Most of the uplands in alpine regions during off-season are left as bare soil and thus vulnerable to severe erosion due to the inherent topographical conditions. Appropriate management strategy to cope with this problem is urgently needed, yet few researches have been reported on the effects of winter cover crop and management on soil erosion. We assessed effects of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) as cover crop, green manure or mulching residue on soil erosion and quality through field and segment plot lysimeter experiments in alpine uplands. Ryegrass successfully adopted to winter in alpine region based on biomass, nutrient contents, and vigors of top and root systems. Incorporation of ryegrass into soil maintained soil fertility, nutrient uptake, and yield of cabbage exerting potential use as green manure. Cultivation of ryegrass suppressed occurrence of Chinese cabbage pests. Surface coverage by ryegrass as cover crop and mulching residue significantly reduced soil loss up to 96%, when combined with soil conservation management practices. Results revealed maintaining cover crop over winter was beneficial in reducing soil erosion, and sustaining soil quality and Chinese cabbage productivity. This study suggested winter cover crop, followed by green manure and mulching, and conservation tillage system could be one of the best management practices in alpine sloping uplands cultivating Chinese cabbage.