The Company was placed into voluntary liquidation on 27 December 2024. Please direct any enquiries to [email protected]

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Snowcapped TravelSnowcapped Travel

Great Ski Holiday Packages & Deals

  • Custom Quote
  • FAQ
  • Login
  • Contact Us

1800 SNOWCAP

MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Canada
    • British Columbia
      • Whistler
      • Big White
      • Silver Star
      • Sun Peaks
      • Panorama
      • Red Mountain
      • Revelstoke
      • Fernie
      • Kicking Horse
      • Whitewater
    • Alberta
      • Banff
      • Lake Louise
      • Jasper
    • Quebec
      • Mont Tremblant
  • Japan
    • Hokkaido
      • Niseko
      • Rusutsu
      • Furano
      • Tomamu
      • Kiroro
    • Honshu
      • Hakuba
      • Nozawa Onsen
      • Shiga Kogen
      • Myoko Kogen
      • Madarao
  • USA
    • California
      • Mammoth
      • Heavenly
      • Northstar
      • Palisades Tahoe
    • Colorado
      • Aspen
      • Snowmass
      • Vail
      • Beaver Creek
      • Breckenridge
      • Keystone
      • Copper Mountain
      • Crested Butte
      • Telluride
      • Steamboat
      • Winter Park
    • Utah
      • Deer Valley
      • Park City
      • Snowbird
    • Wyoming
      • Jackson Hole
    • Alaska
      • Alyeska
  • Europe
    • France
      • Avoriaz
      • Chamonix
      • Courchevel
      • La Plagne
      • Les Arcs
      • Megeve
      • Meribel
      • Tignes
      • Val d’Isere
      • Val Thorens
    • Austria
      • Lech
      • St Anton
    • Switzerland
      • Verbier
      • Wengen
      • Zermatt
  • EPIC PASS
  • IKON Pass
  • Heli Skiing
    • Alaska
    • Canada
    • USA
  • Get a Custom Quote

Find Your Perfect Place To Ski & Ride

Madarao Ski Resort

Madarao Mountain Resort Ski Review: The Powder Paradise of Nagano

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, the Madarao Mountain Resort, commonly known as Madarao Kogen Ski Resort, bridges the gap between the beloved Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen ski resorts. Renowned for its deep, fluffy powder and distinctive ski runs, Madarao Kogen offers a genuine Japanese ski resort experience that will etch lasting memories.

Ski Area Overview

Size & Features:

At the core of Japan ski resorts stands the imposing Mt. Madarao, reaching up to 1,382 meters. The Madarao Mountain Resort sprawls over 28 unique ski runs serviced by 14 efficient ski lifts. The ski area, marked by its iconic bowl shape, provides an array of terrains. Adding to Madarao ski’s prestige, it was the honored venue for Japan’s inaugural freestyle skiing competition, ensuring a multitude of exceptional ski runs for enthusiasts.

Terrain Composition:

Madarao Mountain Resort caters to a wide spectrum of skiers – with 30% of its slopes designed for novices, 35% beckoning intermediate skiers, and the remaining 35% set to test advanced skiers. Notably, 60% of Madarao Kogen ski resort’s runs remain off-piste, making it a dream for those passionate about off-piste skiing. From impeccably groomed trails to the thrill of tree runs, the Free Ride Park, and the family-friendly Kid’s Park, Madarao Kogen promises a memorable experience.

Notable Features:

Madarao Kogen Ski Resort’s distinct appeal is its unwavering commitment to off-piste skiing. This ensures many ski enthusiasts have the opportunity for off-piste riding through deep snow, a cherished rarity at many Japanese resorts. Furthermore, with fewer adventurers heading off-piste, there’s minimal competition for unspoiled slopes.

Activities & Amenities

Beyond skiing, Madarao Mountain Resort bursts with winter activities. Dive into snow rafting, embark on tranquil snowshoeing trails, or immerse yourself in Japanese traditions with soba making sessions.

Accommodation

Dominating Madarao’s lodging scene is the Madarao Kogen Hotel. This ski-in, ski-out establishment, strategically positioned on a beginner slope, offers a blend of Western and Japanese styled accommodations. Guests are treated to a range of amenities, from quaint cafes, sumptuous restaurants, childcare services, ski rentals to the rejuvenating allure of indoor and outdoor hot springs (onsens). For those craving diversity, the Madarao Kogen village presents a gamut of lodging options, spanning from plush hotels, cost-effective pensions to snug lodges and apartments.

Ease of Access

Journeying to Madarao Mountain Resort is quite seamless. From Narita, anticipate a 3h 30min expedition. Initiate with the Skyliner train bound for Ueno, followed by a transition to the Hokuriku Shinkansen directed to Iiyama.

Strengths & Areas for Improvement

Madarao Kogen Ski Resort’s standout forte is its abundant off-piste offerings, positioning it as a coveted powder skiing destination. The multifaceted terrain ensures that skiers of all proficiencies are catered to, supplemented by the rich tapestry of activities and accommodations. The ski resort’s legacy as the pioneer venue for Japan’s freestyle skiing contest imbues it with a distinct charm.

Conversely, the ski resort’s pronounced tilt towards ungroomed terrains may daunt absolute novices or those with a penchant for groomed trails.

Conclusion

The Madarao Mountain Resort, with its abundant snow and illustrious skiing lineage, stands as a pinnacle in Nagano’s skiing arena. Whether a seasoned veteran, an enthusiastic intermediate, or a budding beginner, the slopes of Madarao Kogen beckon. This ski resort seamlessly melds authentic Japanese nuances with supreme skiing, assuring every trip transcends a mere vacation – it’s an odyssey.

Other Things To Know

Madarao Mountain Resort, situated close to Nozawa Onsen, is easily accessible with a mountain pass, making it a favorite for international visitors. The proximity to Tangram Ski Circus further expands the ski areas, offering an expansive playground for skiing aficionados. Many opt for ski packages that often include lift tickets, making the experience more cost-effective. Notably, the Super Quad Lift is a favorite among many, efficiently transporting skiers to reasonably steep bowls, ensuring good tree skiing. Madarao ski, compared to many Japanese resorts, remains less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed skiing experience. There’s also a ski school available for English-speaking guests, ensuring that international visitors have the best guidance at their fingertips. With its deep snow and off-piste riding opportunities, it’s clear why Madarao Mountain Resort is a revered destination among advanced skiers and powder hounds alike.

  • Accommodation
  • Trail Maps
  • Statistics
  • Specials

Madarao Kogen Hotel

Renovated in 2007 the Madarao Kogen Hotel is the most popular hotel in the Madarao highlands. It is ski in/ski out within walking distance to the main part of the...

more info

Monaile Madarao

The Monaile Hotel is Ski In/Ski Out located just a short 2-3 minute shuttle bus from Madarao's main village. The Monaile Hotel offers Western and Japanese style accommodation with large...

more info

Beginner Ski Area 30
Intermediate Ski Area 35
Advanced Ski Area 35
Ski Lifts 14
Summit Elevation 1382m
Average Snowfall 13m
Longest Run 2.5km
Closest Airport Name Tokyo Narita Airport
Closest Airport Distance 4.5 hours
  • Contact Us For Latest Specials – Custom Quote

Primary Sidebar

Resort Rating

No ratings!

No ratings yet.

Resort Reviews

No ratings yet.

  • FAQs
  • Custom Quote
  • Ski Travel Insurance
  • Contact Us

Footer

Company

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Social

  • Facebook

Send me the latest specials!

© 2025 Snowcapped Travel Site by Spinifex Media