Madarao Mountain Resort and Tangram Ski Circus are two interconnected ski resorts sharing part of Mt. Madarao (1,382m). With over 60% of ungroomed runs, purpose-designed tree lines within the resort, minimal restrictions on “off-piste” exploration, and consistent snowfall averaging 10-13 meters annually, these resorts provide an unparalleled experience for powder enthusiasts. Here, you can enjoy world-class tree skiing without the need to venture deep into the backcountry.
Though Madarao-Tangram is considered a mid-size ski area by Japanese standards, its sidecountry and backcountry zones more than double its skiable terrain, making it one of Japan’s premier backcountry destinations. For freeriders seeking deep powder beyond the resort boundaries, Madarao is a hidden gem.
Whether you’re a seasoned backcountry skier or snowboarder or new to off-piste adventures, this guide will help you plan the ultimate Madarao backcountry experience*.
*Disclaimer
All the areas described below lie OUTSIDE the ski resort boundaries and come with inherent risks, including avalanches. Always carry an avalanche safety kit (beacon, shovel, probe), ensure you know how to use it, and check the local avalanche forecast before venturing out. For a safer and more rewarding experience, consider hiring a local guide, such as those from La Colina Outdoor. With their extensive knowledge of the area—gained from skiing it in winter and hiking it in summer—they can help you uncover the best terrain while prioritizing your safety.
Essential Backcountry Zones in Madarao
Mt. Madarao
A short hike (either bootpacking or skinning) from the resort’s summit provides access to a variety of routes and untouched terrain. From the top of Mt. Madarao, you can reach Daimyojin-dake, home to an old meteorological station, and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Nojiri.
- Madarao East Face
Accessible from the top of the Pizza Box lift or Mt. Madarao, this area offers long tree runs and deep powder bowls. Skiers can return to Madarao’s World Cup course or explore the broader terrain—but caution is required, as it’s easy to end up far off the road that connects to the resort.
This area features both deciduous beech trees (buna) and majestic evergreen cedar trees (sugi), offering a magical skiing experience. Another adventurous route includes visiting the abandoned Madaraokogen Toyota Ski Resort or descending to the natural hot springs of Madarao-no-yu, where you can end the day soaking in an outdoor bath and enjoying traditional Japanese cuisine. - Madarao West face
Facing Lake Nojiri, this area features steep terrain, multiple gullies, and tight tree lines. It’s difficult to get lost here and there’s no easy car access. Typically, skiers will need to skin or snowshoe across trails to reach a pick-up point on the main road. - Tangram North Face
Often referred to as Tangram’s Back Bowl, this area offers multiple drop points from Daimyojin-dake, Mt. Madarao, and the top lifts of Madarao and Tangram. Its northern orientation and expansive terrain provide endless possibilities for long, fresh powder runs. The zone varies from sparsely treed areas to tighter lines and features small slab avalanche-prone areas where debris can be difficult to pass through. Follow the designated trail to Tangram’s base (Lift 6) and avoid crossing under lift cables.
Mt. Hakamadake area
The Hakamadake area, located to the northwest of Madarao and Tangram, is an under-the-radar haven for backcountry skiers and snowboarders seeking untouched powder, scenic views, and solitude away from resort crowds. Accessible by crossing the road near the Shinetsu Trail from Tangram, this area offers diverse terrain, from wide gullies and sparsely treed slopes to more technical lines for advanced adventurers.
One of the highlights of this area is the freedom to create your own routes. With many skinning options and easily navigable ridgelines, Hakamadake is a playground for powder enthusiasts who don’t mind earning their turns. On clear days, skiers and riders are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Mt. Madarao and Mt. Myoko.
At the base of Mt. Hakamadake lies Akaiike, a beautiful, serene pond surrounded by dense forests that take on a magical quality in the winter. The area around Akaiike offers mellow backcountry terrain, and nature trails for great snowshoeing and ideal for less experienced backcountry enthusiasts.
Ghost resorts
Japan’s skiing industry experienced a golden era during the 1980s and 1990s, fueled by the economic bubble and a booming interest in winter sports. At its peak, the country boasted more than 700 ski resorts, ranging from european-inspired big ski areas, to small, local slopes. However, with the bursting of the economic bubble in the early 1990s, and the steady decline in japanese skiers, many of these ski areas were forced to shut down.
Madarao was conceived as a “high-altitude” resort that could offer a longer season in comparison to the lower in altitue ski resorts of Iiyama and Myoko-kogen -all abandoned long time ago. While there are many abandoned ski resorts in the area, we list here only those accessible by backcountry tours from Madarao:
- Madaraokogen Toyota Ski resort
Opened in 1982 and permanently closed in 2011, this small resort once featured two chairlifts and three courses. Accessible from Mt. Madarao’s summit, skiers can explore remnants of the lift structures and enjoy gentle descents along the former slopes, now being reforested. From the base, it’s possible to skin back to Madarao or arrange a pickup on the main road.
- Sympathique Madarao Ski Resort
This ski resort opened in 1984 as a private ski resort for clients of the Hotel of the same name. Eventually it opened to everyone as a resort for beginners looking for a less busy (and cheaper) area to learn compared to Madarao Mountain Resort. It had two chair lifts and two main courses. The ski resort closed due financial reasons on 2017, while the hotel continued operations under the name of Madarao Kanko Hotel until March 2023. The hotel sits at the top of the ski resort, and from there it is possible to enter into the mellow courses and enjoy ungroomed snow and navigate to the small village of Bundo, next to the road that connects back to Madarao Mountain Resort.
- Myoko Pine Valley
Opened in 1988 as a Resort Hotel with a ski resort, golf course and apartment buildings, in its peak boasted one gondola and three chair lifts, providing mostly beginners slopes and a 2,000m long run. Its north facing orientation and proximity to Myoko guaranteed great snow and long seasons, but it is remote location far from the main road and lack of public transportation, eventually made the number of visitors fall. The resort was sold to the APA Hotel group in 2005, which closed the ski resort in 2010.
If transportation is arranged, it is possible to reach the top of the resort as an extension of Mt. Hakamadake area, and spend the day enjoying some of its long and mellow runs. However, it is important to note that it takes more than 40min by car from Madarao to reach APA Resort Joetsu Myoko, which makes the experience not very recommended.
Madarao is more than just a ski resort—it’s a backcountry ski dream, offering a mix of accessible terrain, hidden powder stashes, and fascinating exploration opportunities in its abandoned resorts. Whether you’re chasing deep powder, enjoying magical tree runs, or exploring ghost resorts, Madarao has something for everyone.
Prepare well, respect the terrain, and enjoy one of Japan’s best backcountry destinations. Let us help you plan your ultimate snow adventure in Madarao!