Location: Lotte Arai Resort
The goal is the ungroomed "Gerepau" course!
At ski resorts, "un-groomed runs" are runs where snow is intentionally left un-groomed and left open. Of course, after snowfall, un-groomed snow equals powder! So, in recent years, the trend of more and more un-groomed runs at ski resorts has been growing, much to the delight of powder lovers.
Many skiers and snowboarders yearn for the majestic backcountry, but feel it's still a bit intimidating, requiring the right equipment, knowledge, and skills. In that sense, there's nothing more convenient and appreciated than un-groomed runs, where you can easily enjoy powder on the slopes. Isn't it great to be able to enjoy powder skiing safely and comfortably, without hiking or specialized equipment? Here, we'll introduce ski resorts with a number of un-groomed runs.
How much of the overall course structure is ungroomed?
Select ski resorts with a large volume of ungroomed snow.
We selected ski resorts with a large volume of ungroomed snow based on the information provided by the ski resorts on their official websites and by asking PR staff, "How much of the entire slope volume is ungroomed?"
[Niigata Prefecture]
Arai Snow Resort | ARAI SNOWRESORT - Saturday, December 13, 2025
84% of the vast area is ungroomed! Night skiing will be back for the first time in three years in the 2024-2025 season, and you can even enjoy powder snow!
The entire area above the terminus of the Arai Gondola, which extends from the base, is ungroomed. The top of the slope is at 1,429m above sea level, Mount Okenashi, and from there, you can enjoy powder to your heart's content in 10 ungroomed freeriding zones, including the powder bowl at the summit. The freeriding zones are quite challenging, with intermediate 20%, advanced 40%, and super advanced 40%, so those at the advanced level and above will need a certain level of deep snow skiing skill and experience
The Paradise Ski Zone, with its open, single-burn feel, is like being in the backcountry, with Funaishi, an 850m run, and two more runs, Happy Place and Benzaku, to the right of Funaishi. Zendana Bowl, with its irresistible stream-like terrain, is steep and deep, with a maximum gradient of 41 degrees.
Continuing down from the widest and longest slope, O-Slope (accessible by a 30-minute hike from the end of the Zendana Lift), are three ungroomed areas: Wase, Mamushi, and KG. Depending on your line, you can enjoy powder riding of up to 1.5km.
It's a vast freeriding zone, but what's great about Arai is that the lifts are set up along the course, so you can ski efficiently and at full speed by using the lifts.
What's more, Arai has a special system that lets you enjoy this superb powder. It's called the "First Class Ticket." With this ticket, you can board the Arai Gondola from 8:00 a.m. at the first class gate with priority. Tickets for the 2025-2026 season have already sold out, so guests who haven't yet acquired one will have to board the Arai Gondola from 8:30 a.m. with an economy class ticket, but Arai's ungroomed snow zones are truly huge. One of the unique pleasures of Arai is skiing freely in all directions while strategizing which ungroomed snow areas will have the longest powder remaining.
One thing you can't miss this season is the return of night skiing for the first time in three seasons. Night skiing will be available, with ungroomed areas remaining, allowing you to enjoy plenty of powder at night.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
 |  |  |  |
| Top altitude 1,280m | The longest run is 7,000m | Elevation difference: 951m | maximum slope 46° |
 |  |  |  |
14 courses | 5 lifts | 1 gondola | Ropeway - Book |
Lift fee | Economy class
| 1-day ticket price | 19 to 49 years old | 50 years or older | 7 to 18 years old |
|---|---|---|---|
| High season (December 13, 2025 - March 22, 2026) | 7,500 yen | 7,000 yen | 5,000 yen |
| Spring Season (March 23rd to May 10th, 2026) | 5,000 yen | 4,500 yen | 3,500 yen |
◆Official website／ https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/ja/ski-webzine.html
[Hokkaido]
Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
STEEP & DEEP plus "JAPOW" - the ultimate
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu is a representative ski resort in the Niseko area, said to be the birthplace of JAPOW. Its vast fields receive 4-5m of snow in the peak season. It's not uncommon for 1m of fresh powder to accumulate overnight. The faces are reset with fresh snow almost daily, and offer a variety of terrain, including tree runs and steep slopes, making it the perfect place to enjoy freeriding. Un-groomed areas make up 77% of the ski area
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu's famously popular night ski resort offers a total of 12 runs, making it one of the largest in Japan. You can enjoy unlimited powder skiing from morning to night. At
1,308 meters above sea level, the summit area of Niseko Annupuri is an open run above the tree line. The "Large Run," accessible by lift, is extremely popular. It's a powder sanctuary where you can truly experience Hokkaido's majestic nature. The "Powder Snow Run" below the gondola, as its name suggests, is a spot filled with deep powder, with a maximum gradient of 37 degrees, perfect for the most adventurous
skiers. The "Super Run," which stretches for 1,220 meters over a stream-like terrain, offers an exceptionally challenging experience. This run also boasts a maximum gradient of 35 degrees, making it a dream come true: carving long turns while kicking up powder spray.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,200m | The longest run is 5,300m | Elevation difference: 940m | maximum slope 40° |
| | | |
22 courses | 7 lifts | 2 gondolas | Ropeway - Book |
Lift fees
| Hanazono and Grand Hirafu 1-day ticket | Adults (16-64 years old) | Junior high school students (13-15 years old) and seniors (65 years old and over) | Children (ages 4-12) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season (December 13, 2025 - March 22, 2026) | 11,000 yen / 10,400 yen (online) | 6,600 yen / 6,200 yen (online) | 9,400 yen / 8,900 yen (online) |
| Spring Season (March 23, 2025 - April 5, 2026) | 7,700 yen / 7,300 yen (online) | 6,500 yen / 6,200 yen (online) | 4,600 yen / 4,300 yen (online) |
| Final Season (April 6th - May 6th, 2026) | 5,800 yen / 5,500 yen (online) | 4,600 yen / 4,300 yen (online) | 3,200 yen / 3,000 yen (online) |
| Niseko All Mountain 1-Day Ticket | Adults (16-64 years old) | Junior high school students (13-15 years old) and seniors (65 years old and over) | Children (ages 4-12) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season (December 13, 2025 - March 22, 2026) | 12,000 yen / 11,400 yen (online) | 10,200 yen / 9,600 yen (online) | 7,200 yen / 6,800 yen (online) |
| Spring Season (March 23rd - April 5th, 2026) | 8,400 yen | 7,100 yen | 5,000 yen |
| Final Season (April 6th - May 6th, 2026) | 6,000 yen / 5,700 yen (online) | 5,100 yen / 4,800 yen (online) | 3,600 yen / 3,400 yen (online) |
◆Official website／ https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/
Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort [Aomori Prefecture]
Core Mountain, where powder lovers gather
This is a hardcore mountain ski resort that attracts enthusiasts with fat skis and powder boards. The upper slopes are steep, and there is also a tree run course through a beautiful forest of frost-covered trees, with 70% of the snow being ungroomed. The Forest Course is where you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of Hakkoda
Starting from the summit of Mt. Tamoyachi, where the ropeway summit station is located, the mountain boasts a long 7km run, giving it a truly impressive scale. At least five routes radiate from the summit, so you can enjoy it without getting bored depending on the conditions. However, this is something that can only be achieved by skiers and snowboarders who know the area well. If you are a beginner to Hakkoda, it is wise to join a guided tour to enjoy the routes safely
Another great thing about Hakkoda is the length of its powder season. By late March, ungroomed courses in other areas turn into mogul slopes, but even with spring conditions, Hakkoda is still in its prime. It's not uncommon to find deep snow even in May
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top elevation : 1,324m | The longest run is 7,000m | Elevation difference: 660m | maximum slope 30° |
| | | |
| Number of courses: 5 | 2 lifts | Gondola - Unit | 1 ropeway |
Ropeway fee
| One way | Adults (junior high school students and above) | Dwarf (elementary school student) | Before entering elementary school |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular ticket | 1,400 yen | 450 yen | free |
| 6-time ticket | 6,400 yen (junior high school students 3,400 yen / high school students 3,800 yen) | 2,150 yen | free |
| 11th ticket | 10,600 yen (junior high school students 5,000 yen / high school students 6,200 yen) | 3,000 yen | free |
◆Official website http://www.hakkoda-ropeway.jp/service/ski
[Niigata Prefecture]
CHARMANT HIUCHI
65% of the slopes are "un-groomed" and "natural."
This whole area is famous for its heavy snowfall, and during the peak season the snowfall consistently exceeds 500cm, so the amount of snowfall is on a whole different level. What's more, the quality is high, and the dry powder that falls is irresistible. The ski resort has also created an environment where this abundant snow can be enjoyed in the best possible way. The keywords they advocate are "uncompacted snow" and "nature as it is." They continue to make efforts not to compact the snow, and more than 65% of the resort is set up as ungroomed areas and courses
The first place you'll want to aim for is Tobiyama. It's one of the longest non-stop powder courses in Japan, with a technical slope that stretches for 1,100m, featuring changes in slope and standing trees. Then there's the Princess Course, a steep slope with large changes in gradient and an irresistible floating sensation. Oriya is a powder area for experts, with countless lines depending on the entry method and plenty of standing trees
If you're looking for powder riding among the trees, "Height Tribe" offers a classic tree run. "Zen" is recommended for beginners to tree running. It's a mellow open forest with just the right amount of spacing between trees and slope. Charmant Hiuchi is an environment where you can enjoy light, plentiful snow everywhere
basic information
| | | |
| Top elevation 1,009m | The longest run is 2,700m | Elevation difference: 508m | maximum slope 37° |
| | | |
17 courses | 3 lifts | Gondola - Unit | Ropeway - Book |
Lift fees
| adult | Seniors (60 years and older) | Children (ages 3 to junior high school students) | |
| 1 day ticket | 4,800 yen | 3,800 yen | 3,400 yen |
◆Official website/https://charmant-hiuchi.jp
[Niigata Prefecture
] MUIKAMACHI HAKKAISAN
long courses along the ropeway are ungroomed, with 40%
The 81-seater ropeway takes just five minutes to reach the 1,100m summit. The vertically-oriented course layout from the top offers numerous long runs, including Mount Hakkai's iconic 3km downhill course. Many of these runs are ungroomed, making Mount Hakkai a rare destination for skiers, offering a wealth of long powder runs while efficiently using a single ropeway. The
ungroomed "Expert Course" directly below the summit station offers a particularly satisfying 700m powder ride, with a maximum gradient of 38 degrees and an average of 27 degrees, creating spray. The somewhat steep "Challenge Course" above the basin is also ungroomed. Furthermore, both "Separate Zones A and B" are ungroomed, meaning that approximately 40% of the total snow is ungroomed.
Mount Hakkai is a heavy-snow region boasting snowfall well over 300cm during the peak season, making it a popular ski resort for skiers with a high rate of deep powder hits.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top elevation 1,165m | The longest run is 5,280m | Altitude difference 805m | maximum slope 35° |
| | | |
11 courses | 4 lifts | Gondola - Unit | 1 ropeway |
Lift fees
| Ticket type | Adults (junior high school students and above) |
|---|---|
| 1 day ticket | 6,000 yen |
| Morning ticket | 5,500 yen |
| Afternoon ticket | 5,000 yen |
◆Official website／ https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/hakkaisan/winter/
[Gifu Prefecture]
SNOWWAVE PARK SHIRATORI KOGEN
The king of ungroomed snow in western Japan, where you can ski anywhere at your own risk
Located near Fukui Prefecture, Snow Wave Park Shiratori Kogen receives heavy snowfall due to the influence of clouds from the Sea of Japan. Many days see more than one meter of snow fall overnight, turning the mountain into a white sea of powder.
The great news is that the slopes are free of ropes and essentially unrestricted. Feel free to ski anywhere at your own risk. During the green season, the park also operates as a golf course under the name Shiratori Kogen Country Club, and the undulating slopes typical of golf courses become slopes. This unique terrain is one of the reasons for Shiratori Kogen's popularity. The
"Powder Area," a somewhat hidden gem of an ungroomed slope, offers approximately 500 meters of powder snow from the middle of the slope. Then there's the "Main Course," where you can enjoy long runs. Enjoy the park at the bottom of the course for a dynamic run.
basic information
| | | |
| Top elevation 1,276m | Longest run: 2,500m | Altitude difference 176m | maximum slope 29° |
| | | |
11 courses | 3 lifts | Gondola - Unit | Ropeway - Book |
Lift fees
| Ticket type | adult | Seniors (60 years and older) | Juniors (junior high and high school students) | Children (elementary school age and younger) |
| 1 day ticket | 4,900 yen (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) 3,500 yen (weekdays) *December 27th to January 5th are treated as holidays | 3,300 yen | 3,300 yen | 1,500 yen |
| Afternoon half-day ticket (12:00 - end of service) | 3,500 yen | - | - | - |
| Family time | 4,900 yen *After purchasing an adult one-day ticket, add a LINE friend and show the "LINE Family Coupon" screen to get one child free *Excluding January 3, 4, 10, 11, February 7, 8, 21, and 22, 2026 | - | - | - |
◆Official website: http://www.siratori-k.jp/swp/
[Hokkaido]
Rusutsu Resort | RUSUTS RESORT
Over 40% of the field is ungroomed and the scale is huge
Located southeast of Mount Yotei, Rusutsu enjoys a prime location, avoiding the harsh seasonal winds from the northwest while still receiving an abundance of dry powder carried by the wind. 37 runs are laid out across the vast fields of three mountains. The total run length is 42km, the longest in Japan.
Rusutsu offers a wide variety of ski slopes, including powder-filled slopes, side country in unmanaged areas of the ski resort, parks that make use of the unique natural terrain, beautiful groomed runs, long runs that will make even the most skilled skiers' knees hurt, and even night skiing - making it the perfect mountain for all kinds of skiing.
Rusutsu has 40% ungroomed fields, but the highlight is the routine of taking the Isola No. 3 Quad Lift, which leads to the summit of Mt. Isola, and skiing down the ungroomed snow on the Heavenly Canyon Course and Heavenly Spirit Course
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top elevation : 994m | The longest run is 3,500m | Elevation difference: 594m | maximum slope 30° |
| | | |
37 courses | 14 lifts | 4 gondolas | Ropeway - Book |
Lift fees
| Adults (19-64 years old) | Seniors (65 and over) | Middle school students (13-18 years old) | Children (ages 4-12) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-hour ticket | 34,700 yen (33,100 yen) | 28,900 yen (27,700 yen) | 28,900 yen (27,700 yen) | 17,400 yen (16,600 yen) |
| Top-up for 5 hours. Only 25-hour tickets can be topped up (including advance tickets). | 6,600 yen (6,600 yen) | 5,400 yen (5,400 yen) | 5,400 yen (5,400 yen) | 3,000 yen (3,000 yen) |
*Prices in ( ) are for online purchases
| Adults (19-64 years old) | Seniors (65 and over) | Middle school students (13-18 years old) | Children (ages 4-12) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-hour ticket | 14,000 yen (10,500 yen) | 10,000 yen (7,400 yen) | 10,000 yen (7,400 yen) | 6,000 yen (4,300 yen) |
| 1 day ticket | 16,200 yen (12,000 yen) | 12,100 yen (8,900 yen) | 12,100 yen (8,900 yen) | 8,000 yen (5,800 yen) |
◆Official website: https://rusutsu.com/rusutsu-in-winter/
[Nagano Prefecture]
Shiga Kogen Kumanoyu Ski Resort | SHIGAKOGEN KUMANOYU
The bowl-shaped north slope maintains powder so you can't go wrong
Kumanoyu Ski Resort is a bowl-shaped resort at an altitude of 1,700m to 1,960m. Most of the resort is on a north-facing slope, away from direct sunlight, which allows the fresh snow to remain in good condition. The resort often offers powdery skies, and the consistent quality of the slopes means you're guaranteed a great experience no matter when you go. The presence of Mt. Kasa-dake (2,075m) behind the resort is a major factor in this. Snow clouds hang over this mountain, allowing large amounts of dry, fresh snow to fall constantly throughout the season
Taking advantage of this feature, 40% of the ski resort is ungroomed. Although it is a compact ski resort, the courses are steep and there are many drop-offs, making it perfect for freeriding. There is also a course where you can enjoy tree runs in the beautiful forests of Shiga Kogen, so you will never get bored
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,950m | Longest run: 1,300m | Altitude difference 260m | maximum slope 32° |
| | | |
10 courses | 5 lifts | Gondola - Unit | Ropeway - Book |
Lift fees
| Exclusive to Shiga Kogen Kumanoyu Ski Resort | Adults (18-59 years old) | Seniors (60 years and older) | Junior and senior high school students (proof of age required) | Children (12 years old and under) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning ticket (6:00-8:30) | 2,500 yen | 2,300 yen | 2,300 yen | 1,700 yen |
| 1 day ticket | 6,500 yen | 6,000 yen | 5,800 yen | 3,300 yen |
| 4-hour ticket | 5,500 yen | 5,200 yen | 5,200 yen | 2,700 yen |
| One-day pass for all 18 Shiga Kogen ski resorts | Adults (18-59 years old) | Seniors (60 years and older) | Junior and senior high school students (proof of age required) | Children (12 years old and under) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First skiing (December 7th to December 20th, 2025), Spring skiing (April 1st to May 6th, 2026) | 6,200 yen | 5,900 yen | 5,500 yen | 3,000 yen |
| Season (December 21, 2025 - March 31, 2026) | 9,000 yen / 8,000 yen (online) | 6,900 yen / 6,400 yen (online) | 6,700 yen / 6,200 yen (online) | 4,100 yen / 3,600 yen (online) |
◆Official website／ https://www.kumanoyu.co.jp/lift/
[Hokkaido]
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
Hoshino Resort Tomamu, with its twin tower high-rise hotel as its landmark, has 29 runs spread across the two bases of Tomamu Mountain and Tower Mountain, both of which are dotted with ungroomed runs.
Tomamu Mountain has three ungroomed runs that are a must-see. No Gravity, which starts at the Powder Express at the top of the mountain at a high altitude, is a powder zone where you can throw yourself down a steep 35-degree face and, as its name suggests, experience a floating sensation that makes you forget gravity. Glory is a popular run with the highest chance of hitting powder throughout the season. Silky Way is a medium-sized slope that is easy to slide down and is the perfect training run for powder beginners.
Tomamu has many other attractions. The "Advanced Ski Area," where you can ski off-piste courses outside of the managed area, is a powder paradise. However, you must stop by the Winter Mountain Opening Desk beforehand, sign an agreement, and receive an armband. A helmet is also required
There is also a CAT tour operation called the Karifuridake CAT Tour, where you can rent out a specialized ungroomed course for a small group to enjoy powder riding. This is a dream-like experience, with only 12 guests allowed to ski Tomamu's dry powder as much as they like. Tomamu has a wide range of facilities and gives the impression of being a luxury resort, but in fact it is a big mountain with a dream environment for powder lovers
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top elevation 1,171m | The longest run is 4,200m | Altitude difference 585m | maximum slope 35° |
| | | |
29 courses | 5 lifts | 1 gondola | Ropeway - Book |
Lift fees
| 1 day ticket | adult | Senior | Children (7-11 years old) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Season 1-Day Ticket: December 1st to 20th, 2025 | 5,000 yen | - | 2,500 yen |
| 1-day ticket (counter price/online price) | 8,000 yen/7,700 yen | 7,500 yen No web | 6,000 yen/5,700 yen |
| First purchase of Tomatomo 1-day ticket (Lift ticket for Hokkaido residents only) | 5,000 yen | - | 2,500 yen |
◆Official website／ https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/
[Niigata Prefecture]
Kagura Ski Resort | KAGURA
An easy-access powder paradise with plenty of undulations 35%
Kagura is easily accessible from Naeba, and even when other ski resorts in Joetsu don't get much snow, it snows so much that you wonder why it's only here. Also, in the Joetsu area, which is known for its heavy snow quality, Kagura gets relatively light snow
It's perfect for powder beginners, with snowfall, gentle slopes, and relatively easy side country fun. Ungroomed powder runs make up about 35% of the slopes. There are three lines with steep slopes and distances. In addition
, the side country (commonly known as Tashiro Otoshi) accessible by lift is a popular spot that attracts many freeskiers after snowfall. Kagura also has good access to the backcountry, with a dedicated gate leading from the summit lift. There are also many backcountry tours run by guide services, making it the perfect place to safely debut in the backcountry after some basic training on the ungroomed runs on the slopes.
basic information
| | | |
| Top elevation : 1,845m | The longest run is 6,000m | Altitude difference 1,225m | maximum slope 32° |
| | | |
32 courses | 15 lifts | 1 gondola | 2 ropeways |
Lift fees
| Ticket type | Adults (junior high school students and above) | Children (elementary school age and younger) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day ticket | 7,500 yen | free |
| Morning ticket | 6,000 yen | |
| Afternoon ticket | 5,500 yen | |
| Mt.Naeba 1-day ticket | 9,800 yen |
◆ Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/kagura/winter/
*Information as of December 7, 2025
