Madarao Ski Resort

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Madarao Ski Resort

Readers Ratings

Madarao

Madarao4/515
Madarao4 out of 5 based on 15 reviews
  • Recommend
    93%
  • Would Revisit
    93%

Madarao Ski Resort

Madarao Kogen Ski Resort has good ingredients as a Japan powder skiing destination. The area is renowned for average snowfalls in the realm of 10 to 13 metres per season, there is some very good tree skiing and reasonably steep bowls, and off-piste skiing is permitted. Madapow disease is very contagious so it’s no surprise that Madarao is no longer an undiscovered treasure.

Madarao Mountain Resort (formerly Madarao Kogen ie Madarao Highlands) is located between Myoko Kogen and Nozawa Onsen, so it’s easy to ski at Madarao as a day trip from either of these ski areas. Alternatively base yourself at Madarao Mountain Resort and you have the option to explore other Nagano ski resorts plus Myoko from there.

Pros and Cons of Madarao Japan

Pros
  •  Madarao Ski Resort have gladed many of the trees and cleared out some of the shrubbery, and advanced riders can revel without ski patrol chasing you.
  • Madarao is a reasonably small ski resort but it’s inter-connected with Tangram to add more terrain variety.
  • Madarao is located in the middle of a ring of ski resorts, so if you have a car or are at a lodge that provides transport, Madarao makes a great base to explore the region.
  • Madarao is an easy choice for families.
  • On fine days there are impressive views of Mt Myoko and surrounds.
  • The cute town of Iiyama is close by, where you can explore little temples, go for dinner, and generally enjoy some non-touristy Japanese culture.
  • Restaurant and bar choices are slowly growing and now there is reasonable variety.
  • Madarao is easily accessible from the airports or Tokyo via the bullet train to nearby Iiyama.
Cons
  • Like many Japanese ski resorts, the lift infrastructure is dated.
  • The ski resort has two distinct sides and getting between the two is very clunky.
Pro Or Con Depending On Your Perspective
  • Madarao gets big dumps of snow and it has a good aspect, but the top elevation is not high enough when the weather is fickle and temps are marginal.

Madarao Ski and Snowboard Terrain

Relative to other Japan ski resorts, Madarao would be considered mid-sized. The Madarao Ski Resort is below the treeline and has 30 courses, 9 lifts, and a vertical drop of 440 metres (910 – 1,350m).

The top of the Madarao ski resort is interconnected with Tangram Ski Circus (only in Japan would they call a ski resort a circus!) which you can access with a combined Madarao Tangram lift pass. Tangram adds another 14 courses, 2 official tree courses (plus some “naughty trees”), and 5 lifts.

For Madarao itself, the trail statistics are 30% beginner, 35% intermediate and 35% advanced. The Madarao ski resort is well suited to beginner skiers and snowboarders and is OK for intermediates. There are also some ungroomed black runs that commonly provide egg-carton shaped moguls, and a small terrain park.

Advanced riders can play in the trees, many of which are very widely spaced due to glading. There is a liberal approach to off-piste riding in the official tree zones, which are reasonably steep but there aren’t any gnarly slopes that will scare the pants off experts. Madarao Kogen also has some good sidecountry and backcountry terrain.

See the Madarao Mountain Resort terrain page for more information.

Madarao Snow

Madarao Ski Resort has a reputation for offering some really good powder (known as Madapow!), and its northerly aspect is an obvious advantage for the quality of the snow. The top elevation is lower than some of the other high profile Nagano ski resorts, but the modest vertical is a bonus for the quality of the snow at the base area.

Where is Madarao Kogen?

Madarao Kogen is located 38km northeast of the city of Nagano in the north eastern part of the Nagano Prefecture, although officially, Madarao straddles both the Nagano and Niigata prefectures.

The town of Iiyama is 11km east of Madarao whilst the Myoko Kogen ski resorts are to the west. Madarao is also close to Nozawa Onsen and various other Nagano ski resorts, which is why it makes such a great base.

To get to Madarao from either of the Tokyo airports, you can catch trains to Iiyama, and then a bus or taxi to the resort. Or from Haneda or Narita Airports you can get a Chuo Taxi or Nagano Snow Shuttle to Madarao Kogen. See our Madarao travel page for more transport information.

Village - Madarao Accommodation

The Madarao Kogen village is somewhat spread out, but it’s not so big that you can’t walk around. There are various Madarao accommodation options that are slopeside, and others that are up to 15 minutes walk from the slopes whereby the lodging provides shuttles.

There are a handful of Madarao hotels, with the main one being the Madarao Kogen Hotel, a ski-in ski-out hotel that sits perched up on one of the main beginner slopes. The Madarao Kogen Hotel has western and Japanese style rooms, and the hotel has various facilities including restaurants, child care, ski rentals and hot springs (indoor and outdoor onsen).

There are lots of Madarao lodges that have been bought by westerners in recent years, and these are a great option if you want the support of English speaking hosts. Some lodges (such as Japan Snowsports) even provide transport to other nearby ski resorts. Other Madarao accommodation includes a handful of self-contained apartments/houses.

There are also Japanese pensions that are very affordable and provide more of a Japanese experience.

You can search for Madarao accommodation here and book on-line.

Facilities

Madarao Mountain Resort has various ski resort facilities including daytime cafeterias, a ski shop, and equipment rentals. Small children are well catered for with a snow park with a magic carpet, tubing and sledding, and inexpensive child care. There are a couple of Madarao ski schools with instructors that speak English, and the option of group or private lessons.

The number of Madarao restaurants and bars is growing as more westerners come into town. It’s also worth heading down to Iiyama at least one night to gain additional restaurant choices and experience some Japanese culture.
Tours That Include Madarao

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

The Legendary Roadie
HOSTED & GUIDED ROAD TRIP
11 Days | 10 Nights | 8 Days Skiing
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Experience Japan powder like no other on this legendary road trip where you will visit up to 8 resorts in 3 prefectures; Nagano, Gunma & Niigata! Join a tour as a solo traveler, couple or small group. Max 6 spots per tour so get in quickly!
Price p/p From price based on twin-share, standard package at Lodge Aibiya.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,343
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Japow Freedom Tour
CAMPER VAN TOUR
8 Nights | 7 Days Guiding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Explore in a camper van with the support of your guide & get the maximum exponent of freedom to be in the right place at the right time. The itinerary is completely flexible depending on snow forecasts and your guide can show you the best Japow spots in lift-assisted freeriding zones
Price p/p Based on a group tour for 2024 with a group of 4 people
USD 3,229
View Details
 
Pow Pow Japan Tour
HOSTED GROUP PACKAGE PRIVATE TOUR
Cultural Ski & Snowboard Adventure
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Ski Japan's famous powder in conjunction with a rich cultural experience on this hosted tour. The tour is hosted by a local Japanese person who speaks fluent English; whilst the focus of the tours is primarily snow sports, you will experience the culture, food & festivities beyond the normal ski/snowboard adventure.
Price p/p From price based on 8-day sample itinerary, twin-share room (group of 6).
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,526
View Details
 
See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Madarao here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Nagano Powder Chaser
HOSTED & GUIDED SKI & CULTURE PACKAGES
3, 4, 5 & 6 Nights | 2, 3, 4 & 5 Days Skiing/Boarding
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Don't let a lack of time, budget or resort knowledge hold you back from a ski/snowboard trip in Nagano this winter. Experience many of Nagano's best ski areas with guides who have an intimate knowledge; based in the culturally rich town of Yudanaka. Tours can be CUSTOMISED for 3 nights or more. Share
Price p/p From price based on 3-night stay with 2 days skiing/boarding) in a twin share Japanese room with private bathroom.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,065
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 5% Off tours between 13th and 31st March 2024
Nagano Ski/Board Progression
SKI / SNOWBOARD GUIDED INSTRUCTION
10 Days | 9 Nights | 8 Skiing | Up to 8 Ski Areas
Ability: Intermediate to Strong Intermediate
Learn to ski and ride deep powder with more confidence or improve your on-piste technique whilst checking out some of Nagano's fabulous ski areas away from the masses of foreigners. In addition to the skiing and snowboarding, experience an area rich in culture and history.
Price p/p From price based on per person twin-share room with shared bathroom.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,008
View Details
 
Nagano Powder Zone
SKI & SNOWBOARD GUIDED TOUR
8 Days | 7 Night | 6 Skiing | Up to 6 Ski Areas
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Ideal for budget conscious intermediate to advanced skiers & riders who want maximum pow! Based in the traditional town of Yudanaka, which is relatively free of western influence, you will be ensured of an authentic Japanese ski or snowboard experience.
Price p/p From price based on twin share room with private bathroom.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,405
View Details
 
See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Madarao here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

Myoko to Hakuba Backcountry
GUIDED LIFT ASSISTED BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
8 Nights | 9 Days
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This lift assisted backcountry tour takes in Myoko, Nozawa Onsen & Hakuba & is ideal for advanced to expert backcountry skiers and split boarders. These 3 areas are known for deep snow & epic tree skiing. Join as a solo, couple or small group; max 8 guests per tour.
Price p/p Price per person based on 2025 tours
USD 4,699
View Details
 
Guided Powder Tours
SHIGA KOGEN & SURROUNDING RESORTS
Single & Multi-Day Guiding
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Explore the off-piste and sidecountry at the massive ski area of Shiga Kogen or another nearby ski area. Guiding is for private groups or group tours are available some days.
Price p/p *based on per person in a private group of 5 for a 5 hour tour.
base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed rates might vary to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 75
View Details
 
See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Madarao here
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