If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding or have not skied or boarded in a while, Tsugaike Mountain Resort is a great choice for getting your ski legs in order. Perfect for beginners, half of the runs here are rated easy and are also the widest and gentlest in the entire Hakuba Valley. They include a wonderful 4.9km (3.1 miles) long top-to-bottom run served by the resort’s easy-to-ride gondola lift. There’s no language barrier when it comes to learning as there are two ski schools, one of them an international one with with multilingual staff and if you have young children needing looking after whilst you’re on the slopes, there’s even daycare for the children.
© Hiroya Nakata
Although known for its beginner terrain, the other half of Tsugaike Kogen’s terrain should not be overlooked by more experienced skiers. 30% is rated intermediate, 20% advanced. In the latter category, Tsugaike has a reputation for its TSUGA POW DBD sector, a designated, gated powder snow area accessible only to skiers and snowboarders who have attended a safety lecture. It offers a controlled experience in the resort’s renowned powder terrain. Freestylers will love the TG terrain park.
