School Ski Trips to Shiga Kogen, Japan

Part of the UNESCO Eco Park National Park Shiga Kogen, harnesses the essence of coexistence between nature and society. As one of Japan’s largest ski areas it has so many options for all levels of experience from beginners to pros.

There’s a good reason why Japan should top your skiing bucket list next year. Boasting over 600 resorts throughout its rugged landscape – 70% of Japan is mountainous – winds from Siberia blow south westerly dropping a generous amount of fluffy power during the winter months.

Compact resorts with operating efficiency that typifies Japanese industry, boast mountains up to 3,000 metres, with a family focus on the landscape of the surrounding towns

It’s a mystery to us why Japan is often overlooked by schools researching ski trips. With pricing comparable with the West Coast of the US, Japan offers a cultural enrichment afforded by no other country in the world. Incredible and consistent powder, minimal queues, high-quality resorts and spectacular city breaks in Tokyo makes this a perfect school ski trip destination between December and April.

Shiga Kogen Piste Map

Where to stay in Shiga Kogen

Shiga Palace Hotel

Shiga Palace Hotel is conveniently located near local amenities, offering single, twin, triple and quad options. It is surrounded by forests, and offers great views of the mountains, meaning that Shiga Kogen is a great destination for your ski trips.

What to do in Shiga Kogen?

There is plenty to do apres-ski to make your school ski trip to Japan a memorable and culturally vibrant occasion for your students.

Taiko drum lessons
Night skiing
Sushi-making
Snow Monkey excursion
Hot tub (Onsen) relaxation
Tokyo Disneyland

Ski resort facts

Runs/Slopes:

Total length of runs 83.0 km

Easy 41.0 km (50%)

Intermediate 30.0 km (36%)

Difficult 12.0 km (14%)

Ski Lifts: 59

Worth Knowing:

Artificial snow-making
Valley run available

Snowparks:

Snow park/fun park
Halfpipe

Night Ski:

Is available

When to visit?

For school ski trips, we recommend visiting Japan for your group trip between the months of January and March, making it the perfect location for February and Easter half terms.

Our Recommendations

When it comes to Japan it’s most certainly no stranger to most of us here at MSG Tours. Check out a range of our blogs below for our personal recommendations.

30 Hours in Tokyo on your School Ski Trip

The Explorer on her First Visit to Tokyo

Rydal Penrhos and The Lakes School await Japan Adventure

Find out where previous groups have travelled on their school ski trips:

St Martin’s School Ski Trip to Andalo, Italy
St John’s College: Ski Trip to Maine, USA

Get in touch with us to chat about how Japan would make the perfect destination for your next school ski trip.