| Winter in Japan can be extremely cold, but it can | | | | Other highly recommended ski resorts in the |
| also be unbelievable for the ardent skier. When | | | | Northern Alps include: |
| someone mentions skiing in Japan, the first thing | | | | 1. Shiga Kogen Heights (Yamanouchi Town), with |
| that comes to mind is Nagano. After all, it did host | | | | an elevation between 1500 and 2300 metres - |
| the 1998 Winter Olympics and the 2005 Special | | | | this is the largest skiing destination in Japan |
| Olympics World Winter Games. | | | | 2. Madarao Highlands Ski Resort in Ilyama City, |
| The Nagano Prefecture is located in the Chubu | | | | situated at the base of the Madarao Mountain |
| region on Japan's main island of Honshu. The | | | | 3. Nozawa Onsen |
| capital of the Nagano Prefecture is the city of | | | | The Kurumayama Highlands Snow Resort in the |
| Nagano. The Central Highlands, known as the Roof | | | | Suwa Area (Chino City) is the place to ski if you |
| of Japan, Mt Fuji and eight other of Japan's | | | | want to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of |
| twelve highest mountains, are located in this | | | | Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps. It also boasts a |
| prefecture. | | | | very dependable snow season due to its high |
| At the base of the Northern Alps, (Matsumoto | | | | altitude - early December to early April. |
| Area), you'll find Hakuba Village. Hakuba hosted | | | | All ski resorts are accessible by road and rail. |
| several of the 1998 Winter Olympics events. The | | | | There is also an airport at Matsumoto. Be sure to |
| village has 7 fantastic ski areas with a range of | | | | check local guides before you leave for the most |
| different terrains to suit all levels from beginners | | | | current weather update, as transport links can be |
| to experts. And, it's only about a one hour drive | | | | affected by adverse snow and ice conditions. |
| from Nagano I.C. | | | | |