Good!3.8 / 5May 02, 2018
Lachlan R. beginner snowboarder
Gala Yuzawa
Closed
SnowPak review
4.2
Customer reviews
3.9
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Learn more about Gala Yuzawa
Pros
- Perfect day trip from Tokyo, easy access via bullet train
- Variety of trails
- Advanced runs hold lots of powder
- Close to Yuzawa Kogen ski area
Cons
- Small resort
- Large crowds, especially heavy and potentially dangerous on beginner slopes
- Limited off-piste terrain
- Terrain park is mostly for beginners
Gala Yuzawa Ski Packages |
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| Lodging | Discount | Price |
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HOTEL LiVEMAX Gunma-Numata
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28% off | $702 |
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Pension Old String
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14% off | $285 |
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Shibu Hotel
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12% off | $517 |
View all ski packages for Gala Yuzawa |
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Overall
A ski resort with its own bullet train station? It doesn’t get any easier to get on the slopes than that! That’s what Gala Yuzawa offers you. After a 70-minute ride from Tokyo, you step off your train and head right for the gondola that takes you to the snow (and when you’re done, they’ll even pack it up for you). It’s linked to two other ski resorts – Yuzawa Kogen and Ishiuchi Maruyama – and you can get a pass good for all three. It might not be Japan’s biggest or steepest place to shred, but you can’t beat the convenience!
Best month to go
March
March offers the best combination of snow conditions and nice weather in Gala Yuzawa, and it's quieter than January or February.
FLY TO
Narita International Airport
TRAIN TO
Tokyo Station (1.5 hours)
TRAIN TO
Gala Yuzawa Station (75 minutes)
Yuzawa (1-2 mi)
- Town offers wide range of lodging, restaurants and bars
- Complimentary bus to the resort
- Authentic Japanese town
For beginners
Beginners will have quite a few runs to choose from with the Central Area being the best spot to start. Our favorite run here is Edelweiss, a nice and long run that is serviced by a high-speed lift. Just beware beginner slopes are generally crowded, so its best for never-evers to learn at another resort.
For intermediates
Intermediates will want to stick to the Northern Area where they will find a number of suitable trails. Our top pick for intermediates has to be Swan. While rated as an easier run, the wide and long slope offers the perfect pitch for cruising and has nice sidelines.
For experts
The Southern Area sits away from the crowds and is where advanced skiers and snowboarders will want to base themselves. Here you'll find a range of fun mogully lines with tons of off-piste and sidecountry terrain. Our favorite run here is Bronco, a steep and choppy line packed with moguls.
Find freshies
After a snowstorm, Gala Yuzawa isn't the most ideal place for skiers to visit, with many opting for other resorts with more powder instead. If you do happen to be here after a powder dump, the best spot to find freshies is in the Southern Area, specifically the ungroomed Bronco Course.
Ditch the crowds
Crowds can be a nightmare at Gala Yuzawa as it is easily accessible from Tokyo. Avoid the weekend warriors by visiting on a weekday. The beginner slopes are especially bad to the point of sometimes being considered as dangerous. Avoid the crowds and head to the quieter Southern Area and the Swan course in the Northern Area.
Non skiers
For those coming for a day trip from Tokyo, there is a range of activities for non-skiers including snowshoeing, sightseeing on a snowmobile sleigh tour or even taking a dip in the indoor swimming pool and soaking in the hot spring at the base center. The resort also holds a number of events including the Gala Kamakura Festival.
Families
The Central Area is best for families with mellow slopes, a sledding hill and snowmobile sleigh rides. Kids will also love the snow playground and beginner's terrain park. Just beware, the beginner areas can get quite crowded so it's not suitable for never-evers.
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Gala Yuzawa Reviews
Lachlan R. Very Good!3.9 / 5Jan 21, 2018
JSJessi S.
There is a lot of snow at Gala Yukawa. Not only is it a phenomenal place to ski or snowboard, but it has other options for the whole family. It is inexpensive and convenient from Tokyo- less than a 1.5 hour train ride.... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Superb!4.7 / 5Dec 17, 2017
APAbhishek P.
Visited the Gala Yuzawa snow resort in the month of Feb 2017. The resort is open from the winter season from Dev to the second week of May.GALA Yuzawa is a ski and snow resort located in Niigata Prefecture.
Form Tokyo, the resort is best accessed using Joetsu Shinkansen. The Shinkansen from Tokyo to JR Gala Yuzawa station using the Joetsu... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Average!3.4 / 5Dec 07, 2017
JOJavi O.
Probably the most convenient ski resort for Tokyo visitors and residents! I was able to catch first train out and was on the mountain well before breakfast time! It's also really nice to get off the train and walk right up to the ticket booth without ever leaving the building! I did a full day of boarding and was back in Tokyo with enough time to... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Superb!4.9 / 5Dec 06, 2017
TKTodd K.
I recommend heading to the Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort, with its easy and quick direct connection by bullet train from Tokyo Station. Only under 2 hours you can be on the slopes. You can easily make a day trip, or spend a few days enjoying the amenities at the resort, which includes hot springs and plenty of food options.
Great slopes for the... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Very Good!4.2 / 5Dec 04, 2017
AHAndreas H.
Gala Yuazwa is one of my favorite spots to board in Japan and has easy access.
The area is quite large and ensures that you can carve through the snow a whole day without being bored. Staff is also really friendly!!... Moreexpert snowboarder
Average!2.6 / 5Dec 04, 2017
JCJoel C.
Really dislike this place. Busy to the point of dangerous. Feels more like a location for high school students to have a date rather than ski/snowboard.
It is of course very convenient from Tokyo which is mainly what leads to the crowds problem. Straight off the Shinkansen and onto the rope way.
I recommend that you avoid weekends and holiday... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Good!3.6 / 5Dec 03, 2017
MCMisael C.
Incredibly convenient resort. It has its own bullet train station! Great powder days to be had and close enough for a day trip from Tokyo. You will also find a lot of great bus tour deals from Tokyo to this resort. ... Moreexpert snowboarder