Shiga Kogen, Nagano

After our stop at the Snow Monkey Park we headed on up the mountain to the Shiga Kogon area of Nagano. Many of the Olympic venues were in this area of Nagano. We stayed at Villa Alpen, a ski in/ski out hotel that ended up being more like staying with good friends. The "Captain" as he is known to folks who have repeatedly stayed here was extremely hospitable. His hotel was so kid friendly and well fun. It is a tradional hotel with tatami mats, futons, and an onsen (hot Japanese bath).

We arrived a little after 4:00 and brought our luggage up with the help of Ken-san via sleds. There is a big parking lot about 200 yards from the hotel. No cars are allowed in the little "village" which makes it safe to sled and ski right up to the lifts.

Dinner every night was at 6:00 and we ate with all the other guests staying in the hotel. The food was amazing traditional Japanese food. There was such attention to detail with the meal. Lauren, Chad and I adored it. Allie stuck to the meat and sticky rice.


Chad took a snowboarding lesson and the girls took skiing lessons from the Captain's son, Ken-san. He was awesome and they loved him. He was so patient and gentle with them. The really got their confidence up and was making it down the hill in no time.


Chad did great also...much better than his self taught attempt at snowboarding a few weeks back. He got up, found his balance and made it down a pretty aggressive run. I think he will be shredding up the mountain the next time we go.

The girls took a break from skiing and spent some time sledding down the hill right outside of the hotel. It was so easy and convienant.


The only thing we had to watch out for was this really cool van with triangle tires. It was from the hotel right next to us bring people and luggage up from the parking lot.

The bar at the hotel served pancakes all day and had a big TV with lots of movies for the kids to watch. There were huge windows overlooking the lifts and sledding area.

There was also a fireplace and on the last night the Captain brought out marshmallows for the girls to roast. They were in heaven.

We had a wonderful weekend and can't wait to get back up there. Hopefully we will make one more trip this winter.