GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
ガーラ湯沢スキー場
A ski resort directly linked by cable car to Shinkansen GALA Yuzawa Station. From Tokyo it takes about 75 minutes to reach the slopes, making it the top choice for a day of skiing.
GALA Yuzawa is a ski resort operated by JR East. In winter, some Joetsu Shinkansen trains run directly to GALA Yuzawa Station. Upon exiting, you reach the ski center “Cheers,” which offers equipment rental, changing rooms, lockers, and restaurants, before riding an eight-person gondola up the mountain. Most of its more than ten runs are for beginners and intermediate skiers. They connect with the slopes of Ishiuchi Maruyama (a combined ticket is required), and the resort is well suited to beginners and families with children, with a snow play area as well. A day pass costs about 6,000–7,000 yen, and JR combined packages include the Shinkansen ticket. The station is closed outside the winter season, and the resort does not open in summer.
Opening hours
Winter approx. 08:00–17:00 (mid-Dec to early May)
Nearby sights
- Takahan Ryokan Kasumi Room
- Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway & Alp no Sato
- Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
- Yukiguni-kan Museum
- Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen Town
- Ponshukan Sake Museum (Echigo-Yuzawa)
- Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel
- Maiko Snow Resort