Madarao Mountain

Madarao is exceptional for powder hunters who prioritize snow quality over fancy amenities - this place has Japan's most extensive network of officially sanctioned tree runs and receives 12+ meters of annual snowfall. The 32 runs across 440m vertical include 60% intentionally ungroomed terrain that preserves legendary 'Madapow' conditions. The lifts are dated and base facilities feel like 1995, but when you're floating through perfectly spaced birch trees in knee-deep powder, the infrastructure won't matter.

Not ideal for true beginners - only 30% of terrain is beginner-friendly, and the mountain layout isn't intuitive for learning. However, intermediates ready to progress into tree skiing will find this perfect, as the resort's gladed runs are specifically managed for skill building rather than expert-only zones. If you're bringing absolute first-timers, consider a different resort with more extensive green runs.

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station (about 1 hour 50 minutes), then a 30-minute bus or taxi to the resort. Total journey is around 2.5 hours door-to-door. The resort runs shuttle buses from Iiyama Station during ski season - check schedules in advance as frequency varies.

January through February delivers peak 'Madapow' conditions when the 12+ meters of annual snowfall creates those legendary tree skiing experiences. Avoid New Year week (December 28-January 4) and holiday weekends like January 11-12 when even this quiet resort sees increased traffic, though crowds remain manageable compared to major destinations.

Limited English - basic signs and ticket counters exist, but don't expect much beyond that. This place caters primarily to Japanese skiers, with a refreshing lack of English menus that helps keep Instagram crowds at bay. If you need extensive English support for everything from dining to ski school, you'll find Madarao challenging.

Rarely crowded even on weekends - this is where Japanese powder locals escape international crowds, with minimal lift lines and fresh tracks persisting well into the afternoon. Peak periods are New Year week (December 28-January 4) and holiday weekends like January 11-12, but even then, traffic remains lighter than major resorts. The quiet weekdays and lighter overall traffic mean powder sticks around longer here.

Japan's most extensive network of officially sanctioned tree runs that intermediates can actually ski - not sketchy backcountry or roped-off expert zones, but properly managed tree skiing actively encouraged by resort staff. These gladed runs are specifically designed for skill building, making Madarao the perfect place to graduate from groomers to powder without the fear factor.

Yes - night skiing runs until 21:00 on select dates including New Year week (December 28-January 4), January 11-12, and February 22-23. Regular operating hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm, so these extended sessions give you extra powder laps on specific peak weekends and holidays.

Book restaurant reservations 100% - there are limited dining options that fill up completely, especially during powder days. Bring cash for buses and food outlets since there's no ATM on-site and several places don't accept cards. Don't expect extensive groomed terrain, as 60% of the mountain stays ungroomed intentionally for powder preservation in the trees.

Yes - Madarao has Japan's most extensive network of officially sanctioned tree runs, with beginner to expert options throughout the mountain. The resort actively encourages tree skiing with properly gladed runs, and 60% of ungroomed terrain preserves powder in the trees. These aren't sketchy backcountry zones but properly managed runs specifically designed for intermediates learning to ski trees.