Staff friendliness, ski in-ski out, access to lift, delicious food, homely atmosphere in the lounge with games and fire each night. We would definitely come back

“Comfortable stay with good food”

Excellent staff and service quality. Building is well insulated. Onsen js 24 by 7

“We had a lovely few days skiing in Shiga Kogen, all ski areas were easily linked by chairlifts creating an extensive ski”

Very well positioned for the ski lift, easy ski hire in the basement and staff all very helpful and friendly. A lovely welcoming bar area for relaxing and playing games before and after supper, which is served at 6pm.

Very friendly and helpful

“Captain, Ken and all the lovely staff makes a memorable stay at Villa Alpen. Feels like Home!”

Staying at Villa Alpen is like staying in Grandpa and grandma’s ski lodge in the mountains. Dated but all the things that matters are there. The decor and some amenities are frozen in the 1970s with years of history reflected in the memorabilia adorning every nook and cranny. This family-run rustic lodge is helmed by sprightly octogenarian former pro-skier endearingly addressed as Captain, his son and right-hand man, Ken, his wife Hiroko who Captain affectionately referred to as to as ‘The Commander’ and anchored by a handful of lovely staff. The meals are superb, hearty and wholesome prepared by Hiroko which we look forward to every night after a day out in the slopes. A highlight is our nightly gathering in The Salon MonRepos after dinner for family bonding over board games and drinks. There’s a fireplace built by Captain and his father where guests sit around toasting marshmallows and watch the flames flicker enjoying the warmth. Captain regales us with tales from his time at the World Championships in Chamonix and Italy even giving us skiing tips! Captain and his family welcomed us like family to their home.

“Loved it and the staff and awesome.”

Staff were super friendly and helpful. It was a very cultural experience with awesome dinners and they help you to eat it properly cause we didn’t know what to do hahah. It was awesome though when I come back to Japan I’m coming here again.

“Family friendly place with all the amenities you need”

The host Captain Nubuo went out of his way to make us feel welcome. My daughter and I had a great time at Villa Alpen

“Great family run hotel”

Excellent family run hotel where you were made to feel like part of the family.

“Japow!! Exceptional skiing. Great hospitality- thanks Captain and family.”

Very very helpful and friendly staff. The onsen was fantastic. The ski hire equipment was excellent - they even had half sizes which meant boots were super comfortable. Great location for on piste skiing with lovely views. I would return again and again

The provided continental breakfast and varied Japanese dinner is excellent. The hotel facilities are well kept and serviced all our needs. Having an onsen-style bathhouse on site to relax in was a great way to unwind at the end of the day. The hotel has a lot of charm, history and character, which is a nice change from a lot of modern hotels. The staff is extremely helpful and warm, and the owner is a wonderful host who does his utmost to make his guests feel welcome. The location is also excellent. I look forward to returning here on my next trip.

“What an excellent wonderful ski holidays!”

I really enjoyed staying at Villa Alpen! This ski in ski out hotel is quiet old but the atmosphere there is so peaceful. Onsen works 24 hours! It is a great bonus. The continental breakfast and Japanese style dinner served. All good! The staff is very friendly. The ski resort is consisted of multiple small resorts and they all interconnected. The owners accommodated all my needs and were very helpful and kind! I will be back for sure!

“comfortable place to ski and stay w friendly family vibes”

Family run resort comfortable room next to a ski lift, warm friendly host and excellent service, dinner was varied and delicious

“Very enjoyable and I look forward to going back!”

Great location next to ski lift. The owners were very helpful and went out of their way to make sure we had a great time. Dinners were delicious

“Fabulous”

Loved this traditional Japanese Villa, the onsen was awesome and food was great.

The location is great and the staff are very attentive

“Great memories, lovely experience, but make sure you plan everything in extreme detail.”

• Staff - family-run villa, nice homely vibe and a lovely Japanese family who did their best to support us throughout the trip. • Onsen - common to have one in Japan, but still worth mentioning that its nice, clean and open 24h. • Food quality - dinners were nice, all ingredients were fresh and tasted great. • Bar - decent selection of wines and beers at good prices, and warm atmosphere with a nice fireplace. • Gear rental - skis, snowboards, boots were all great, fairly priced, and service + ski knowledge was top level.

“We loved getting to know Ken, the captain, and the other staff. Will definitely visit again!”

The staff at Villa Alpen are exceptional and go out of their way to accommodate your every need. We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the family that owns the hotel and can understand why families return every year.

“Absolutely fantastic stay”

First time skiing in Japan (few times in other locations) so we didn't know what to expect. We found this family hotel where the staff is incredibly friendly! We had some basic ski gear but we needed skis, boots, helmets, etc and Ken (son of Captain) had everything needed for rent. It saved us a lot of time and hassle. On top of that, the dinners were succulent (Ryokan style), there is a common room where you can have a drink and kids can play games, and the location is right on the resort so that you jump on your skis 5 meters out of the hotel door!

“Really enjoyable long weekend because of excellent friendly and helpful staff”

Really wonderful hospitality. everything under one roof including excellent ski lessons. food was very high quality and the staff would support with anything you needed.

Warm and friendly staff. It was also very convenient that we could rent our ski equipment from the hotel. The equipment was excellent quality and very reasonably priced. Special thanks to Ken in the shop for looking after us so well. The room was a bit on the small side for 4 adult men, but the onsen was a real treat.