Areas / Central Honshu
Tateyama 立山
High alpine spring skiing from Murodo at 2,450 m on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route — huge bowls and couloirs from mid-April into June.
- Prefecture
- Toyama
- Season
- mid-Apr – Jun
- Level
- Advanced
- Nearest airport
- Toyama (TOY)
- By rail
- Toyama station, then local train, cable car and bus to Murodo
Alpine touringCouloirsOpen bowlsSpring corn
When the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens in spring, a combination of train, cable car and bus takes you to Murodo at about 2,450 m. From there, some of Japan’s highest ski terrain opens up. Huge bowls, steep couloirs and long tours spread out below peaks around 3,000 m.
This is spring skiing, with corn snow on good days, but at altitude and in serious terrain. Weather can close in fast, and there are local rules about where you may ski around Murodo. You can stay at the mountain huts and hotels at Murodo to ski multiple days.
Why a guide: a guide chooses the right slopes for the snow and weather, manages timing as slopes warm, and knows the local rules.
Highlights
- Skiing at over 2,400 m from the end of the alpine route's bus line
- Huge bowls and couloirs below peaks around 3,000 m
- Long spring season from the route's opening in April into June
- Famous snow walls along the alpine route
Main hazards
- High altitude, sudden whiteouts and strong winds
- Steep avalanche terrain and cornices
- Wet-snow avalanches and sun exposure in spring
- Local rules and restricted zones around Murodo — follow them
Conditions change daily. Check the latest avalanche and weather information, carry beacon, probe and shovel, and ski with a qualified guide if you don't know the area. See our safety guide.
Where to stay
Ski Tateyama with a certified local guide
Tell us your dates, group and ability. We match you with a certified guide who knows the terrain and today's snow, and send you a quote. Requesting is free and there's no obligation to book.
Request a guide