Myōkō Suginohara

The numbers tell the story: 1,855m summit dropping 1,124 vertical meters across 17 runs that split perfectly between beginners (40%), intermediates (40%), and advanced (20%). The upper mountain around 1,500-1,800m holds serious powder thanks to those Japan Sea storms, while the famous 8.5km run from top to bottom is less a single trail and more a choose-your-own-adventure through varied terrain. Fair warning to snowboarders – those connecting trails at the bottom are pancake-flat and you'll be doing some walking.

This is a Japanese skiers' mountain with a smattering of international powder hunters who've figured out the secret. Weekdays feel like your private mountain – just you and a few locals who nod approvingly when they see you can actually ski. The base village of Suginosawa Onsen keeps things real with small ryokan, local ramen shops, and the kind of authentic Japan experience where pointing at menus is part of the charm. No English handholding here, but the snow speaks every language fluently.

"The 8.5km ride from top to bottom is a good leg workout! Very empty on a weekday."

— Google Review

• ✓Intermediate skiers ready to graduate from Niseko's chaos and actually improve their long-run stamina
• ✓Powder hunters who want 13+ meters of annual snowfall without fighting Aussie tour groups for fresh lines
• ✓Anyone who gets genuinely excited about logging serious vertical – this mountain rewards fitness and commitment

• ✗Your Japanese is limited to 'arigato' and you panic without English menus and staff
• ✗You're a snowboarder who hates flat sections – those bottom connectors will test your patience daily
• ✗You need terrain parks and halfpipes to stay entertained – the park exists but it's basic

January to mid-February delivers the deepest powder from those 13.4 meters of annual Japan Sea snowfall. Avoid New Year week when even this quiet mountain sees crowds – weekdays in January are pure gold with empty lifts and fresh tracks on that legendary 8.5km descent.

1. Snowboarders underestimating how flat the bottom connector trails are – you'll be unstrapping and walking
2. Expecting English support beyond basic pointing and gesturing – bring translation apps
3. Not building up leg strength for that 8.5km run – it's a legitimate endurance test that will humble you

1. Take the gondola first thing but skip the crowded main runs – head to the tree runs in the upper Suginohara zone where locals go to escape the few tourists
2. That 8.5km run sounds epic but pace yourself – reviewers consistently mention it's a proper leg workout that'll humble even strong skiers
3. Pack your own lunch or eat before you go up – the mountain dining gets mixed reviews and you'll want to maximize your time on those long runs