Madarao Kogen, Nagano, Japan Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding Guides – North Nagano Outdoor Sports

Snowtrip Tip 1: It`s not Alaska, but it`s pretty steep.

Madarao Kogen Ski Resort and interconnected Tangram Ski Circus are primarily intermediate level resorts. But drop-in points from much of the in-bounds terrain at Madarao can be very steep with inclinations of nearly 40°. Out-of-bounds drop zones accessed by NNOS can be even steeper, sometimes requiring air-to-pow entries into equally steep trees. There are mellower drop points that Aki will show you if gut-check adrenaline rushes aren`t your style, but be prepared for relatively high angle entries from off the top of Mount Madarao before funneling into mellower playful treed terrain.

Snowtrip Tip 2: Blower pow tree slalom.

The areas accessed by North Nagano Outdoor Sports from the summit of Mount Madarao are entirely tree covered. This is heaven for serious pow junkies as one of Japan`s greatest skiing & snowboarding appeals is the amazing tree riding found on both Honshu and Hokkaido. But this also means you`ll need to find a balance when it comes to your skis or board. You`ll want a set of skis/board that will keep you afloat while also being nimble and maneuverable so you don`t bounce your nose, edges or tail off steep tightly packed trees. If you`re a snowboarder our recommendation is to forget floating…hover instead.

Snowtrip Tip 3: Silent tree-lined adrenaline rushes to silent mellow snowshoe strolls.

Snowsports activities at Madarao Kogen don`t always need to involve blower pow in the trees. If you`re looking for another fun way to explore the beautiful surroundings of Mount Madarao, make the five minute walk (or ask for a shuttle ride) from the Madarao Kogen Hotel to the Yamanoi-e (Mountain House) to book a rewarding English-speaking snowshoe tour around Lake Nozomi in Madarao National Forest.

Snowtrip Tip 4: Discover more than Japow near Madarao Kogen in Nagano.

Twenty-five minutes down the road from interconnected Nagano ski resorts, Madarao Kogen & Tangram Ski Circus, you can immerse in memorable hands-on activities that will open windows into the Japanese way of life that have been part of the Iiyama region for centuries. Design exclusive gifts for loved ones or create your own unique keepsake via great Iiyama City cultural activities including metal working with a master craftsman, traditional paper making or join a sake brewery tasting tour.