Zac
Google
We had fun at Naeba Ski Resort, but it did not quite live up to expectations. Lift lines were actually great and we were able to ski straight back onto lifts most runs, even over a long holiday weekend. The resort is very beginner and intermediate focused, with very few black runs, and many of those were closed during our visit.
Snow conditions were mixed. There were some pockets of powder, but overall the Naeba side was much icier than Kagura, which we accessed via the 40-minute gondola ride. Kagura consistently had better snow and more interesting terrain, making it the clear winner between the two.
Facilities are solid and convenient, with most of them connected to the Prince Hotel complex, which feels like a resort built on top of a mall. You can find food, rentals, and gear easily.
Night skiing was disappointing. Only a small green run was open, and many lifts shut down early, some as early as 2:30 pm, with others never opening despite being listed online.
We chose Naeba based on snowfall numbers but left a bit disappointed. If we came back, we would likely skip Naeba and head a few more stops toward Nagano for better terrain and conditions.