A quiet, deserted ski slope. Surrounded by darkness and silence, you travel to the mountaintop in a snowcat and ski down the freshly groomed slopes for as long as time allows...
This dreamlike experience is offered in the premium program "Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour," which has just started at Maiko Snow Resort. The
"Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour" allows you to experience up to three first tracks if the conditions are right, and our editorial staff actually tried it out, so here is a report of the experience along with the time schedule.
6:00 Meeting ~ 6:10 Snowcat departure
The snowcat tour begins at 6:00 AM with a briefing at the "Day Trip Ski Center." Ten minutes later, you'll board the snowcat.
It's still dark, before sunrise, when you'll set off towards the mountaintop.
6:35 Arrive at the top of Nagamine No. 2 Quad Lift (First run)
After about 20 minutes of riding, we arrived at the top of the Nagamine No. 2 Quad Lift. First, we took a commemorative photo with the snowcat.
Then, the long-awaited first run began.
While skiing, we skied with the guide staff, receiving instructions on safety precautions and recommended courses, and enjoyed a pleasant cruise. On this day, the snowfall had subsided, so we savored the untouched, groomed snow, making one turn after another with great pleasure. For our first run, we skied down towards the Gondola Base Station.
7:40 Gondola ride (second run)
After finishing the first run, I boarded the gondola immediately after the safety check was completed and headed to the mountaintop station. Of course, it was before opening hours, so I had the place all to myself.
For my second run, I aimed for the first tracks in the Okusoechi area.
8:00 Ride the Okusoji Quad Lift (Third Run) ~ End
Finally, you'll ride the Okusoechi Quad Lift and enjoy your third run of first tracks.
After skiing to your heart's content, you'll ski back down to the gondola base station, where the Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour concludes.
The content may change depending on weather conditions, slope conditions, and the skill level of the participants, but the basic schedule allows you to enjoy a total of three runs of first tracks.
There's no more luxurious way to start the day.
The "Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour" offers the special experience of "creating your own private first tracks." We encourage you to try it out for yourself.
[Event Overview]
[Event Period] Late January to early March 2026 (tentative)
[Meeting Place] In front of the ticket counter on the 1st floor of the day-trip ski center
[Capacity] Maximum 7 people *Minimum number of participants: 3. The event will be canceled if there are 2 or fewer participants.
[Participation Fee] With a 1-day lift ticket: 25,000 yen / For those who already have a 1-day lift ticket: 20,000 yen
[Application] *Advance reservation and payment required ▶Reservation Form◀
[Inquiries] Maiko Snow Resort TEL: 025-783-4100
Time schedule (planned)
■Tours held on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays:
6:00 AM meeting time
, 6:10 AM departure by snowcat
, 6:35 AM arrival at the top of the Nagamine No. 2 Quad Lift
7:40 Board the gondola
8:00 Board the Okusoechi Quad Lift
■Weekday Tours:
6:30 AM Meeting Time
, 6:40 AM Snowcat Departure
, 7:05 AM Arrival at the Top of the Nagamine No. 2 Quad Lift
, 8:10 AM Gondola Ride
, 8:30 AM Okusoechi Quad Lift Ride
*If conditions are met, you can experience up to three first tracks.
*Please note that the tour content may change depending on weather conditions, slope conditions, etc.
Information
Maiko Snow Resort,
2056-108 Maiko, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
Official website:https://www.maiko-resort.com/winter/
Official social media:Instagram|Facebook|X|YouTube