Introducing recommended courses, weather forecasts, and course maps for Maiko Snow Resort
INDEX
Maiko Snow Resort (Niigata Prefecture) is such a ski resort
If you want to get better at freeriding, go here!
Only 1 minute from Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC! The location is irresistibly convenient for those who own a car. The slopes are made up of three areas, with a total of 26 courses that satisfy everyone from beginners and kids to experts, and the longest run is about 6000m.
Taking advantage of the rich natural terrain, Maiko is steadily expanding its non-compacted snow and tree run courses, mainly in the Okusoeji area. Many of the courses face north, and the smooth Uonuma powder is piled up, making it a perfect freeride zone.
Topics from the '25-26 season
Haglöfs First track Cat tour is now underway!
Your personal guide will take you to the slopes in a snowcat (snow vehicle) early in the morning before the lifts and gondolas start operating. You can enjoy the best untouched slopes and powder snow, mainly in the Okusoji area.
At Smile Resort, we refer to people between the ages of 18 and 22 as the snow serious generation, and we support their winter sports lifestyle! Maiko Snow Resort is offering a campaign where 1-day lift tickets are free or half-price for those aged 18 to 22. Check the official website for details!
Maiko Snow Resort Recommended Course
・Off-piste zone
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 20 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: North
A conditionally open, uncompacted snow area. Approximately 1,000 m of running distance and a maximum slope of 32 degrees. One of the best courses in Maiko where you can taste the finest powder when it snows.
・Champion Course
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 30 degrees / Distance: 170m / Slope orientation: North
Uncompacted snow course subject to weather conditions. Although the distance is short, it is Maiko's most difficult course, a prelude to the FWT, a worldwide freeride competition, and a recruiting course for the FWTQ.
・Gungun Course ・Haglöfs Tree Run Area
Maximum slope: 24 degrees Average: 15 degrees / Distance: 820m / Slope direction: North
The central part is a cobb barn that is ideal for mogul practice. There are relatively few bumps along the Okuzoeji Quad Lift, and when it snows, it transforms into a powder slope, and the view overlooking Okuzoeji is great. Looking from the top, on the left hand side is the Haglöfs tree run area, a powder course in the forest that requires prior application. No matter where you slide down, you can return to the course at the end, so it's perfect for tree beginners.
Recommended videos to help you visualize the course
・Course level, percentage of uncompacted snow, compacted snow, and bumps (%)
Recommended information from ski resorts
Recommended gourmet food
Baguette sandwich egg & bacon @Sky Dome Restaurant
The ``Egg & Bacon Baguette Sandwich'' is full of filling, made with thick-sliced bacon and a runny egg. We also recommend the refreshing baguette sandwich, which is made with prosciutto, boiled shrimp, and avocado sauce that goes perfectly with it. All come with salad and fries.
Recommended hot springs
Spa Maiko Onsen @Day trip ski centerMaiko Onsen Iishi no Yu @Maiko Kogen Hotel
"Spa Maiko Onsen" (pictured) on the 4th floor of the day trip ski center inside the ski resort is very convenient for day trip groups. The open atmosphere feels good. Visitors can also take a bath at Maiko Onsen Iishi-no-Yu within the Maiko Kogen Hotel. The quality of the hot springs at Maiko Onsen is a simple hot spring (hypotonic, weakly alkaline hot spring) that removes unnecessary dead skin cells and is said to be highly effective for beautifying the skin.
Information
Maiko Snow Resort 2056-108 Maiko, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture 949-6423
