Powder riding to your heart's content! Ski resorts with ungroomed snow areas

2021/01/25

INDEX

This is a dedicated area so you can fully immerse yourself in the powder

With the recent powder-focused movement as a backdrop, ski resorts with dedicated ungroomed areas and courses perfect for enjoying powder are popping up everywhere. These dedicated areas offer a wide variety of features, from spacious fields and rich natural terrain to tree runs in beautiful forests, each with its own unique character and appeal.

To ski or ski in these areas, you will almost always need to attend a safety lecture beforehand, register, wear an armband, and wear a helmet, among other rules to ensure your safety. Be sure to follow the rules and fully enjoy the world of ungroomed skiing. Here are some spots that are attracting powder and freeride enthusiasts by highlighting their ungroomed areas.

[Nagano] 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

The area where you can ski when the gates are open is the south-southwest slope of the upper Uma-no-se course. It is truly an all-off-groom field. After passing the gondola's intermediate station, you can see the forest below as the slope becomes steeper.

There are two areas: the Tsuga Tree Area (upper left side of the Tsuga-no-mori slope) and the Tsuga Powder Area (three locations on the middle of the Uma-no-se course), and you can enter through four gates. On a good day, you definitely want to participate. You can enjoy Tsuga powder to your heart's content.

◆Official Website:https://www.tsugaike.gr.jp/snow/gelande/tsugapow

[Nagano] Ryuo Ski Park "Kiochi Course"

Get on the fast track with the blissful tree-cutting course

Located in the Kita-Shiga area, Ryuo Ski Park boasts a high altitude of 1,930m, offering the dry powder characteristic of inland areas. While the beautiful sea of clouds viewed from the summit of the Ryuo Ropeway at an altitude of 1,770m is also popular, powder enthusiasts head to the summit station for the ungroomed area they can drop into from there. This is the now-famous "Kiotoshi Course." With

a maximum slope of 36 degrees and a total length of approximately 1,400m, this ungroomed course is a dream come true for powder and steep-running enthusiasts. With its region-specific dry powder, northwest-facing slopes, ravine terrain, and trees, it's an absolutely fantastic 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

◆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

Opened in the 2020-21 season, "OFF THE PISTE" is a powder riding area that has been creating a buzz. It allows you to safely enjoy the off-piste experience in a managed area within the resort grounds.

This area is for advanced skiers only, and you must take a training course beforehand (only on designated days, fee: 3000 yen). You take a 45-minute course first thing in the morning, receive a certificate of completion, and then enter the course wearing a helmet. There are three courses scattered throughout the resort. It's extremely popular because 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

◆Official Website:https://www.kawaba.co.jp/snow/activity/enjoy-the-ride/

[Hokkaido] Hoshino Resorts Tomamu "Advanced-level 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-Only Open Area" where you can ski off-piste outside of managed areas. Based on the "Winter Mountain Liberation Declaration," which was born from the desire to "let people enjoy nature as it is," this is Hoshino Resorts Tomamu's unique attempt to create and promote winter mountain activities beyond managed slopes, with safety knowledge in mind.

This is truly a paradise of ungroomed, top-notch powder. It will be opened gradually until March 31st after safety checks. Registration is required on the official website to use the area. On the day of your visit, you must stop by the Winter Mountain Liberation Desk beforehand and present your registration confirmation email. There you will receive an explanation of the restricted areas and a lecture on how to ski safely in the open area. After that, you will sign a statement of agreement and receive an armband.

Helmets are mandatory (rentals are available), and you must also have a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Regardless of whether you are visiting for the day or staying for multiple nights, you must return the armband to the desk by 3:30 PM every day. If the armband is not returned by 3:30 PM, the patrol team will be dispatched to search for it, which will be a serious matter. Be sure to follow the rules and enjoy yourself.