A quiet, deserted slope. Surrounded by darkness and silence, you travel to the top of the mountain in a snowcat, then ski down the freshly packed slopes for as long as time allows...
A premium program offering such a dreamlike experience, the "Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour," has started at Maiko Snow Resort.
Our editorial staff actually tried out the "Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour," which allows you to "experience up to three first tracks if the conditions are right," and we report on it here, along with the time schedule.
6:00 Meeting ~ 6:10 Snowcat departure
The cat tour begins at 6:00 AM, with a briefing at the Day Trip Ski Center. Ten minutes later, we board the snowcat. It's
still pitch black, and we depart for the summit.
6:35 Arrive at the top of Nagamine No. 2 Quad Lift (First run)
After boarding, you'll arrive at the top of the Nagamine No. 2 Quad Lift in about 20 minutes. First, take a commemorative photo with the snowcat.
Then the long-awaited first run begins.
While skiing, you'll enjoy a pleasant cruise while being accompanied by guide staff who will give you advice on important points and recommended courses. As the snowfall had calmed down on this day, you can ski comfortably, taking turns and turns as you savor the packed snow with no tracks. On your first run, you'll ski down towards the Gondola Foothills Station.
7:40 Gondola ride (second run)
After the first run, we boarded the gondola, which had just completed a safety inspection, and headed to the summit station. Of course, it was still before opening time, so we had the gondola to ourselves.
On the second run, we slid down towards the first track in the Okusoji area.
8:00 Ride the Okusoji Quad Lift (Third Run) ~ End
Finally, board the Okusoji Quad Lift and enjoy the third fast track.
After skiing to your heart's content, head back to the gondola base station, where the Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour ends.
The contents may change depending on weather conditions, slope conditions, and the level of the participants, but the schedule is generally designed to allow you to enjoy a total of three fast tracks.
There is no more luxurious way to start the day than
with a ride on the Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour, where you can have the special experience of "carving out a private first track." Be sure to try it out for yourself.
[Event Overview]
[Event period] Late January to early March 2026 (planned)
[Meeting place] In front of the ticket office on the 1st floor of the Day Trip Ski Center
[Capacity] Maximum of 7 people *Minimum number of participants is 3. The event will be canceled if there are 2 or fewer people.
[Participation fee] 25,000 yen with 1-day lift ticket / 20,000 yen for those with 1-day lift ticket
[Application] *Advance reservation and payment required ▶ Reservation form ◀
[Inquiries] Maiko Snow Resort TEL: 025-783-4100
Time schedule (planned)
Tours available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays:
6:00 AM meeting time
, 6:10 AM snowcat departure
, 6:35 AM arrival at the top of Nagamine No. 2 Quad Lift (1st run)
, 7:40 AM gondola ride (2nd run),
8:00 AM Okusoji Quad Lift ride (3rd run).
■Weekday Tours
6:30 AM Meeting Time
6:40 AM Snowcat Departure
7:05 AM Nagamine No. 2 Quad Lift Arrival at the Top <1st Run>
8:10 AM Gondola Ride <2nd Run>
8:30 AM Okusoji Quad Lift Ride <3rd Run>
*If conditions are met, you can experience up to three fast tracks.
*The tour contents may change depending on weather and slope conditions. Please note.
Information
Maiko Snow Resort
2056-108 Maiko, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
Official website: https://www.maiko-resort.com/winter/Official
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