Madarao Mountain Resort and Tangram Ski Circus, located in the heart of the Northern Shinshu region, is our backyard playground, offering an authentic and unique experience of Japan’s famed ski scene. While lesser-known to international visitors, this mid-sized resort delivers all the powder, charm, and adventure you expect from Japan, but without the overwhelming crowds and long lift lines. Here, you’ll find yourself immersed in the serene beauty of the mountains, exploring exceptional terrain with the feeling of having the slopes almost entirely to yourself.

Madarao boasts 31 diverse runs and 10 lifts, with a vertical drop of 440 meters, while the well-connected Tangram offers 14 runs and 5 lifts, with a vertical drop of 520 meters. Together, these resorts provide an ideal destination for a day trip or an extended stay of exploration. What truly sets this ski area apart is its emphasis on off-piste skiing. Unlike most Japanese resorts, 60% of the runs are left ungroomed, offering some of the best off-piste and powder skiing in the country. Whether you prefer carving through groomed slopes or seeking out fresh, deep powder to leave your mark, Madarao’s unique approach to skiing ensures you’ll always find something new and exciting to explore.

With the bottom of the resort at a higher elevation compared to some other resorts, Madarao, along with the connected Tangram Ski Circus, offers some of the best tree skiing in Japan. Madarao was the first resort in the country to actively promote tree skiing, even going as far as clearing trees to create designated glades. Together, these resorts boast one of the largest ungroomed skiable areas in Nagano, with numerous well-maintained tree runs and plenty of untouched terrain accessible just outside the resort limits. This commitment to off-piste and tree skiing has made Madarao a must-visit destination for powderhounds and thrill-seekers alike.

For the full Madarao experience, be sure to purchase the All-Mountain Pass, which provides access to both Madarao and Tangram. This pass unlocks the full potential of the area, allowing you to explore everything these incredible mountains have to offer.

At La Colina Outdoor, we are proud to call Madarao our local resort. Its proximity allows us to offer unparalleled guidance and insight into the best runs, secret powder stashes, and all the hidden gems that make Madarao Kogen a skier’s paradise.