Madarao Mountain Resort is located in the northern region of Nagano Prefecture, on the border with Niigata Prefecture and between Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen. The resort offers a cool respite in summer, but in winter becomes a ski resort area boasting fine powder snow and exciting experiences.

At Madarao Mountain Resort, 60% of the courses are ungroomed, so there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to enjoy a fluffy, deep powder when you ski. Also, since not many people like to ski on powder, there is not a lot of competition for the slopes.

Mt. Madarao stands 1382 meters tall and has 30 separate courses. There are 10 lifts. The ski area features a unique bowl-shape. Since Madarao Mountain Resort was host to Japan’s first Freestyle Skiing Competition, there are many unique courses to choose from. There are groomed courses, ungroomed courses, the Tree Run courses, Free Ride Park, Kid’s Park, and wave courses.

Madarao mountain resort can be enjoyed by everyone from first timers to advanced skiers! There are also snow schools for English speaker guests. Get the opportunity to backcountry ride with the local Madarao guides. You can score bottomless turns all within an easy hike out of the resort boundaries.

With affordable ski-in, ski-out accommodation, easy transfers from Myoko Kogen, amazing terrain and warm hospitality.

Tree Run Destination

The concept at Madarao is ‘Make your tree run debut.’ With easily-found courses, quick access and smooth exits, it’s a one-stop destination for tree run-lovers of all abilities. There are 10 official Tree ski courses, more than any other ski resort in Japan.

Two connected ski areas

Madarao is connected to the Tangram Ski Circus ski area, and a joint ticket is available to let you ski or snowboard on the slopes of both.

Kids Land

The Madarao Kids Park is popular with children - and also their parents! It is set up on a regular ski run but also has lots of fun stuff like sleds and a Japanese style igloo for the kids to enjoy. There is also a 'snow fun corner' where anybody can have fun in the snow regardless of age or ability. The entry fee of 500 yen per person includes kids park admission and use of the special snow escalator, making it easy for even small children to move around. Sleds are available to rent for 800 yen per day.

Lift Tickets 2025-2026

Mountain 1 Day Pass:

8,500 yen (adult); 5,500 yen (child); 8,000 yen (senior)

Madarao PM 3 Hours:

4,100 yen (adult); 2,900 yen (child); 3,800 yen (senior)

Madarao 5 Hours Pass:

6,900 yen (adult); 4,200 yen (child); 6,300 yen (senior)

Madarao 7 Hours Pass:

8,100 yen (adult); 5,200 yen (child); 7,400 yen (senior)

Madarao 14 Hours Pass:

14,700 yen (adult); 9,600 yen (child); 14,000 yen (senior)

Madarao 24 Hours Pass:

25,200 yen (adult); 16,400 yen (child); 24,000 yen (senior)

Night:

3,200 yen (adult); 2,100 yen (child); 2,700 yen (senior)

Season Ticket:

73,500 yen (adult); 35,700 yen (child); 66,200 yen (senior)

Learning to ski or snowboard

English speaking lessons are available at Madarao along with other snow experiences.

Accommodation

A wide selection of accommodation is available close to the ski area, including the Madarao Kogen Hotel.

A convenient 'hub' location

Madarao is located in the northeastern region of Nagano Prefecture, on the border of Niigata Prefecture. Madarao forms a convenient hub, around which are various attractions and resorts incliuding Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen (both about 40 minutes away). Madarao is a great place to set up base and take day trips to surrounding ski areas.

Getting to Madarao Kogen

A 110-minute bullet train (Shinkansen) ride from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station, and then a 30 minute bus/car ride to Madarao, and you are ready to hit the slopes. The Shinkansen also makes visiting Kyoto via Kanazawa quick and easy! More detailed information on the website.

More information:

• Website

• Information on SnowJapan