Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort is a highland ski resort located in Katashina Village, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture. It is one of the highest ski resorts in the Katashina area, with the upper slopes reaching approximately 2,000 meters above sea level.
Thanks to its abundant snowfall and high-quality snow, the resort has a long winter season, typically operating from late November through early May. With one of the longest operating periods among outdoor ski resorts in the Kanto region, Marunuma Kogen is popular with winter sports enthusiasts who want to enjoy both long runs and an extended ski season.
One of the resort’s signature attractions is the upper mountain area, which can be reached via the Nikko-Shiranezan Ropeway. From the upper station at approximately 2,000 meters, skiers can enjoy a thrilling descent with a vertical difference of about 600 meters and a longest run of approximately 4 kilometers.
The high elevation keeps temperatures low, creating predominantly light and dry powder snow. Because the snow tends to remain in good condition for longer periods, the resort can maintain relatively stable skiing conditions into spring, providing a comfortable environment for visitors who want to improve their skills.
From near the ropeway’s upper station and from various points on the slopes, visitors can also see some of the major mountains of the Joshin region, including Mount Asama, Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, Mount Tanigawa, Mount Hotaka, and Mount Shibutsu. Skiing while surrounded by these spectacular mountain views is one of the experiences that makes Marunuma Kogen distinctive.
The ski area has a well-balanced layout, with intermediate and advanced courses concentrated around the upper mountain and beginner-friendly courses in the lower area. The lower slopes are developed as the Friendly Area, providing a comfortable environment where beginners and families can practice safely.
Many of the lower slopes are wide and relatively gentle, making them suitable for visitors trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time.
From the middle slopes toward the summit, visitors can enjoy courses combining moderate gradients with longer distances, making them ideal for carving turns and long cruising runs. There are also ungroomed courses for advanced skiers and mogul courses for those looking to develop their technique.
Since the 2021–2022 season, snowboarding has been permitted on all courses, making the resort accessible to an even wider range of winter sports enthusiasts.
The center station, which began operating from the 2016–2017 season, includes a ticket office, changing rooms, a shop, a snack area, and the Zazen Onsen day-use hot spring facility.
Being able to soak in a hot spring after skiing makes it easy to enjoy a relaxing après-ski experience. The changing rooms include powder rooms, while an expanded free rest area and kids’ space provide additional convenience for families.
An IC card system is used for the lifts, and various ticket options are available, including time-based tickets and multi-day passes. These systems make it convenient for visitors to spend their time efficiently on the slopes.
From the Numata Interchange of the Kan-Etsu Expressway, the resort is approximately 38 kilometers via National Route 120. Despite its high elevation, the resort is relatively easy to access because it is located along a major national highway.
It can also be reached from the Kiyotaki Interchange of the Nikko-Utsunomiya Road, attracting visitors from outside the immediate Gunma area as well.
During the green season, the ropeway also operates for hiking and sightseeing. Visitors can enjoy activities such as climbing Mount Nikko-Shirane, walking through the highland landscape, and camping. The area is therefore enjoyed throughout the year as a resort where visitors can experience the beauty of nature in every season.
Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort opened in 1974 and has continued to develop through facility expansions and renovations. It is operated by Nippon Paper Development Co., Ltd., part of the Nippon Paper Group, which has worked over the years to maintain stable operations and improve services.
The resort has continued to modernize in response to changing needs, including the construction of the ropeway and replacement of lifts with high-speed models.
Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort combines high-quality snow created by its elevation, long runs of up to 4 kilometers, and extensive visitor facilities to create a comprehensive winter resort.
With courses and facilities suited to beginners and advanced skiers alike, as well as families and experienced winter sports enthusiasts, the resort offers a wide range of ways to enjoy the mountains. Its combination of spectacular highland scenery, excellent snow conditions, long cruising runs, and hot spring facilities makes Marunuma Kogen an attractive destination for experiencing winter in Gunma.