Location: Lotte Arai Resort
The goal is the ungroomed "Gerepau" course!
An "ungroomed course" at a ski resort is one where the snow is left to fall naturally without being groomed. Of course, after a snowfall, ungroomed snow equals powder! In recent years, the increasing number of ungroomed courses at many ski resorts is great news for powder lovers. While the
majestic backcountry is appealing, many skiers and snowboarders still feel it's a bit intimidating because it requires the right equipment, knowledge, and skills. In that sense, there's nothing more convenient and appreciated than an ungroomed course on a groomed slope where you can easily enjoy powder. No hiking, no specialized equipment needed, and you can enjoy powder skiing safely and easily—isn't that just the best? So, let's introduce some ski resorts that have many ungroomed courses.
How much of the overall course is ungroomed?
Select a ski resort 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
This blissful ski zone offers a feeling of openness, like being in the backcountry, with "Funaishi" stretching 850m from the right, and two more runs, "Happy Place" and "Benzaku," to its right. The alluring "Zentana Bowl," with its ravine-like terrain, is a steep and deep run with a maximum slope of 41 degrees.
Further down from the widest and longest run, "Daisen" (accessible by a 30-minute hike from the end of the Zentana lift), are three ungroomed areas: "Wase," "Mamushi," and "KG," where, depending on your line, you can enjoy long powder rides 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 elevation : 1,280m | Longest run: 7,000m | Elevation difference: 951m | maximum slope 46° |
 |  |  |  |
| courses 14 | lifts 5 | gondola One | 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"
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 famous and popular night skiing boasts a total of 12 open courses, making it one of the largest in Japan. This means you can ski powder all day long, from morning till night.
The Niseko Annupuri summit area, at an altitude of 1308m, is an open slope above the treeline. The "Large Course," accessible to everyone via the lift, is extremely popular. It's a true powder sanctuary where you can experience the magnificent nature of Hokkaido. The "Powder Snow Course" below the gondola, as its name suggests, is a spot where deep powder accumulates, and with a maximum slope of 37 degrees, it's a course for the more experienced.
For an exceptionally challenging run, try the "Super Course," which stretches for 1220m through a ravine-like terrain. With a maximum slope of 35 degrees, you can carve long turns while kicking up powder spray—a dream come true.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top elevation 1,200m | Longest run: 5,300m | Elevation difference: 940m | maximum slope 40° |
| | | |
| courses 22 | lifts 7 | gondolas Two | 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/
[Aomori Prefecture]
Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort
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 | Longest run: 7,000m | Elevation difference: 660m | maximum slope 30° |
| | | |
| courses 5 | lifts Two | Gondola base | ropeway One |
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]
CHARMANTHIUCHI
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 | Longest run: 2,700m | Elevation difference: 508m | maximum slope 37° |
| | | |
| courses 17 | lifts 3 | Gondola base | 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
HakkaisanMuikamachi]
the long courses along the ropewayare ungroomed and 40%
A short 5-minute ride on the 81-passenger ropeway takes you to the 1,100m-high summit. The long, narrow course layout from the top features numerous long courses, including the iconic 3km downhill course that symbolizes Hakkaisan. With much of it ungroomed, Hakkaisan is a rare find where you can efficiently enjoy long powder runs using just one ropeway ride.
Among them, the ungroomed "Expert Course" just below the summit station offers a truly STEEP & DEEP powder ride. With a maximum slope of 38 degrees and an average of 27 degrees, it's a highly satisfying spot where you can fly 700m while kicking up spray. In addition, the slightly steep "Challenge Course" shaped like a bowl is also ungroomed. Furthermore, either "Separate Zone A" or "Separate Zone B" is also ungroomed, meaning that approximately 40% of the entire resort is ungroomed.
Hakkaisan is a heavy snowfall area boasting snow depths easily exceeding 300cm during the high season, and is a ski resort favored by connoisseurs with a high success rate of finding deep powder.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top elevation : 1,165m | Longest run: 5,280m | Altitude difference 805m | maximum slope 35° |
| | | |
| courses 11 | lifts 4 | Gondola base | ropeway One |
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, Snowwave Park Shiratori Kogen receives heavy snowfall due to clouds from the Sea of Japan. It often snows over 1 meter overnight, transforming the mountain into a sea of powder snow. Even
better, the slopes are unrestricted with no ropes, allowing for free skiing anywhere at your own risk. Furthermore, during the green season, it operates as a golf course called "Shiratori Kogen Country Club," meaning the undulating slopes characteristic of a golf course are directly incorporated into the ski area. This unique topography is another reason for Shiratori Kogen's popularity. The
ungroomed "Powder Area" offers approximately 500 meters of powder snow from the middle of the slope, making it a somewhat hidden gem. Then there's the "Main Course," perfect for long runs. Combined with the park at the bottom of the course, it offers a dynamic and enjoyable experience.
basic information
| | | |
| Top elevation : 1,276m | Longest run: 2,500m | Altitude difference 176m | maximum slope 29° |
| | | |
| courses 11 | lifts 3 | Gondola base | 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 (weekends and holidays) 3,500 yen (weekdays) *December 27th - 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 1-day ticket, add us as a LINE friend and show the "LINE Family Coupon" screen to get one child free. *Excluding dates: January 3, 4, 10, 11, February 7, 8, 21, 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 boasts an ideal location, sheltered from the harsh seasonal winds of the northwest while still receiving abundant dry powder carried by the wind. With 37 courses laid out across the vast fields of three mountains, its total skiable distance of 42km is the longest in Japan.
Rusutsu is the perfect mountain for every type of skiing, offering everything from abundant powder on groomed slopes to unmanaged sidecountry areas, parks utilizing unique natural terrain, beautifully groomed runs, long courses that will challenge even top skiers, and even night 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 | Longest run: 3,500m | Elevation difference: 594m | maximum slope 30° |
| | | |
| courses 37 | lifts 14 | gondolas Four | 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 is only possible with the purchase of a 5-hour "25-hour ticket" (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
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 elevation : 1,950m | Longest run: 1,300m | Altitude difference 260m | maximum slope 32° |
| | | |
| courses 10 | lifts 5 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
Lift fees
| Shiga Kogen Kumanoyu Ski ResortLimited to | 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 Resorts Tomamu, with its twin tower high-rise hotel as its landmark, boasts 29 courses spread across its two bases, "Tomamu Mountain" and "Tower Mountain," with numerous ungroomed runs scattered throughout both.
Three ungroomed runs at Tomamu Mountain are a must-see. "No Gravity," accessed from the high-altitude Powder Express at the top, is a powder zone where you can throw yourself into a 35-degree steep face and experience a floating sensation that makes you forget gravity, just as its name suggests. "Glory" is a popular course with the highest probability of encountering powder throughout the season. "Silky Way" is an easy-to-ski intermediate slope, making it an ideal training course 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 | Longest run: 4,200m | Altitude difference 585m | maximum slope 35° |
| | | |
| courses 29 | lifts 5 | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
Lift fees
| 1 day ticket | adult | Senior | Children (7-11 years old) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Season 1-Day Pass: December 1st - 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
With its snowy slopes, gentle gradients, and relatively easy access to sidecountry, Kagura is ideal for powder beginners. About 35% of the slopes are ungroomed powder runs, including three lines with considerable slope and length.
Additionally, the sidecountry accessible from the lift (commonly known as Tashirootoshi) is a popular spot that becomes bustling with freeskiers after snowfall. Kagura also offers good access to the backcountry, with a dedicated gate accessible from the top lift. Numerous backcountry tours are available through guide services, making it perfect for safely venturing into the backcountry after practicing the basics on the ungroomed slopes.
basic information
| | | |
| Top elevation : 1,845m | Longest run: 6,000m | Altitude difference 1,225m | maximum slope 32° |
| | | |
| courses 32 | lifts 15 | gondola One | ropeways Two |
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
