Madarao Mountain Resort — Attraction in Iiyama

I had the pleasure of visiting the Madarao Kogen Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture last winter, and it turned out to be an absolutely fantastic winter escape. This hidden gem of a resort exceeded my expectations in terms of both skiing opportunities and overall experience.

First and foremost, the ski slopes at Madarao Kogen were an absolute delight. With a variety of trails catering to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, there was something for everyone. The resort's well-maintained slopes provided exhilarating descents and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains. The snow quality was excellent throughout my stay, ensuring optimal conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

The resort's amenities were equally impressive. The ski equipment rental services were efficient, and the staff was helpful and knowledgeable, making it easy for newcomers to get properly equipped and ready for the slopes. The ski instructors were patient and experienced, offering valuable guidance and lessons for those who wished to improve their skiing skills.

In terms of accommodation, the lodges and hotels within the resort were comfortable and conveniently located. I had the pleasure of staying at one of the slopeside lodges, which provided easy access to the ski lifts and stunning views of the slopes. The rooms were cozy, well-maintained, and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

The dining options at Madarao Kogen were diverse and satisfying. From cozy mountain cafes to traditional Japanese restaurants, there was a wide range of culinary choices available. I particularly enjoyed the local specialties, such as hearty ramen and delicious tempura, which provided the perfect fuel after a day of skiing.

One aspect that truly stood out during my visit was the friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by the staff and fellow visitors. The sense of community at Madarao Kogen was palpable, with skiers and snowboarders sharing stories and tips, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment.

In conclusion, this resort is a hidden gem that offers unforgettable winter adventures. With its well-groomed slopes, excellent snow quality, comfortable accommodations, and warm hospitality, it is a destination that I highly recommend to anyone seeking a memorable...

Came out here for a day trip, from Nozawa Onsen, and had so much fun on the slopes! Base altitude is higher at Madarao compared to Nozawa, so it was snowing by the time we arrived (whereas lower down it would be raining, which we wanted to avoid).

Took the 8:20am bus departing from Nozawa Onsen bus terminal for Madarao, it's about a 1 hour ride, including a stop at Iiyama station. Cost is ¥1200 per person. Arrived at Madarao at around 9:30am. We rented our gear at the Madarao Kogen Hotel - for skis, boots, poles, and helmets - for ¥5400 per head. One day ski pass for Madarao only is ¥5000. If you want Madarao and Tangram (the resort next to Madarao), you will have to pay a little more. But Madarao has plenty of slopes for beginners and intermediates. Because the visibility of was a bit poor, we took it a bit slow and stayed on the greens, like Crystal and Skyview. Our friends who had more experience went further up and also tried the Bear trail which they said was a lot of fun! Fun for everyone!

Had lunch at West Valley, the restaurant on the right of Banff. Their katsu curry and gyoza were delicious. We picked West Valley because it was a little cheaper than Banff, had more of a traditional Japanese feel to it, slightly cheaper, and had gyoza.

Powder was AMAZING! And because Madarao isn't too popular, since there isn't much to do at night in the neighborhood, the slopes weren't too crowded, the snow was fluffy and soft. Last ski lift up back to the hotel is at 4:50pm; rental place closes at 5pm, and you have enough time to catch the 5:20pm bus back to Nozawa Onsen. Bam! A full day of skiing. I only wish the skies were clearer and blue, it would have been...

I have visited Japan 5 times now to different mountains for the snow. I have to say that whilst the snow is amazing Madarao is my least enjoyed. There is plenty of powder, tree runs, natural halfpipes and park obstacles but what let's this down is the prices and the overall vibe. First off all, there is no night life at all. Unlike Myoko and Niseko, Madarao is very limited and expensive when it comes to all things outside of the slopes. At most I would say there are max 10 restaurants (it may sound a lot, but they are open at various times and some only have a small dining area) available off the slopes which you need to book in days in advanced as to not miss out, prices for each meal would be roughly $30aud per person for a main and a drink. There are 3 little convenience stores with limited products and limited sizes (again quite highly priced). I found that if your not out in the snow this is a really boring place, I love the snow and even I couldn't wait to leave Madarao. There was one day on our trip that was a total white out, we found ourselves laying in bed watching movies all day with no other options. Myoko and Niseko offer more of a range for everything plus exceptional snow. Whether it's your first time visiting japow or a return trip, I would highly suggest checking out...