Nagano Prefecture is known in Japan for boasting the greatest variety of tree-run and ungroomed courses in all of Japan. This ski resort offers tree-run areas that can be easily accessed by ski lift and is adored by lovers of backcountry and tree-run skiing. Much in the same vein as “JaPow” ( Japanese powder snow), Madarao is fondly known as “MadaPow” for the top-quality powder snow to be had in this snow-rich region.
This ski resort specifically garners attention for how it proactively provides access to its on-course forests. Skiing off the main courses is generally prohibited in many ski resorts because of the dangers associated with accidents and avalanche risks. Madarao, however, manages its own tree-run areas with methods to ensure fun with safety first. As a result, Madarao has been christened as a “Tree-run Mecca.” There’s no other ski resort around where you can shred up so many tree runs without a single moment of hiking.
The reason this is possible at Madarao Kogen is because it is privately-owned and can be freely developed with the land owner’s permission, unlike many other ski resorts, allowing for the maintenance of tree-run areas and the creation of new tree-run courses. Despite being in a region of heavy snowfall, the peak of Mount Madarao is actually located below the treeline, placing it at a lower risk of avalanches. What makes this ski resort so unique is that it conducts daily patrols and avalanche-control checks in order to offer visitors.
The “Powder Theater” and “Powder Wave 2” in the tree-run areas, and the “NINJA” course featuring a makeshift tree jump are just a few of the spots in Madarao Kogen that I highly recommend. These areas can be reached by the No. 13 lift to the mountaintop and accessed through the ridgeline “Adventure Aisle” course. A view of all the ski resorts surrounding Madarao awaits at the top of the mountain with the amazing sight alone worth a visit to this gem. Make sure to take extra care as you will need to have a certain level of skill to be able to attempt the tree runs.
Madarao Kogen also happens to be a ski resort that caters to families with a variety of slopes to satisfy all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Families can make the most of their time here by heading over to the kids’ area where children can have fun bobsledding or playing in the snow. The ski resort itself is roughly divided into two large areas: one area featuring plentiful ungroomed offerings and the “Tangram Ski Circus” for family-friendly fun. The sheer variety of courses available here for snow sports fanatics of all persuasions is one of the reasons why Madarao is so great.
Hotels offering ski-in, ski-out facilities are also plentiful at Madarao Kogen. The Madarao Kogen Hotel, operated by Madarao Mountain Resort, has its own hot spring baths for the ultimate relaxation experience after a day of skiing. There is also a growing selection of restaurants in the area as well for a fully-decked-out resort experience.
Getting here is simple. Visitors can hop aboard the Hokuriku Shinkansen in Tokyo and then catch a bus from Iiyama Station to the resort, bringing the total travel time to approximately two hours. Madarao Kogen’s central location places it within easy reach of popular areas in Nagano Prefecture such as Myoko and the Snow Monkey Park, making it the perfect location for skiers and snowboarders looking to hit up numerous ski areas in Nagano with ease.
