Location: Lotte Arai Resort
Our goal is the uncompacted snow course “Gerepau”!
At ski resorts, ``uncompacted snow courses'' are courses where the snow is left to fall without intentionally adding compressed snow. Of course, after snowfall, uncompacted snow = powder! In recent years, many ski resorts have been increasing the number of uncompacted snow courses, which is a great thing for powder fans.
There are many skiers and snowboarders who dream of seeing the majestic backcountry, but feel that it is still a bit difficult to do unless they have the appropriate equipment, knowledge, and skills. In that sense, there is nothing more convenient and rewarding than an uncompacted snow course where you can easily enjoy powder on the slopes. Isn't it great to be able to safely enjoy powder skiing without any hiking or specialized equipment? So, let's introduce a ski resort that has many uncompacted snow courses.
How much of the entire course is uncompacted snow?
Select a ski resort with a large volume of uncompacted snow
Select a ski resort with a large amount of uncompacted snow based on information such as information on the uncompacted snow course indicated on the official website of the ski resort, and the information from the PR staff, "How much uncompacted snow is there in the entire slope?" saw.
[Niigata Prefecture]
Arai Snow Resort | ARAI SNOWRESORT - Saturday, December 13, 2025
84% of the vast area is ungroomed! Night skiing will be back for the first time in three years in the 2024-2025 season, and you can even enjoy powder snow!
The area above the terminal point of the Arai Gondola that extends from the base is all uncompacted snow area. The top of Mt. Okenashi, which has an altitude of 1,429m, is the top of the ski slope, and from there you can ski full of powder in 10 free riding zones of uncompacted snow, including the powder bowl at the summit area. The level of the freeriding zone is 20% intermediate, 40% advanced, and 40% super advanced, so it's quite a challenge, and riding at advanced level and above requires a certain level of deep snow skiing skills and experience.
Gokuraku Ski Zone, which has a feeling of openness with a single barn that feels like you're in the backcountry, has 850m "Funaishi" from the right, and "Happy Place" and "Benzaku" to the right.
The “Zentana Bowl” with its irresistible mountainous topography is steep and deep with a maximum slope of 41 degrees. And from the widest and longest "large slope" (which can be approached by hiking about 30 minutes from the end of the Zentana lift), there are three uncompacted snow areas, "Wase", "Mamushi" and "KG". Long powder riding of up to 1.5km can be realized depending on the line.
It's a vast freeriding zone, but what's great about Arai is that the lifts are set up along the course, so you can ski efficiently and at full speed by using the lifts.
What's more, Arai has a special system that lets you enjoy this superb powder. It's called the "First Class Ticket." With this ticket, you can board the Arai Gondola from 8:00 a.m. at the first class gate with priority. Tickets for the 2025-2026 season have already sold out, so guests who haven't yet acquired one will have to board the Arai Gondola from 8:30 a.m. with an economy class ticket, but Arai's ungroomed snow zones are truly huge. One of the unique pleasures of Arai is skiing freely in all directions while strategizing which ungroomed snow areas will have the longest powder remaining.
One thing you can't miss this season is the return of night skiing for the first time in three seasons. Night skiing will be available, with ungroomed areas remaining, allowing you to enjoy plenty of powder at night.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
 |  |  |  |
| Top altitude 1,280m | Longest run 7,000m | Elevation difference 951m | Maximum slope 46° |
 |  |  |  |
14 courses | 5 lifts | 1 gondola | ropeway -book |
Lift fee | Economy class
| 1 day ticket price | 19 to 49 years old | 50 years or older | 7-18 years old |
|---|---|---|---|
| High season (December 13, 2025 - March 22, 2026) | 7,500 yen | 7,000 yen | 5,000 yen |
| Spring Season (March 23rd to May 10th, 2026) | 5,000 yen | 4,500 yen | 3,500 yen |
◆Official website/ https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/ja/ski-webzine.html
[Hokkaido]
Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
Superlative called STEEP & DEEP plus “JAPOW”
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu represents the Niseko area, which is said to be the birthplace of JAPOW. The vast field receives up to 4 to 5 meters of snow during the high season. It is not unusual for fresh powder to accumulate as much as 1m overnight. The face is reset with fresh snow almost every day, and in addition to the rich terrain, there is variety such as tree runs and steep slopes, making it the best place to enjoy freeride. The volume of uncompacted snow area is 77%.
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu's famous and popular night skiing offers a total of 12 courses, making it one of the largest in Japan. You can ski as much powder as you like all day long from morning till night.
The Niseko Annupuri summit area with an altitude of 1308m is an open barn that exceeds the tree line. The ``Large Course,'' which anyone can approach with lift access, is very popular. It's like a powder sanctuary where you can experience the majestic nature of Hokkaido. As the name suggests, the "powder snow course" below the gondola is a spot with deep powder, and with a maximum slope of 37 degrees, it's a course suitable for snowy snow lovers.
The ``Super Course'', which stretches for 1,220m on swamp-like terrain, is the best course for skiing. This bike also has a face with a maximum slope of 35 degrees, so it looks like you'll be able to do the riding you've always dreamed of carving out long turns while rolling up powder spray.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,200m | Longest run 5,300m | Elevation difference 940m | Maximum slope 40° |
| | | |
22 courses | 7 lifts | 2 gondolas | ropeway -book |
lift fee
| HANAZONO/Grand Hirafu Common 1-Day Ticket | Adults (16-64 years old) | Junior high school students (13-15 years old) and seniors (65 years old and over) | Child (4-12 years old) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season (December 13, 2025 - March 22, 2026) | 11,000 yen / 10,400 yen (online) | 6,600 yen / 6,200 yen (online) | 9,400 yen / 8,900 yen (online) |
| Spring Season (March 23, 2025 - April 5, 2026) | 7,700 yen / 7,300 yen (online) | 6,500 yen / 6,200 yen (online) | 4,600 yen / 4,300 yen (online) |
| Final Season (April 6th - May 6th, 2026) | 5,800 yen / 5,500 yen (online) | 4,600 yen / 4,300 yen (online) | 3,200 yen / 3,000 yen (online) |
| Niseko All Mountain 1-Day Ticket | Adults (16-64 years old) | Junior high school students (13-15 years old) and seniors (65 years old and over) | Child (4-12 years old) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season (December 13, 2025 - March 22, 2026) | 12,000 yen / 11,400 yen (online) | 10,200 yen / 9,600 yen (online) | 7,200 yen / 6,800 yen (online) |
| Spring Season (March 23rd - April 5th, 2026) | 8,400 yen | 7,100 yen | 5,000 yen |
| Final Season (April 6th - May 6th, 2026) | 6,000 yen / 5,700 yen (online) | 5,100 yen / 4,800 yen (online) | 3,600 yen / 3,400 yen (online) |
◆Official website/ https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/
Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort [Aomori Prefecture]
Koa Mountain where powder savages gather
A hardcore mountain ski resort where people who love fat skis and powder boards gather. The upper part of the slope is steep, and there is also a tree run course that takes you through a beautiful frost-covered forest, and 70% of the slope is uncompacted snow. Forest course is where you can fully enjoy the great nature of Hakkoda.
It has a sense of scale with a long running distance of 7km from the summit of Mt. Tamogakudake, where the ropeway summit station is located. At least five routes can be taken radially from the summit, so you can enjoy it without getting bored depending on the situation. However, it can be done by skiers and snowboarders who know the land well. If you are a Hakkoda beginner, it is wise to take a guided tour to enjoy the route safely.
Hakkoda's umami is further enhanced by the length of the powder season. By the end of March, the uncompacted snow courses in other areas will turn into bumpy slopes, but even with the spring conditions, Hakkoda is still the best season. It is not uncommon for there to be deep snow even in May.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,324m | Longest run 7,000m | Elevation difference 660m | Maximum slope 30° |
| | | |
5 courses | 2 lifts | Gondola -base | 1 ropeway |
Ropeway fee
| one way | Adult (Junior high school students and above) | Dwarf (elementary school student) | Before entering elementary school |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular ticket | 1,400 yen | 450 yen | free |
| 6-time ticket | 6,400 yen (junior high school students 3,400 yen/high school students 3,800 yen) | 2,150 yen | free |
| 11th ticket | 10,600 yen (junior high school students 5,000 yen/high school students 6,200 yen) | 3,000 yen | free |
◆Official website http://www.hakkoda-ropeway.jp/service/ski
[Niigata Prefecture]
CHARMANT HIUCHI
65% of "non-compressed snow principle" and "nature as it is"
This area is famous for its heavy snowfall, but during the high season the snowfall constantly exceeds 500 cm, so the amount of snowfall is extraordinary. Moreover, the quality is good and the dry powder falls, so it is irresistible. The ski resort is also preparing an environment that can provide this excessively abundant snow in the best form. The keywords are "non-compressed snow principle" and "nature as it is". Continuing efforts to not compact the snow, more than 65% are set as non-compressed snow areas and courses.
The first thing I want to aim for is "Flying Mountain". It is one of the longest non-stop powder courses in Japan with 1100m of technical slopes such as slope changes and standing trees. And the steep slope "Princess Course" where you can't get enough of the big slope change and the feeling of floating. Depending on the entry method, countless lines can be taken, and there are many standing trees in the powder area "Oriya" for experts.
When it comes to powder riding in the trees, the ``High Tribe'' offers a typical tree run experience. “Zen” is recommended for beginners to tree running. It's a sparse forest and open barn with a mellow feel, with just the right distance between the trees and the slope. Charmant Hiuchi is an environment where you can enjoy plenty of light snow everywhere.
basic information
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,009m | Longest run 2,700m | Elevation difference 508m | Maximum slope 37° |
| | | |
17 courses | 3 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
lift fee
| adult | Senior (60+) | Children (3 years old to junior high school students) | |
| 1 day ticket | 4,800 yen | 3,800 yen | 3,400 yen |
◆Official website／https://charmant-hiuchi.jp
[Niigata Prefecture]
Muikamachi Hakkaisan | MUIKAMACHI HAKKAISAN
of the long courses along the ropeway are 40% uncompacted snow.
Take the 81-passenger ropeway to the summit at an altitude of 1,100m in just 5 minutes.
The vertically long course layout from the top has many long courses, including the 3km downhill course that symbolizes Hakkaisan. Most of it is uncompacted snow, and Hakkaisan is a rare existence where you can enjoy a long powder run while efficiently rotating with a single ropeway. Among them, the "Expert Course", which is located directly below the mountaintop station, offers a steep and deep powder ride.
With a maximum gradient of 38 degrees and an average of 27 degrees, it is a very satisfying spot where you can fly 700m while raising the spray. In addition, the somewhat steep "Challenge Course" on Suribachi is also uncompacted. In addition, either "separate zone A" or "B" has uncompacted snow, and about 40% of the total is uncompacted snow. Hakkaisan is a heavy snowfall area boasting more than 300 cm of snow in the high season, and a high hit rate of deep powder.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,165m | Longest run 5,280m | Elevation difference 805m | Maximum slope 35° |
| | | |
11 courses | 4 lifts | Gondola -base | 1 ropeway |
lift fee
| Denomination | Adults (junior high school students and above) |
|---|---|
| 1 day ticket | 6,000 yen |
| Morning ticket | 5,500 yen |
| Afternoon ticket | 5,000 yen |
◆Official website/ https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/hakkaisan/winter/
[Gifu Prefecture]
Snowwave Park Shiratori Kogen | SNOWWAVE PARK SHIRATORI KOGEN
Non-compacted snow king in western Japan, where you can ski anywhere at your own risk
Snowwave Park Shiratori Kogen, located near Fukui Prefecture, experiences a lot of snow due to the influence of clouds from the Sea of Japan side.
There are many days when it rains more than 1m overnight, and when that happens, the mountain turns into a powdery white sea. Luckily, there are no ropes on the slopes and basically no skiing restrictions.
It's self-responsibility and free skiing anywhere. In addition, during the green season, it operates as a golf course under the name of "Shirotori Kogen Country Club", so the undulating slopes unique to golf courses become ski slopes. The fact that this topography is interesting is one of the factors that makes Shiratori Kogen so popular. The non-compacted snow slope "Powder Area" is a little-known course where you can enjoy about 500m of powder snow from the middle of the slope. And the "main course" where you can enjoy a long run. You can enjoy a dynamic run that also enjoys the park at the bottom of the course.
basic information
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,276m | Longest run 2,500m | Elevation difference 176m | Maximum slope 29° |
| | | |
11 courses | 3 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
lift fee
| Denomination | adult | Senior (60+) | Juniors (junior high and high school students) | Children (elementary school students and younger) |
| 1 day ticket | 4,900 yen (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) 3,500 yen (weekdays) *December 27th to January 5th are treated as holidays | 3,300 yen | 3,300 yen | 1,500 yen |
| Afternoon half-day ticket (12:00 - end of service) | 3,500 yen | - | - | - |
| Family time | 4,900 yen *After purchasing an adult one-day ticket, add a LINE friend and show the "LINE Family Coupon" screen to get one child free *Excluding January 3, 4, 10, 11, February 7, 8, 21, and 22, 2026 | - | - | - |
◆Official website/ http://www.siratori-k.jp/swp/
[Hokkaido]
Rusutsu Resort | RUSUTS RESORT
More than 40% uncompacted snow field and scale BIG with plenty of variety
Southeast of Mt. Yotei.
Rusutsu is in a perfect location, avoiding the harsh monsoon winds from the northwest, but still receiving plenty of wind-borne dry powder. There are 37 courses laid out in a vast field on three mountains. Its total skiing distance is 42km, the longest in Japan. Rusutsu has plenty of powder ski slopes, side country ski resorts in uncontrolled areas, parks that take advantage of unique natural terrain, beautiful grooming barns, long courses that will make even top skiers laugh at their knees, and even night skiing. , it is the perfect mountain where all kinds of skiing can be achieved.
Rusutsu has 40% of the uncompacted snow field, but the best part is turning the "Isola No. 3 Quad Lift" that spans the summit of Mt. It's a slippery routine.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top altitude 994m | Longest run 3,500m | Elevation difference 594m | Maximum slope 30° |
| | | |
37 courses | 14 lifts | 4 gondolas | ropeway -book |
lift fee
| Adults (19-64 years old) | Senior (65 and over) | Middle school students (13-18 years old) | Children (ages 4-12) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 hour ticket | 34,700 yen (33,100 yen) | 28,900 yen (27,700 yen) | 28,900 yen (27,700 yen) | 17,400 yen (16,600 yen) |
| Top-up for 5 hours. Only 25-hour tickets can be topped up (including advance tickets). | 6,600 yen (6,600 yen) | 5,400 yen (5,400 yen) | 5,400 yen (5,400 yen) | 3,000 yen (3,000 yen) |
*Prices in ( ) are for online purchases
| Adults (19-64 years old) | Senior (65 and over) | Middle school students (13-18 years old) | Children (ages 4-12) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 hour ticket | 14,000 yen (10,500 yen) | 10,000 yen (7,400 yen) | 10,000 yen (7,400 yen) | 6,000 yen (4,300 yen) |
| 1 day ticket | 16,200 yen (12,000 yen) | 12,100 yen (8,900 yen) | 12,100 yen (8,900 yen) | 8,000 yen (5,800 yen) |
◆ Official HP / https://rusutsu.com/rusutsu-in-winter/
[Nagano Prefecture]
Shiga Kogen Kumanoyu Ski Resort | SHIGAKOGEN KUMANOYU
There is no loss because the powder is maintained on the bowl-shaped north slope.
Kumanoyu Ski Resort is located in a bowl-shaped area at an altitude of 1,700m to 1,960m. Most of the snow is on the north slope and is not directly exposed to the sun, so the fresh snow is maintained in good conditions. You can often enjoy smooth powder, and the appeal is that you won't be disappointed no matter when you go. One of the reasons for this is the existence of Mt. Kasa (2,075m), which is located behind the ski resort. The snow clouds that cover this mountain cause large amounts of dry, fresh snow to fall constantly throughout the season.
Taking advantage of that feature, 40% of the ski resort is uncompacted. Although it is a compact ski resort, the course is steep and has many depressions, so it is perfect for freeriding. There is also a course where you can fully enjoy the tree run in the beautiful forest of Shiga Kogen, so you can play without getting bored.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,950m | Longest run 1,300m | Elevation difference 260m | Maximum slope 32° |
| | | |
10 courses | 5 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
lift fee
| Exclusive to Shiga Kogen Kumanoyu Ski Resort | Adult (18-59 years old) | Senior (60+) | Junior and senior high school students (proof of age required) | Children (12 years old and under) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning ticket (6:00-8:30) | 2,500 yen | 2,300 yen | 2,300 yen | 1,700 yen |
| 1 day ticket | 6,500 yen | 6,000 yen | 5,800 yen | 3,300 yen |
| 4 hour ticket | 5,500 yen | 5,200 yen | 5,200 yen | 2,700 yen |
| One-day pass for all 18 Shiga Kogen ski resorts | Adult (18-59 years old) | Senior (60+) | Junior and senior high school students (proof of age required) | Children (12 years old and under) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First skiing (December 7th to December 20th, 2025), Spring skiing (April 1st to May 6th, 2026) | 6,200 yen | 5,900 yen | 5,500 yen | 3,000 yen |
| Season (December 21, 2025 - March 31, 2026) | 9,000 yen / 8,000 yen (online) | 6,900 yen / 6,400 yen (online) | 6,700 yen / 6,200 yen (online) | 4,100 yen / 3,600 yen (online) |
◆Official website/ https://www.kumanoyu.co.jp/lift/
[Hokkaido]
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a landmark high-rise hotel with twin towers.
There are 29 courses on the two bases of "Tomamu Mountain" and "Tower Mountain", both of which are dotted with uncompacted snow courses. There are 3 uncompacted snow courses that are a must-see on Tomamu Mountain. In "No Gravity" where you slide from the powder express at the top of the high altitude, if you throw yourself on the steep face of 35 degrees, it is a powder zone where you can feel the floating feeling that forgets gravity as the name suggests. Glory is a popular course with the highest probability of hitting powder throughout the season. "Silky Way" is a slippery mid-slope and is an ideal training course for powder beginners.
There are many other gourds in Tomamu. The “advanced-only open area” where you can ski outside the course outside of the controlled area is truly powder heaven. However, you must stop by the Winter Mountain Liberation Desk in advance, sign the agreement, and receive an armband. A helmet is also required.
There is also a CAT tour operation called ``Mt. Karifuri CAT Tour,'' where you can charter a powder ride for a small group on a specialized non-compacted snow course. It was a dream-like event where only 12 guests could slide on Tomamu's dry powder as much as they wanted. Tomamu has a lot of facilities and gives the impression of being a luxury resort, but it is actually a big mountain with a dreamlike environment for powder lovers.
Video showing powder skiing
basic information
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,171m | Longest run 4,200m | Elevation difference 585m | Maximum slope 35° |
| | | |
29 courses | 5 lifts | 1 gondola | ropeway -book |
lift fee
| 1 day ticket | adult | Senior | Children (7-11 years old) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Season 1-Day Ticket: December 1st to 20th, 2025 | 5,000 yen | ー | 2,500 yen |
| 1-day ticket (counter price/online price) | 8,000 yen/7,700 yen | 7,500 yen No web | 6,000 yen/5,700 yen |
| Tomatomo 1-day ticket (limited lift ticket for Hokkaido residents) first purchase | 5,000 yen | ー | 2,500 yen |
◆Official website/ https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/
[Niigata Prefecture]
Kagura Ski Resort | KAGURA
Rugged, easy-access powder paradise 35%
Kagura, which is easily accessible from Naeba, gets a lot of snow even though other ski resorts in Joetsu don't. Also, in the Joetsu area, which is said to have heavy snow, Kagura has relatively light snow.
It is suitable for powder beginners because it snows, the slope is gentle, and the side country can be enjoyed relatively easily.
About 35% of the slopes are uncompacted powder courses. There are 3 lines with slopes and distances. In addition, the side country (commonly known as Tashiro Otoshi) from the lift access is a popular spot that is crowded with many free skiers after it snows. Kagura has good access to the backcountry, and you can enter the mountain through a special gate from the summit lift. There are many backcountry tours with guide services, so it's perfect for a safe debut in the backcountry after basic training on the slope's non-compacted snow course.
basic information
| | | |
| Top altitude 1,845m | Longest run 6,000m | Elevation difference 1,225m | Maximum slope 32° |
| | | |
32 courses | 15 lifts | 1 gondola | 2 ropeways |
lift fee
| Denomination | Adult (Junior high school students and above) | Children (elementary school students and younger) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day ticket | 7,500 yen | free |
| Morning ticket | 6,000 yen | |
| Afternoon ticket | 5,500 yen | |
| Mt.Naeba 1-day pass | 9,800 yen |
◆ Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/kagura/winter/
*Information as of December 7, 2025
