The high-altitude Shinetsu area ski resorts are located inland, and because of the low temperatures, you can enjoy smooth powder snow that does not contain moisture. In addition, Nagano Prefecture is divided into a number of small mountain massifs, so it is rich in undulations, and the natural topography is particularly rich. Many ski resorts have courses where you can experience the fun of natural topography, and there is a wide variety of slopes. Furthermore, Shinetsu's unique "hometown" atmosphere will expand the enjoyment of your trip. Let's take a look at the powder fields in the Shinetsu area.
Photo: Daniel Honda Skier: Naoto Kono
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
The deep snow in the Yamabiko area is the best! Powder ride on various courses
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort boasts one of the largest scales in Japan and a hot spring town full of Japanese atmosphere. There is a lot of snowfall throughout the season, and there are 36 courses that satisfy families, beginners to advanced skiers. The altitude difference from the summit to the bottom is 1,085m, and the ski area is one of the largest in Japan for a single ski resort. The placement of the lifts has been devised, and it is possible to efficiently flow into various courses.
The non-compressed snow zone in the Yamabiko area at the top of the mountain is an irresistible zone for lovers of deep snow, where you can enjoy a beautiful tree run between beech and white birch trees.
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Yamabiko B course
Maximum slope: 33 degrees Average: 17 degrees / Distance: 800m / Slope direction: ー
The Yamabiko area, which extends from 1,400m to 1,650m above sea level, has excellent snow quality, and 1m of fresh snow can pile up overnight! The Yamabiko B course is a loose, uncompacted snow course. There are many spots along the course where you can enjoy deep snow. When there is no fresh snow, you can enjoy comfortable carving with good edge hold at speed while enjoying moderately changing slopes.
・Challenge 39° wall
Maximum slope: 39 degrees Distance: 300m / Slope direction: ー
Boasting the maximum slope of 39° in Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, it is so steep that the middle part of the slope cannot be seen from the entrance! It is one of the courses that powder fans can enjoy after snowfall with overhead spray.
・Black saddle course
Maximum slope: 37 degrees Average: 28 degrees / Distance: 550m / Slope direction: ー
On the right side of the entrance of Ushikubi Course, you can slide down towards Hikage Slope. After it snows, you can run from the top of the Nagasaka Gondola to Mizunashi Slope to Kurogura Course for a little-known powder run.
・Utopia
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 20 degrees / Distance: 400m / Slope direction: ー
Although the distance is not long, there is a slope, making it a popular course for advanced skiers. Due to the wide width of the course, even in the afternoon there may be no tracks left on both sides of the course. After snowfall, you can enjoy Steep & Deep powder rides.
◆ Official HP / https://nozawaski.com/
Madarao Kogen Ski Resort
charm of “Madapow”
Madarao Kogen is a popular ski resort that represents the Shinetsu area with a lot of snow. Although the altitude is 1,305m, high-quality snow is constantly falling, and good conditions are maintained, so you can fully enjoy the powder. Its powder quality and generous amount is called "Madapow", and there are still many fans who are enthusiastic about Pow.
Madarao Kogen is also attractive for its course layout that makes use of the undulating natural terrain. In particular, the number of tree run courses installed is Japan's top rank. The variety of courses is overwhelming, and it is often called Japan's most fun tree run. It is also a strength that the powder can be slipped on long. It has an excellent environment for powder and freeriding, and its versatility is endless.
Madarao Kogen Powder Specialty Course
・Powder wave Ⅱ
Maximum slope: 35 degrees Average: 24 degrees / Distance: 1500m / Slope orientation: North
A tree run course where you can enjoy long distances in a moderately thinned forest. There is also a course width, and it is possible to hit the no-track powder by taking a line. It can be accessed from the 13th lift using the "Adventure Isle" that passes through Madarao's most scenic point.
·World Cup
Maximum slope: 35 degrees Average: 27 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: Northeast
Accessible from the first super quad lift to operate, so you can aim for the first track in the morning. Enjoy a long powder ride of 1000m with a steep slope of 35 degrees. It is a very slippery course where the Mogul World Cup was held before.
・Powder line
Maximum slope: 35 degrees Average: 26 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: North
An uncompacted snow course between Powder Theater and Powder wave II, which spreads beyond Adventure Isle. If you go right at the lower junction, you will reach the 13th lift platform, and if you go left, it will lead to the tree run course "NINJA". It's fun to ski while thinking about the run line, such as scattering deep powder on an open barn or sneaking into the tree run areas on both sides.
・SAWA
You can enjoy the combination of powder and natural bank-like terrain with a sense of fun. There is plenty of powder in the swampy bank. A course that symbolizes the rich terrain of Madarao. Once you enter the course, let's slide rhythmically like a pendulum to the right and left according to the natural topography that comes one after another like waves.
◆Official HP／ http://www.madarao.jp/ski
YAMABOKU Wild Snow Park
A limited number of people can monopolize the private area of uncompacted snow! Plenty of gerepau
YAMABOKU Wild Snow Park spreads out on the southern slope of Mt. Because the slopes are quite high, with an altitude of 1,500m to 1,700m, light natural powder snow accumulates, and 70% of the slopes are uncompacted natural slopes, making it a surprising powder paradise.
Snowboarders have been enthusiastic about it for some time, and it has a strong image of snowboarding. In fact, it has a wide variety of courses that will motivate skiers to ski, such as advanced downhill courses and technical courses that ski while mastering changes in terrain. For free skiers, it can be said that it is a fresh and little-known powder spot.
The snow is uncompacted everywhere, so just skiing on the powder is very satisfying, but there are various programs that make full use of the blessed environment and allow you to enjoy the powder even more aggressively.
YAMABOKU Wild Snow Park's famous powder course
2nd STAGE
"2nd Stage" is a program that opens the 2nd stage, a private area of Yamaboku's special completely uncompacted snow, located behind the ridge of the 1st stage (main slope of Yamada Farm), for a limited day and limited to 30 people by reservation only. .
The 1st stage 2nd pair lift and 3rd lift are used for the approach, and after skiing, a snowmobile will transport you to the 1st stage panorama course. Before skiing, you can enjoy skiing freely until the end time, and drink service is also available. A guide will accompany you, so you can enjoy skating safely and securely.
Period: Every Saturday from January 8 (Sun) to February 26 (Sun), 2023
Price: 8,500 yen (5,000 yen for lift ticket holders and early bird season ticket holders)
Capacity: 30 people
＋PLUS Special Cat Program
Yamaboku's special powder area with beautiful ranch scenery is a private area of completely uncompressed snow = 2nd stage, which is run using a cat (snow vehicle) (limited time, limited to 10 people, complete reservation system). The guide explains the precautions and guides you through the course, then free skiing until the end time, and finally skiing the Takochi course. A program that will satisfy your stomach with lunch.
Period: Every Saturday from January 7th (Sat) to February 25th (Sat), 2023
Price: 19,000 yen (17,000 yen for lift ticket holders and early bird season ticket holders) Capacity: 10 people
◆ Official HP / https://yamaboku.co.jp/