Location: Lotte Arai Resort
Non-compressed snow courses are increasing steadily
In recent years, ski resorts have all expanded their uncompacted snow courses and tree run courses.
An ``uncompacted snow course'' is one where the snow is left to fall without intentionally adding compacted snow. Of course, after snowfall, uncompacted snow = powder! Powder lovers will be happy to know that there are more courses available on uncompacted snow. There are many skiers and snowboarders who dream of seeing the majestic backcountry, but feel that it is still a little difficult to get into unless you have the appropriate equipment, knowledge, and skills. In that sense, there is nothing more convenient and rewarding than an uncompacted snow course on the slopes. Isn't it great to be able to enjoy powder riding on the slopes without having to hike or need any specialized equipment? So, let's introduce a ski resort with many uncompacted snow courses where you can fully enjoy the powder ski slopes.
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 SNOWRESORT
84% of the vast area is covered with uncompacted snow!! With an overwhelming amount of snow, the chance of encountering powder is by far the highest
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 the great thing about Arai is that there are lifts along the course, so you can ski efficiently by using the lifts. On top of that, Arai has a special system that works with this finest powder. Its name is "first class ticket". With this, you can get priority access to the gondola lift from 8am. It's worth it to get to the freeriding zone as quickly as possible and enjoy the powder to the fullest. (Limited quantity sold per day)
First class ticket: 8,600 yen/19-59 years old ・High season Open ~ March 24, 2024 (Sunday)
Upgrade from economy class to first class is also possible for an additional fee. (19 years and older: 2,000 yen per day)
·Basic information
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| Top altitude 1,280m | Longest run 7,000m | Elevation difference 951m | Maximum slope 46° |
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14 courses | 4 lifts | 1 gondola | ropeway -book |
Video showing powder skiing
◆Official website/ https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/ja/ski-webzine.html
[Niigata Prefecture]
Seki Onsen Ski Resort | SEKIONSEN
It is said that 80% of the snow is uncompacted, but in fact the entire snow zone is covered with powder.
Although there are only two lifts and the slopes are not large, you can ski anywhere.
Half of the course is covered in uncompacted snow, but as you can see from the "powder zone" on the ski resort map, it is entirely powder. Seki Onsen is the area with the heaviest snowfall in the Myoko area, and the snow is reset almost every night, and it is not uncommon for snow to accumulate 30 to 40 cm overnight. I agree with the statement that there is a 70% chance of hitting powder. A dream ski resort for powder lovers. The official website has an interesting page called `` Yotoku Taishi '' that shows the snowfall forecast for Seki Onsen, which has a high hit rate.
I'm also happy that the staff is so user-friendly that they provide powder information frequently. Seki Onsen also has very easy access to the backcountry. Several guide services offer tours on the "Backcountry Powder Guide Course," which is a self-responsible area.
·Basic information
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| Top altitude 1,200m | Longest run 2,000m | Elevation difference 400m | Maximum slope 45° |
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5 courses | 2 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆Official website/ http://www.sekionsen.com/
[Hokkaido]
Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU｜NISEKO TOKYU Grand HIRAFU
Superlative called STEEP & DEEP plus “JAPOW”
Grand Hirafu represents the Niseko area, which is said to be the birthplace of JAPOW.
The vast field holds 4 to 5 meters of snow in the high season. It is not uncommon for 1m of fresh powder to pile up overnight. The face, which is reset with fresh snow almost every day, has a variety of terrain, such as tree runs and steep slopes, making it the best place to enjoy free riding. The volume of the non-compacted snow area of Grand Hirafu is as high as 77%.
As you can see in the photo, it is amazing that you can ski on non-compressed snow even at night. All-you-can-eat powder skiing all day long. The summit area of Niseko Annupuri with an altitude of 1308m is an open barn that exceeds the forest limit.
The "Large Course" that anyone can approach with lift access is very popular. It's like a sanctuary of powder, where you can feel the majestic nature of Hokkaido. As the name suggests, the “powder snow course” under the gondola is also a spot where deep powder accumulates, with a maximum gradient of 37 degrees. The "Super Course", which stretches for 1,220m on a stream-like terrain, is extremely slippery. This one also has a face with a maximum slope of 35 degrees, so you can make long turns while rolling up the powder spray.
·Basic information
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| Top altitude 1,200m | Longest run 5,300m | Elevation difference 940m | Maximum slope 40° |
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22 courses | 11 lifts | 1 gondola | ropeway -book |
◆Official website/ https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/
[Aomori Prefecture]
Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort | HAKKODA
Koa Mountain where powder savages gather
A hardcore mountain ski resort where favorites with fat skis and powder boards gather. Hakkoda has a steep slope at the top of the slopes and a tree run course that slides through a beautiful frost-covered forest. In fact, 70% of the snow is uncompacted.
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.
·Basic information
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| Top altitude 1,324m | Longest run 7,000m | Elevation difference 660m | Maximum slope 30° |
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5 courses | 2 lifts | Gondola -base | 1 ropeway |
◆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
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| Top altitude 1,009m | Longest run 2,700m | Elevation difference 508m | Maximum slope 37° |
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17 courses | 3 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆Official website／https://charmant-hiuchi.jp
[Niigata]
Muikamachi Hakkaisan | 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.
·Basic information
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| Top altitude 1,165m | Longest run 5,280m | Elevation difference 805m | Maximum slope 35° |
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11 courses | 4 lifts | Gondola -base | 1 ropeway |
◆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
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| Top altitude 1,276m | Longest run 2,500m | Elevation difference 176m | Maximum slope 29° |
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11 courses | 3 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆Official website/ http://www.siratori-k.jp/swp/
[Hokkaido]
Rusutsu 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.
·Basic information
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| Top altitude 994m | Longest run 3,500m | Elevation difference 594m | Maximum slope 30° |
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37 courses | 14 lifts | 4 gondolas | ropeway -book |
Video showing powder skiing
◆ Official HP / https://rusutsu.com/rusutsu-in-winter/
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[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.
·Basic information
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| Top altitude 1,950m | Longest run 1,300m | Elevation difference 260m | Maximum slope 32° |
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10 courses | 5 lifts | Gondola -base | ropeway -book |
◆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.
In addition, CAT tour operations are also being carried out, where a small number of guests can charter powder rides on specialized non-compressed snow courses. Tomamu's scale is remarkable. Tomamu has a strong impression of being a luxurious resort with full facilities, but it is actually a fascinating mountain with endless fun for powder lovers.
·Basic information
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| Top altitude 1,171m | Longest run 4,200m | Elevation difference 585m | Maximum slope 35° |
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29 courses | 5 lifts | 1 gondola | ropeway -book |
◆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
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| Top altitude 1,845m | Longest run 6,000m | Elevation difference 1,225m | Maximum slope 32° |
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32 courses | 15 lifts | 1 gondola | 2 ropeways |
◆ Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/kagura/winter/
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