location: Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
This is a dedicated area so you can fully immerse yourself in the powder.
With the recent trend towards powder snow as a backdrop, ski resorts with ungroomed areas and courses that make it easier to enjoy powder snow are appearing one after another. These dedicated areas offer spacious fields, abundant natural terrain, and beautiful forests where you can enjoy tree runs, all full of individuality and charm.
In order to ski, you will usually need to attend a safety lecture beforehand, register, and wear an armband and helmet, and there are often rules to ensure safety. Make sure to follow the rules carefully and enjoy the world of ungroomed snow to your heart's content. Here are some spots that are popular with powder snow and freeride enthusiasts, using their ungroomed snow as a selling point.
[Nagano]
TSUGAIKE MOUTAIN RESORT
Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort "TSUGAPOW DBD"
The finest powder that falls at Tsugaike is called "TSUGA POW." To enjoy Tsuga Pow safely and to the fullest while following the rules, you must first receive a lecture and be given an armband. "TSUGA POW DBD" is a program that powder lovers will love.
If the gates are open, the area you can ski on is the south-southwest slope of the Upper Horseback Course. It is truly an all-ungroomed field. Once you pass the midpoint of the gondola, you can see the forest below in greater detail.
There are two areas: the Tsuga Tree Area (on the upper left side of the Tsuga-no-mori slope) and the Tsuga Pau Area (three areas midway up the Horseback Course), and you can enter through four gates. If the conditions are good, this is definitely the place to go. You can enjoy the Tsuga Pau to your heart's content.
 |  |  |  |
| Top altitude 1,704m | Longest run 4,900m | Elevation difference 904m | Maximum slope 35° |
 |  |  |  |
10 courses | 18 lifts | 1 gondola | 1 ropeway |
◆Official website: https://www.tsugaike.gr.jp/snow/gelande/tsugapow
[Nagano]
RYUOO SKI PARK
Ryuo Ski Park "Kiochi Course"
Get on the fast track with the blissful tree-cutting course
Ryuo Ski Park in the Kitashiga area is located at an altitude of 1,930m, where you can experience the dry powder that is unique to inland areas. The beautiful sea of clouds that can be viewed from the top of the Ryuo Ropeway at an altitude of 1,770m is also popular, but powder lovers head to the summit station to get to the ungroomed snow area where they can drop off from there. This is the "Kiotoshi Course," which has now become a specialty of Ryuo. With
a maximum gradient of 36 degrees and a total length of approximately 1,400m, this ultra-long run can be enjoyed on ungroomed snow, making it a dream course for powder and steep slope lovers. With the dry powder that is unique to the region, northwest slopes, stream terrain, and trees, it is an incredibly fun spot.
What's more, there's also the luxurious "KIOTOSHI First Track" event, where you can board the ropeway early at 8:45 a.m. and enjoy fresh powder skiing on the pristine Kiotoshi course. This first track experience is just 1,000 yen.
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,704m | Longest run 4,900m | Elevation difference 904m | Maximum slope 35° |
| | | |
10 courses | 18 lifts | 1 gondola | 1 ropeway |
◆Official website: https://www.ryuoo.com/snow/
[Gunma]
KAWABA
"OFF THE PISTE"
Get the necessary knowledge and experience powder riding that you can't get on groomed courses.
"OFF THE PISTE" is a powder riding area that opened in the 2020-21 season and has become a hot topic. It offers plenty of off-piste fun in a safe, managed area within the slopes.
This area is reserved for advanced skiers, and you must attend a training course beforehand (only available on designated days, 3,000 yen). After a 45-minute course first thing in the morning, you'll receive a certificate of attendance and put on a helmet before you can enter the course. There are three courses scattered throughout the area. It's extremely popular, as you can enjoy powder riding that you can't experience on groomed courses.
Kawaba is easily accessible, just a two-hour drive from central Tokyo, but it's also one of Gunma's snowiest areas. The base is 1,870 meters above sea level, meaning dry snow accumulates. Mid-season temperatures are low, meaning the snow quality remains excellent. Off the Piste is guaranteed to deliver the best quality and quantity of snow.
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,870m | Longest run 3,300m | Elevation difference 580m | Maximum slope 34° |
| | | |
10 courses | 5 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆Official website: https://www.kawaba.co.jp/snow/activity/enjoy-the-ride/
[Hokkaido]
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
"Advanced Players Only Area"
A special field off the course where you can ski as long as you follow the rules.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu has an "Advanced Ski Area" where skiers can ski off-limits to the ski slopes outside of the managed area. Based on the "Winter Mountain Opening Declaration," born from the desire to "enjoy nature as it is," Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is uniquely committed to creating and promoting winter skiing experiences beyond the managed slopes, equipped with safety knowledge.
This is a paradise for uncompacted, exquisite powder snow. The area will be gradually opened until March 31st, subject to safety checks. Registration is required on the official website. On the day of the open skiing, stop by the Winter Skiing Opening Desk in advance and present your registration confirmation email. You will receive an explanation of the restricted areas and a lecture on how to ski safely in the open areas. After that, you will sign a philosophy agreement and receive your armband.
Helmets are required (rentals are available), and your cell phone must be fully charged and in your possession.
Regardless of whether you're staying for the day or multiple nights, you must return your armband to the desk by 3:30 PM each day. If your armband isn't returned by 3:30 PM, a patrol will be dispatched to search for you. Please be sure to follow the rules.
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,171m | Longest run 4,200m | Elevation difference 585m | Maximum slope 35° |
| | | |
29 courses | 5 lifts | 1 gondola | ropeway -book |
◆Official website: https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/ski/expert/powder_area.php