.
Guests staying at nearby hotels can use parking spaces provided by their accommodations or the jointly operated Ichinose Parking Lot.
Ski Area Specifications
Ichinose Family Ski Area
Lifts: 4
Courses: 4, excluding connecting routes
Difficulty: 30% advanced, 30% intermediate, 40% beginner
Elevation: 1,620–1,940 meters
Vertical difference: 320 meters
Tanne no Mori Okojo Ski Area
Lifts: 1
Courses: 1
Difficulty: 30% advanced, 40% intermediate, 30% beginner
Elevation: 1,660–1,815 meters
Vertical difference: 155 meters
Operating Period
The lifts at both ski areas are operated by Shiga Kogen Resort Development. The ski season generally runs from late November through the Golden Week holiday period in early May, providing one of the longer winter seasons in the region.
Featured Courses and Slopes
Tengu Course
Tengu Course stretches approximately 3,200 meters, with an average gradient of 10 degrees and a maximum gradient of 13 degrees. It is one of the longest forest runs in Shiga Kogen and can be accessed from the Ichinose Quad Lift and No. 3 Quad Lift.
The course is relatively wide and has gentle sections, making it an enjoyable choice for beginners who want to experience a long mountain run surrounded by forest.
Lower Ichinose Family Main Slope
The lower section of the Ichinose Family Main Slope is approximately 550 meters long, with an average gradient of 12 degrees and a maximum gradient of 18 degrees.
With an impressive width of around 120 meters, the broad slope provides plenty of room for practice and is also used by ski schools. Night skiing is available here, allowing visitors to enjoy the slopes after sunset.
Ichinose Family–Terakoya Connection Course
This approximately 520-meter connecting course links Ichinose Family with Terakoya Ski Area. With an average gradient of just 5 degrees and a maximum of 11 degrees, it is generally gentle and suitable for beginners who want to move between the two ski areas.
Tanne no Mori Okojo Slope
The Tanne no Mori Okojo Slope extends for approximately 500 meters, with an average gradient of 10 degrees and a maximum of 12 degrees.
Unlike a wide, open ski run, this slope winds between trees and offers a distinctive forest-skiing atmosphere. The surrounding woodland allows visitors to enjoy a closer connection with the natural landscape while skiing.
A Great Base for Exploring Shiga Kogen
Ichinose Family Ski Area and Tanne no Mori Okojo Ski Area combine beautiful mountain scenery, convenient facilities, extensive connections, and a diverse selection of terrain. Their central location makes them particularly useful for visitors who want to explore several parts of the Shiga Kogen ski region.
With broad beginner-friendly slopes, long forest runs, intermediate terrain, and connections to neighboring ski areas, the two ski areas offer something for a wide range of skiers and snowboarders.
For a winter trip to Nagano, Ichinose is an excellent base from which to experience the expansive landscapes and interconnected slopes of Shiga Kogen.