8 PEAKS SKI RESORT

Why 8 Peaks

Nestled in the Yatsugatake Mountain Range on the scenic Shirakaba Plateau in central Nagano Prefecture, Eight Peaks Ski Resort offers an authentic European-style alpine experience in the heart of Japan. Thanks to its high elevation and natural shielding from northern snow fronts, the resort enjoys a mild climate, abundant sunshine, and consistently excellent weather throughout the winter season. The crisp alpine air preserves the snow in light, dry, pristine condition, making it ideal for world-class skiing and snowboarding.
In addition, over 100 snowmaking machines operate nightly to replenish the slopes with fresh powder, ensuring perfect skiing conditions every morning. Expert grooming by snowcats keeps the terrain consistently smooth and ski-ready ? a commitment to excellence that has produced World Cup ski racers, including local legend Godai Fukui. Whether you’re carving your first turns or chasing peak performance, Eight Peaks delivers snow you can count on, day after day.
Escape to the untouched slopes and crystal-clear skies of Eight Peaks ? one of Nagano’s premier ski destinations.
Set amidst the majestic peaks of the Yatsugatake Range, Eight Peaks combines timeless European alpine charm with the warmth of authentic Japanese hospitality.
With six distinct ski areas, the resort offers something for everyone: gentle slopes for families and beginners, challenging black diamond runs for experts, and scenic trails that invite you to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or carving in serenity, Eight Peaks is a true winter playground ? beautifully diverse, effortlessly welcoming.

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Trail Map

Ski Resorts

Shirakabakogen Kokusai Ski Area

Ride the only gondola in the entire 8 Peaks area?your gateway to unforgettable alpine adventures. At the summit, enjoy the 5km Cross Country Challenge Course, a peaceful forest trail ideal for beginners and cruisers, with stunning views of the Northern Alps and Hakuba.
Take on the 1.3km Thoroughbred Course at Shirakaba Kogen Kokusai, featuring upper off-piste powder and lower groomed runs with a steep finish overlooking Lake Megami. January?February offers peak conditions (?15°C to ?20°C).
All runs return to the gondola station, making it easy to regroup. Don’t miss the Shirakaba Tornado, a fun spiral tunnel between the Main and White Horse courses?great for all ages.

Shirakaba 2 in 1 Ski Area

Enjoy a variety of slopes?from groomed runs and tree lines to terrain parks?catering to all levels, from beginners to experts. The Canyon Course, open with natural snowfall, delivers exceptional powder skiing. Take in close-up views of iconic Mount Tateshina and stunning distant vistas of the Northern Alps, including Hakuba.

Blanche Takayama Ski Resort

Blanche Takayama welcomes skiers and snowboarders, offering advanced technical terrain with stunning views of the Northern Alps and Mount Fuji. Open to snowboarders since December 2025, it keeps a quiet, high-quality atmosphere.
Beginners enjoy the gentle 2.1km Mominoki Course, while families love the casual food court and Wanpark?a fun base area with tubing, snowmobiles, and kid-friendly activities.
Don’t miss the panoramic summit views and the Ski Jizo statue for safe travels.

Pilatus Tateshina Snow Resort

Pilatus Tateshina, Japan’s second-highest ski area, offers superb snow and stunning south-facing views of the Southern and Central Alps. Take the unique ropeway to the 2,237m summit for a scenic 4km intermediate run through frost-covered forests.
Advanced skiers can challenge the steep Hyotan course with slopes up to 33 degrees. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking icy landscapes.
Skiing here uses the 8 Peaks All-Mountain Pass; ropeway-only rides require a separate ticket (2,600 yen in 2025).

Shirakabako Royal Hill

Overlooking Lake Shirakaba, Shirakabako Royal Hill is a unique gem within 8 Peaks, featuring the area’s only night skiing. Its wide slopes, popular free racing gate courses, and authentic kickers add to the fun.
This compact resort offers a thrilling 2.4km run with stunning views of Lake Shirakaba. The Panorama Course is often uncrowded, perfect for wide, enjoyable turns.
If you’d like to visit Shirakabako Royal Hill, please contact the 8 Peaks staff for transportation to the Information Center at the base of the slopes.
Night Skiing is available with well-packed slopes thanks to cool nighttime temperatures.

Not included in the 8 Peaks All-Mountain Pass
Night ticket: JPY3,000 (purchase at ticket counter. 2024-25 seasons price.)
Hours: 17:30 – 21:30 (Fri & Sat until 22:00)

Ikenotaira Snow Park

“I want to enjoy the Winter Resort with my family!”
But there’s more here than just playing in the snow!
Shirakaba Resort offers a ski area and an attached hotel where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, heated indoor pools, bowling, hot springs, and many other fun activities. It’s the perfect place for young children to make their snow play debut!
Ski lessons are available for kids from age four, so parents can relax. Plus, with 80% sunny skies and pristine powder snow, it’s an ideal family holiday destination!

Some More

At 8 Peaks Resorts, we’re passionate not only about the slopes but also about great food.
When it comes to the classic ski resort dish?Ramen?12 dining spots across our 8 ski areas compete to serve the best bowl!
On cold days, nothing beats a hot bowl of Ramen.
Since ramen is a staple at Japanese ski resort restaurants, it’s definitely worth trying at least once during your visit.

8 Peaks All-Mountain Lift Pass

With this one-day lift pass, explore all the ski resorts across 8 Peaks. The pass features a unique design of a Kabuki actor skiing beneath the iconic Mount Tateshina, the symbol of 8 Peaks.

Shirakabakogen Kokusai
Shirakaba 2in1
Blanche Takayama
Pilatus Tateshina
Shirakabako Royal Hill
Ikenotaira Snow Park

If you plan to ski at just one resort, single-resort lift passes are available. However, we highly recommend the 8 Peaks All-Mountain Pass for its flexibility and added value.
Your lift pass will be handed to you upon arrival at the resort.

All-Mountain Pass Benefits

Free access to the loop bus connecting Shirakaba 2in1, Shirakabakogen Kokusai, and Ikenotaira Hotel.
Ski multiple resorts in one day?for example, enjoy the morning at 2in1 and the afternoon at Ikenotaira.
Free round-trip shuttle to Blanche Takayama, Pilatus Tateshina, and Royal Hill (departs ~9:00 AM / returns ~3:30 PM).

Round Bus (Shuttle service)

The 8 Peaks Round Bus provides convenient transportation between accommodations and three ski areas: Shirakaba 2in1, Shirakabako Kogen Kokusai, and Ikenotaira Snow Park.
This service is free for guests with an All-Mountain Pass. Passengers without the pass must pay for their ride.
> DETAILS (Link to the official site)

Rental Equipment

Ski and snowboard rentals are available for both children (ages 3 and up) and adults. Our full range includes skis, snowboards, helmets, jackets, pants, and gumboots?perfect for carving turns on groomed slopes or enjoying the local deep snow.
All skis are carefully maintained and hot-waxed before each use to ensure optimal performance.
Enjoy a relaxed, private fitting experience at the 8 Peaks Guide Club, complete with cozy fireplace and ski videos. Transportation to and from your accommodation is also available for your convenience.

Important Notes

We do not rent gloves or goggles, as these come in direct contact with the skin. However, they are available for purchase at the 8 Peaks Guide Club. If you have your own, we recommend bringing them.
Ski wear sizes range from 120cm to XXL, but larger sizes are limited. To ensure the best fit, we recommend bringing your own gear if possible.

Getting There

Public Transports

Shuttle Bus

Shittle bus departs from both Narita and Haneda Airports to 8 Peaks.

Bullet Train

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sakudaira Station (1 hour 15 minutes) and then take a shuttle bus to the 8 Peaks resort.

Limited Express Train

Take the Limited Express Azusa from Shinjuku Station to Chino Station (2 hours 7 minutes) and then take a free shuttle bus to the Ikenotaira Hotel, the central hub of 8 Peaks.

Private Transfer Service

Ideal for families, groups, or travelers seeking extra comfort, this door-to-door service offers a direct, spacious ride from the airport to the resort. Vehicles range from luxury sedans to larger vans, with English-speaking drivers available upon request.

Ski & Snowboard School

Shirakaba 2-in-1 Resort offers an ideal mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, catering to all ability levels. It serves as our primary base for ski and snowboard lessons with English-speaking instructors.
For full-day private lesson bookings, your instructor will be happy to spend the day with you at your preferred resort within the 8 Peaks area.

Accommodation

Ikenotaira Hotel

Ikenotaira Hotel is located at the heart of Lake Shirakaba.
They are centrally located at Lake Shirakaba, featuring a newly renovated main building, hot springs with a view of the lake, and an in-room massage service.