Ski Resorts in Niigata：Myoko

The Myoko area has something to offer skiers and snowboarders of all types and ability levels, and each of the resorts has its own special charm. The region receivs an average snowfall of 13-16 metres annually, with Lotte Arai boasting the most snow in the area. Some of the terrain across the resorts can be quite similar, but each has unique components to set themselves apart from the rest.

Myoko Suginohara provides long, wide, groomed runs of varying difficulty and boasts the longest intermediate ski run in Japan at a thigh-burning 8500m. There are two terrain park areas for the more daring visitors, as well as some good steep sections and plenty of access to tree skiing and powder.

Alpen Blick Resort is home to some of the best intermediate terrain with easy glades, primarily low gradient, and very wide groomed terrain with no particularly steep sections. The wide-open, well-spaced trees and powder sections make it the ideal place to learn to ride powder or trees without the added pressure of steep terrain to make it more challenging.

Akakura Kanko and Akakura Onsen have interconnecting paths, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the terrain offered by both areas. It is ideal for families, with excellent beginner terrain for children and those wanting to exercise more caution. Then there is more wide and varied intermediate terrain across the two resorts, and advancing to steep and exciting slopes with plenty of options for powder, trees or off-piste.

Seki Onsen is a perfect example of a traditional Japanese ski area. Family-owned and operated, it seems small and pleasant at first glance, but upon venturing out, visitors will find ungroomed terrain and extensive side-country. Often seen as the premier choice for powder hounds with only two chairlifts and just two groomed tracks, Seki makes up for its few facilities with an excellent variety of terrain and consistent fresh lines throughout the day. Many riders choose to take a late lunch and finish the day around 2:00 – 3:00 pm with a natural hot spring bath at the public onsen facility across the street.

Lotte Arai Resort, hosting a 951-metre vertical drop, features 9 off-piste ‘free-riding zones’ connected by long groomed trails, the longest of which is a leg-burning 5.2 km. The avalanche-controlled areas are all lift-accessible with opportunities for short in-resort hikes to the top of the mountain to reach some of the best lines. Ski patrol in Arai is second to none across all of Japan, so you can count on them to provide the safest environment possible while creating amazing opportunities for those powder turns.