Naeba Ski Resort
English Ski & Snowboard Lessons | Canyons
Naeba is Yuzawa's largest and most complete winter resort — a sweeping 889-meter vertical served by three gondolas, wide groomed highways for progression, and dedicated terrain parks for freestyle riders. Naeba is also home to the Dragondola, Japan's longest gondola at 5.5 km, linking directly into Kagura's higher-elevation powder terrain in a scenic 20-minute ride. Whether you're carving your first turns on Naeba's beginner-friendly lower mountain or connecting through to Kagura for deeper snow, Naeba offers more terrain variety in one lift pass than almost anywhere else in the Yuzawa area.
As an official international partner, Canyons Snowsports School provides high-end private ski and snowboard instruction delivered by native English-speaking professionals, tailored to every level from first-timers to advanced riders looking to explore Naeba's full terrain — including the Kagura side via the Dragondola.
Why Choose Naeba?
While GALA Yuzawa offers speed and convenience for a quick day trip, Naeba delivers something GALA simply can't: scale. With three connected mountain zones, night skiing until late, and direct access to Kagura's powder via the Dragondola, Naeba rewards visitors who want more than a few hours on the snow. It's the resort of choice for families who want dedicated kids' terrain, intermediate riders ready to progress beyond groomers, and anyone who wants one lift ticket to unlock two very different mountains.
At a Glance: Naeba Highlights
The Dragondola: Japan's longest gondola (5.5 km) connects Naeba directly to Kagura's higher-elevation terrain in a 20-minute ride — one lift ticket, two resorts, dramatically more variety than a single-mountain day.
Naeba's Best Night Skiing in the Region: Illuminated slopes running into the evening, so you can be on snow the same day you arrive — no need to burn a full day before your first run.
Terrain for Every Level: Wide, consistently groomed beginner runs near the base area, progressing to steeper advanced terrain and the Naeba Roxy Park terrain park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Dedicated Family Zones: Pandaruman Snow Park and an indoor-to-outdoor learning program let first-time skiers build confidence in a controlled setting before heading onto the slopes — ideal for young or nervous beginners.
Onsen & Ski-In/Ski-Out Comfort: Unwind after your lesson in indoor and outdoor hot springs, with ski-in/ski-out hotel access right at the base.
Canyons Door-to-Door Van Transport: Zero-friction private transfers from your Yuzawa hotel straight to the lifts with your instructor.
PRIVATE LESSONS
MORNING OR AFTERNOON
3 Hours
Great for thoe that just need a short boost of technique
¥45,000 per instructor
09:00 - 12:00, 13:00 - 16:00
Up to 6 people
FULL DAY
6 Hours
PREMIUM FULL DAY
6 Hours
BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
Full Day (private tour only)
Naeba's own terrain is patrolled and off-piste is limited — but the Dragondola is your gateway to some of the best backcountry access in the Yuzawa area. Once across into Kagura, our guides lead you into powder bowls and tree runs well above 1,800 meters, reachable with just a short hike from the top lift. Conditions here often stay light and dry well into spring, with zones known mainly to experienced local guides. It's the ideal add-on for strong intermediate-to-advanced riders staying at Naeba who want a genuine powder day without changing hotels.
Jan 15th - March 15th
¥120,000 JPY private tour - price based on a 4 person tour
¥30,000/extra person (max of 6 people)
08:00 - 16:00
For all BC enquiries please click here
YUZAWA RESORT GUIDE
Unsure which resort to pick?
Unsure which resort to pick?
To help you make the most of your snow holiday with Canyons, we've put together a Yuzawa Resort Guide. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for more powder, this guide will help you choose the best resort for your needs.
Click here to explore the resorts and start planning your perfect snow experience!
Rental Equipment
We recommend PURE JOY rentals. Premiuim equipment delivered direct to your hotel for the best experience.
Ready to book?
*Please note that this does not confirm your lesson, a member of our reservations team will be in touch to finalise your booking and take payment.
Access Information
The most convenient way to travel to Naeba Ski Resort is by Bullet Train (Shinkansen). Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Central Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, which takes approximately 75 minutes. From there, it's around a 50-minute shuttle bus to Naeba (a taxi is also available, typically under ¥10,000).
If you are travelling by car, exit the highway at the Yuzawa I.C. or Tsukiyono I.C. (Kan-Etsu Expressway) — Naeba is roughly 22–32 km from these exits depending on which you use.
202 Mikuni, Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata 949-6212
080-9083-2179 (9am-4pm)
Need more Information?
Find answers to common questions in our FAQs
Not sure about your ski or snowboard level?
Check our ability level guide to find the right lesson for you
Insurance:
The price of the lesson does not include accident insurance. Please obtain travel insurance to cover snowsports and all participants. We recommend ALL lesson participants have travel insurance.
Lift passes and rentals:
Lift tickets and rental are not included in the price and are to be prepared before the lesson start time.
Ready to book?
Submit your booking in the form below
Please feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have and we will be happy to help at snowsports@canyons.jp