ARAI

The real draw is the 84% ungroomed terrain spread across 10 designated freeride zones - basically sanctioned backcountry without the avalanche course requirement. Marked runs are fine but forgettable; the magic happens in the trees and open bowls where fresh tracks linger for days after storms. The 951m vertical gives you proper top-to-bottom descents, though the lower mountain can get heavy when it's warm.

This is a destination resort where Tokyo powder hunters come to get serious - expect quiet weekdays with legitimate terrain to yourself, then weekend invasions of skilled skiers who know exactly what they're here for. The base is all modern resort efficiency rather than village charm, but nobody cares when you're floating through untouched trees at 10am on a Tuesday.

"They close all lifts due to the wind except the useless bunny slope to avoid paying refunds. Absolutely unethical."

— Google Review

• ✓Intermediate-plus skiers ready to graduate from groomed runs to real powder exploration
• ✓Tokyo-based powder hunters who want maximum snow with minimum travel time
• ✓Anyone who's done Niseko and wants to remember why they fell in love with deep snow instead of deep crowds

• ✗You panic without English menus and resort staff who speak perfect English
• ✗You need groomed cruisers and manicured conditions to feel comfortable - this place is about embracing the wild side
• ✗You want village nightlife and après culture - the resort shuts down early and entertainment options are limited

Mid-January through February for peak powder conditions when the 18-meter annual snowfall creates ideal freeride terrain. Avoid New Year week when domestic crowds surge, and be prepared for wind closures during storm cycles - the mountain's exposure means safety shutdowns are common but temporary.

1. Buying multi-day lift tickets without checking weather forecasts - wind closures happen frequently and refunds aren't offered
2. Expecting extensive English support and international resort amenities - this caters primarily to domestic powder seekers
3. Relying on resort dining options without backup plans - the food is expensive and disappointing according to multiple reviews

1. Wind closures are real here - they'll shut everything except the bunny slope rather than pay refunds, so don't buy multi-day passes if weather looks sketchy
2. Skip the resort restaurants entirely - the food is overpriced and underwhelming for what you pay, pack your own lunch or eat before arriving
3. Hit the upper mountain first thing - the freeride zones track out slower than you'd think, but the good snow disappears fast once weekend crowds arrive