Higashidateyama, NIshidateyama, and Giant Ski Areas

Most of the area names in Shiga Kogen are a bit of a mouthful. and this area is no different. Higashidateyama and Nishidateyama are twin peaks, while Giant and Buna Daira both are small resorts.

This area has a lot of terrain, but not many lifts as several have been phased out over the last few years.

The Higashidateyama Gondola is one of the icons of Shiga Kogen. It is getting old and until recent years when they replaced the gondola cars, it looked like you were riding in a large egg. The new Pulse Gondola down from the main visitor center to Giant is 2 sets of 3 gondola cars that are linked together. I’m sure there is a reason behind this, but I can’t figure it out.

Most of the area has high speed quads, so getting around is quick and efficient, but the lifts they have taken out have cut back on the amount of beginners terrain. The slopes here are long and wide, and are great for cruising on the groomers.

Giant is the lowest point in the whole Shiga Kogen Resort area, but at 1,330m it is still very high compared to other Nagano Resorts.

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