GIFU Gifu Ski Resorts A little-known ski and snowboarding utopia in Chubu central Japan

While perhaps not as famous as Nagano or Hokkaido , Gifu is well-stocked with ski resorts catering to all tastes and levels. In fact, there are 19 resorts in total scattered primarily around the Gujo, Takayama and Hida areas. Some have onsen onsite or close by, which will make your apres-skiing an even more enjoyable.

Gifu's ski resorts are easily acessible by bus or car. Takayama area resorts can be reached by bus or JR train.

Gifu's ski resorts fall into two main groups: those in the south of the prefecture, centered around Gujo, and those in the north around the Takayama and Hida area. The Gujo resorts are all accessible by bus from Nagoya and Gifu (see the websites of each resort for specific details) or by car.

Takayama can be reached by bus from Matsumoto or by train on the JR Takayama Line from Nagoya Station (2-3 hours) and from Gifu Station (2 hours). From there, buses connect with the resorts (see the websites of each resort for specific details).

Due north of Gujo-Hachiman town is a cluster of popular ski and snowboarding destinations, including Dynaland, Hirugano Kogen, Outdoor in Motai, Meiho, Snow Wave Park Shiratori Kogen, Shokawa Kogen, Washigatake, Takasu, White Pia Takasu, and Winghills Shirotori Resort.

Located about two hours from Nagoya, Dynaland gets incredibly busy on weekends. It boasts 18 separate runs fed by five lifts.

With 12 runs and five lifts, Washigatake is also well stocked with restaurants and has an onsen onsite.

Takasu has 12 separate runs, but it's the snowboarding park that brings the crowds in, with all the rails, pipes and walls you could ask for.

Around the Takayama and Hida area there are two main resort clusters. East of the city, Hounokidaira, Hirayu Onsen and Hida Takayama are popular, particularly for overnight trips, given the wealth of onsen and inns. North of Takayama, Star Spur Ryokufu, Hida Highland, Hida Kawai and Shirakawago Hirase Onsen Shirayumi are always busy on the weekends.

With 16 runs and five lifts, this is the area's main resort. It also features some off-piste areas.

It has only three runs, but being a short walk from the bus terminal and the onsen, the inns and hotels of Hirayu Onsen make this ski resort one of the most convenient and least crowded in Gifu.

For the larger or taller skier, it's worth checking on available rental sizes in advance with all resorts, since some only carry boots up to 28 or 29 centimeters and corresponding lengths of skis.