We have just returned from a week's skiing at Shiga-Kogen. It is the largest ski area in Asia combining many resorts on one lift ticket. It is also one of the highest ski areas in Japan so it usually has very good snow.
Unlike Nozawa or Niseko it has very few private appartments and everyone stays in hotels and lodges. This means that there are very few shops and restaurants outside the hotels and almost none of the usual ski resort nightlife.
Not so good for nightlife but if you want to ski and ski then this is the place.
Skiing in Japan is very cheap compared to Australia.You can stay at a good hotel or lodge for about $100 AUS per person per night. This price includes a large Japanese dinner and breakfast and some lodges will also include a ski pass.
This sign in our room warns us to keep our windows and balcony doors closed if we go out. Otherwise monkeys often get in and steal things.
Below are photos of the Yakebitaiyama area, one of the best for skiing. The name means
"Burnt forehead moutain." It is in fact a volcano and in the past used to smoke hence the burnt name. Indeed skiing around you sometimes still get a whiff of Sulphur coming from a stream or a vent somewhere.
In the late afternoon sun it looks incredibly beautiful.
