
Experience Snowy Landscapes and Snow Play! Two Prince Snow Resorts for Beginners and Children
There are many ski resorts in Japan where you can have fun without even skiing.
At ski resorts with breathtaking scenery perfect for photos and a wide variety of activities, anyone can enjoy the world of snow.
This article introduces two “Prince Snow Resorts” where even beginners, children, and non-skiers can have fun, highlighting their features and ways to enjoy them.
For those who want to “touch fluffy snow” or “capture photo-worthy scenery for social media,” these resorts are ideal.
And for those searching for a travel destination where the whole family can play in the snow together, this article is a must-read.
What Is Prince Snow Resorts?
“Prince Snow Resorts” refers to ski resorts operated by Prince Hotels.
They are located across Japan and are especially renowned in snow-rich regions such as Hokkaido, Nagano, and Niigata.
Their defining feature is that they are all-in-one ski resorts integrating accommodation, hot springs, dining, and activities.
The resorts are attractive for having slopes directly connected to hotels as well as well-equipped facilities for children.
They offer a wide variety of courses suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, making them ideal places to fully enjoy snow-covered mountains in comfort.
Three Things to Do at Prince Snow Resorts Without Skiing
“I don’t ski, but I want to see Japan’s snowy landscapes.” “I want to play in a snow-filled space.” “I want to capture winter scenery in photos.”
Prince Snow Resorts are places where such wishes can all come true.
They not only offer breathtaking snowy landscapes but also a wide range of winter activities.
Even without skiing, visitors can spend the whole day enjoying themselves as if in a “snow theme park.”
Here are three highlights of Prince Snow Resorts.
1. Take in Sweeping Snowy Vistas
Prince Snow Resorts are blessed with beautiful snowy scenery in winter.
Both feature expansive slopes where visitors can admire spectacular views of snow-covered trees and mountains.
The clear winter air makes the silver-white world stand out even more vividly.
There are also slopes and hotel viewpoints that look out over endless snowfields against a vivid blue sky.
The grandeur of snow-covered nature allows visitors to experience a world far removed from everyday life.

2. Snow Play Experiences Without Skiing
Prince Snow Resorts are well equipped with facilities for snow play that can be enjoyed even without skiing or snowboarding.
With kids’ parks, sledding areas, snow tubing, and more, there is a wide variety of activities.
Children and adults alike can safely enjoy the snow.
Rental facilities are also available, so visitors can play casually without bringing their own equipment. Indoor facilities and hot springs are another draw, helping guests stay comfortable even in the cold.

3. Plenty of Photogenic Winter Vistas
Prince Snow Resorts are dotted with many photogenic scenic spots created by winter nature.
Visitors can see stunning landscapes such as rime-covered trees (juhyo), snow-clad forests, and frozen streams.
In particular, the golden hours of morning and evening are perfect for photography.
Many spots feature backgrounds of the surrounding mountains, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of winter scenery.

Two Prince Snow Resorts Recommended for Beginners and Children
Among the many Prince Snow Resorts where visitors can fully enjoy snow and nature, here are two ski resorts particularly popular with beginners and families.
The first is Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, known for its convenient access and high rate of sunny weather.
It offers an environment where day trips from Tokyo are also easy and enjoyable.
Another recommended resort is Naeba Ski Resort, an entertainment resort that once attracted a record 3.8 million visitors a year during the height of Japan’s ski boom.
1. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort (Nagano Prefecture)
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture.
It is well known for its convenient access from the Tokyo metropolitan area and its high percentage of sunny days.
Set around 1,000 meters in elevation, the slopes are relatively gentle and especially suited to beginner and intermediate skiers.
One of its major attractions is the chance to ski with the majestic scenery of Mt. Asama in view. Even beginners can enjoy skiing at ease while appreciating the beauty of nature.

A wide practice area is set aside exclusively for beginners, making it easy to try skiing for the first time.
Rental shops carry the latest models of skis and apparel, allowing visitors to start skiing or snowboarding right away—even without bringing their own gear.
The slopes are directly connected to the hotel, making it convenient to take breaks, dine, or use the hot spring after skiing.
In addition, a shopping mall is located nearby, which is especially popular with families.
For children, a kids’ school that emphasizes safety offers a curriculum that allows beginners to naturally learn the basics of skiing.
There is also a kids’ park where children can enjoy sledding and snow play, so even those who cannot ski can still experience the fun of snow.

The school is divided into classes according to age and skill level, and experienced instructors provide safe instruction.
In addition to group lessons, private lessons are also available, helping beginners improve at their own pace.
Special benefits and package plans for hotel guests are also available, allowing visitors to enjoy a comfortable skiing experience throughout their stay.

Access to Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort
It is located in an excellent position, about a 10-minute walk from Karuizawa Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
It takes about one hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, making it ideal for day trips from the city.
The area around the station also has a large shopping mall and plenty of cafés, making it appealing to enjoy shopping and gourmet food before or after skiing.
It is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy both sightseeing and activities.

2. Naeba Ski Resort (Niigata Prefecture)
Naeba Ski Resort is one of Japan’s leading ski resorts.
Located in Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture, it boasts excellent access from the Kanto area.
Its expansive slopes offer a vertical drop of about 800 meters and around 20 varied courses for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.
Options range from gentle beginner runs to steep and mogul courses for experts, offering plenty of variety.
In particular, the long-run courses are highly praised for both snow quality and scenic beauty.
Highlights include magnificent high-altitude views of the surrounding ranges and the winter beauty of snow-covered trees.

For beginners, there are areas with gentle slopes where they can easily learn the basics, providing an easy environment for first-timers to get started.
The resort also has extensive ski and snowboard rental services.
Since visitors can rent a complete set of clothing and equipment, they can easily enjoy the slopes even without bringing their own gear.
Naeba also offers multilingual support, with English-speaking instructors on site to reassure beginners.
For children, there is a large kids’ park with sledding and snow tubing, offering a wide range of activities.
There are also kids’ ski and snowboard schools, where specialized instructors provide careful instruction.
These programs are designed so that children can improve their skills while having fun.

The schools are divided into classes according to age and level, with programs for beginners starting from the basics.
Private lessons are also available for those who prefer more detailed instruction.
Another highlight is the extended night skiing, allowing visitors to enjoy illuminated slopes after sunset.
This provides the special experience of skiing in a magical winter atmosphere.

Access to Naeba Ski Resort
Access from Tokyo is extremely smooth via Shinkansen and shuttle bus. From Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, it takes about 50 minutes on a direct free shuttle bus.
Since the Shinkansen takes about 80 minutes from Tokyo Station, visitors can even leave in the morning and still enjoy a full day of skiing or snowboarding.

A Must for Elevating Your Experience: Prince Snow Resorts’ “First Track”
“First Track” offers the chance to experience untouched fresh snow.
Guests ride up before regular operating hours and enjoy the slopes to themselves.
Prince Hotels provide exclusive First Track plans for hotel guests.
Guests can enjoy skiing in the sparkling morning sun on untouched slopes before anyone else.


Wrap-Up
This article has introduced ways to enjoy Prince Snow Resorts, along with two ski resorts recommended for beginners and children.
Among Prince Snow Resorts, Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort and Naeba Ski Resort offer everything from snow play activities to photogenic scenic spots.
Visiting these resorts offers a special world of snow unlike anything in daily life.
They’re perfect destinations for a winter trip to Japan. Don’t miss the chance to experience them!