"First Track" is the ultimate experience for skiers and snowboarders who love powder and groomed runs. This service allows you to take a special lift or gondola ride before the regular runs open, giving you the opportunity to hit the slopes first thing in the morning and enjoy untracked powder and beautiful groomed runs. Here are some ski resorts where you can enjoy First Track this season.
*Please refer to the official website of each resort for details
[Hokkaido]
Kiroro Snow World | Hokkaido
Fast Track Plan with Professional Photography "Kiroro Photo Shooting Session"
This special First Luck plan is available only on Monday, January 12th, 2026 (national holiday). This is a luxurious photoshoot camp where professional photographer Keyphoto will take photos of participants' snowboarding and gift them to them as a gift. A Kiroro Snowboarding Advisor will guide you to the best photo spots of the day. A professional snowboarder will ski alongside you and give you advice on how to use Kiroro's courses and terrain. During this time, photos of each individual ride will be taken and gifted to you at the end! It's an inspiring day.
| time | Registration: 8:00-8:15 ・Skating & photo session: 8:30-14:00 ・End: 14:00 |
| Fee | 19,000 yen (including photo data) / adult |
| held | Only on Monday, January 12, 2026 (national holiday) |
◆Official Website:https://www.kiroro.co.jp/ja/snowworld/
Niseko Village Ski Resort | Hokkaido
"Fast Track Cat Skiing" - Hop on a CAT at sunrise
Niseko Village, which forms part of NISEKO UNITED, offers a fast track with CAT
The operation operates once a day, with a maximum of 10 people enjoying the luxury of having the powder fields all to themselves. At 6:45am, as the sun rises, participants board a Cat and head to the slopes where untouched powder awaits.
You can enjoy plenty of powder riding until the closing time of 8:00. CAT can accommodate groups of up to 10 people by private charter. You can ski on one slope before it opens
| time | Meeting time 6:45 - End time 8:00 |
| Fee | 100,000 yen (advanced participants aged 13 and over, maximum 10 people; reservations required) |
| held | Mid-December (check official website and SNS) |
◆Official Website:https://www.niseko-village.com/ja/
Niseko Hanazono Resort | Hokkaido
Guaranteed "fast track" with HPG Private Tours
HPG (HANAZONO POWDER GUIDES), a resort-run service, guides you through the powder spots within the ski resort as well as the backcountry area, which is accessed through 11 gates established by the Niseko Rules. If you take a private HPG guided tour (for 1-4 people), you are guaranteed "first track." Only tour participants can ride the lifts before the general public opens.
As this is a private guided tour, the tour schedule will be tailored to suit the guest's skill, experience, and pace. For those who wish to take the fast track, the tour starts at 8:00am. Pick-up service to your accommodation is available
| 1-4 people | ¥125,000 / group | Includes one lead guide for ¥20,000. Up to one additional participant is allowed (the Off-Piste Skill Assessment Chartonly if all participants meet the Level 4 or higher requirement on |
| Tail guide | ¥60,000 / group | If there are 5-7 participants, a tail guide reservation is required |
|---|
◆Official Website:https://hanazononiseko.com/ja/winter
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu | Hokkaido
Morning Glory: Enjoy Tomamu powder at your leisure
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu boasts the finest dry powder, thanks to the cold climate unique to Hokkaido's inland region. "Morning Glory" is a service that allows you to board a gondola before general opening and carve your own tracks on the freshest runs of the morning. The run course is determined by the guide based on the conditions that morning, and can range from ungroomed powder to beautifully groomed runs
Hoshino Resort Tomamu also offers a CAT ski program run by the resort, but Fast Track is a casual opportunity to enjoy Tomamu's powder
| time | 8:00～9:30 |
| Fee | For groups of 2 or more: ¥5,500 per person. For groups of 1: ¥7,500 per person. (If you wish to apply as a single person, please contact the inquiry desk.) |
| held | December 21, 2025 - April 5, 2026 |
• Online reservations only • Reservations accepted until the day before
• Lift ticket required separately
• Capacity: 2-8 people (minimum 2 people)
• Open to those aged 7 and over who can ski on intermediate or higher slopes.
◆Official Website:https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/
Rusutsu Resort | Hokkaido
An exciting ride that will make your dreams come true first thing in the morning! "Mt. Isola First Track"
This popular first track is perfect for being the first to experience deep powder. It is held on limited dates and with limited numbers of participants during the New Year holidays and every Sunday in January and February, when the chances of deep powder are high! A free shuttle bus will take you to Mt. Isola before regular opening hours
You can choose your favorite course depending on the snow conditions of the day and your style of skiing, such as the Isola Grand Course (Intermediate), the longest in Rusutsu at 3,500m, or the extremely popular Heavenly Canyon Course, where you can enjoy plenty of untouched powder
| time | Before opening hours, take the free shuttle bus to the base of Mt. Isola. Board the Isola Gondola at 8:45. Once the patrol is ready at 9:00, skiing begins from the summit of Mt. Isola. The ski slopes open to the public |
| Fee | 5,000 yen per person; 3,000 yen per person for holders of the 2024-25K-WINTERPASS. |
| held | December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) - January 4, 2026 (Sunday), January 11 (Sunday), January 18 (Sunday), January 25 (Sunday), February 1 (Sunday), February 8 (Sunday), February 15 (Sunday), February 22 (Sunday) |
• Advance reservations required. Limited to 60 people per day
. • Regular lift tickets must be purchased separately. Even holders of season passes or multi-night passes must purchase a separate special ticket.
◆Official Website:https://rusutsu.com/
[Tohoku area]
Shizukuishi Ski Resort | Iwate Prefecture
"SURISE CAT TOURS"
Shizukuishi Ski Resort is a representative resort in the Tohoku region, having hosted international alpine skiing competitions in the past. It is particularly famous and popular for its long runs. This special First Track is a special event that is only held three times per season. Starting before dawn, you will travel by snowmobile up Mt. Odakakura, located next to Shizukuishi Ski Resort's main slope, and after watching the New Year's sunrise, you will ski the super-long First Track from top to bottom on a CAT-exclusive course. The entire course is ungroomed, so you're sure to feel ecstatic with the auspicious sunrise and a private, super-long powder ride.
| time | 5:00~7:00 |
| Fee | 15,000 yen per person per bottle |
| held | 2026 1/1 (Thu), 1/11 (Sun), 2/22 (Sun) |
Reservations required. Reservations accepted until 4:00 PM the day before.
Capacity: Approximately 8 people
. Advanced level only.
◆Official Website:https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/shizukuishi/winter/
Tengendai Plateau | Yamagata Prefecture
Head to an altitude of 1,820m on a snow-compacted vehicle with a cabin! "Tsugamori East Face First Track Tour with Guide"
Tengendai Plateau is located in the southern part of the Ou Mountains, which reach altitudes of over 2,000m. With its top elevation exceeding 1,800m and favorable geographical conditions including north-facing slopes, its powder quality is said to be among the best in Honshu. The snow conditions are easily maintained, and it boasts a long season of six months each year, from early December to the Golden Week in May. The
highly popular First Track Tour will be held again in the 2024-2025 season! A 15-passenger sightseeing snow groomer will take you to Kitabodai at an altitude of 1,820m, where you can enjoy guided powder riding on the east and west faces of Tsugamori. It will be held every Sunday morning from January to February 2026, and staying at Tengendai Plateau is a requirement for participation.
| time | 7:20～8:20 |
| Fee | 3,500 yen/person |
| held | Every Sunday in January and February 2026 |
• Reservations required. Reservations accepted until 4:00 PM the day before.
• Capacity: 15 people
. • Advanced level only.
◆Official Website:https://www.winter.tengendai.jp/
Geto Kogen Ski Resort | Iwate Prefecture
The "fast track" for heavy powder snow and tree runs
Geto Plateau is one of Japan's snowiest areas. During the season, dry powder falls continuously. Along with the heavy powder snow, tree runs are also a famous attraction. The beautiful forests interwoven with the undulating, stream-like terrain create a dream-like environment where you can ski in a vast area. First Track is the place to enjoy Geto first thing in the morning
You can board the gondola 10 minutes before the regular operating hours and get to the off-track ski area before anyone else. You can choose from the tree run course with its deep powder, unique to Geto, or A1 to B2, which have a range of beautiful groomed runs
| time | Reception 7:15-8:30 Meeting time 8:35 Mountain Information next to the ticket counter |
| Fee | Basic: 1,000 yen/person | No snow: 500 yen/person | 30cm or more snow: 1,500 yen/person |
| held | Weekends, holidays from December 13th to February 23rd, and the New Year's holiday period (December 27th to January 4th) |
- Registration: 7:15-8:30 at the ticket counter (participants must purchase lift tickets)
- Capacity: First 30 people
◆Official Website:https://www.getokogen.com/winter/index.html
[Joetsu area]
Lotte Arai Resort | Niigata Prefecture
Priority boarding on the gondola lift "First Class Ticket"
The snowfall at Arai has already exceeded 3m during the December airy season, and it remains at over 5m during the peak season, providing ample snow until spring. A whopping 84% of the mountain is natural powder, ungroomed, and the powder reset rate is one of the highest in Japan. It's also a mega-field that could easily fit four Tokyo Disneylands inside
The appeal of Arai is the efficient use of lifts on the vast powder fields, and there's a special system that lets you fully enjoy it: the "First Class Ticket" (8,000 yen). If you purchase this, you'll be given priority boarding on the gondola lifts, meaning you'll be first on the track in the morning
| time | 8:30～ |
| Fee | Adults (19-49 years old) 12,500 yen | 50+ (50 years old and over) 12,000 yen | Children (7-18 years old) 8,000 yen |
| held | Saturday, December 13, 2025 - Sunday, March 22, 2026 |
◆Official Website:https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/ja/ski-webzine.html
[Yuzawa area]
Maiko Snow Resort | Niigata Prefecture
"Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour"
Starting in the 2025-2026 season, a snow cat tour called "Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour" will be held! Before the lifts open, you will approach the slopes by cat (snow vehicle), and a dedicated guide will show you around.
Maiko is a fascinating ski area where ungroomed and tree-run courses are rapidly expanding, particularly in the Okusoechi area, and where fluffy Uonuma powder snow accumulates on a rich natural landscape. The first track bearing the name Haglöfs is attracting a lot of attention, and details are eagerly awaited.
Be sure to check the official website!
◆Official Website:https://www.maiko-resort.com/
Naeba Ski Resort | Niigata Prefecture
There are nine chances this season! Naeba's traditional "fast track"
"First Track" is a regular event in Naeba where you can enjoy untouched and groomed runs. It is held under Prince Gondola No. 2 and No. 1. No reservations are required, and tickets can be purchased on the morning of the day. Please note that the ticket booths vary depending on the location of First Track.
| time | 7:15 - Special tickets will be sold at the No. 1 Gondola Lift ticket counter (dedicated counter). 7:30 - Gondola boarding begins. 8:00-8:30 - Skiing. |
| Fee | 2,000 yen/person ・Season ticket holders 1,500 yen/person |
| held | January 1st, 2026 (New Year's Day), January 4th (Sunday), January 11th (Sunday), January 18th (Sunday), January 25th (Sunday), February 1st (Sunday), February 22nd (Sunday), March 1st (Sunday), March 15th (Sunday) |
・How to apply → Tickets go on sale at the lift ticket counter from 7:15 AM on the day of the event.
・Inquiries → TEL: 025-789-4117 Naeba Ski Resort *
Scheduled to be held at Prince Gondola 1 in January and February, and at Prince Gondola 2 in March.
◆Official Website:https://www.princehotels.co.jp/
Kagura | Niigata Prefecture
Staying at Wadagoya and aiming for the "KAGURA fast track"
A popular plan among powder lovers is to stay at Wadagoya, located at an altitude of 1,380m, halfway up the slopes of Kagura, and enjoy the first track the next morning. This is a special service available only to guests staying at Wadagoya. Wadagoya's accommodation opening period for the 2023-2024 season will be from Saturday, December 2, 2024 to Monday, May 5, 2025 (national holiday)
Another great perk is that you can purchase a one-day lift ticket (adult/senior) for 5,000 yen x number of days when you check in. If you check in after 11:30 AM on the day of your stay, you can use the afternoon ticket for that day for 3,500 yen. If you check in from 2:00 PM onwards, the afternoon ticket for that day is free, but only if you purchase a lift ticket from the next day onwards
| time | 8:00 (7:30 on Saturdays and holidays) |
| Fee | Wadagoya: 1 night with 2 meals (dinner and breakfast included) Adults: 15,000 yen / Children: 12,000 yen (up to elementary school age) |
| held | Saturdays, New Year's holiday (December 27th (Sat) - January 3rd (Sat)), Golden Week (April 29th (Wednesday, national holiday) - May 5th (Tuesday, national holiday)), special days (January 11th (Sunday), February 22nd (Sunday, national holiday), March 20th (Friday, national holiday)) |
・Wadagoya accommodation fee and separate lift ticket required
◆Official Website:https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/naeba/winter/
Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort | Niigata Prefecture
"HAKKAISAN First Track" will be held every day from December 27th (Sat) to March 8th (Sun)!
The annual "First Track" event at Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort, where you can enjoy a "no-track and groomed run" that no one has skied yet, will be held daily this season from December 27th, 2025 (Saturday) to March 8th, 2026 (Sunday)! To make a reservation, please call the ski resort between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. the day before your desired date of use.
TEL: 025-775-331
| time | 7:40-8:00 Registration at the ropeway base station lift ticket counter. 8:10 Board the ropeway. |
| Fee | 2000 yen/person |
| held | Every day from December 27, 2025 (Saturday) to March 8, 2026 (Sunday) *Excluding January 1, 2026 (New Year's Day) |
*Lift tickets after the first track are subject to a separate charge.
*Holders of the Hakkaisan season pass are also subject to a charge.
◆Official Website:https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/hakkaisan/winter/
[Gunma area]
Kawaba Ski Resort | Gunma Prefecture
Daily CAT "fast track" from the summit
Before the general opening, you can take a quick approach to the top of the slope on their stylishly decorated snowmobiles. You can enjoy the magnificent panoramic view from the top and ski down the empty runs first thing in the morning. Another great thing about this resort is that it operates every day during the season. Of course, the best time to go is the morning after it snows. The popular "First Track" + "1-Day Lift Ticket" is 8,500 yen on weekdays and offers plenty of fun skiing.
Kawaba is also home to the hugely popular ungroomed powder riding area "OFF THE PISTE." You can start off the morning on the fast track, then spend the rest of the day at OFF THE PISTE, immersing yourself in the off-piste sensation
| Fast Track (single person rate) | weekdays | 3,000 yen |
|---|---|---|
| Weekends, holidays, New Year's holiday (12/27~1/4) | 3,500 yen | |
| First Track (price for one person) + 1-day lift ticket | weekdays | 8,500 yen |
| Weekends, holidays, New Year's holiday (12/27~1/4) | 9,000 yen | |
| First Track (Private Tour)*Maximum 15 participants | One cat bed: 50,000 yen, includes breakfast vouchers for the number of people. | |
・Advance online reservation required
◆Official Website:https://www.kawaba.co.jp/snow/