Location: Lotte Arai Resort
The Myoko area is home to mountains over 2,000m above sea level, including Mt. Myoko and Mt. Hiuchi. The sea breezes blowing in from the Sea of Japan hit the mountains, forming clouds and bringing large amounts of snow. During the season, the area experiences over 3m of snow, and it's not uncommon for over 1m of snow to fall overnight. The snow that falls in this mountain range contains a lot of water vapor, so unlike snow in Hokkaido or other high-altitude areas, it is characterized by larger, firmer grains. This means that the snow is more satisfying to step on and the skis glide well. Here we introduce ski resorts and runs in the Myoko area that are highly rated for their powder runs
Akakura Tourist Resort
Enjoy long powder rides and never get bored
The Akakura Kanko Hotel, with its red roof and 80 years of history, stands halfway up the slope and is its symbol. Conveniently located just 8 minutes from Myoko Kogen IC, the top elevation is high at 1,885m, and combined with the terrain prone to snow accumulation, it creates a stable powder environment. The backcountry area is also easily accessible from the end of the upper lift. You can take long runs using the gondola or lift, so the satisfaction of skiing is high and you'll never get bored
Akakura Tourist Resort's famous powder course
・Hotel A Course
Maximum gradient: 23 degrees, average gradient: 18 degrees / Distance: 900m / Slope orientation: North
An ungroomed slope that runs alongside Hotel Quad No. 5 at the top of the slope. Many skiers head here after snowfall. With a maximum gradient of 23 degrees and a course length of 900m, it is relatively wide and easy to tackle even in powder. At the top of the course there is a gate to the backcountry area (with an avalanche transceiver checker)
・Champion A Course
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 20 degrees / Distance: 1200m / Slope orientation: Northeast
This ungroomed course has Akakan's steepest slope (32 degrees). At 1,200 meters long, it's a long and challenging run. After snowfall, it's powder, but normally it's a challenging mogul slope. It's not uncommon for snowfall here to completely bury the moguls even overnight, so if you get the chance, you can expect some of the best powder runs
・Women's National Athletic Meet Course
Maximum gradient: 22 degrees, average gradient: 12 degrees / Distance: 1700m / Slope orientation: East
The upper part is steep, but the overall slope is easy to tackle, with a long course stretching for 1,700m. The upper part is often left ungroomed, leaving powder to stand. It's a good place to ski after a snowfall
◆Official Website:https://akr-ski.com/
Charmant Hiuchi
heavy snowfall as its selling point, the resort adheres toa "completely ungroomed" policy, resulting in 65% ungroomed snow.
Charmant Hiuchi is known as a ski resort with heavy snowfall. During the peak season, the snow is usually over 5m deep. What's more, it accumulates in huge amounts of dry powder, making it unbearable. The ski resort has created an environment that allows it to make the most of this abundant snow. The keywords they advocate are "non-compacted snow" and "natural beauty." They continue to make efforts not to compact the snow, and about 65% of the resort is open to the public as ungroomed areas and courses
In addition, 80% of the courses are for intermediate and advanced skiers, making it a rare and technical resort that will fully satisfy the expectations of skiers and snowboarders who want to pursue the ultimate in skiing. Fat ski rentals are also available for those who say, "I came here and it was powder" or "I want to try fat skiing." Charmant Hiuchi is the perfect environment for enjoying powder to the fullest
Charmant Hiuchi's specialty powder course
・Hiyama
Maximum gradient: 26 degrees, average gradient: - degrees / Distance: 1100m / Slope orientation: North
The first thing you should aim for when you go to Charmant is Mt. Tobiyama. It is one of the longest non-stop powder courses in Japan, with a technical slope that stretches for 1,100 meters, with varying slopes and standing trees. It is a technical slope, but the satisfaction you get when you conquer it is unparalleled!
Princess
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: - / Distance: 780m / Slope orientation: North
When the dry powder that is unique to Charmant piles up deep, it creates an irresistible face with large changes in slope and a floating feeling. This powder course is very satisfying in both distance and slope
・Zen
Maximum gradient: 21 degrees, average gradient: - degrees / Distance: 278m / Slope orientation: North
Located on the east side of High Rive, this mellow, sparsely wooded and open run area has just the right amount of space between the trees, making it easy to ski and perfect for tree running beginners to get used to tree riding
◆Official Website:https://charmant-hiuchi.jp/
Seki Onsen Ski Resort
A special home where you can enjoy heavy snowfall and local atmosphere
Seki Onsen is a famous ski resort among powder-loving skiers and snowboarders, so much so that when you think of Seki Onsen, the first thing that comes to mind is "heavy snowfall." The Myoko area is the first area to see snowfall when cold air comes in from the Sea of Japan, and Seki Onsen in particular receives the most snowfall
The course design is simple, with only two lifts, but it is full of ups and downs, and most of the course is ungroomed. Another reason for Seki Onsen's popularity is the ease of entry from the slopes to the side country. There is also a cat operation called "HIKARIGAOKA CAT TOURS" by "GRAFIX" that allows you to enjoy the exciting powder snow at Seki Onsen
Seki Onsen's operations are characterized and appealing by their handcrafted hospitality. Information such as weather forecasts, powder forecasts, and slope conditions are updated meticulously by staff on their website and social media in a friendly manner, creating an indescribable "homey" feel. It's popular among powder lovers as a hidden gem that "you don't want to tell anyone about," yet is full of that homey feeling
Seki Onsen's famous powder course
・Third lift ungroomed course
Maximum gradient: 45 degrees, average gradient: 30 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: West
The ungroomed course on the third lift faces west, and the powder snow bathed in the morning sun is exceptional. The west-facing slope is adjacent to the north-facing slope, so you can enjoy powder snow in the afternoon as well. As this is a very popular course, it is bound to be packed with skiers on powdery mornings after snowfall
・Right side of Lerch Course
Maximum slope: 17 degrees Average: 15 degrees
According to the staff at Seki Onsen, "If you want to enjoy powder snow at a leisurely pace like a gentleman, we recommend the right side of the Lerch Course." Active riders judge the course conditions every day, and depending on the situation, they combine groomed and ungroomed snow. There is also a park set up on part of the course
・Skyline Course
Maximum slope: 12 degrees Average: 10 degrees
The gentle slopes are easy for beginners and seniors. They are beautifully groomed every day, but on snowy days they become a generous powder field, perfect for trying out fat skis or practicing telemark skiing
＋PLUS HIKARIGAHARA CAT TOURS
The Hikarigahara Cat Tour, produced by GRAFIX, is a tour that allows you to access various points by snowmobile and enjoy backcountry riding with a guide. There are 5 to 7 runs per day. You can ski down approximately 2,000 meters of naturally tracked slopes, and the guide will lead you on an exciting powder ride that suits your needs, selecting the snow quality and slope
◆Official Website:http://www.sekionsen.com/index.php
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort
a long run of up to 8.5kmEnjoy
Within the Myoko area, Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort is renowned for its enjoyable long runs while taking in the scenic views. The Suginohara Gondola takes you 3km to the summit at an elevation of approximately 1,500m, from where you can see Lake Nojiri and Oku-Shinano. With an elevation difference of 1,124m, the run is an astounding 8.5km, making it one of the longest 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 top area, at an elevation of 1,855m, has high-quality snow that accumulates on two powder courses, the "Super Giant Course" and the "Super Mogul Course," each about 800m long, creating a powder paradise.The snow park, with its many items, is also impressive
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort recommended courses
・Super mogul course
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 16 degrees / Distance: 1320m / Slope orientation: East
This wide, ungroomed course is popular with powder skiers. It has a steep and long slope, and after a snowfall you can carve out a fast track like the one in the photo. The feeling of exhilaration after skiing is irresistible
・Downhill course
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 17 degrees / Distance: 310m / Slope orientation: East
This is a course that includes Shinanoki, a viewpoint at Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort. After snowfall, there is plenty of fresh powder left behind, making it a powder course that even powder beginners will want to try
・Super Giant Course
Maximum gradient: 38 degrees, average gradient: 17 degrees / Distance: 950m / Slope orientation: Southeast
This course is popular with free-running skiers, and features a wide range of terrain. With a maximum slope of 38 degrees, you can enjoy a large arc on the slope. The scenery offers a panoramic view of Lake Nojiri and the mountains of Northern Shinshu
+PLUS DESCENTE Fast Track
This event is held annually by Prince Snow Resort, which also operates Rinse Hotel. DESCENTE First Track allows you to enjoy the "no-track & groomed runs" that no one has yet skied on. The event takes place at Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort on the courses along the Suginohara Gondola (Downhill Course, Giant Course, Shirakaba Course). It's only for four days, so don't miss out! No reservations are required; purchase your tickets the morning of the day
Time: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM *Gondola service starts at 7:30 AM
Price: Junior high school students and older ¥1,500 / SEIBU PRINCE CLUB members ¥1,200 / Myoko Suginohara season pass holders ¥1,200
Dates: January 15th (Sun) & 29th (Sun), February 12th (Sun) & 26th (Sun), 2023
Details:https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/first_track/myoko.html
◆Official Website:https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/myoko/winter/
Lotte Arai Resort
Unbelievable scale and deep powder
Lotte Arai Resort boasts an unbelievable annual snowfall of 18 meters. The top of the slope is 1,280 meters above sea level, and the longest run is 7.0 km, with a unique layout that is deep and deep. The scale of the resort is so vast that it could easily fit four Tokyo Disneylands inside
The resort boasts a diverse range of terrain, including steep slopes, tree runs, and long runs, as well as four ungroomed runs and ten freeriding zones (avalanche terrain). 84% of the slopes are ungroomed, making it an astonishing freeriding paradise. The sheer volume of snow means that the powder reset rate is one of the best in Japan, and the excellent conditions mean that powder can be enjoyed even in March at the top of the mountain, adding to its popularity. Arai's powder is famous overseas, with legendary skier Mike Douglas, known as Mr. Freeride, rating Arai as "one of Japan's top three JAPOW dream spots."
Lotte Arai Resort's famous powder course
・Funaishi
Maximum gradient: 37.5 degrees, average gradient: 22.4 degrees / Distance: 850m / Slope orientation: North
Funaishi's greatest appeal is its high openness and the fact that it can be operated with just one main lift, allowing for efficient enjoyment. There are various drop points, allowing for enjoyment to suit different levels and needs, and the old Gazex ski area is also within the ski area, making it easy to aim for spectacular slopes
Another major point that makes the course popular with beginners is that almost the entire area from the entrance to the exit can be seen from the lift
・Large slope
Maximum gradient: 39.8 degrees, average gradient: 15.9 degrees / Distance: 1520m / Slope orientation: Northeast
Arai is known for its huge slopes! The summit can be reached by hiking for about 30 minutes from the Zentana lift drop-off point. It offers spectacular views all the way to the Sea of Japan and a freeriding zone stretching as far as the eye can see, on a scale that would be hard to believe is within a Japanese ski resort. The fact that it can be easily accessed on foot is also the secret to its popularity
・Pit viper
Maximum gradient: 43 degrees Average: - degrees / Distance: -m / Slope direction: All directions
The name "Mamushigaeshi" (Mamushigaeshi) comes from the steep terrain, so steep that even a viper would flip over. Arai is a hot spot with a rich variety of terrain and undulations. Enjoy incredibly steep slopes, natural pipe-like terrain, and tree runs all at the same time. Accessible via a single Kogenashi lift, it's incredibly convenient
◆Official Website:https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/ja/ski-webzine.html