Tsumagoi Palcall Ski Resort, located in Japan’s scenic Gunma Prefecture, is known for its expansive terrain parks and wide, well-groomed slopes, the resort caters to beginners, intermediates, and those who love freestyle skiing.
The resort has experienced a significant transformation since new ownership in 2019, shedding its old “bubble era” vibe and emerging as a fresh, family-friendly destination that also appeals to a younger, hip crowd.
The resort is particularly famous for its terrain parks, considered some of the best in Japan!
For those who prefer a more relaxed skiing experience, Palcall Tsumagoi doesn’t disappoint. The resort boasts of being the largest in the Karuizawa region and offers long, wide runs with amazing mountain views!
If you’re curious in learning more about the allure of Tsumagoi, read on!
History of Tsumagoi
The resort opened its doors 35 years ago. At the time of its inception, Tsumagoi Palcall Ski Resort was celebrated for having the longest gondola in the Kanto region and the highest altitude in the area.
However, over the years, it gradually faded into the background, becoming less known and often overshadowed by other ski resorts such as Niseko and Kusatsu.
A significant rebirth of the resort occurred with the change of ownership in 2019. The new management brought a fresh approach, targeting not only families but also attracting the young and trendy crowd. This shift marked a departure from the resort’s previous image and helped it carve out a niche for beginners and terrain park enthusiasts.
One of the most notable developments in the resort’s recent history is the creation of Japan’s largest snowboard park. This transformation, particularly the introduction of the “Magic Park,” was part of a strategic move to reposition Palcall Tsumagoi as a leading destination for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. The park was designed to cater to all skill levels and age groups, with a focus on offering a new style of slopestyle, recognized even in the Olympic Games.
What to Know About Tsumagoi Palcall Resort
The Slopes
The resort spans elevations from 1,370 m (4,495 ft) to 2,100 m (6,890 ft), offering a vertical drop of 730 m (2,395 ft). Here’s what you need to know about the courses:
- There are 6 beginner runs, characterized by their wide design. These spacious slopes offer ample room for novices to comfortably learn and practice.
- The resort features 9 intermediate runs. These runs provide enjoyable skiing and snowboarding experiences, with slopes that offer a gentle challenge.
- There is 1 advanced run available. While it only offers a 180 m (590 ft) vertical drop, the slope’s angle is less intense compared to black runs found in other ski resorts.
Lift Tickets
- Early Dec – 22 Dec & 1 Apr – Close:
- Weekday: Adult 3,800 JPY / Child 3,300 JPY
- Weekend/Public Holidays: Adult 4,900 JPY / Child 3,800 JPY
- 23 Dec – 31 Mar:
- Weekday: Adult 4,800 JPY / Child 3,300 JPY
- Weekend/Public Holidays: Adult 5,900 JPY / Child 3,800 JPY
- Web Discount: Adult starting from 4,600 JPY / Child starting from 3,100 JPY. You can get your tickets and information on Season Passes from their website.
The Lifts
The standout lift at Tsumagoi Palcall is the 3.2 km (2 mi) high-speed gondola, which is central to the resort’s transportation system. It’ll take you up to the resort’s highest point at 2,100 m (6,890 ft).
Alongside the gondola, the resort features 2 quad chairlifts, 2 pair lifts, and 1 magic carpet.
The Terrain Park
Snow & Weather
Tsumagoi Palcall Ski Resort enjoys a high percentage of sunny days. In fact, approximately 80% of the days at the resort are sunny!
While the resort doesn’t experience the deep, waist-deep powder snow found in Japan’s snowier regions like Niseko, it still receives a substantial amount of natural snow. To supplement natural snowfall and ensure a consistent snow base throughout the season, the resort employs snow-making machines.
Gear Rentals
The resort features a rental shop named “Salomon Station” located on the ground floor of the Palcall’s ski center (Center House). I’ve always rented my gear here, and as the name suggests they are all Salomon gear.
A standard rental set, including skis or snowboard and boots, is priced at 5,000 JPY per day. A premium set costs 7,000 JPY per day.
Additionally, for 1,000 JPY, you can switch between skiing and snowboarding during the day.
Helmets and outerwear are also available for rent at an additional cost.
Dining
The primary dining facility is Tsumagoi Dining, located on the second floor of the Ski Center. This restaurant offers a range of hearty Japanese staples, perfect for replenishing energy after a day on the slopes. The menu includes popular dishes like Tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork cutlet), Katsu Curry (curry rice with fried pork), and Karaage (Japanese fried chicken). The emphasis is on using local ingredients, particularly the highland vegetables harvested in the surrounding area. Note that you’ll have to purchase your tickets at a vending machine first.
There is also another restaurant known as the Magic Cafe on the other side that serves burgers and pizzas but what I particularly liked about them is that they had vegetarian options, such as a vegan burger.
Other Activities
Tsumagoi Palcall Ski Resort offers a variety of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding such as:
- Snowshoeing: The resort offers a Tsumagoi Nature Program called “Pal Trek,” which includes snowshoeing activities. This is a great way to explore the scenic beauty of the area in winter.
- Family Land: For families, there’s “Family Land” where kids can enjoy activities like sledding or playing in the snow.
- Spa and Onsen: The resort features spa facilities, including an onsen (hot spring bath), providing a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of outdoor activities.
- Hiking & Mountain Biking: During the warmer months, the resort offers hiking and mountain biking opportunities. (See also: Mt. Akagi for hikes in Gunma)
- Camping & BBQ: For a more immersive experience with nature, the resort also provides camping and BBQ facilities.
- Karuizawa Prince Outlet Mall: The resort offers daily shuttles to this large outlet mall, which features a wide variety of shops and restaurants.
- Kusatsu: Located a short drive away, Kusatsu is known for its therapeutic waters and offers a traditional Japanese onsen experience.
Where to Stay in Tsumagoi
Tsumagoi has plenty of choices in terms of hotels but for the sake of convenience, especially if you’re there for skiing, the Palcall Hotel is not so bad as you’ll have direct access not only to the slopes but also to the on-site hot spring. Other options are Manza Prince Hotel, a bit more upscale and Kitakaruizawa Kogen Hotel, a budget-friendly ryokan for a more traditional experience.
Best Hotels in Tsumagoi:
- Palcall Tsumagoi Resort Ski & Hotel – the most convenient and comfortable option is the resort itself, with a 135-room ski-in ski-out hotel directly connected to the main gondola. The rooms are spacious by Japanese standards, and the hotel includes amenities like an onsen and various room types to accommodate families or groups.
- Manza Prince Hotel – offers a luxurious experience with its hot spring baths that provide stunning views. It also features four restaurants and a café, along with free 30-minute WiFi access in the lobby. Accommodations include rooms with heaters, TVs, refrigerators, and electric kettles, and some come with private bathrooms equipped with bathtubs, showers, and complimentary toiletries. You can indulge in outdoor stargazing from the hot spring baths and enjoy conveniences like a 24-hour front desk, a mini-market, and coin-operated laundry.
- Kitakaruizawa Kogen Hotel – a sustainable ryokan emphasizing eco-friendliness. This property combines environmental consciousness with modern amenities, including air-conditioned rooms, free private parking, and complimentary WiFi. Designed for comfort, each room in the ryokan is well-equipped with a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, bed linen, and towels. For dining, you can enjoy meals at the on-site family-friendly restaurant, available for dinner. Additionally, you can also relax and unwind in the hotel’s garden.
Tsumagoi Palcall Resort Review
Having been to Tsumagoi three times, I can safely say that it’s one of the few ski resorts out there that I personally really like. Why?
In terms of the slopes, there’s a lot of variety for all levels. You’re also spoilt for choice as there are so many routes to take on your way down, from forests to wide-open slopes. I found the rides down to be very long as well as compared to other snow resorts I tried such as in Kawaguchiko and Yuzawa.
Not to mention the amazing views of the stratovolcano, Mt. Azumaya, and the surrounding mountain ranges as you cruise down is nothing but pure bliss.
I do recommend getting the fast-pass if you really want to make the most of the day as the lines for the main gondola does get quite long, otherwise the other lifts can more or less do the job as well. And if you ever get hungry, just leave your gear outside and pop right in to any of the two restaurants inside or the food carts outside, and get back straight to it right after. All seamless.
If it’s a really snowy day, the powder can get really amazing, even reaching up to knee-height! At the summit, the snow monsters look awesome, it’s always such a thrill to glide down with them towering both sides.
But Tsumagoi’s strong point is most definitely its terrain park, if you’re in it for the adrenaline, then it’s the perfect place to be.
How to Get to Tsumagoi
By Car from Tokyo:
- Route: Kanetsu Expressway Nerima IC → Fujioka JCT → Joshinetsu Expressway Usui Karuizawa IC
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Parking: Free parking available at resort base areas
By Train and Shuttle:
- From Tokyo Station: Take Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station (60 – 75 minutes). Then, use a pre-booked free shuttle to the hotel (50 – 60 minutes).
- Alternative Route: Train from Ueno to Manza Kazawaguchi, then a 20-minute taxi ride to the resort.
Plan Your Trip to Gunma | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
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