"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"?
The FWT (Freeride World Tour) is a freeride competition held on faces with deep powder and varied terrain. It is considered the world's most prestigious freeride competition. Athletes choose the line that best showcases their individual skills and style, and their performances are evaluated by multiple judges
"ZONE FWT" was released by FWT, and is a selection of slopes with the specifications to be suitable for this global stage of expression, certified by FWT. This time, 12 ski resorts from around the country have been carefully selected for "ZONE FWT". All of them have famous courses, but what are the selection criteria?
Criteria for obtaining ZONE FWT certification
According to the FWT Management Office, there are currently no clear criteria for a course to be certified. The criteria for certification are that the course has a steep slope of at least 30 degrees and that the natural terrain is well represented
Aim of setting ZONE FWT
The FWT is a truly fascinating event, whether you're competing as an athlete or just watching the exciting events as a spectator. ZONE FWT will be the perfect gateway to letting more people know about the FWT, the world freeride championship, and to increasing the number of participants
At ZONE FWT, located within a ski resort with well-managed safety, you can safely take on challenging slopes. And on the certified courses, you'll be able to fully enjoy the thrill of freeriding. By skiing repeatedly and on the certified courses of various ski resorts, you can hone your skiing skills and develop your judgment and expressiveness. Beyond that, competitions like FWT and the world of backcountry skiing await
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°
This is a limited-time deep snow forest spot that can be accessed from the gate next to the 5th Pair Lift. The maximum slope is 32°, but the average is 23-25°, making it a steep slope overall. As the name suggests, the slope is filled with deep, abundant "ultra-fine powder snow." There are also open areas and terrain where you can jump. This is a place where you can experience the charm of Kamui's wild nature through the 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°
This long course, over 1km long, starts from the top of Asariyama at an elevation of 1,180m and features ungroomed snow. Its maximum slope of 37 degrees is the highest in Kiroro. It's a must-try course for freeriders, and is a must-try for all slopes in Kiroro. It's no surprise that it's one of Japan's most difficult courses. After approaching from the bottom with a single Kiroro Dora, you can spin around on the Asari No. 2 lift, making it an efficient course
◆Official website: https://www.kiroro.co.jp/ja/
03 Geto Kogen Ski Resort | Iwate Prefecture
RABBIT
Total length/maximum slope: 255m/33°
This tree run area is located a short distance down from the summit. It's a compact spot to enjoy the charm of tree runs at Geto Plateau, one of Japan's leading tree run paradises. The run is short at 255m, but the maximum gradient is 33° and the average is 21°, making the entire face moderately steep. There are many variations in the terrain, and there are also some impressive old beech trees, making it the perfect stage for a spectacular 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°
Located in the area under the old single lift's cables, this natural course has been left untouched by the undulating terrain. With a maximum gradient of 35°, it's steep, and there are some bumps and curves along the way, so speed control and line selection will be put to the test. The slopes of the course face northwest to north, so they are less affected by sunlight, which helps maintain the quality of the snow. Although it requires a bit of a hike from the third lift, it's a truly appealing course for those who want to hone their skiing skills or enjoy dynamic skiing on steep slopes
◆Official website: http://www.zao-sumikawa.jp/
05 White World Oze Iwakura | Gunma Prefecture
Expert Course (Upper)
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 if powder fell here makes you shiver. One of Japan's most extreme slopes, the course is 150m wide and unobstructed, allowing for creative lines to be taken in all directions. With little undulation in the terrain, you can practice getting used to speed and it's a technical slope that's perfect for honing your freeride skills
◆Official website: https://www.oze-iwakura.co.jp/ski/
05 Oguna Hotaka Ski Resort | Gunma Prefecture
Training Courses
Total length/maximum slope: 400m/30°
This is a new ungroomed course that opened in the 2024-2025 season. Oguna Hotaka is at a high altitude, so you can expect plenty of snow. With a maximum gradient of 30°, the slope is steep, with little change in the terrain and an easy-to-read run line, allowing you to concentrate on technical challenges. Facing north, it is less affected by sunlight during the day, so the snow quality is relatively stable. As the name suggests, this is a great course for training. With excellent lift access, you can practice efficiently
◆Official website: https://k-hotaka.jp/ogna/
06 Arai Snow Resort | Niigata Prefecture
Pit viper
Total length/maximum slope: 720m/30°
Among the many variations in terrain and undulations found on Arai, this mountain is said to have been named "Mamushigaeshi" after the steep terrain that would make a viper snake flip over. It's a hot spot unique to the wild Arai, offering a wide variety of terrain, from steep slopes to large natural pipe-like terrain and tree runs. It's also incredibly convenient, accessible via a single Kogenashi lift. It's the perfect place to hone the skills required for freeriding, such as how to assess the terrain, how to take lines, and how to make instant decisions and respond
◆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 a mountain in the Maiko area, this weather-conditional, ungroomed course combines steep slopes and tree runs. While only 170m long, the steep slopes with an average gradient of 30 degrees make it the most challenging course in Maiko. The terrain also changes significantly. This course is also used for the FWTQ, a preliminary competition for the FWT, making it the perfect slope for those who want to seriously and intensively practice while imagining the competition
◆Official website: https://www.maiko-resort.com/winter/
08 Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort | Niigata Prefecture
Challenge Burn
Total length/maximum slope: 370m/32°
This is the steepest slope in the ski resort. Because the snow is ungroomed, you can enjoy steep and deep powder riding the morning after it snows. It's a prime location right in front of Nakazato Ski Center, attracting a lot of attention. The terrain is undulating and uneven, and this season, natural hit items have been introduced. The course also offers the opportunity to try 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. Ontake Ski Resort | Nagano Prefecture
Champion Slope
Total length/maximum slope: 1500m/30°
The Champion Slope, which extends independently below the base area, was closed once before but has reopened. Currently, the lifts are not in operation, so buses are used for transportation. At a whopping 1,500m in length, it has steep slopes with a maximum gradient of 30 degrees, so it tests your physical strength and technique. The layout combines steep and steep slopes, and the changes in the terrain are stimulating. There is also a high degree of freedom in turning, allowing for a variety of performances from top to bottom, making it a good place to hone your expressive abilities
◆Official website: https://ontakeskijo.com/
11 Hachi-Hachikita Ski Resort | Hyogo Prefecture
FWT ZONE NATURE
Total length/maximum slope: 300m/35°
As the name FWT suggests, this powder area is designed for freeride-oriented skiing that makes use of the natural terrain, and is only open on days when fresh snow has fallen. Scattered along the way are bumps, small drops, undulations, and spots where the slope changes in angle, making it fun to consider your line. At the same time, it also helps develop your judgment. For a ski resort in Hyogo Prefecture, the amount of snowfall is relatively stable, but the snow accumulation and snow quality can change dramatically. It's a good idea to check the local conditions before heading out to ski
◆Official website: https://www.hachi-hachikita.co.jp/hachikita/index.html
12. Osorakan Snow Park | Hiroshima Prefecture
Toishigo Course
Total length/maximum slope: 600m/38°
Osorakan Snow Park is located at an elevation of 1,346m, and is often blessed with high-quality snow in the Chugoku region, making it a ski resort with natural snow. The 600m long course includes a steep slope with a maximum gradient of 38°, which becomes one-sided midway through the course, further increasing the difficulty. It is one of the steepest slopes in the Hiroshima area, and the ski resort even claims that it is not open to beginners or intermediate skiers. It's perfect for honing your turning technique and speed control while experiencing the thrill of skiing. It's best to visit during peak season or when a cold wave arrives
◆Official website: https://osorakan.co.jp/winter/
■Information
Freeride World Tour
Official website: https://freerideworldtour.jp/zone/Official
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Photo courtesy of FREERIDE WORLD TOUR JAPAN