On June 16, GALA Yuzawa (1039-2 Kayahira, Oaza Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture) announced that, to mark the 35th anniversary of the opening of “GALA YUZAWA SNOW RESORT”—the ski resort facility it operates—it would change the facility’s common name as part of its efforts to transition to full-scale year-round operations.
To change the image of a traditional ski resort, the new nickname “GALA YUZAWA MOUNTAIN FIELD” will be adopted starting this summer season. The 2026 summer season (Summer Park) will run from July 18 to September 23, spanning a total of 68 days—the longest in the resort’s history.
New attractions at the park include the “Panorama Coaster,” which glides along a 305-meter-long track using only the force of gravity generated by the elevation difference, and Japan’s first “Panorama Seesaw”—a massive electric seesaw with a maximum height of approximately 7 meters, with a maximum height of approximately 7 meters, located at an elevation of about 1,030 meters.
In addition, a new course that takes advantage of the slope’s terrain will be added to “Mountain Cart,” a three-wheeled activity that uses the natural incline to move through the outdoors without an engine.
The basic Summer Park admission ticket costs 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for elementary school students. A package that includes a Summer Park admission ticket and two activity tickets costs 5,500 yen for adults and 3,500 yen for elementary school students. Admission to “SPA Gala Yuzawa,” where you can enjoy the hot spring baths and pool, is 1,300 yen for adults and 700 yen for elementary school students.
In addition, to coincide with the summer operating schedule, the Joetsu Shinkansen—which provides a direct connection between Tokyo Station and Gala Yuzawa Station—will resume service for the first time in 26 years, since 2000. The service will run from July 18 to 20, August 8–16, and September 19–23. The schedule includes the southbound train “Tanigawa 403,” departing Tokyo at 8:03 a.m., and the northbound train “Tanigawa 412,” departing Gala-Utsunomiya at 3:56 p.m.
During the operating period, shuttle buses will also run between Echigo-Yuzawa Station and Gala Yuzawa Station.
© Source travel watch