Echigo Mountains, Niigata

National GeographicOct 20

Beloved by skiers for its endless accumulations of powder, the prefecture also has great beaches, festivals, amazing sake, and more.

Home to 55 ski resorts beloved by freeboarders

15 things in this story

Echigo MountainsSightHome to 55 ski resorts beloved by freeboarders
IpponsugiSightMicro-piste with a single ski lift
Akakura Kanko ResortHotelHistoric 1930s ski-in/ski-out resort with a red roof
Myoko SuginoharaSightEnormous resort with 222 acres of skiable terrain
Dancing SnowPlaceReputable backcountry outfitter
Earth CelebrationFestivalRenowned taiko drum festival held every August
Fuji RockFestivalOutdoor concert extravaganza with midnight raves and DJ sets
Echigo Tsumari Art TriennaleFestivalWorld's largest outdoor art festival across 200 villages
Nagaoka’s Hakko TripTrailMile-long fermentation trail with miso producers and bakeries
Hakkō HouseRestaurantServes an 11-course meal of seasonal fermented foods
Yuzawa Snow FestivalFestival
Nunoba Ski ResortSight
KujiranamiSight
FutatsugameSight
Sado StraitSight

Echigo Mountains