Meiho Ski Resort: Family-Friendly Skiing Near Nagoya in Gujo, Gifu
What Makes Meiho Ski Resort Stand Out
Meiho Ski Resort (めいほうスキー場) in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, is one of the largest and most family-friendly ski resorts in central Japan. According to the Meiho official site, the resort has 14 courses spanning from its 1,600-meter summit down to the base, with the star attraction being Alpha 5000 — a 5-kilometer run from top to bottom with an average slope of just 8 degrees.
What draws families and beginner-to-intermediate skiers: gentle terrain that lets less experienced skiers enjoy a long summit-to-base run without fear, a large themed kids' snow play area, about 2,000 sets of rental gear, and a location roughly 2 hours by car from Nagoya — the most convenient ski option for travelers based in central Japan.
For skiers wanting to combine slopes with Takayama's old town, see Takayama area ski resorts. For the broader Gifu ski scene, see our Gifu ski resorts overview.
Courses and Terrain: 14 Runs from Summit to Base
Alpha 5000: The 5-Kilometer Summit-to-Base Run
According to Centrip Japan, the Alpha 5000 course allows beginners to ski the full vertical of the mountain — from the 1,600-meter summit all the way to the base — on a gentle, wide-groomed run with an average gradient of 8 degrees. This is unusual: most resorts force beginners onto short, flat practice slopes. Here, beginners get the full mountain experience.
The course passes through forests and opens to panoramic views of Mt. Ontake, the Northern Alps, and Hakusan on clear days. The combination of scenery and accessibility is why Meiho draws families who want their children to experience real mountain skiing, not just a bunny slope.
Intermediate and Advanced Courses
Beyond Alpha 5000, the resort has steeper courses for intermediate and advanced skiers. The terrain is not extreme — this is not a hardcore expert mountain — but there is enough variety to keep intermediate skiers engaged for a full day. Snowboarders are welcome on all courses.
Families and Beginners: Kids Areas and the Alpha 5000
Shaun the Sheep Snowland
Shaun the Sheep Snowland (シャーン・ザ・シープ スノーランド) is Meiho's dedicated kids' snow play area — one of the largest in western Japan. According to TABITABI Gujo, admission is ¥1,200 (~$8) for ages 2 and up, with free sled and tube rentals included. A moving belt carries kids up the gentle slope so parents do not need to drag sleds uphill.
This area is specifically for snow play, not skiing — ideal for families where some members want to ski while young children play in the snow.
Kids Room and Non-Skiing Options
A Kids Room is available for half-day childcare at ¥3,000 (~$20), giving parents time on the slopes. The resort also has a free foot bath (足湯) open 8:10-17:00 — a welcome post-ski amenity that most resorts charge extra for.
Facilities, Rentals, and Après-Ski
Rental Gear: 2,000 Sets Available
According to the Meiho rental page, the resort has approximately 2,000 sets of rental equipment including skis, snowboards, wear, boots, and junior sizes. High-grade options are available for advanced skiers who want better gear than standard rental stock. You can arrive completely empty-handed.
Free Foot Bath and Meiho Spa Yuseikan
The free public foot bath at the Ski Center is open 8:10-17:00 — sit and soak while watching skiers come down the final run. For a full onsen experience, Meiho Spa Yuseikan (めいほう温泉 湯星舘) is nearby, offering proper hot spring baths for après-ski recovery.
The Ski Center opens at 6:30 and closes at 17:30. Multiple restaurants inside serve ramen, curry rice, and other Japanese ski lodge staples.
Getting to Meiho from Nagoya
Meiho is primarily a driving destination. From Nagoya, take the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway to Gujo-Hachiman IC — the drive takes approximately 2 hours. From the IC, follow signs to the resort.
Parking is available at the Ski Center. On weekends, use the Gujo-Hachiman IC rather than other exits to avoid traffic jams on mountain roads.
Public transport to Meiho is limited. There is no direct train service. Some tour buses operate from Nagoya during ski season — check travel agencies for current packages.
| From | Route | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nagoya | Car via Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway | ~2 hours |
| Gujo-Hachiman IC | Local road to resort | ~30 min |
Season: Early December to early April. Lifts operate 8:00-16:30.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the drive from Nagoya to Meiho Ski Resort?
- About 2 hours via the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway to Gujo-Hachiman IC. Car is the primary access method — public transport is limited. Parking is available at the resort. Use the Gujo-Hachiman IC to avoid weekend traffic on alternative routes.
- Is Meiho Ski Resort good for beginners and families?
- Excellent. The 5,000-meter Alpha 5000 run has a gentle 8-degree average slope from summit to base — beginners can ski the full mountain. Shaun the Sheep Snowland (¥1,200 for ages 2+) lets kids play in the snow without skiing, with free sled and tube rentals included.
- Can I rent all ski equipment at Meiho?
- Yes. About 2,000 sets of rental gear are available including skis, snowboards, boots, wear, and junior sizes. High-grade options exist for advanced skiers. You can arrive without any equipment.
- When is Meiho Ski Resort open?
- Early December to early April. Lifts operate 8:00-16:30. The Ski Center opens from 6:30 for early arrivals. The free foot bath runs 8:10-17:00.
- Can kids play at Meiho without skiing?
- Yes. Shaun the Sheep Snowland is one of the largest snow play areas in western Japan — ¥1,200 (~$8) for ages 2 and up, with free sled and tube rentals. A Kids Room offers half-day childcare for ¥3,000 while parents ski.