Not everyone enjoys crowded tourist spots. Some prefer visiting quieter places to engage in activities more comfortably.
In addition to the famous Zao Onsen, there’s another area in Yamagata — specifically in Kaminoyama City — where you can enjoy Zao Juhyo (Snow Monsters) and skiing at the same time.
This location attracts fewer visitors and even offers a free shuttle bus with easy access. It’s ideal for those looking to avoid crowds during their holidays.
LIZA WORLD Ski Resort
The tourist spot in question is the LIZA World ski resort, located on the Zaōbōdaira Plateau, Kaminoyama, Yamagata Prefecture. Nearby, you’ll find the famous snow wall, Zao ECO LINE.
This area is surrounded by various other ski resorts, attracting many Japanese domestic tourists who come to stay and ski for several days during winter.
Compared to the internationally popular Zao Onsen area, LIZA WORLD offers a much quieter atmosphere.
How to Get to LIZA WORLD Ski Resort
To reach LIZA WORLD Ski Resort, you can take the free shuttle bus White Echo-go from the tourist information center in front of JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station.
The bus will take you directly to the ski resort entrance at the “Zaō LIZA WORLD Ski Resort” stop.
Keep in mind that this bus operates only twice a day for both inbound and outbound trips, so make sure to check the schedule carefully!
Ski Lift Tickets at LIZA WORLD Ski Resort
There is no entrance fee for skiing at LIZA WORLD. If you have your own skiing equipment, you only need to purchase a ski lift ticket.
Here are the ski lift ticket prices at LIZA WORLD Ski Resort:
- Adults: ¥800 (single trip), ¥4,000 (day pass)
- Children: ¥200 (single trip), ¥3,000 (day pass)
You can also purchase multiple-use tickets:
- Adults: ¥5,000 (11 trips)
- Children: ¥2,000 (11 trips)
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Equipment Rental at LIZA WORLD Ski Resort
If you need ski equipment, you can rent it at the resort. Visit their official website to select the type of gear you need, such as double or single ski boards and ski clothing.
1) Ski Board, Ski Poles, Boots
- Adult: ¥3,800 (4 Hours) / ¥4,300 (1 Day)
- Children: ¥2,800 (4 Hours) / ¥3,300 (1 Day)
2) Ski Clothing
- Adult: ¥3,500 (4 Hours) / ¥4,000 (1 Day)
- Children: ¥2,500 (4 Hours) / ¥3,000 (1 Day)
3) Ski Boards and Boots
- Adult: ¥3,800 (4 Hours) / ¥4,300 (1 Day)
- Children: ¥2,800 (4 Hours) / ¥3,300 (1 Day)
Special Packages at LIZA WORLD Ski Resort
LIZA WORLD Ski Resort offers special packages such as:
- Adults (23 years and above): Ski lift ticket (1 Day) + ski equipment rental + meal voucher (1000 Yen) → 9,500 Yen
- Junior High School Students – 22 years: Ski lift ticket (1 Day) + ski equipment rental + meal voucher (3000 Yen) → 9,500 Yen
- Elementary School Students: Ski lift ticket (1 Day) + ski equipment rental + meal voucher (3000 Yen) → 8,000 Yen
Ski Slopes at LIZA WORLD Ski Resort
The ski slopes at this resort are not overly numerous. There are four trails classified by difficulty level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
For beginners, after completing ski lessons, you can use the LIZA PAIR I gondola and glide down the green trail (Central Course).
If you are an experienced skier, you can try more challenging trails. However, to reach certain areas such as the ice waterfall, snow monster highlands, or climbing trails, you will need two gondola tickets for a one-way trip.
Ski Training at LIZA WORLD Ski Resort
Since skiing is a sport that requires specific skills, beginners are encouraged to take lessons from professional instructors.
This is important to prevent accidents caused by incorrect equipment usage or a lack of knowledge about ski slopes.
LIZA WORLD Ski Resort offers half-day and full-day ski courses. These courses are available in Japanese or English.
Instructors usually start with warm-ups in flat areas, introduce the equipment, and teach participants how to walk, stop, and control direction.
Once participants are ready, they will be taken on the gondola to glide down the beginner’s trail.
Other Activities at LIZA WORLD Ski Resort
In addition to skiing — from mid-January to early March — the resort offers other exciting activities, such as snow hiking, off-road snow vehicles, and cabin stays.
Be sure to make reservations in advance through the official website to enjoy these fun winter experiences!
