Gala Yuzawa ski slopes

In just 77 minutes from Tokyo on the shinkansen is the ski resort Gala Yuzawa. The ski centre and the station are connected, and is a popular destination as you can go empty handed to the ski slope straight from your home.

Getting on the Joestu Shinkansen from Tokyo station

The Joetsu Shinkansen Max Tanigawa is unusual because of its two floors.

The two floors of the Joetsu Shinkansen Max Tanigawa

Skiers and snowboarders formed lines on the platform early in the morning.

You should take care not to ride on the wrong carriage as there are many shinkansens leaving from Tokyo station to locations all across Japan.

Departure times for trains going to different locations

Gala Yuzawa station is only 77 minutes away from Tokyo. The main feature of Gala Yuzawa is that the station and ski resort are connected.

At the station of Gala Yuzawa

The center rents out the latest models of skis and snowboards, as well as plenty of fashionable skiwear to choose from, so it’s possible to enjoy skiing and snowboarding without carrying around long boards or heavy boots.

Lines of people wanting to ski or snowboard

Here is the inquiry desk for renting out skis and snowboards.

People filling in forms at the rental area

Forms are available in other languages such as English.

An English form for rentals

Once you’ve finished changing in the locker rooms, then you’re free to ride on the gondolas.

At the gondola

People ready to go skiing

Next season’s skis were already available for rent.

NORDICA DOBERMANN 2013 model

These skis are great for making tight turns.

The GALA Yuzawa course has a high altitude with plenty of good quality snow, and there are three areas of 16 courses, from the melody course aimed at children or beginners to the uncompressed snow course with a 30 degree slope aimed at those with more experience.

Looking up at the gondolas ahead

People getting ready to ski

The weather was particularly good on this day with great scenery.

The scenic view of the mountains

Snow covered trees

You can get an idea of the angle

A view of the slope

The restaurant where you can get an idea of the town’s atmosphere is a great place to stop for lunch. “Jumbo katsudon (pork cutlets)” is Gala’s local dish, and food such as tarekatsu-ju and oven baked pizza are also huge favorites.

Many people at the restaurant

A short break to eat some katsudon

The ski resort will be open until May 6th.

Sitting on the gondola

At the ski center “Cowabunga” is the “SPA Gala no yu”, a place for you to relax and rejuvenate in the large baths or Jacuzzis. There are also restaurants and shops selling Nigata’s local produce and alcohol giving you a chance to enjoy yourself even after skiing.

The view from the slopes

Kaki no tane – some local snacks sold at the shops…

…along with locally produced alcohol

This day trip is a great way to enjoy skiing or snowboarding for families with small children or a group of friends!