"ZONE FWT" is a special course selected and certified by the FWT (Freeride World Tour), a global freeride competition, with slopes that meet the specifications required. In the 2025-2026 season, Ryuo Ski Park was added, bringing the total number of courses in Japan to 13. We will introduce the aims of the initiative behind this and the latest 13 courses of ZONE FWT.
What is “ZONE FWT”?
FWT (Free ride World Tour) is a freeride competition held on a face with rich powder depth and terrain changes. It can be said to be an authoritative freeride competition that ranks among the highest in the world. Athletes choose a gliding line that maximizes the individuality of their gliding technique and style, and multiple judges evaluate their performance.
``ZONE FWT'' released by FWT is a slope that has been selected and certified by FWT with specifications suitable for this world-class stage of expression. This time, 12 ski resorts from around the country have been carefully selected for "ZONE FWT." There are famous courses all over the place, but what are the selection criteria?
Criteria for obtaining ZONE FWT certification
According to the FWT management office, there are currently no clear examination criteria set for courses to become certified. The criteria for certification are that the slope is steep, with a maximum slope of approximately 30 degrees or more, and that the natural topography is clearly visible.
Aim of setting ZONE FWT
FWT is truly fascinating, both for competing as an athlete and for watching exciting events as a gallery. “ZONE FWT” will be the perfect gateway to let more people know about the world freeride competition called FWT, and to increase the number of participants.
At ZONE FWT, which is located within a well-maintained ski resort, you can challenge difficult slopes with peace of mind. And on the certified course, you'll be able to enjoy the fun of freeriding to the fullest. By skiing over and over again, and by skiing on certified courses at various ski resorts, you can hone your skiing skills and develop your judgment and expressiveness. Beyond that, competitions such as FWT and the world of backcountry life are expanding.
This season, it might be fun to ski at every single one of these ZONE FWTs. They have exciting steep and deep powder faces, and faces that will have you hooked on playing with the terrain. Here we introduce the 13 ZONE FWTs that will be held across the country in the 2025-2026 season.
The 13 selected courses for the 2025-2026 season are located at this ski resort.
01 Kamui Ski Links｜Hokkaido
deep powder course
Total length/maximum slope: 800m/32°
A limited-time deep snow spot that can be accessed through the gate next to the 5th pair lift. The maximum slope is 32°, but the average slope is 23-25°, which is steep overall. As the name suggests, the wonderful "superb powder snow" has accumulated in plenty of depth on the steep slopes. There are also open areas and terrain where you can jump. A place where you can experience the charm of Kamui's wild nature through steep and deep tree riding that can only be experienced here.
◆Official website: https://www.kamui-skilinks.com/
02 Kiroro Snow World｜Hokkaido
Asari 2-C
Total length/maximum slope: 1100m/37°
A long course of over 1km of uncompacted snow that descends from the top of Asariyama at an altitude of 1,180m. What's more, the maximum slope is 37 degrees, Kiroro's highest. For freeriders, Kiroro is one of the most popular courses on the slopes that they want to try first. It is without a doubt one of the most difficult courses in Japan. After approaching from the bottom with a single Kiro Rogon Dora, you can spin around on Asari No. 2 lift, which is very efficient.
◆Official website: https://www.kiroro.co.jp/ja/
03 Natsuyu Kogen Ski Resort | Iwate Prefecture
RABBIT
Total length/maximum slope: 255m/33°
A tree run area located a short distance from the top of the mountain. A place where you can enjoy the charm of the tree orchids of Natsuyu Plateau, which is said to be one of Japan's leading tree orchid paradises, in a compact space. The run distance is short at 255m, but the slope is moderately steep throughout the face, with a maximum slope of 33° and an average slope of 21°. With its rich topographical changes and cool-looking old beech trees, it is the perfect setting for an ``attractive'' freeride performance.
◆Official website: https://www.getokogen.com/winter/index.html
04 Mountain Field Miyagi Zao Sumikawa｜Miyagi Prefecture
Atomi B course
Total length/maximum slope: 700m/35°
A natural course located under the railroad tracks of a former single lift, where the undulating terrain remains untouched. The slope is steep, with a maximum slope of 35 degrees, and there are some bumps and curves along the way, which will test your ability to adjust your speed and line. The slope of the course faces north-northwest and is less affected by sunlight, making it easier to maintain the quality of the snow. Although it requires some hiking from the third lift, it is really attractive for those who want to hone their skiing skills and those who want to enjoy dynamic skiing on steep slopes.
◆Official website: http://www.zao-sumikawa.jp/
05 White World Oze Iwakura｜Gunma Prefecture
Expert course (top)
Total length/maximum slope 250m/40°
The maximum slope is a whopping 40°, but what's even more surprising is that the average slope is also 40°. The entire 250m face is super steep, and just imagining what it would be like to have powder pile up here gives me chills. One of the most extreme slopes in Japan, the course is wide with a width of 150m and there are no obstructions, allowing for creative line-cutting in all directions. The terrain is less undulating, allowing you to practice getting used to your speed, and it's a technical slope perfect for honing your freeride skills.
◆Official website: https://www.oze-iwakura.co.jp/ski/
05 Oguna Hotaka Ski Resort | Gunma Prefecture
training course
Total length/maximum slope: 400m/30°
A new non-compacted snow course from the 2024-25 season. Ogunahotaka is at a high altitude, so you can expect plenty of snow. With a steep slope of up to 30°, there are few changes in the terrain and the ski line is easy to read, allowing you to concentrate on technical issues. Because it faces north and is less affected by sunlight during the day, the snow quality is relatively stable. As the name suggests, this course is perfect for training. Excellent lift access allows for efficient practice.
◆Official website: https://k-hotaka.jp/ogna/
06 Arai Snow Resort | Niigata Prefecture
Viper
Total length/maximum slope: 720m/30°
Among Arai, which has a wide variety of undulations and topography, it is said that the name ``Piper's moth'' was given to it because of the rugged terrain that makes the viper turn over. A wild hotspot unique to Arai, where you can enjoy steep slopes, large natural pipe-like terrain, and tree runs at the same time. It is extremely convenient as it can be approached with just one hairless lift. It's perfect for honing the skills required for freeriding, such as how to assess the terrain, take lines, and make instant decisions and responses.
◆Official website: https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/ja/ski-webzine.html
07 Maiko Snow Resort | Niigata Prefecture
champion course
Total length/maximum slope: 170m/32°
Located at the top of the mountain in the Maiko area, this is an uncompacted snow course with weather conditions that combines steep slopes and tree runs. Although the distance is short at 170m, the steep slope with an average slope of 30° is the most difficult part of Maiko. There are also a lot of terrain changes. It is also a prelude to the FWT and a recruitment course for the FWTQ, so it is the perfect slope for those who want to practice seriously and intensively while imagining a competition.
◆Official website: https://www.maiko-resort.com/winter/
08 Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort | Niigata Prefecture
challenge burn
Total length/maximum slope: 370m/32°
The steepest slope of a ski resort. The snow is not compacted, so you can enjoy steep and deep powder riding the morning after it snows. A great location right in front of Nakazato Ski Center, which attracts a lot of attention. The terrain is rugged and undulating, and natural hit items have appeared this season. The course also offers challenges such as wood rails and powder jumps.
◆Official website: https://www.yuzawa-nakazato.com/winter/
09 Ryuo Ski Park | Nagano Prefecture
Tree Dropping Bowl
Total length/maximum slope: 1400m/36°
Ryuo Ski Park is spread out on the mountainside of Mount Ryuo, towering 1,930m above sea level in the Shiga area of Nagano Prefecture. It boasts sweeping views of the Northern Alps all the way to Sado Island, and the dry powder that is unique to the Hokushin area. Adjacent to Ryuo's famous "Kiotoshi Course," known for its steep slopes where powdery snow accumulates, the long-awaited tree run area was expanded in the 2013-2014 season. It consists of three areas located halfway up the slopes, directly below the ropeway summit station.
With the opening of the area, the name of the course was changed to "Kiotoshi Bowl." As the name suggests, it has become a fascinating freeride spot where you can enjoy the magnificent natural terrain that unfolds in a semicircular bowl shape. With these specifications, it has been certified by FWT JAPAN this season, making it a proud member of "ZONE FWT."
The ungroomed course, with a maximum gradient of 36 degrees and a maximum length of 1,400m, offers long runs where you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery, stream terrain that gives you the feeling of riding a wave, and the thrill and exhilaration of sliding through the trees. As you can enjoy the natural undulations of the snow, it's the perfect environment for advanced freeriders to hone their skills. (Helmets are mandatory.)
◆Official website: https://ryuoo.com/winter/
10 Mitake Ski Resort｜Nagano Prefecture
champion slope
Total length/maximum slope: 1500m/30°
The Champion Slope, which runs independently below the base area, was previously closed and reopened. Currently, the lifts are not in operation, so there is a bus shuttle service. It is truly long, measuring 1,500 meters in length, and has steep slopes with a maximum slope of 30 degrees, so it will test your physical strength and technique. The layout is a combination of slow and fast rides, and the changes in terrain are exciting. It has a high degree of freedom in turns, allowing you to perform a variety of performances from top to bottom, so it's also good for honing your expressive skills.
◆Official website: https://ontakeskijo.com/
11 Hachi Hachi Kita Ski Resort | Hyogo Prefecture
FWT ZONE NATURE
Total length/maximum slope: 300m/35°
As the name FWT suggests, this zone is designed for freeride-oriented skiing that takes advantage of the natural terrain, and is a powder area that is only open on days when fresh snow has fallen. There are bumps, small drops, undulations, and spots where the slope changes along the way, so it's fun to think about where to line up. At the same time, it also helps develop judgment skills. The amount of snowfall is relatively stable for a ski resort in Hyogo Prefecture, but the snowfall and snow quality can sometimes change drastically. It's a good idea to check the local conditions before going skiing.
◆Official website: https://www.hachi-hachikita.co.jp/hachikita/index.html
12 Osorakan Snow Park｜Hiroshima Prefecture
Toishikyo course
Total length/maximum slope: 600m/38°
Osorakan Snow Park is located at a high altitude of 1,346m, so the Chugoku region is often blessed with high-quality snow, making it a ski resort with natural snow. There are steep slopes with a maximum slope of 38° within the total length of 600m, and from the middle of the course it becomes a single slope, making it even more difficult. It is one of the steepest slopes in the Hiroshima area, and is a famous course that is not open to beginners or intermediate skiers. Ideal for improving turning skills and speed control while feeling the thrill of skiing. It would be a good idea to visit during peak season or when cold waves arrive.
◆Official website: https://osorakan.co.jp/winter/
■Information
Freeride World Tour
Official website: https://freerideworldtour.jp/zone/Official
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Photo provided by: FREERIDE WORLD TOUR JAPAN