The Niigata area, which boasts some of the heaviest snowfalls in Japan, is home to many ski resorts that are close to Shinkansen stations and highway interchanges, making them extremely accessible. It's only a quick 2.5 hours from the city center to reach the snowy mountain villages, making it incredibly convenient. The Yuzawa area is also popular with powder lovers and beginners who want to try backcountry skiing. This is because it offers an environment where powder and backcountry beginners can safely get started on powder riding. Let's take a look at these ski resorts and their famous powder runs
Kagura Ski Resort
A powder and backcountry paradise within 2.5 hours of the city center
This ski resort in the Yuzawa area of Niigata Prefecture is known for its powder and backcountry skiing. It is open from late November to late May. In addition to being easily accessible from the Kanto region, it has a reputation for its snow quality thanks to its heavy snowfall and high altitude. The powder runs on the slopes have three lines with varying slopes and distances. In addition, the side country (commonly known as Tashiro Otoshi) accessible from the lift is a popular spot that is crowded with freeskiers after snowfall
Kagura has good access to the backcountry, and you can enter the mountain from the summit lift through a dedicated gate for backcountry skiing. You can ski as long as you submit a mountaineering permit and have backcountry skiing equipment. There are also many backcountry tours for beginners and intermediate skiers run by guide services, so it's the perfect place to safely make your backcountry debut after some basic training on the slopes
Kagura is only two and a half hours from Tokyo, yet you can experience the great outdoors and enjoy light snow that is unusual for Joetsu. Another reason for its popularity is the large number of areas where you can ski, including the part that connects to Tashiro
Kagura Ski Resort's famous powder course
・F4: Giant Course
Maximum gradient: 27 degrees, average gradient: 21 degrees / Distance: 611m / Slope orientation: -
This uneven run is over 600m long. Approach it via the Kagura No. 1 Expressway. Even after a snowfall, if the snow is shallow, the run can be rough enough to cause the snow to sink down, but the morning after a heavy snowfall, the best powder field stretches out horizontally and vertically. Enjoy the fresh snow that will leave your feet sore
・F5: Technical course
Maximum gradient: 29 degrees, average gradient: 20 degrees / Distance: 441m / Slope orientation: -
This steep slope can be seen on the right side from the bottom of Kagura Daiichi Expressway. When there is fresh snow, it is a great place to get powder first thing in the morning, but when there is no snowfall or in spring, it is famous as a tough mogul course. The run is short at 441m, but the skiing is top-notch
・Y3: Challenge Burn
Maximum gradient: 31 degrees, average gradient: 24 degrees / Distance: 492m / Slope orientation: -
This is the steepest powder area in the Tashiro area, accessible via the Tashiro No. 6 Romance Lift. Many skiers come here first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds at Kagura. You can enjoy spectacular powder skiing while looking out over Lake Tashiro
+PLUS Wadagoya
Stay overnight at Wadagoya, located at an altitude of 1,380m, halfway up the Kagura slope, and enjoy the first track the next morning. This special service is available exclusively to guests staying at Wadagoya. Wadagoya's accommodation period for the 2021-2022 season will be from Saturday, December 17, 2022 to Saturday, May 6, 2023
Event period: Until Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Accommodation is open on Saturdays and during Golden Week
Price: Wadagoya: 1 night with 2 meals (dinner and breakfast included) Adults: ¥12,000 / Children (up to elementary school age): ¥9,500.
Details: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/wadagoya/
◆Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/kagura/winter/
Naeba Ski Resort
Perfect for skiing on steep, fresh snow
Located on the border with Kagura, Naeba is a field that combines the weather of both Joetsu and Gunma. With an elevation of 900m at its base and 1600m at its peak, the snow is of excellent quality when it snows. The slopes that spread across Takenokoyama have 24 courses serviced by 3 gondolas and 11 lifts, with the longest run measuring 4km. There are six steep slopes, including Naeba's famous "big slope" with a maximum gradient of 32 degrees, and an official FIS Alpine World Cup course
After snowfall, the ungroomed runs turn into thrilling faces of steep, powdery slopes. With steep slopes and solid snowfall, you can enjoy plenty of powder just on the slopes. Kagura is popular with freeskiers, so it's also a hidden gem for powder skiing in the early morning or in the morning. Some say that if you want to ski on steep slopes with fresh snow, the conditions here are better than those at Kagura or Hakkaisan
Naeba Ski Resort's famous powder course
・B3: Women's Leisure
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 26 degrees / Distance: 415m / Slope orientation: -
One of Naeba's most famous steep courses. Named after the World Cup course, the slope has a maximum gradient of 30 degrees and an average gradient of 26 degrees, and is a bumpy course that is usually ungroomed. After snowfall, this is a popular course among locals who enjoy long runs of powder snow
・B2: Men's Riesen
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 25 degrees / Distance: 581m / Slope orientation: -
This is also a W-Cup run. When the ground is leveled, it is a steep, crunchy slope. After snowfall, it becomes a tough powder run. The wide course can be misleading, but the maximum slope is 32 degrees. First thing in the morning after snowfall, it becomes an irresistible stage for advanced skiers
・K2: Takenokoyama Slope
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 21 degrees / Distance: 435m / Slope orientation: -
This is a course at the top of Naeba. It's a run that takes you above the tree line and lets you experience the vastness of nature. This is also uneven terrain, but after snowfall it becomes a powder field. You can use the Takenokoyama Romance Lift, but since it opens later than the other lifts after snowfall, it's recommended to tackle the lower Riesen course before heading to the top. The maximum slope is 32 degrees
DESCENTE Fast Track
One of the reasons Naeba is popular among freeskiers is the DESCENTE First Track, where you can enjoy untouched, groomed runs. The 2022-2023 season will be held at Prince Gondola No. 1. No reservations are required; tickets can be purchased the morning of the day
Event period: January 1, 2023 (New Year's Day), and every Sunday from January 8 (Sunday) to March 12 (Sunday)
Time: 7:30 AM - Prince No. 1 Gondola boarding begins 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Ski
fee: 1,500 yen per person - Season ticket holders 800 yen per person
Details: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/first_track/naeba.html
◆Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/naeba/winter/
Maiko Snow Resort
If you want to improve your freeriding skills, this is the place!
Only one minute from Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC, it's an incredibly convenient location for those who drive. The slopes are divided into three areas, and offer a total of 26 courses to satisfy everyone from beginners and kids to experts, with the longest run being approximately 6,000m
Taking advantage of the rich natural terrain, Maiko is steadily expanding its ungroomed snow and tree run courses, especially in the Okusoji area. Many of the courses face north, and the powdery Uonuma snow has accumulated, making it the perfect freeride zone
Maiko Snow Resort's famous powder course
・Off-piste zone
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 20 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: North
This ungroomed area is open to the public under certain conditions. With a run of approximately 1,000m and a maximum slope of 32 degrees, this is one of Maiko's most challenging and fascinating courses, offering the ultimate powder experience during snowfall
・Champion course
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 30 degrees / Distance: 170m / Slope orientation: North
This is an ungroomed course subject to weather conditions. Although it is short in distance, it is the most difficult course in Maiko and is also the course used for the FWQ/Freeride World Qualifier, a preliminary competition for the FWT, a global freeride competition
・Gungun Course ・Haglöfs Tree Run Area
Maximum gradient: 24 degrees, average gradient: 15 degrees / Distance: 820m / Slope orientation: North
The central section is a mogul run that's perfect for practicing moguls. The area along the Okuzoechi Quad Lift has relatively few moguls, and when it snows it transforms into a powder slope with a great view of Okuzoechi. Looking from the top, on the left is the Haglöfs tree run area, a powder run through the forest that requires prior registration. No matter where you ski down, you can always return to the run at the end, making it perfect for beginners to tree running
◆Official website: https://www.maiko-resort.com/
Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort
A challenging steep slope that can be reached by ropeway
This ski resort has a linear impression and is built around the ropeway that spans Mt. Hakkai. The top of the ski resort is not particularly high at 1,147m above sea level, but it is in a heavy snow region where snow clouds coming in from the Sea of Japan are the first to bring snow, so the snowfall during peak season is incredible. The course built along the ropeway is a handsome run with a maximum gradient of 26-35 degrees, an average of 17-25 degrees, and an elevation difference of 805m. After the snowfall, it is famous as a powder spot where skiers with thick boards gather
The slopes are easy to understand, with gentle slopes at the bottom and steep upper slopes for intermediate to upper levels. The tall, snow-covered coniferous forests are beautiful, and this ski resort has a slightly different feel to other ski resorts in North America
The famous powder course at Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort
・D1 Expert Course
Maximum gradient: 35 degrees, average gradient: 22 degrees / Distance: 917m / Slope orientation: North
A straight, steep slope runs from the top of the ropeway to the No. 3 Romance Lift station. With a maximum gradient of 35 degrees and an average of 22 degrees, it is literally the most expert course in the resort. After snowfall, you can use the lift. Alternatively, you can enjoy a powder run straight from the top to the ropeway base station. The course is usually uneven and bumpy, making it even more challenging than the powder
・A3 Downhill Course
Maximum gradient: 26 degrees, average gradient: 17 degrees / Distance: 1,193m / Slope orientation: North
Along the ropeway, this is the line on the left when viewed from below. It is packed with snow, making it easy to ski on, and is popular with intermediate and advanced skiers. When it snows, this course attracts more skiers than the expert course. This course also allows you to ski all the way to the bottom of the ropeway
・C1 Maekura Course
Maximum gradient: 29 degrees, average gradient: 16 degrees / Distance: 894m / Slope orientation: North
This slope is for intermediate skiers and can be accessed via the No. 2 Romance Lift. With a maximum gradient of 29 degrees and a total length of 894m, it is a wide run that is also used as an alpine training run. After snowfall, it becomes a fresh snow course with a moderate gradient. It is also recommended for intermediate skiers who want to try powder snow
+PLUS DESCENTE Fast Track
This is a regular event at Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort. This season, all courses except D1 are open to the public, and you can enjoy a long ride of 3,000m. One soft drink voucher is included. Whether the event will be held on weekdays will be announced on the website/Facebook page by 12:00 noon the day before. Advance reservations are required with the ski resort between 12:00 noon and 5:00 PM the day before (phone only)
Event period: All days until Sunday, March 12, 2023
Time: 8:00 - Reception 8:20 Ropeway
fare: 1,000 yen for adults and children (up to elementary school age)
Details: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/first_track/hakkaisan.html
◆Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/hakkaisan/winter/
Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
Serious powder and tree running enthusiasts will also be pleased
The ski center is directly connected to JR Echigo-Nakazato Station, about 10 minutes from Yuzawa Interchange, making it easily accessible by train. There are plenty of rest areas throughout the resort where you can take off your boots and relax, including a unique Blue Train rest area that uses an actual train
At first glance, the slopes appear to be aimed at families, with spacious, gentle slopes, but in fact, there's more to it than that. A tree run and powder spot that will impress even hardcore freeskiers has been opened from the 2020-21 season. The tree density is varied, creating a fun rhythmic change, and the slopes have a rich and varied topography. The new Yuzawa Nakazato has truly become a hidden wonderland for advanced skiers
Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort's famous powder course
・Challenge Burn
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 25 degrees / Distance: 370m / Slope orientation: West
Because the snow is ungroomed, you can enjoy some lucky powder riding the morning after it snows, but it's usually a challenging mogul training ground. During the off-season, the tree run area along the Challenge Run was improved and expanded, further expanding the ski area
・Giant Course
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 22 degrees / Distance: 580m / Slope orientation: Southwest
The Giant Course can be reached by taking the No. 2 Romance Lift. This challenging course, with its moguls and deep snow, is perfect for experts. It's truly exhilarating to ski on the open run of fresh snow that stretches out in front of the ski resort
・Extreme course
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 24 degrees / Distance: 180m / Slope orientation: Northwest
The entrance to this challenging course is steep and extremely hard with ungroomed snow. The slope faces northwest, so the powder tends to be kept in good condition and the conditions are consistently good
・Tree running area
The area on the right side of the mountain facing the slopes is open to skiers as a vast, ungroomed tree run course. When powder falls, the steep slopes of over 30 degrees become the perfect faces. The trees have been thinned out at just the right pace, making it easy to ski. There are five different slopes to choose from, so you can choose a line depending on your preferences and the amount of snow
Dynamic Course: Total length 600m, maximum gradient 32°, average gradient 17°
Giant Course: Total length 580m, maximum gradient 32°, average gradient 22°
Challenge Burn: Total length 370m, maximum gradient 32°, average gradient 25°
Extreme Course: Total length 200m, maximum gradient 31°, average gradient 24°
Training Burn: Total length 250m, maximum gradient 31°, average gradient 25°
◆Official website: https://www.yuzawa-nakazato.com/winter/