Photo: Diceman
"Okuzoeji Tree Run Area" is now open!
Maiko Snow Resort has been attracting attention from powder lovers for the past few years. It continues to offer powder-like ideas, such as opening up an off-piste zone, hosting the QUALIFIER 1, a prelude to the Freeride World Tour, offering lessons on how to enjoy freeriding safely, and establishing a Freeride Academy
The highlight of the 2020-21 season, which is experiencing heavy snowfall, is the Okuzoeji Tree Run Area, which opened up a previously closed tree run area
Advance application and armband required to ski in the tree run area
To ski in the tree run area, you must apply in advance on Maiko's website. Then, on the day of your visit, you can pick up a special armband at the information desk at the Day Trip Ski Center or at CAFE at the TOP "ITADAKI" in front of the Gondola Summit Station. Put the armband on and enjoy skiing
Rental armbands and skiing fees are free! However, you must return the armband to the ticket office after your skiing session. If you don't return it, you will be considered missing and will be searched for. This could be a big problem, so be sure not to forget
January 2, 2021: Let's set out and head straight to the Okuzoeji area
This visit took place on January 2nd. The slopes already looked like peak season, with plenty of snowfall. Visibility was poor due to the continuous, relentless snowfall, but it was bustling with skiers, as is typical for the New Year.
The temperature was minus 8 degrees Celsius, there was no wind, and the silently falling snow heightened the excitement. At the day-trip ski center information desk, I listened to a brief explanation of the regulations and received an armband. Since I had already registered in advance, the process was smooth, taking only about a minute.
We headed straight to the Okusoji area. We started on the powder slopes, the most challenging and thrilling course in Maiko. The slopes were obviously steep (maximum 32 degrees) and were ungroomed, so there were a few brave souls skiing on them. The powder, typical of Joetsu, had a bit of resistance and was flying around in large amounts
To Okusoji Tree Run Area
Next, we headed to the newly opened Okuzoeji Tree Run Area. There was a gate a little way down to the right of the quad drop-off point, and a sign with warnings for skiing was written in both Japanese and English
Along with instructions encouraging people to wear armbands and helmets, the notice also mentions that pink ribbons are used to guide people so they don't get lost in the forest, and goes on to warn that the forest is in its natural state and can be dangerous, and that if an emergency team such as a patrol needs to be called in the event of an accident, the person in question will be responsible for the cost. Rescue costs can be quite expensive, so this is a sobering reality
60cm of dry powder! Great visibility thanks to the trees
Amazingly, there was about 60cm of new snow that day! And it was dry snow that made skiing really easy. Perhaps because of the low temperature, the snow felt surprisingly light for Joetsu, which was quite impressive. Thanks to the trees, the contrast was clear and the visibility was better than on the groomed slopes. It was easy to ski, this is great. There were
only a few people skiing, so I could ski anywhere I wanted. It was already past 11:00, but there was still plenty of untracked snow. Powder riding was fantastic!
Even though it's short, you can spin it around on the quad, so it's very satisfying
Slipping through the trees at a moderate speed, you'll emerge from the forest onto the slopes in no time. The actual distance is rather short, but the quad lift allows you to make multiple turns, making it convenient, efficient, rhythmic and fun. It seems like a good place for powder beginners to practice powder riding intensively. However, there are many places where the trees are closely spaced, making it difficult to show your usual ability. Make sure to keep an eye on the fall line and watch your speed
As you can see in the photo, the Maiko Tree Run Course is a moderately open deciduous forest. The course is about 400m long. The slope is not particularly steep, but there are some tricky points, such as gaps, undulations, and potholes, so caution is required. To avoid crashing into the trees, it's important to enjoy the course at a speed that you can control
Another tree run area
There is another tree run area in Maiko across the Gui Gui course, but this one is a little shorter, so the runway line comes in a little later, giving it the impression of being a hidden gem
Stop by the popular Peak Performace off-piste zone
On the way back from Okusoechi, I stopped by the Peak Performance off-piste zone. Here, you can enjoy long runs in deep snow in spectacular fashion. It's a popular course because it's only opened when the conditions are right, so when it does open, lines fill up in no time.
To get to the start of the zone, you need to walk uphill for a few minutes from the main course. On this day, it was past 2 PM, so there were many lines, but there were still untracked runs along the side of the course. The course, with its slope and length, is truly exhilarating. Because of the lower elevation, the snow quality is heavier than the tree run courses, but these long runs are irresistible. I picked up speed and skied down the side of the course to finish my Maiko powder run.
Enjoy lunch while tree running
To ski a lot, it's important to have a good meal. As a bonus, we'll also introduce some recommended lunch spots in Maiko
For lunch, we recommend the pizza at Sky Dome Restaurant. It's big enough for two people and costs just 1,500 yen! Also popular are the Big Burger (1,800 yen with a drink) and Poutine (fries with gravy for 550 yen) at Whistler Cafe, located inside the Day Use Center
summary
Maiko Tree Run. I was very satisfied! Unlike Kagura and Tenjindaira, there are fewer skiers looking for powder, so I was impressed that there were many spots to enjoy powder despite its size. The summit is only 920m high, but as expected of a heavy snowfall area, the amount of snow was more than enough, and the feeling of the light snow due to the low temperature was amazing.
I definitely want to check the snow forecast and enjoy Maiko's "The Day" again.
■Data
Altitude
920m
Longest run distance:
6,000m
Elevation difference:
660m
maximum slope
32°
26 courses
9 lifts
G/R
1 unit/- book
❖ To apply in advance for the tree run course, click on the special banner at the bottom of the official website