In the Niigata area, which boasts one of the largest amounts of snow in Japan, there are many ski resorts that are close to Shinkansen stations and expressway interchanges and have excellent access. Arriving in a snowy mountain village in 2.5 hours from the city center, the convenience is beyond description. The Yuzawa area attracts a large number of people who love to ski in powder, as well as BC beginners who want to try backcountry skiing. This is because there is an environment where powder and BC beginners can safely start powder riding. Let's take a look at such ski resorts and famous powder courses.
Kagura Ski Resort
Powder and backcountry heaven within 2.5 hours from the city center
In the Yuzawa area of Niigata Prefecture, this is a ski resort with strong powder and backcountry colors. Open from late November to late May. In addition to being easily accessible from the Kanto region, it has a reputation for good snow quality due to its high snowfall and high altitude. The powder course on the slopes has 3 lines that are both steep and long. In addition, the side country (commonly known as Tashiro Otoshi) from the lift access is a popular spot with many free skiers after it snows.
Kagura has good access to the backcountry, and you can enter the mountain from the summit lift through the exclusive BC gate. If you submit a climbing notification and have BC equipment, you can ski. There are many backcountry tours for beginners and intermediate skiers with guide services, so it's perfect for a safe debut in the backcountry after basic training on the slopes.
Kagura is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Tokyo, where you can enjoy the great outdoors and experience light snow that is unlike Joetsu. Another reason for its popularity is that there are so many areas where you can ski, including the parts that connect with Tashiro.
Kagura Ski Resort's famous powder course
・F4: Giant Course
Maximum slope: 27 degrees Average: 21 degrees / Distance: 611m / Slope direction: ー
An uneven terrain course with a course length of over 600m. Approach using the Kagura 1st Expressway. Even after the snowfall, if the snow cover is shallow, the slopes are so rough that they become subdued. Let's enjoy the fresh snow that will make your feet stick.
・F5: Technical course
Maximum slope: 29 degrees Average: 20 degrees / Distance: 441m / Slope direction: ー
A steep slope course that can be seen on the right from the bottom of the Kagura Daiichi Expressway. It is famous as a tough bump course in spring and when there is no snow, aiming for powder in the morning when the snow is fresh. The running distance is as short as 441m, but the response to the slide is the best.
・Y3: Challenge Burn
Maximum slope: 31 degrees Average: 24 degrees / Distance: 492m / Slope direction: ー
The steepest slope powder area in the Tashiro area, using the Tashiro No. 6 Romance Lift. Many skaters aim for this early in the morning to avoid crowds at Kagura. You can enjoy dynamic powder skiing with a view of Lake Tashiro.
＋PLUS Stay at Wada-goya and enjoy fast track
You can stay overnight at Wada Hut, located halfway up the slopes of Kagura, at an altitude of 1,380m, and enjoy the fast track the next morning. A special service limited to guests staying at Wada Hut. For the 2021-2022 season, Wadagoya will be open from December 17, 2022 (Sat) to May 6, 2023 (Sat).
Period: Until May 6, 2023 (Saturday)
Accommodation business days are Saturday and Golden Week
Price: Wada hut 1 night 2 meals (with dinner and breakfast) Adult ¥ 12,000 / Child ¥ 9,500 (up to elementary school student)
Details: https:/ /www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/wadagoya/
◆ Official HP / https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/kagura/winter/
Naeba Ski Resort
Excellent conditions if you want to ski fresh snow on steep slopes
With Kagura as the border, Naeba is a field that has both the weather of Joetsu and Gunma. The altitude is 900m at the base and 1600m at the top, so when it falls, the snow is of very good quality. It has 24 courses with 3 gondolas and 11 lifts on the slopes that spread over Mt. Takeshi, and the longest run is 4km. There are 6 steep slopes, including Naeba's famous "large slope" with a maximum slope of 32 degrees, and an official course for the FIS Alpine World Cup.
After a snowfall, the non-compressed snow course becomes a steep and powder thrilling face. The slopes are steep and the snow falls well, so you can enjoy the powder just inside the slopes. As Kagura is popular with free skiers, it can be said that it is a little-known powder spot for skiing early in the morning or only in the morning. If you want to ski fresh snow on steep slopes, some people say that the conditions are better than Kagura or Hakkaisan.
Naeba Ski Resort's famous powder course
・B3: Women's Riesen
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 26 degrees / Distance: 415m / Slope direction: ー
One of Naeba's famous steep slope courses. The Baan, named after the name of the W Cup course, has a maximum gradient of 30 degrees and an average of 26 degrees, and is usually uncompacted. A popular local course where you can enjoy long run powder after snowfall.
・B2: Men's Riesen
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 25 degrees / Distance: 581m / Slope direction: ー
This is also W cup burn. A steep slope that is crunchy at the time of leveling. After the snowfall, it becomes a tough powder burn. Because the course width is wide, you may be confused by the feeling of slope, but it is a steep slope of up to 32 degrees. The first thing in the morning after a snowfall is an irresistible stage for advanced skiers.
・K2: Mt. Takeshi Slope
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 21 degrees / Distance: 435m / Slope direction: ー
The course at the summit of Naeba. A barn where you can feel the great nature that exceeds the forest limit. The ground here is also uneven and becomes a powder field after a snowfall. We use the Takeshiyama Romance Lift, but after it snows, it opens later than the other lifts, so it is a promise to go to the top after attacking the lower Riesen course. The maximum slope is 32 degrees.
DESCENTE Fast Track
One of the reasons Naeba is so popular with free skiers is the "DESCENTE Fast Track" where you can enjoy a "no track & grooming barn" where no one has skied yet. The 2022-23 season will be held at Prince No. 1 gondola. Tickets can be purchased on the morning of the day without reservation.
Period: Every Sunday from January 1st (New Year's Day), January 8th (Sun) to March 12th (Sun), 2023
Time: 7:30 a.m. Prince No. 1 gondola ride starts 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. 30
Fee: ¥1,500/person Season pass holders ¥800/person
Details: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/first_track/naeba.html
◆ Official HP / https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/naeba/winter/
Maiko Snow Resort
If you want to get better at freeriding, go here!
Only 1 minute from Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC! The location is irresistibly convenient for those who own a car. The slopes are made up of three areas, with a total of 26 courses that satisfy everyone from beginners and kids to experts, and the longest run is about 6000m.
Taking advantage of the rich natural terrain, Maiko is steadily expanding its non-compacted snow and tree run courses, mainly in the Okusoeji area. Many of the courses face north, and the smooth Uonuma powder is piled up, making it a perfect freeride zone.
Maiko Snow Resort's famous powder course
・Off-piste zone
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 20 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: North
A conditionally open, uncompacted snow area. Approximately 1,000 m of running distance and a maximum slope of 32 degrees. One of the best courses in Maiko where you can taste the finest powder when it snows.
・Champion Course
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 30 degrees / Distance: 170m / Slope orientation: North
Non-compressed snow course with weather conditions. Although the distance is short, it is the most difficult course in Maiko, the prelude to the world-class freeride competition FWT, and the adoption course for FWQ/Freeride World Qualify.
・Gungun Course ・Haglöfs Tree Run Area
Maximum slope: 24 degrees Average: 15 degrees / Distance: 820m / Slope direction: North
The central part is a cobb barn that is ideal for mogul practice. There are relatively few bumps along the Okuzoeji Quad Lift, and when it snows, it transforms into a powder slope, and the view overlooking Okuzoeji is great. Looking from the top, on the left hand side is the Haglöfs tree run area, a powder course in the forest that requires prior application. No matter where you slide down, you can return to the course at the end, so it's perfect for tree beginners.
◆ Official HP / https://www.maiko-resort.com/
Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort
A steep slope with a perfect score for turning on the ropeway
A ski resort with a linear impression built around the ropeway that spans Mt. Hakkai. The top of the ski resort is not very high at 1,147m above sea level, but it is a heavy snowfall area where the snow clouds coming from the Sea of Japan fall first, so the snowfall in the peak season is overwhelming. The course built along the ropeway is a handsome barn with a maximum gradient of 26-35 degrees, an average of 17-25 degrees, and an elevation difference of 805m. After it snows, it is famous as a powder spot where skiers with thick boards gather.
The lower part of the slope is gentle, and the upper part is all steep upper to intermediate courses. The snow-capped high coniferous forest is beautiful, and it is a ski resort that feels a little different from other ski resorts in North America.
Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort Powder Specialty Course
・D1 Expert Course
Maximum slope: 35 degrees Average: 22 degrees / Distance: 917m / Slope orientation: North
A straight steep slope line from the top of the ropeway to the 3rd romance lift platform. With a maximum gradient of 35 degrees and an average of 22 degrees, it is literally the most expert course in the field. After the snowfall, use the lift. Alternatively, you can enjoy a quick powder run from the top to the Ropeway Sanroku Station. It's usually bumpy on uneven terrain. It will be a tougher course than powder.
・A3 Downhill Course
Maximum slope: 26 degrees Average: 17 degrees / Distance: 1,193m / Slope orientation: North
Along the ropeway, the line on the left when viewed from below. The snow is compacted, making it slippery and popular with intermediate and advanced skiers. When it snows, more skiers gather than on the expert course. It is also possible to ski all the way down to the bottom of the ropeway.
・C1 Maekura Course
Maximum slope: 29 degrees Average: 16 degrees / Distance: 894m / Slope orientation: North
A slope for intermediate skiers using the 2nd Romance Lift. With a maximum slope of 29 degrees and a total length of 894m, it is also used for alpine training. After the snowfall, the course becomes fresh snow with a moderate slope. It is also recommended for intermediate powder tries.
+PLUS DESCENTE Fast Track
An annual event at Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort. This season, except for the D1 course, it is possible to ski, and you can do a long ride of 3,000m. Includes 1 soft drink ticket. Whether or not the event will be held on weekdays will be posted on the website/Facebook by 12:00 noon the day before. Advance reservation is required at the ski resort from 12:00 noon to 5:00 P.M. the day before (telephone only)
Period: Until March 12, 2023 (Sunday)
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - Reception 8:20 a.m. Ropeway
fare: Adults and children (up to elementary school age) 1,000 yen
Details: https://www.princehotels.co. jp/ski/first_track/hakkaisan.html
◆ Official HP / https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/hakkaisan/winter/
Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
Core powder & tree run enthusiasts are also very satisfied
About 10 minutes from Yuzawa IC, JR Echigo Nakazato Station and the ski center are directly connected, making it easy to access by train. Starting with the unique Blue Train rest area that uses an actual train, there are plenty of rest areas where you can take off your boots and relax.
At first glance, the slopes seem to be mainly for families with spacious, gentle slopes, but that's not all. A tree run and powder spot that will impress core free skiers has been opened from the 2020-21 season. The density of the trees is varied and the rhythm changes are fun. The new Yuzawa Nakazato has become a secret wonderland for advanced players.
Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort's famous powder course
・Challenge burn
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 25 degrees / Distance: 370m / Slope direction: West
Since the snow is not compacted, you can enjoy powder riding on the morning after it snows, and it is usually a tough bump dojo. During the off season, the tree run area along the Challenge Burn was maintained and expanded to expand the skiing area.
・Giant course
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 22 degrees / Distance: 580m / Slope orientation: Southwest
A giant course that arrives after riding the second romance lift. Suitable for experts who are considered to be difficult places with bumps and deep snow. It is exhilarating to ski on the open slope of fresh snow that spreads out in front of the ski resort.
・Extreme course
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 24 degrees / Distance: 180m / Slope direction: Northwest
A difficult course with a steep entrance and super hard non-compressed snow. The slopes face northwest, so it's easy to keep the powder in good condition, and the conditions are consistently good.
・Tree run area
As a vast tree-run course with uncompacted snow, the area is open so that you can ski all the way up the mountain on the right side of the slope. If the powder piles up, steep slopes over 30 degrees will be the best face. The trees are thinned with a moderate feeling and it is slippery. There are 5 types of slopes, so you can choose the line according to your preference and amount of snow.
・Dynamic course / total length 600m, maximum gradient 32° ・average 17°
・Giant course / total length 580m, maximum gradient 32° ・average 22°
・Challenge course / total length 370m, maximum gradient 32° ・average 25°
, extreme Course/Length 200m, Maximum slope 31°, Average 24°
, Training barn/Length 250m, Maximum slope 31°, Average 25°
◆ Official HP / https://www.yuzawa-nakazato.com/winter/