The interconnected resorts of Madarao Mountain Resort and Tangram Ski Circus Resort, give you some of the best powder runs in the region. Lift passes are available for each resort or you can purchase a joint lift pass so you can ride both resorts in the one day. Located in the Nagano Prefecture, you can also visit neighbouring resorts including Nozawa Onsen, Lotte Arai and Myoko Kogen which are all within a 30-60 minute drive.
- Madarao Mountain Resort
- Tangram Ski Circus Resort
Madarao Mountain Resort
Madarao is a powder lovers paradise with 60% of the resort left ungroomed. It is a small resort with 13 lifts and 31 runs, many of which have been carefully thought out and gladed to provide the best possible tree skiing and snowboarding. On a clear day there are impressive views of Mt Myoko.Madarao resort is reasonably steep in places meaning you can get into the deep stuff without having to worry about getting yourself out. With trails named ‘Powder Theater’, ‘Powder Wave’ and ‘Powder Line’ it is not surprising to find yourself waist deep in powder most the day.
While the resort is best suited to intermediate to advanced skiers and boarders, there are some mellow beginner runs around the base including Champion and Shirakaba courses. The Madarao Kids Park offers sleds, snow tubes and a Japanese igloo to keep the younger ones entertained. The Sky House Kids Room is also available to use free of charge.
Tangram Ski Circus Resort
Tangram is a small resort connected to Madarao Mountain Resort, it is recommended you get a joint lift ticket so you can enjoy the terrain across both mountains. With 5 lifts and 15 runs there is a variety of terrain for beginners through to advanced skiers and boarders. Some of the beginner runs are quite steep so I wouldn’t suggest Tangram for those starting out.Ideal for intermediates with wide open runs and very very few people on them. The resort has recently opened up a few tree runs which have been well gladed to provide the perfect environment for first time tree skiers.
There are some tempting off piste areas around the resort, however the ski patrol is known for being very strict if you are caught where you shouldn’t be.
There is a ski school and child minding facilities at the base of the resort, however it is only in Japanese. They also offer a range of non-ski activities, including sledding, snowmobiling and snow rafting.
