NORIKURA TIMES (Active Winter)

Norikura Plateau is covered in fluffy snow, creating a sparkling world of pure white. This year, it feels like there is so much snow that even the bamboo leaves that were peeking out from the snow on the mountainside are quickly hidden under the snow.

Thanks to the good balance of snowy and sunny days since the beginning of the year, the highlands are in perfect conditions for enjoying winter activities in high-quality snow.

This time, we will introduce some active ways to enjoy Norikura Plateau in winter.

Mt. Norikura Snow Resort, a ski resort in Norikura Kogen, has groomed and ungroomed runs, as well as a kids' park that children can enjoy, so a wide range of customers can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
The smooth, well-packed snow that is unique to Norikura and the fluffy powder snow bring a smile to anyone's face.

This year, "Free lift ticket for those under 18」！！
It's perfect for children who are skiing or snowboarding for the first time, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

We also offer great value lift tickets!
Lift tickets are 1,000 yen cheaper on weekdays than on weekends. Weekdays are recommended for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy skiing to their heart's content on high-quality snow.

In addition, those who live within the prefecture or certain areas can use the "Nagano Prefectural Discount PLUS," which offers a 1,000 yen discount off the regular price.

[Nagano Prefectural Citizens PLUS]
Eligible: People who live or work in Nagano Prefecture, Takayama City, Fujisawa City, or Himeji City, or university students nationwide
(Photo ID is required)

For more information about lift tickets, please see below.

▼Season ticket information▼
https://www.brnorikura.jp/news/78/

▼Lift ticket prices and holiday information▼
https://www.brnorikura.jp/news/90/

To ensure that visitors can have even more fun, events are held on certain weekends. Another attraction is that there are ways to enjoy the resort beyond just skiing.

▼January event schedule▼
January 18th (Sat) Exciting Raffle (Raffle using lift ticket numbers)
January 19th (Sunday) Children's Ski Day (Free snowmobile test ride)
January 25th (Sat) Exciting Raffle
January 26th (Sunday) Sanzokukku Day (Cosplay tickets are half price)

After a long day of skiing, why not take a break and relax at a restaurant in the ski resort? Enjoying locally-made food in a warm space while looking out the window at the snow-capped mountains and slopes is a pleasure you can only enjoy at this time of year.

When it comes to winter, skiing and snowboarding are famous, but in fact, snowshoeing in Norikura Kogen is also highly recommended!
Snowshoes are a tool that makes it easier to walk on snow. They are easy to use; just attach them to your snow boots or hiking boots.
You can walk on fluffy powder snow without sinking,You can fully enjoy the quiet and mysterious snowy scenery that is unique to winter and a walk through the forest where animal footprints are spread out.

Unlike skiing or snowboarding, no skill is required for snowboarding, so even those who are not very confident in their physical strength or small children can enjoy nature at their own pace, which is great.

▼Recommended snowshoeing areas▼

"Zengoro Falls"
The impressive Zengoro Falls, with a drop of 20m, freezes over in the winter, creating a spectacular frozen waterfall. Because it takes time to freeze, the ice takes on a pale blue color, creating a mystical atmosphere.
The falls are about a 20-minute walk from the Zengoro Falls parking lot.
From the tourist center, it takes about 40 minutes to walk through the forest.

"Ichinose Grassland"
Ichinose Grassland, where a diverse range of flora and fauna can be seen from spring to autumn, is covered in pure white snow in winter, and depending on the conditions, you may be able to run on the pond.
You can see the snow-capped Mount Norikura, and it is a place where you can experience the tranquility of winter even more than anywhere else on the plateau.
The road is closed in winter, so the trail is only accessible by foot, about 30 minutes from the tourist center.

▼Snowshoe rental▼
At Norikura Kogen, you can rent snowshoes and participate in snowshoe tours.
Please see below for rental and tour companies.

・"Hot Spring Inn Raicho"
https://ghraicho.com/

・"Little Peaks"
https://www.littlepeaks.jp/rental/

・"NORTHSTAR"
https://ridenorthstar.com/activities/

*If you wish to rent equipment, please contact the respective company in advance.

In this article, we introduced how to have fun at Norikura Kogen in winter.

Mt. Norikura Snow Resort was able to open this season thanks to the warm support of everyone and the efforts of the local people. Once again, we would like to thank you for your support.
Through my life in Norikura Kogen, I feel that the survival of the local ski resort not only contributes to the livelihoods of the people living in the area, but also to the smiles of all those who love the area, and to our ability to connect with nature and live rich, free and easy lives.

I live near a ski resort, and I spend my days excitedly checking the weather forecast frequently and trying to find time to go skiing between work.
Norikura Highlands is about an hour's drive from Matsumoto city, or about an hour and a half by public transportation. Please feel free to come and enjoy the winter.

NORIKURA TIMES is updated once every two weeks by the Norikura Tourism Association Publicity Department's blog team. Members of the team, who love Norikura, take turns writing articles, and we provide seasonal information about Norikura Kogen as recommended by our members. Hino was in charge this time.
Please look forward to the next issue!