snow depths exceeding 3 meters are not uncommon.
Nine ski resorts in the Myoko area where
The Myoko area is home to mountains over 2,000 meters high, including Mount Myoko and Mount Hiuchi. Winds carrying plenty of water vapor blowing in from the Sea of Japan collide with the mountains, developing into clouds that bring heavy snowfall.
It's not uncommon for more than 1 meter of snow to accumulate overnight in this area. During the season, snow depths can exceed 3 meters, making it one of the heaviest snowfall areas in Japan. The snow that falls in this mountain range contains a lot of water vapor, so it differs from the snow in Hokkaido and other high-altitude regions in that the particles are larger and firmer. As a result, it has a good grip and skis glide well underfoot.
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offer an appeal that can't be compared to "slipping."
The Myoko area's hot springs, accommodations, and cuisine
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. Mount
Myoko, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, is the highest peak of the Five Peaks of Northern Shinshu (a collective term for the five mountains of Mount Myoko, Mount Madarao, Mount Kurohime, Mount Togakushi, and Mount Iizuna) at an altitude of 2,454m, and is located within the Myoko-Togakushi National Park. Its magnificent scenery is worth seeing, but Myoko also displays a variety of beautiful natural expressions throughout the four seasons.
2. The historic
Myoko Kogen Onsenkyo is a collective name for seven hot spring resorts scattered across Myoko Kogen. As evidenced by the ski resorts bearing the names of Akakura Onsen, Ikenotaira Onsen, and Seki Onsen, Myoko has long been cherished as a historic hot spring resort.
Akakura Onsen, the largest in Myoko Kogen Onsenkyo, is located at an altitude of 780m and is well-known for its skin-beautifying and wound-healing properties. Ikenotaira Onsen is also characterized by its skin-beautifying effects. Tsubame Onsen, located at the trailhead of Mount Myoko, is a secluded hot spring characterized by its milky white water. Seki Onsen is the oldest hot spring in Myoko Kogen Onsenkyo. It is characterized by its reddish-brown water containing iron and salt, which warms you to the core.
3. Its Appeal as a Dining Spot:
As Niigata is a famous production area for Koshihikari rice, many accommodations in the Myoko area grow their own rice. Delicious rice is used generously with locally sourced ingredients such as wild vegetables and fruits, in addition to seafood delivered from the nearby Sea of Japan. Although the style of accommodations differs, from long-established inns to guesthouses and pensions, high-quality dishes are served that make the most of the abundant ingredients.
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[Myoko 6 Ski Resorts]
Diverse slopes, a historic resort atmosphere
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, up to 8.5km, is truly breathtaking
at Myoko Suginohara.
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With an elevation difference of 1,124m and a distance of a whopping 8.5km, Myoko Suginohara boasts some of the best groomed long courses in Japan. Popular for its opportunities to fully enjoy high-speed long turns, Myoko Suginohara not only satisfies carving enthusiasts but also earns high praise from powder lovers.
The reason for this is the snow quality provided by its location at an altitude of 1,855m, the highest point in the Myoko area. It has two powder courses, each approximately 800m long. The "Super Giant Course" and the "Super Mogul Course" are both located at the top of the slopes, accumulating high-quality powder snow.
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| Top elevation : 1,855m | Longest run: 8,500m | Elevation difference 1,124m | maximum slope 38° |
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| courses 16 | lifts 4 | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/myoko/winter/
■Recommended video of Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort
Tree runs available & well-equipped park
: Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick Ski Resort
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The hotel boasts excellent accessibility, being less than 10 minutes from the Myoko Kogen Interchange. The fact that the slopes are right in front of the hotel is also a major plus. The course design, with its long lifts, features wide slopes perfect for long runs, allowing for high-speed turns. While there are many beginner to intermediate slopes, the availability of courses ideal for those new to tree skiing is a welcome feature for skiers.
Ikenotaira Onsen is the heart of Myoko's park culture. The park, with its extensive features, is always bustling with skilled locals.
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| Top elevation : 1,487m | Longest run: 4,000m | Elevation difference: 728m | maximum slope 28° |
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| courses 10 | lifts 6 | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://ikenotaira.info/
Gorgeous Stay and Powder Skiing
at Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Area
Standing halfway up the slopes, the red-roofed Akakura Kanko Hotel is a pioneering Japanese highland resort with a history spanning 80 years. Akakura Kanko Resort boasts a stable powder environment thanks to its high altitude and snow-covered terrain.
Two popular powder spots are the "Hotel A Course" and the "Champion A Course," both starting from the top of the slopes. These include ungroomed areas. Head to these courses first thing in the morning, access them by gondola, and enjoy a powder run.
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| Top elevation : 1,885m | Longest run: 8,500m | Elevation difference : 1,121m | maximum slope 38° |
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| courses 17 | lifts 4 | gondola One | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://www.akr-ski.com/
Enjoy a leisurely ski while appreciating tradition
at Akakura Onsen Ski Resort | AKAKURA ONSEN SKI AREA
Akakura Onsen, the heart of Myoko, is directly connected to Akakura Kanko Resort. It features a generally gentle slope and wide course design, creating a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. Akakura Onsen Ski Resort boasts wide courses, with ungroomed runs scattered throughout. The "Mogul Challenge Course," located at the very back, offers a steep and deep run when fresh snow is available.
Surprisingly, it's the only resort in the Myoko area that offers night skiing, allowing you to ski until 10 PM. At the foot of the mountain lies a historic hot spring town, offering plenty of after-ski activities, including hot springs, drinks, and relaxing restaurants.
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| Top elevation : 1,250m | Longest run: 3,000m | Elevation difference of 500m | maximum slope 39° |
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| courses 14 | lifts 5 | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:https://akakura-ski.com/
the heaviest snowfall and the most pleasant local atmosphere
Onsen Ski Resort: The place with
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Seki Onsen is famous among powder-loving skiers and snowboarders, with "heavy snowfall" being the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name. Located at the northernmost point of the Myoko area ski resorts, it is the first place where cold air flowing in from the Sea of Japan brings snow, resulting in exceptionally large snowfall.
The course design is simple, with only two lifts, but the courses are full of undulations and mostly ungroomed. It is popular among powder enthusiasts as a hidden gem that they "don't want to tell anyone about."
The charm of Seki Onsen is not only the heavy snowfall, but also the charming rural atmosphere of Japan. The slopes have a local feel that makes you feel at home.
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| Top elevation 1,200m | Longest run: 2,000m | Elevation difference of 400m | maximum slope 45° |
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| courses 5 | lifts Two | Gondola base | Ropeway - Book |
◆Official Website:http://www.sekionsen.com/
■Seki Onsen Recommended Video
Resort, a new and modern resort in Myoko
| LOTTE ARAI RESORT
Lotte Arai Resort, which reopened after an 11-year hiatus since 2006, has become incredibly popular, receiving enthusiastic support from powder-loving skiers and snowboarders.
The resort boasts a unique layout with a top elevation of 1,280m and a longest run of 5.2km, offering a deep and varied terrain. Within this, there are more than 10 ungroomed zones, including steep slopes, tree runs, and long courses, making it irresistible for powder enthusiasts. The excellent
conditions, with powder available even in March at the top of the mountain, are another major draw. Furthermore, the base hotel receives high praise for its "quiet, calm, and modern atmosphere, offering a luxurious resort experience."
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| Top elevation : 1,280m | Longest run: 7,000m | Elevation difference: 960m | maximum slope 46° |
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| courses 14 | lifts 4 | gondola One | 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