Iizuna Kogen Ski Resort

Overview

Iizuna Kogen Ski Area was a ski resort on the Iizuna Highland in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. Opened in 1965, it drew world attention as the venue for the aerials and moguls freestyle skiing events at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Facing financial difficulty, it ended operations on February 16, 2020. Since December 2020, the gentle slopes of the former ski area have been reborn as the Iizuna Kogen Zunacchi Hiroba, a highland gathering place to enjoy through the seasons.

Highlights

• ●Its history as a freestyle venue of the 1998 Nagano Olympics
• ●A ski area journey of over half a century since opening in 1965
• ●The open views spreading across the high Iizuna Highland
• ●The new use of the site as the Iizuna Kogen Zunacchi Hiroba

History

Opened as a ski area in 1965, it was loved as a set of runs making the most of the Iizuna Highland's slopes. For the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, its existing alpine runs were adapted to host the aerials and moguls events, placing it on the Olympic stage. Later, declining visitor numbers and a lack of snowfall led to financial trouble, and it closed on February 16, 2020. From December of that year, the Iizuna Kogen Zunacchi Hiroba opened on the gentle slopes of the former grounds.

Map

36.7171, 138.1399 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Drive up to the Iizuna Highland from central Nagano
2. 2Reflect on the history of the slopes that were an Olympic venue
3. 3Enjoy the highland nature at the Iizuna Kogen Zunacchi Hiroba
4. 4Continue on to sightseeing in the Togakushi and Iizuna area

Did you know?

💡 The greatest story of this ski area is its history as the venue for the aerials and moguls at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Though it closed in 2020 to much regret, its former grounds now welcome residents and travelers as the Iizuna Kogen Zunacchi Hiroba.

Nearby spots