Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort is located on the eastern slope of 2,454-meter Mt. Myoko, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. It is laid out around its gondola, with a vertical drop of 1,124 meters from the top down into the fields around the base. Now, enjoy the resort’s spectacular long run—a full 8.5 kilometers in length—in a plan for just two people. Wrapped in the beauty of the Myoko winter morning, you’ll have an experience that really is “just for us,” something everyday life rarely provides. The course is surrounded by a beautiful forest, with a varied natural terrain and a medium slope that you can fly down, wide slopes for making big turns, fresh powder lying along the sides of the slopes and much more to enjoy. Spectacular scenery that never stops, something to enjoy mentally and physically.
7:30
Sunrise gondola ride
You’re the first to ride the Suginohara Gondola, well before it opens for the public. Enjoy the scenery from the windows on your way to the station at an altitude of 1,489 meters. Across the blue sky are countless mountains, including Mt. Yokote in Shiga Kogen. Below is beautiful Lake Nojiri, famous in Japan for a discovery of fossils of Naumann’s elephant. If the weather changes, this is also a famous spot for unkai, the sea of clous below, and you may be able to see Mt. Fuji, some 180 kilometers away. Once you arrive at the summit station, the First Track begins! Take a moment for a commemorative photo at the Shinano Ki, a famous, sacred tree located on your way down.
7:45
A luxurious way to find your footing, on the First Track
Just to get your feet ready for the ride, take a light cruise along the gondola line. Below you is a work of art, created by the groomer driver. Now comes a special time, as you carve beautiful curves across the untouched snow canvas. The Shirakaba (white birch) Course gives a dynamic feel, almost as if you were jumping into Lake Nojiri across the valley. There are several scenic photo spots along the course, so don’t become intoxicated by all the enjoyable carving down the slope, and take a moment to take in the views.
8:15
An 8.5-kilometer run, all just for you
After skiing all the way down to the base, board the gondola for a second time and head for the summit station. This time take a special snowmobile ride to the end of the No. 3 lift at the very top of the resort. From up here you can look out to the plains of Nagano Prefecture, with magnificent views of the natural world around you. Myoko Suginohara boasts an amazingly long run with a total length of 8.5 kilometers, and today it’s reserved for just you two. From the summit at 1,855 meters, you’ll be dropping 1,124 meters to the base at 731 meters, so take a deep breath and get ready for your second slide down the hill.
9:30
Take a break at Suginohara Base
After enjoying the unmatched scale of the long run, it’s time for a short break. Enjoy delicious muffins and coffee at Suginohara Base, at the very bottom of the slope.
12:00
Special seating for a delicious lunch of local specialties
For lunch, we recommend the Alyeska restaurant. Outside is a great view of Lake Nojiri across the valley. Special guests will be provided with seating guaranteed to provide outstanding views. Enjoy popular menu items including Carbonara with Kanzuri, a locally-made pepper paste.
