Muika Snow Resort, the power of local slopes. Enjoy a long powder run in the enchanting Mentsuru area

Minamiuonuma City in Niigata Prefecture, along with the neighboring towns of Tsunan and Yuzawa, is known as a heavy snowfall area.
It's home to several ski resorts familiar to skiers from the Kanto region, including Ishiuchi Maruyama, Maiko, and Hakkaisan.

Among them lies a local ski resort that hides a captivating area of ​​pristine powder snow:
MuikaSnow Resort.

Heading north on the Kan-Etsu Expressway, you'll first encounter ski resorts in Gunma and the Yuzawa area, followed by major resorts like Maiko, Ishiuchi, and Joetsu Kokusai. Therefore, Muika might be less familiar to skiers and snowboarders in the Kanto region.
However, because it's close to Niigata City and Nagaoka City, it attracts more visitors from within the prefecture.

Muika has long been used as a beginner's slope, and has been a popular location for school trips from within and outside the prefecture, as well as for ski lessons for local elementary, junior high, and high school students.
Its gentle slopes make it ideal for beginners who want to start with basic snowplow turns.
Because of this, Muika has a strong image as a place for beginners and intermediate skiers, and many people move on to other resorts once they've reached a certain level of proficiency.

However, it seems that this slope has been reborn since the 20th season. And locals have been saying that the reborn Muika is "actually really good." This area, which has not been looked at by advanced skiers until now, is about to become a new powder area in the Kanto region

A 1,500m long, ungroomed powder area suddenly appears on the beginner slopes

Muika was once a slope for beginners and intermediate skiers with three lifts, but in recent years there have been two major changes. First, the area around the former No. 6 lift at the summit has become an off-piste field for hike-ups. Second, an off-piste mountain course has been opened that has been approved for use outside the managed area

The off-piste field is reached by descending the third pair lift and hiking up about 150m (about 15 minutes) to the summit of the ski resort (748m), from where you can ski on ungroomed runs. Muika has a distinctive mountain shape, with an elevation of less than 1000m near the summit, but with a sparse forest that feels like the tree line. Once you hike up and head to the off-piste field, you'll find yourself in a mystical world of trees scattered across the vast slopes

The world is covered in white silver and you can slide around freely

This hike-up zone is groomed by a snow groomer only in the areas where you walk, so you can walk on foot. However, it can be a bit difficult to walk on foot on days with heavy, fluffy snow. On days with heavy snow, it's safer to bring climbing skins or snowshoes.
Also, since the hike is only 150m long, it's recommended for those who want to practice walking with climbing skins before heading out into serious backcountry.

Head to the unmanaged mountain course with its fascinating slopes

The unmanaged mountain course on the right side of the ski resort is a spot that even locals call a hidden gem. According to old documents from the ski resort, this area was called the "MS course" and was a listed course

As a result, the ridge is dotted with trees and offers an open view. It is not flat and is an undeveloped slope that allows you to enjoy the natural terrain as it is, making it a great freeride slope

The summit, reached after climbing the hike-up zone, is 748m above sea level, a 400m elevation difference from the base. From the summit, you can ski nonstop down the mountain course outside the managed area for an ultra-long run of 1500m. This is considerably longer than the lift-accessible backcountry areas at other ski resorts.
The area boundary is marked by a pole on the left and a pink ribbon on the right from the skier's perspective, so be careful not to go beyond that line.

Please watch the video to see the whole story

We spoke to Mr. Yagi, who oversees the ski resort's operations, about how Muika decided to open its off-piste, non-managed mountain course, which had previously been known as a slope for beginners and intermediate skiers

"I've always been curious about the smooth, icy slope on the right side when I've been riding the ski lifts. So I looked into some old records and found out that it seems to have been used as a course in the past. When I went to investigate, I found that it was an environment close to an open slope with wide spacing between trees, and I thought this would be a place that our customers could enjoy, so I applied to the relevant authorities and was able to open it up. To be honest, I also love skiing so I have a strong desire to ski there myself (laughs).
Since it is outside the managed area, you will have to judge whether it is appropriate for your skiing ability and come at your own risk, but I would like people who want to start backcountry skiing to come and try it."

To enter this unmanaged mountain course, you must apply in advance at the ticket counter at Muika Ski Resort and wear an armband. (A 1,000 yen deposit is required for the armband, which will be refunded when you return the armband.)

The defining characteristic of this powder area is its gentle slopes. It's not a place for challenging steep slopes or dense tree runs; instead, it boasts vast, gentle slopes perfect for enjoyable cruising. Of course, there are some steeper sections, but they're not difficult.
This makes it an ideal area for those who are hesitant or inexperienced with backcountry skiing, serving as a great starting point.

Ken Hirose, who has competed in the FWQ (Freeride Skiing Festival) many times, says:
"Muika has gentle slopes, so even those who aren't yet comfortable skiing on steep slopes can come here with peace of mind. It's also accessible by a 15-minute hike, so I think it's a perfect place for those who are new to backcountry skiing and want to get used to it. If you ski down from the off-piste area, you get a 1500m long run. If you can build up momentum, you can have a really enjoyable run, even though the slopes are generally gentle."

A mountain course outside the managed area of ​​Muika Snow Resort has suddenly appeared on the beginner and intermediate slopes. It's still a hidden gem and is suitable as a practice area for those who want to start backcountry skiing. As mentioned earlier, although the altitude is not high, it is a unique place with sparse forests that is not found in other areas. If you
visit, you will surely be amazed by the limitless potential of Muika.

In collaboration with:PeakPerformance,Vector gride,Sweet Protection

■Information
Muika Snow Resort
2910-114 Oguriyama, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture 949-6636
Official website:https://www.muikamachi.com/ski/
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