Pilatus Tateshina Snow Resort – Overview
This resort is about 3 hours away by car. By train, it can take up to 6 hours! At the time of writing this article, the website has a link for English, but it states it is still under construction. Nevertheless, even in Japanese, the website is exceptionally well planned and easy to understand. An auto translator will have no problem guiding your around this site in English or other languages. Pilatus Tateshina Snow Resort boasts a 4km long course starting at an altitude of 2,240m in the Tateshina area of the Yatsugatake Mountains in Nagano Prefecture. This resort also boasts high rate of sunny days.
Is Night Skiing Available at Pilatus Tateshina?
There is no night skiing available.
Ski Season Length & Hours of Operation at
The resort is normally open from mid Dec to mid Apr. In the 2023 season, it was open from Dec 23 to Apr 7. It is always best to call the resort to check for conditions if you are skiing at the beginning or end of each season. Hours of operation are from 0900hrs to 1600hrs 7 days a week.
Park, Off Piste and Other Attractions
Snowshoeing
You can rent snowshoes, snow boots and poles. There are 3 main courses (see right):
- Red Course #1 – Take the quad lift to halfway up mountain. The course is mainly downhill and it has some great views of the Japanese Alps. It is about 2.5 km or 1.5 hours walking time.
- Green Course #2 – Take the ropeway to the very top of the mountain (2337m). The course length is about 2km or about 2.5 walking time.
- Purple Course #3 – You will be walking downhill at first and then you will need to talk back up. Total length is 5km and walking time is about 3.5hours.
- Other – there are a lot of other trails but this is really reserved for expert snowshoers. Stay within your ability. If you need a quick and easy forecast, check them some references here. Remember avalanche safety!
Be sure to bring goggles in case of snowy conditions and sunglasses, if sunny. You do not want to walk all day without proper protection!
Sledding
The sledding area and the ski/snowboard area are separate, so you can play with your children without worry. The course is separated from the surrounding courses by a moving walkway, and the sledding area and the ski/snowboard area are separated. Beginners can also use the snow walker (moving walkway, ¥500 per day). Admission to the kids’ area is free but the snow walker (some call it a magic carpet) is Yen 500.
Cross Country or Telemark Skiing
Some nearby pensions seem to rent snowshoes and cross-country skis, so try looking on their websites. Shimakare Sanso, located about 10 minutes from the summit courtyard, apparently holds cross-country skiing classes (looks more like telemark skiing than pure cross country). For more information, see the Shimakare Sanso website.
Facilities at Pilatus Tateshina
There are several restaurants and shops as follows:
- The Center House Restaurant – located right in front of the slopes, making it the perfect place for a break. With over 360 seats, you can relax and enjoy a meal without having to wait, especially on weekdays.
- Sky Restaurant – Offers a wide variety of homemade dishes using ingredients unique to Shinshu area, with a focus on Western cuisine. In addition to table seating, they also have a tatami-mat seating area, so that families and those tired from skiing can relax. Seats 200.
- Sky Lounge – The Sky Lounge offers a comfortable space with a beautiful view of the Alps as a backdrop, where you can enjoy the services of three specialty shops in one place. Seats 46.
- 山のCAFE2237 or Mountain Cafe2237 – is a rest area located at the top of the ropeway mountain at an altitude of 2,237m. They sell hot coffee and other drinks, and it’s the perfect place to take a break after a tiring day of skiing or snowboarding. *In winter, the shop is only open on weekends, holidays, and over the New Year holidays. Seats 80.
Rentals
There is a good assortment of rentals available. You can rent for a half day or a full day. You can rent individual items or a complete set. They have skis, snowboards, ski wear, ski poles (or poles for snowshoeing) or even sleds for kids. Snowshoe rentals are also available (max 90kgs with a backpack) along with snow boots and poles. Check out complete details here. They even have 4L sizes!
Ski & Snowboard Schools
There is a ski school offering ski and snowboard lessons to a wide range of abilities. There are kids lessons, junior lessons, private lessons and lessons given for groups. Check out some good tips here on how to learn to ski.
Parking
There is 24 hour free parking available for 600 vehicles including buses.
Map of Pilatus Tateshina Snow Resort
Snowshoe Map of Pilatus Tateshina Snow Resort
Check out all the different snowshoe trails at Pilatus Tateshina Snow Resort! Click the map for a downloadable PDF and read the short description the article on this page.