9 ski resorts in the Myoko area where snowfall exceeding 3 meters is not uncommon
The Myoko area is home to mountains over 2,000 meters above sea level, including Mt. Myoko and Mt. Hiuchi. The wind, which is loaded with moisture from the Sea of Japan, hits the mountains, forming clouds and bringing heavy snowfall.
It's not uncommon for over 1 meter of snow to fall overnight in this area. During the season, the snowfall can exceed 3 meters, making it one of the heaviest in Japan. The snow that falls in this mountain range contains a lot of moisture, so unlike snow in Hokkaido or other high-altitude areas, the snow is characterized by larger, firmer grains. This means it's more satisfying to step on and your skis will glide easily.
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
The attractions of Myoko area are incomparable to skiing:
hot springs, accommodations, and food
The Myoko area has become much closer, with Joetsu Myoko Station only two hours away from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. For skiers and snowboarders, Myoko is one of Japan's snowiest areas, and the powder snow is highly rated for its enjoyment, but there's much more to Myoko than just skiing
1. Myoko, one of the 100 most famous
mountains in Japan, is the highest peak of the Hokushin Five Mountains (the collective name for the five mountains of Mt. Myoko, Mt. Madarao, Mt. Kurohime, Mt. Togakushi, and Mt. Iizuna) at 2,454m above sea level and is part of the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park. The magnificent scenery alone is worth seeing, but Myoko also displays a variety of beautiful natural faces throughout the four seasons.
2. Historic Hot Springs
Myoko Kogen Onsenkyo is the collective name for seven hot springs scattered across Myoko Kogen. Just as ski resorts such as Akakura Onsen, Ikenotaira Onsen, and Seki Onsen bear their names, Myoko has long been beloved as a historic hot spring resort.
Akakura Onsen, the largest in the Myoko Kogen Onsenkyo, is located at an elevation of 780m and is renowned for its skin-beautifying properties and wound healing. Ikenotaira Onsen is also known for its skin-beautifying properties. Tsubame Onsen, located at the trailhead of Mount Myoko, is a hidden hot spring known for its cloudy white water. Seki Onsen is the oldest hot spring in the Myoko Kogen Onsenkyo. Its brown water, rich in iron and salt, warms the body from the inside out.
3. Appealing as a dining destination:
Niigata is famous for producing koshihikari rice, and many lodgings in the Myoko area grow their own rice. Delicious rice is made with an abundance of locally grown ingredients such as mountain vegetables and fruits, plus seafood delivered from the nearby Sea of Japan. While the styles of accommodation vary, including long-established inns, guesthouses, and pensions, they all offer high-quality cuisine that makes the most of the abundant ingredients.
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
[Myoko's 6 Ski Resorts]
A variety of slopes and the atmosphere of a historic resort
Six ski resorts are spread across the eastern face of Mt. Myoko, which is 2,454m above sea level and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains. Each one is unique and meets the key requirements of skiers. That's why Myoko is called a paradise. First, let's take a look at what kind of ski resorts are connected
INDEX
The longest run of 8.5km is an impressive experience
at Myoko Suginohara
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
With an elevation difference of 1,124m and a distance of an astounding 8.5km, the well-groomed long course is one of the best in Japan. Popular for its ability to enjoy high-speed long turns, Myoko Suginohara not only satisfies carving enthusiasts, but is also highly rated by powder lovers.
The reason for this is the quality of the snow, which is provided by the highest point in the Myoko area, at an altitude of 1,855m. It has two powder courses, each about 800m long. The "Super Giant Course" and "Super Mogul Course" are both located at the top of the slopes and are stocked with high-quality powder snow.
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| Top elevation : 1,855m | The longest run is 8,500m | Elevation difference 1,124m | maximum slope 38° |
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16 courses | 4 lifts | 1 gondola | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/myoko/winter/
■Recommended video of Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort
Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick Ski Resort | Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick Ski Resort with a tree run and a well-equipped
Provided by: BRAVOSKI
It's extremely accessible, less than 10 minutes from Myoko Kogen IC. The slopes are conveniently located right in front of the hotel. The course design with its long lifts allows for long runs with wide runs, allowing for fast turns. There are many beginner to intermediate slopes, but skiers will be pleased to know that there are also courses recommended for beginners to tree runs.
Ikenotaira Onsen is the center of Myoko's park culture. The park, which is well-stocked with equipment, is always bustling with locals who are proud of their skills.
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| Top elevation : 1,487m | The longest run is 4,000m | Elevation difference: 728m | maximum slope 28° |
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10 courses | 6 lifts | 1 gondola | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official website: https://ikenotaira.info/
Gorgeous stay and powder snow at
Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Resort | AKAKURA KANKO RESORT
Akakura Kanko Hotel, with its red roof standing halfway up the slope, is a pioneer of highland resorts in Japan, with an 80-year history since its founding. Akakura Kanko Resort's high altitude and terrain that is prone to snow accumulation create a stable powder environment. There
are two popular powder spots: "Hotel A Course" and "Champion A Course," which start from the top of the slope. Both courses include ungroomed snow zones. Head to these courses first thing in the morning by gondola and enjoy a powder run.
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| Top elevation : 1,885m | The longest run is 8,500m | Elevation difference : 1,121m | maximum slope 38° |
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17 courses | 4 lifts | 1 gondola | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official website: http://www.akr-ski.com/
Enjoy a leisurely ski slope while admiring the traditions
at Akakura Onsen Ski Area | AKAKURA ONSEN SKI AREA
Akakura Onsen is a central location in Myoko, directly connected to Akakura Tourist Resort. It features a wide course design with many gentle slopes, and a relaxed and calm atmosphere. Akakura Onsen Ski Resort boasts wide courses, and has ungroomed runs scattered throughout the slopes. In particular, the Mogul Challenge Course at the very back offers steep and deep runs when the snow is fresh.
This is the only place in the Myoko area that is open for night skiing, and it's surprising that you can ski until 10pm. At the foot of the mountain lies a historic hot spring town, where you can enjoy plenty of after-ski activities after descending the mountain, such as hot springs, drinks, and relaxing restaurants.
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| Top altitude 1,250m | The longest run is 3,000m | Elevation difference: 500m | maximum slope 39° |
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14 courses | 5 lifts | Gondola - Unit | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official website: https://akakura-ski.com/
Seki Onsen Ski Resort: Heavier snow than anywhere else and a pleasant local atmosphere
Courtesy: BRAVOSKI
Seki Onsen is so famous among powder-loving skiers and snowboarders that "heavy snow" immediately comes to mind when you think of it. Located at the northernmost ski resort in the Myoko area, it is the first place where the cold air from the Sea of Japan brings snow, resulting in by far the largest snowfall.
The course design is simple, with only two lifts, but the course is full of ups and downs, and most of the snow is ungroomed. It is popular among powder lovers as a hidden gem that "people don't want to tell anyone about."
The appeal of Seki Onsen is not just the heavy snow, but also the charm of the Japanese countryside, which is brimming with charm. The slopes also have a comfortable local atmosphere, giving you a "homey feeling."
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| Top altitude 1,200m | Longest run: 2,000m | Elevation difference: 400m | maximum slope 45° |
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| Number of courses: 5 | 2 lifts | Gondola - Unit | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official website: http://www.sekionsen.com/
■Seki Onsen Recommended Video
Myoko's new modern resort,
Lotte Arai Resort | LOTTE ARAI RESORT
Since reopening for the first time in 11 years since its closure in 2006, Lotte Arai Resort has been hugely popular with powder-loving skiers and snowboarders.
The top of the slope is 1,280m above sea level, with the longest run measuring 5.2km, and it has a unique layout with a deep, deep slope. Within this, there are more than 10 ungroomed zones in a varied terrain that includes steep slopes, tree runs, and long runs, making it a paradise for powder lovers.
Another attraction is the excellent conditions, with powder being available even in March at the top of the mountain. The hotel at the base of the resort has also been highly praised, with people saying that it offers a "quiet, calm, modern atmosphere with a luxury resort feel."
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| Top altitude 1,280m | The longest run is 7,000m | Elevation difference: 960m | maximum slope 46° |
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14 courses | 4 lifts | 1 gondola | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official website: https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/ja/ski-webzine.html
[List of ski resorts in Myoko]
- Akakura Onsen
- Akakura Tourist Resort
- Ikenotaira Onsen
- Myoko Suginohara
- Seki Onsen
- Myoko Ski Park
- Kyukamura Myoko Runrun
- Lotte Arai Resort
*Information current as of the end of December 2021. Please refer to the official website of each ski resort for details