Seki Onsen: two lifts, ungroomed powder and the cheapest ticket in Myoko
Resorts · 関温泉スキー場 · Checked Oct 2026 for 2026–27
A tiny, old-school ski area above a small onsen hamlet, known for heavy snowfall and runs that are mostly left ungroomed.
Seki Onsen (関温泉) is a small ski area above the hot-spring hamlet of the same name, a short drive from Akakura. Myoko Tourism describes it as famous for some of the best snow in Japan, with runs usually not groomed and a season that often runs into early May.
It is a two-lift hill: one pair lift and one single. That is part of the appeal. Days here are about laps in deep snow, not mileage.
Personally I'd suggest Seki Onsen for a storm day if you are a confident powder skier, then a soak in one of the inn baths before heading back.
Best when
- A big snowfall and you want untracked laps
- Confident skiers and riders comfortable off groomed runs
- Spring trips, when other resorts have closed
Skip when
- Beginners or young kids: Myoko Tourism lists no kids' area
- You want lots of lifts and variety
- You need English-language support at the resort
Seki Onsen at a glance
- Season
- 2026–27 dates not yet published (2025–26: 23 Dec – 5 May)
- Hours
- 9:00–16:30 (2025–26)
- Vertical
- 310 m (900–1,210 m)
- Courses
- 4, longest 1,500 m
- Lifts
- 2 (1 pair, 1 single)
- Steepest
- 38°
- Terrain
- 20% beginner · 50% intermediate · 30% advanced
Terrain and who it suits
Most of Seki Onsen is left ungroomed, so after a storm the whole hill is powder. Between storms it can be heavily tracked. There is no night skiing.
Lifts
- No. 1 Lift — single-ride tickets are for this lift only
- No. 3 Lift — the upper lift; not covered by single-ride tickets
From the resort's price page. Myoko Tourism lists one pair and one single lift.
Lift tickets for 2026–27
2026–27 prices were not published when I checked. These are the resort's last-season (2025–26) prices.
| Ticket | Adult | Others |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day (2025–26) | ¥4,500 | Child ¥3,500 |
| Afternoon from 12:00 (2025–26) | ¥3,500 | Child ¥2,500 |
| No. 1 Lift single ride (2025–26) | ¥500 | Child ¥400 |
- No senior discount. Car park P1 was charged at weekends and free on weekdays; P2 free every day.
- Rental is limited in quantity, so the resort asks you to call ahead (0255-82-2316).
With kids
Not a kids' resort. There is no dedicated kids' area listed; take younger children to Ikenotaira or Akakura instead.
Getting there
Seki Onsen is about 20 minutes by car from the Myoko Kogen or Nakago expressway exits, per the Niigata tourism site. Most visitors drive or come on a lodge shuttle.
Where to stay
Where to stay near Seki Onsen
A handful of onsen inns sit right at the base, and the slopes are steps away.
Where to eat near Seki Onsen
In Seki Onsen hamlet:
All Myoko restaurants, with diet filters
Rental
The ski area has its own small rental counter (call ahead), or hire in Akakura before you go.
Onsen after skiing
Inn baths in the hamlet, open to day visitors in season:
Questions people actually ask
- How much is a lift ticket at Seki Onsen?
- Last season (2025–26) an adult day ticket was ¥4,500 and a child's ¥3,500. 2026–27 prices were not published when I checked.
- Is Seki Onsen good for beginners?
- Not really. Most runs are ungroomed and there is no kids' area. Beginners will have a better time at Ikenotaira or Akakura Onsen.
Sources, checked Oct 2026
- Seki Onsen official site
- Seki Onsen ski area: prices, season and hours
- Myoko Tourism: Seki Onsen
- Niigata Kanko Navi: Seki Onsen access
Prices and dates change. Check the resort before you travel.
Other resorts: Akakura · Lotte Arai · Suginohara · Ikenotaira · Compare all resorts