Photo/ Daniel Honda Skier/Naoto Kono
most numerous tree running courses in Japan!
Madarao Kogen Ski Resort is located on Mount Madarao in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture. Many of the runs face the north slope, meaning that high-quality snow falls repeatedly, creating high-quality powder snow. Although the resort is not particularly high at 1,350m, there are no mountains blocking the view, making for an outstanding view. The deep powder is nicknamed "mada pow" by powder-loving skiers and snowboarders, and it attracts many fans
The tree run course opened in 2009 and has expanded every year. Madarao's tree runs are especially popular with snowboarders, and staff have heard many of them say how much fun they are, encouraging them to increase the number of courses every year. A total of 11 courses are open for the 2020-21 season, making it the most in Japan
The strength of Madarao Tree Run is that it can be enjoyed by everyone from hardcore hikers to families
With a wide variety of courses that make use of the abundant terrain, Madarao allows everyone, from hardcore powder lovers to family skiers, to enjoy the fun of powder and tree runs, regardless of their level.
One of these is the "Family Adventure Course." This is the collective name for several tree run courses that are not too steep. For example, the "Rabbit Course," with an average gradient of 12 degrees, is suitable for children who are good at wedge turns, so the whole family can enjoy tree runs in the beautiful forest. There are three courses in total, and all of them allow you to experience tree runs safely and easily.
2020-21
Madarao's proud tree run course, eleven 11
Take a look at the slope map above. The green areas are tree run courses. There are 11 courses open for the 2020-21 season, giving you a real sense of the scale of the entire mountain. We'll briefly introduce the features of each course, following the numbers on the map
SAWA ~Natural Pipe~ (①)
Total length: 1,000m/Maximum slope: 28°
You can experience a unique feeling of gliding through the combination of powder and natural pipe-shaped terrain. Once you enter the course here, you can't stop. Connecting lines to the right and left in line with the natural terrain that comes one after another gives you the feeling of a half-pipe. Although the distance is long, the slope is gentle, making it easy to control your speed and enjoy it within your tolerances.
The walls have varying slopes, allowing you to fly and hit the ground freely. As you go down the course, the terrain becomes narrower and tube-shaped.
SAWA2 ~Natural Pipe~ (②)
Total length: 500m/Maximum slope: 27°
Located above SAWA Natural Pipe, it is about half the length of the original. This slope also has a natural pipe topography, allowing you to enjoy smooth riding
NINJA (③)
Total length: 450m / Maximum gradient: 31°
"NINJA" is a course that connects to the bottom of "Powder Wave II." NINJA's signature feature is the 7m-high ladder jump shown in the photo above. Like a ninja? I'd love to fly! If you slide all the way from "Powder Wave II" to NINJA, the distance is nearly 2km. There aren't many tree runs where you can enjoy such a long ride
Powder Wave II (④)
Total length: 1,500m/Maximum slope: 35°
The area is wide and the trees are spaced just right, so you can enjoy a super-smooth 1,500m tree run while taking in the terrain. Powder Wave II, with a maximum gradient of 35 degrees and a total length of 1,500m, is a course with a special presence that represents Madarao. If you connect it to the connecting course NINJA at the bottom, you can gain a considerable distance.
The forest is undulating, and depending on the line you choose, there can be some intense sections. It is also susceptible to the wind, so conditions can change easily. You can enjoy the view while rhythmically riding the natural waves.
Powder Theater (⑤)
Total length: 600m/Maximum slope: 36°
The advantage of Powder Theater is that it can be completed with a single lift. Although it is short, it offers efficient tree runs. There are some surprisingly tight and challenging sections between the trees, so it's fun to ride while thinking about your line
Crystal Bowl (⑥)
Total length: 1,000m/Maximum slope: 33°
This bowling course, a tree run course located in the center of the mountain, is a delight for skiers, both in length and slope. When there's plenty of fresh powder, the steep, deep faces create overhead sprays that feel amazing
River Line (⑦)
Total length: 700m/Maximum slope: 37°
This tree run course is located next to the Super Quad. It has excellent access to the lift, so it's perfect for those who want to ski a lot and practice skiing on ungroomed snow. Since it's next to the first lift to operate, we recommend going first thing in the morning after a snowfall
Rabbit 〜Family Adv〜（⑧）
Total length: 300m/Maximum slope: 32°
This is one of the Family Adventure tree courses, which are based on the concept of going on a forest adventure with your family, friends, and colleagues. There are three courses: Rabbit, Kamoshika, and Bear. At Rabbit, many waves await you once you leave the forest. The bottom is shaped like a stream, so it's fun to climb up and down and slide down like a roller coaster
KAM0SHIKA ~Family Adv~ (⑨)
Total length: 600m/Maximum slope: 25°
This is one of the family adventure courses. As you can see in the photo, it has a gentle slope, but you can still enjoy tree runs and plenty of powder. It's also conveniently accessible from the main slope. This gentle tree run is a great way to experience powder for the first time
Bear ~Family Adv~ (⑩)
Total length: 100m/Maximum slope: 17°
A tree run course that leads from the Crystal Course to Crystal Bowl. The slope is gentle, so even children who ski on the wedge can ski. Recommended for skiers with children. Enjoy a family adventure in the rich natural forest
Adventure Aisle (⑪)
Total length: 380m/Maximum slope: 17°
The Adventure Aisle, which stretches out along the ridgeline from the top, means "the path of adventure." This scenic tree run course is surrounded by beautiful forest, with views of Lake Nojiri, Mt. Kurohime, and Mt. Myoko below. Click! Post a photo of the spectacular view on social media and your exciting adventure at Madarao begins
▼ Check out the video to see the charm of "Mada Pow" and tree running
■ Data
Altitude
1,350m
Longest run distance
2,500m
Elevation difference
440m
Maximum slope
37°
29 courses
11 lifts
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◆ Official website: http://www.madarao.jp/ski
*The information posted is from February 2021