Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort

English Ski & Snowboard Lessons | Canyons

Ishiuchi Maruyama is Yuzawa’s premier modern all-rounder resort, blending heritage Japanese snow sports with state-of-the-art alpine infrastructure. Home to the world-class Sunrise Express combi-gondola, wide groomed runs, expansive terrain parks, and Yuzawa’s most extensive night-skiing setup, Ishiuchi offers the ultimate environment for progress and fun—whether you are clicking into skis or strapping into a snowboard for the first time.

As an official international partner, Canyons Snowsports School provides high-end private ski and snowboard instruction delivered by native English-speaking professionals. From young families to intermediate riders looking to hone their technique on pristine corduroy, our tailored lessons ensure a seamless, high-value mountain experience.

Why Choose Ishiuchi Maruyama?

While high-traffic hubs like GALA Yuzawa and Yuzawa Kogen can become heavily swamped during peak times, Ishiuchi Maruyama offers an uncrowded, high-value alternative without sacrificing convenience. Catered equally to both skiers and snowboarders, Ishiuchi packs everything you want in a premier Japanese ski holiday into one mountain: wide groomed highways, Yuzawa’s premier terrain park, hidden powder tree runs, 18 slope-side eateries, and vibrant night skiing. Paired with ski-in/ski-out lodging and hassle-free rental gear delivered right to your hotel, it is the ultimate all-rounder resort for families, groups, and progression-focused riders.

At a Glance: Ishiuchi Maruyama Highlights

  • Uncrowded Slope Experience: Escape the long lines and crowded trails of GALA and Yuzawa Kogen for open, stress-free cruising even during peak holidays.

  • Diverse Terrain & Yuzawa’s Best Terrain Park: 23 varied runs featuring dedicated powder bowls, accessible tree runs, and the region's top-rated terrain park for all freestyle levels.

  • Best Night Skiing in Yuzawa: Extensive illuminated slopes and freshly groomed corduroy under high-powered stadium floodlights for crisp evening turns.

  • Premium, Hassle-Free Rentals: Skip long resort rental lines with PURE JOY Rentals. Enjoy high-quality gear delivered directly to your hotel, or pick it up at the resort right next to the Canyons lesson desk.

  • 18 Slope-Side Restaurants: From authentic local Japanese ramen and kamameshi to modern mountain cafes, enjoy dynamic dining options spread right across the mountain.

  • 3 Local Onsen & Ski-In/Ski-Out Lodging: Unwind after your session in one of three hot springs, with a wide variety of ski-in/ski-out accommodations directly on the slopes.

  • Canyons Door-to-Door Van Transport: Zero-friction private transfers from your Yuzawa hotel straight to the lifts with your instructor.

Ishiuchi map

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

The ability to enjoy ample time to explore the resort and build technique

  • ¥75,000 per instructor

  • 09:00 - 16:00

  • Up to 6 people

  • Available in English, Chinese or Thai

PREMIUM FULL DAY

6 Hours

A Premium full day is a 6-hour lesson with an instructor that is able to provide extra support on and off the snow and flexible timings between 8:30-17:00 (resort lift dependent)

  • 09:00 - 16:00

  • 6 hours on snow

  • ¥90,000 per instructor

  • Up to 6 people

  • Available in English, Chinese or Thai

BACKCOUNTRY TOUR

Full Day (private tour only)

Kagura’s top lift reaches close to 1,900 meters, opening the door to incredible snow conditions with just a short hike. Thanks to the elevation, you can often enjoy light, dry powder snow well into the spring with a wide variety of backcountry zones, many of which are hidden gems known only to experienced local guides.

  • 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?


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 Ishiuchi Maruyama 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 about 10 minutes by bus, taxi OR Canyons free shuttle to the Hatsukaishi Entrance.

If you are travelling by car, exit the highway at the Yuzawa I.C. (Kan-Etsu Expressway Exit 16). From the exit, it's around 3 km to the Hatsukaishi parking area, which offers free parking and direct access to the lifts.

869-1 Ishiuchi, Minamiuonuma, Niigata 949-6372

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

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Canyons 博客

12
初心者も安心!みなかみや奥多摩と草津で体験する5月のウオーターアクティビティのラフティングとキャニオニング

新緑がまぶしい季節、冷たい水しぶきを浴びて心身をリフレッシュしてみませんか。5月は気温も上がり、雪解け水が豊富な川でエキサイティングな体験ができる絶好のチャンスです。

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アウトドアで楽しむアクティビティの選び方ガイド

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