With an elevation ranging from 1500m to 2300m, 54 ski lifts and gondolas, and 21 ski areas, Shiga Kogen is the largest ski mountain in Japan. 

Even with a ski guide, it can take two or three days to cover the entire mountains.

Shiga Kogen is known for having the best snow in Japan. While this mountain doesn't get over 60cm of snow over night like Nozawa Onsen, its snow is light and dry and phenomenal to ride on. During prime ski season, the snow is as good as Colorado's famed champagne powder.

Shiga Kogen also offers incredible mountain views. The cover photo of this website is taken from Terakoya (2060m).

Shigakogen hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics'  men/women Alpine Slalom and Giant slalom, and various snowboarding events.