Discover Madarao Kogen;
Japan’s Premier Freeride & Tree Skiing Haven

Uncover a legendary winter paradise at Madarao, an exceptionally vibrant snowsports destination straddling the scenic alpine border of Nagano and Niigata prefectures. Highly revered for its staggering annual snowfall of 10 to 13 meters, Madarao Kogen is affectionately nicknamed "Madapow" by deep-snow purists due to its dry, featherlight powder and uniquely progressive approach to sidecountry exploration. Distinct from many highly regulated Japanese slopes, this dynamic Madarao resort leaves a whopping 60% of its terrain entirely ungroomed and proudly showcases a world-class network of intentionally gladed, lift-accessible tree runs and natural powder bowls. Offering an authentic, uncrowded village atmosphere alongside an all-mountain pass that seamlessly connects with the neighboring Tangram Ski Circus, it delivers an unparalleled winter escape designed for adventurers seeking maximum value and minimal lift lines.

Discover the Untamed Powder of Madarao

Make your next winter escape truly legendary by heading straight to Madarao, an exceptionally vibrant alpine pocket nestled on the border of Nagano and Niigata prefectures. Highly revered for its staggering average annual snowfall of 10 to 13 meters, this powder-haven is affectionately nicknamed "Madapow" by deep-snow purists who chase featherlight, bone-dry winter storms. Because the region consistently attracts cold weather fronts straight across the Sea of Japan, the snow quality here remains incredibly soft, deep, and consistent all winter long.

Explore the Freeride Capital at Madarao Kogen

For riders who view the entire mountain as a natural playground, Madarao Kogen offers an unmatched, progressive approach to all-mountain exploration that stands out from more rigid traditional resorts. A massive 60% of the skiable terrain is intentionally left completely ungroomed, creating a treasure trove of lift-accessible powder bowls, natural halfpipes, and pillows. It has earned a massive international reputation as Japan's premier destination for off-piste freedom, allowing skiers and snowboarders to carve their own lines through pristine mountain territory.

Tackle Japan’s Finest Tree Runs at Madarao Resort

What truly cements this dynamic Madarao resort as a bucket-list destination is its world-class, dedicated network of gladed tree trails. The mountain ops team actively grooms and thins out specific forest zones between the traditional courses, creating legendary runs like Powder Wave, Ninja, and Crystal Bowl. This intentional design gives powder hounds safe, legal, and seamlessly accessible entry to deep glade riding straight from the chairlifts—a rare luxury in the Japanese ski scene where going out-of-bounds is often strictly off-limits.

Double Your Terrain with the Connected Mountain Pass

Maximizing your time on the snow is effortless thanks to a shared lift ticket system that instantly expands your boundary lines. The main slopes share a high mountain ridge with the neighboring Tangram Ski Circus, and a combined dual-resort pass unlocks a massive layout of combined terrain. This seamless connectivity lets you follow the sun and the storm cycles throughout the day, switching from Madarao’s steep tree runs to Tangram’s wide, fast groomers and family-friendly play zones without ever taking off your boots.

Experience a Cozy Village with an Authentic Alpine Vibe

Beyond the high-speed quad lifts, the village base area treats winter travelers to a welcoming, uncrowded atmosphere that perfectly balances comfort with local charm. The peaceful village footprint is dotted with warm ski lodges, western-style chalets, and traditional Japanese guest houses that put you minutes from the snow. After a demanding day of charging hard through the glades, nothing beats the local aprés lifestyle: soaking in a steaming, mineral-rich hot spring followed by a hearty bowl of regional ramen or local craft beers.