European-style Ski In/Out Luxury Hotel

As Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen offers skiers and snowbaorders a seemingly endless expanse of trails and terrain to explore. Consisting of 18 ski areas – some large, some small – spread through several alpine valleys and ascending five mountain peaks, the scale and character of Shiga reminds many visitors of European resorts – as they carve down tree-lined courses and round corners to discover new valleys of powder.

Deep in the heart of the resort, the Okushiga ski fields are some of its best, known for their long runs and reliable powder. Hotel Grand Phenix is found at the base of the Okushiga ski runs and as such, offers guests the convenience and outright fun of ski-in, ski-out accommodation nearby the gondola station, in one of the resorts best ski fields.

 From the wooden balustrades of the hotel’s exterior to the warmth and comfort of the spacious lounge, Grand Phenix’s European inspiration is evident from the moment you set eyes of the charming façade. Long corridors, alpine decoration, the crackle of the open fireplace, and attentive service speak to the hotel’s pedigree and intent that guests love their stay in Shiga Kogen’s most luxurious accommodation.

 The hotel’s design means access to the ski runs could not be easier, with direct access via the outdoor area at the rear leading directly to secure ski/snowboard storage and dry room in the heart of the hotel, with further direct access to the lounge and other areas.

Guests of the hotel have their own secure lockers to store their gear, making the start and end of your day simple and easy, as you slide in and out of your boots and move to and from the hotel; and with the Okushiga gondola positioned just to the left of the hotel, the location simply could not be better.

Not only do the hotel’s suite of amenities offer guests something to look forward to at the end of the day, for guests choosing not to ski or snowboard, there’s plenty to keep you entertained and relaxed through the day. The ‘Largo’ lounge is the ideal location to sit and taken in surrounding scenery, with a large viewing window looking directly onto the bottom of the Okushiga ski runs. The open-fire place will be crackling, so find the comfiest seat in the house, order a drink and relax, as you watch others zip down the mountain.

 Hotel Grand Phenix also offers guests the choice of mens and womens ‘public’ mineral baths (for the exclusive use of hotel guests) including open air pools and heated indoor pool for mixed use. The fourth floor ‘onsen’-style (hot spring) public baths offer outstanding views of the surrounding landscape through panoramic windows. Open-air baths are accessible from the mens and womens facilities, known for their rejuvenating properties and enjoyable outdoor atmospheres.

 Each public bath also features a modern sauna, segregated by gender. Designed to enhance the relaxation and comfort of guests, large windows again offer soothing views of the winter landscape – particularly enjoyable after a long day on the mountain.

Hotel Grand Phenix also provides guests with the luxury of a large indoor, heated swimming pool. Also featuring a jacuzzi and sauna, the hotel pool offers an escape from the cold and unique experience as you swim in heated water surrounded by views of snow.

Open from early in the morning until late night, the baths, saunas and heated pool are a great way to stay and relax in the long, cold of winter.