Located in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, where snowfall is plentiful, Maiko Snow Resort (hereafter referred to as Maiko) is currently developing ungroomed areas and tree run areas, taking advantage of the snow that falls almost daily. Even in February, snowfall is frequent, and there is still plenty of powder to enjoy at Maiko. Skier Ken Hirose and snowboarder Hiroki Hoshi, who are both familiar with the area, shared their tips on how to enjoy the resort
First, let's take a look at a short clip of the two of them filmed at the end of January
Photo gallery of this shoot
A unique ski resort located just off the interchange
Maiko is great for skiing, but its biggest selling point is its easy access. It's a little over two hours' drive from Nerima IC on the Kanetsu Expressway, and just one minute from Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC. It's one of the few ski resorts in Japan with such convenient access, located right in front of an IC
Minamiuonuma City in Niigata Prefecture, where Maiko is located, is known as a particularly heavy snowfall area within Niigata Prefecture. However, the roads are equipped with snow-melting pipes and other snow-removing systems, so driving on snowy roads is not a problem.
It is a very friendly ski resort for skiers and snowboarders from the Kanto region.
Along with its easy access, Maiko's appeal lies in its large scale and the variety of slopes that come with it. Maiko has 10 lifts and 26 courses, the longest of which is 6,000m (the Run Run course)
Maiko has two entrances, one on the hotel side and one on the gondola side, and the slopes are divided into three areas: the Maiko area, the Okuzoeji area, and the Nagamine area
The "Maiko area" has hotels and many gentle slopes, making it popular with families and school groups (of course, there are also ungroomed slopes and slopes for advanced skiers). It also boasts excellent facilities such as a snow park and weekend-only night skiing.
The "Nagamine area," located on the gondola side, has many steep and intermediate slopes, making it enjoyable for intermediate and advanced skiers. However, detours are maintained around these slopes, ensuring that there are courses to satisfy everyone. The
"Okusoechi area" is located deep in the mountains on the gondola side, with north-facing slopes. Taking advantage of these characteristics, it is home to the tree run area and ungroomed areas that we would like to introduce in detail this time.
There is also a connecting lift between the Maiko area, whose entrance is on the hotel side, and the Nagamine and Okusoji areas, whose entrances are on the gondola side, so you can travel between the two areas
Get an overview of the ungroomed slopes and tree run areas
In the Okusoji area, next to the Okusoji Quad Lift, there is the Haglöfs tree run area, which consists of three sections. The terrain among the trees is full of subtle changes, making it perfect for a pleasant ride. The slopes are relatively gentle, so you can return to the slope no matter where you ski, making it perfect for those who want to try tree running. Anyone can ski in this area as long as they apply online in advance and wear a helmet and armband
In addition, tree runs are available in the forest between the Champion Course in the Maiko area and the Gold Course and Silver Course
Two riders' guide to conquering Maiko powder
That's an overview of the Maiko powder and tree run areas. You now know that there are a variety of ungroomed snow and tree run areas in the three areas. So, how should you prepare yourself first thing in the morning to get your powder on? Let's find out the best option
Let's hear from some professional skiers and snowboarders who frequently visit Maiko about their own tips for conquering Maiko
The case of skier Ken Hirose
"First thing in the morning, I take the gondola to the Okusoji area. The great thing about Maiko is that you don't have to change lifts and you can gain altitude in one go. Then I take the Okukuwa (Okusoji Quad Lift) and aim for the first track on the ungroomed Gungun Course. Above Gungun Course there is a partially groomed slope, so I go straight down from there and pick up speed before dropping off. I like to ski in areas with good terrain and accumulated snow. The slopes are steep and you can run in powder at high speeds, so it's so exciting I'm addicted."
"Next, I take the Oku Pair Lift (Okusoechi Pair Lift) and ski dynamically down the ungroomed slopes of the Zokuzoku Course with big turns. One of my favorite things about this course is that it's wide and has a good slope, and it's also nice to be able to clearly see my tracks when I get on the lift (laughs).
After that, I tackle gates 1 through 3 in the Haglöfs tree run area in order.
At gate 1, because of the ravine terrain, you tend to drift to the left, but if you go too far to the left, you'll end up at the bottom of the ravine, and it will take time to get back onto the groomed slopes. I recommend skiing while keeping the Oku Kuwa on the right side in mind, as it makes it easier to get back and you can do a long run."
As for gates 2 and 3, the slope is relatively gentle and the distance is short, but the key point is that even if you go late, there will still be no tracks left
"Once I've skied the ungroomed snow and tree runs in the Okusoji area to my satisfaction, I'll head to the off-piste zone
Alternatively, instead of heading to the Okusoechi area first thing in the morning, you could head straight to the off-piste zone in the Nagamine area. If the surface is pristine, you can make a spectacular run down the middle, then ski a few untouched runs on the open sides of the course. This is a popular course because you can ski long runs of powder after just a short walk, but if you go early, you can have the powder all to yourself before the crowds arrive.
After that, you can ski the tree runs in the Okusoechi area where there is still powder remaining.
Snowboarder Hiroki Hoshi
Snowboarder Hoshi Hiroki commented on the wide variety of slopes available
"Maiko's appeal lies in the wide variety of powder snow. For example, the Okusoji area has mellow tree runs and steep, high-speed powder runs, so you can ski on a variety of slopes. When snowboarding, even gentle tree runs can be fun as you can hit small streams and fine terrain, and on sunny days when your boards are rolling, you can enjoy some great snowboarding. If you want a more exciting run, you can ski on ungroomed snow on the Gungun Course or Zokuzoku Course, so it's great to be able to try different runs on the same lift."
"In the morning, I always take the gondola up to the Okusoji area. There, I don't take part in the powder competition on the Gun Gun Course, but instead enjoy carving and powder on the Gui Gui Course, which has some ungroomed snow and is groomed. There's also lots of powder on the side of the course, which feels great. Also, while the Gun Gun Course has steep slopes for advanced skiers, the Gui Gui Course is sloped enough for intermediate skiers, so I recommend it even for those who aren't up to the Gun Gun Course
After that, when the back pair opens up, I ski the ungroomed slopes of the Zokuzoku course. The course is wide, so even if there are a lot of people, if you look around, the powder will remain for a long time. After that, I ski the Haglöfs tree run area, and that's about it. After that, I move to the Nagamine area and ski the off-piste zones or the powder beside the groomed courses. People tend to gather in the backstreet area first thing in the morning, so if you get to the Nagamine area early, you can enjoy the powder beside the courses for a long time
"Before you know it, it'll be lunchtime.
In the afternoon, we'll move to the Maiko area and enjoy the Champion Course and the snow park. That's the general flow of the day."
Not only are there a wide variety of slopes, but the slopes are oriented differently depending on the area, so you can enjoy powder snow in a variety of different snow types. I think it's fun to come to Maiko and compare the different types of powder, such as smooth powder and bouncy powder."
That's how riders can enjoy themselves. On a good day when snowfall is expected, head to the ski resort with the image that the two riders mentioned in mind
Riders who skied this time
SB: Hiroki Hoshi (left)
He continues to ski in Minamiuonuma and is active in filming and freeride competitions on the local mountains. He became a member of the DRAGON family this season.
Instagram:@hiroki_nts
SKI: Ken Hirose (right)
Resides in Gunma Prefecture. He is quick on his feet and goes wherever he can in search of good snow. He especially likes to ski at Maiko and Nakazato on snowy days.
Instagram:@kenny_fjc
■Information
Maiko Snow Resort
2056-108 Maiko, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture 949-6423
Official website:https://www.maiko-resort.com/
Official social media:Instagram|Facebook|Twitter|LINE