Mountain tours & experiences
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.
Experience the magic of winter in Madarao and Myoko on this full or half-day snowshoeing tour. Hike through snow-covered forests and admire stunning mountain and lake views. Discover the beauty of satoyama in winter, explore the vast white spaces of yukiguni, and visit a serene lake or pond, abandoned ski resorts, or waterfalls. No prior experience needed. Book your adventure today!
For people who are venturing into the backcountry for the first time, or for experienced backcountry skiers who just want to enjoy powder snow, our backcountry tours are perfect.
Mt. Madarao peak can be reached easily in 20-30min, sometimes even just walking through a snow path. From there, it is possible to continue skinning to Daimyojin-dake and get breathtaking views of Lake Nojiri, visit the ghost ski resort of Madarao Toyoda, or drop to finalize the day at the hot springs of Madaraoyu. For the more adventurous and not afraid of covering more uphill distances, Mt. Hakama and the ghost ski resorts of Myoko Panorama Park or Pine Valley are also good options for a full-day tour.
Safety is our top priority, and participants are required to carry avalanche safety equipment and know how to use it. Touring skis/splitboard with skins are also required to participate in this experience.
Discover Madarao’s Deep Powder with Expert Local Guides
Join our Freeride Guided One-Day Tour at Madarao-Tangram, the hidden gem of Japan’s powder snow. This is our backyard, where we ride daily, chase storms, and know every stash and secret line.
Led by English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge and professional avalanche safety training, you’ll explore lift-accessed powder zones, tree-lined backcountry terrain, and untouched bowls far from the crowds. Whether you’re a seasoned powder hunter or an adventurous intermediate rider, this tour delivers fresh tracks and the beauty of Japan’s wild winter landscape.
✔️ Powder ski and board rentals available
✔️ Avalanche gear and training included
✔️ Small private groups for safety and flow
Your safety is our priority. All participants must carry avalanche equipment and receive a pre-tour safety briefing and beacon training.
The first time you visit a ski resort may be a little intimidating, particularly when on top of not knowing the terrain/snow conditions, you are visiting a foreign country. We will tailor the ski resort tour to your needs. Whether you want just to know the best slopes, where to eat the most delicious katsukare (pork cutlet curry), or assistance on your first on-piste Japow experience, this package will get your needs covered.
Our flagship ski package. Stay with us at La Colina Retreat and discover the privilege of having more than 20 ski resorts within 1h drive, and many more mountains to explore. This package caters to advanced skiers who wish to experience as much powder as possible in a variety of on-piste and off-piste terrain; or intermediate skiers and boarders who want to experience “japow” and improve their freeride technique.