Active Life Madarao — Hotel in Iiyama

First of all Colleen and I would like to say sorry for taking so long to write this review Ms. L. Dawes, but I am keeping my promise to you. Colleen and I spent a wonderful week at this location for a week of skiing (February 3-9, 2024). We took the Shankansen from Tokyo Station To Iiyama Station (1.5 hours) and then a bus (30 minutes) up to Madarao Ski Area. We recommend taking the bus costing 700 yen due to storage underneath for luggage.

Ms. Dawes was waiting for us outside to make sure we were not lost, which was really nice of her. The Hotel/Lodge wasn't too far from the slopes but its slightly up hill especially when wearing boots and carrying your skies and poles. The room was exactly as advertised (clean, comfortable, and warm for those cold nights). The bathroom was really small but it had great water pressure and the water was hot and never cold. Most of all, we didn't have to share a bathroom unlike some room rates. We had a queen bed and the room was small but that is to be expected in Japan. I had my skies and gear forwarded from Narita Airport, which is worth every yen. Space is a premium especially on the train. I only wish they had hooks on the door to hang our coats and other clothing items. Since the walls are made out of stucco I understand the reason for not having hooks.

There was an open closet but the metal rod looked flimsy and we didn't want to take a chance and put to much on it. Though this place is dated they have kept it up and nothing seems to be breaking down or in need of immediate repairs.

The best time of my stay was during breakfast, which came with continental breakfast fare and a hot breakfast that was included in the price. On a good note we were able to have as much fried eggs or whatever they were making as long as everyone had their share prior to asking for seconds.

In addition, we were provided with free laundry with detergent to wash our clothes on a first come first basis. Also, there was a snow/mud room to hang our skies to dry overnight which made things very convenient in the mornings as you put on your ski boots and prep for the slopes with the provided benches. After a day on the slopes we enjoyed the onsen on the premises and yes bathing suits are required.

Ms. Dawes and her staff are very wonderful people and you can see she actually enjoys her job. One morning during breakfast Ms. Dawes set up a birthday small cake and what appeared to be a Mimosa with balloons for one of the guest, in my opinion it's her calling to be in this industry.

The morning we were leaving Ms. Dawes and her staff helped loaded our luggage onto the van so we could go to the bus stop at the base of the resort so we would be the first to have space for our luggage and seating. This was very surprising because they didn't have to do that, but it made us feel that they were concerned for our safety when it came to trips and falls on the ice/snow going to the bus station.

I would highly recommend this place for anyone visiting Madarao Kogen Ski Resort for the first time. When it comes to places to eat there are many places to go out during the evening. It is best to have the staff book your reservations in the mornings prior to hitting the slopes. The eating establishments are booked fast and you maybe out of luck. There is an option of eating at the Hotel/Lodge if you so wish. At the base of the resort there is a convenient store (inside another hotel) to buy snacks for your room for the evening.

Best Regards,

Dee & Colleen Park...

Where to start... Active Life is the quintessential Japanese ski pension. From the moment we arrive until the time we left we felt welcomed and that the staff was happy we were there. The Swiss chalet style pension was quaint but newly updated with a touch of modernism in the rooms. Apparently the hotel is still under renovation, but I didn't see any construction with the exception of maybe a small area near the bar, but it far from took away from the experience. My wife and I brought our 2 month old and stayed in a standard room with ensuite bathroom. The room had double pane windows, smart tv with wifi and Netflix, refrigerator, heater that worked really well, and a large sink. The shower room and toilet room were separate, but both were recently updated. I wasn't a huge fan of the shower room, but that was my first time seeing one and I admit it was just different from my "western ways." Definitely doesn't take away from the experience. The rest of the hotel isn't as updated as the rooms but that's where the character of the pension comes from. The street level has an entrance for the ski/snowboard locker which was more functional that pretty, but let's face it if you're using the ski locker you don't care what it looks like only how well it works. Plenty of room for boots, poles, ski/board, helmet, gloves, the whole kit... The staff was extremely helpful, especially when my buddy lost his car keys on the mountain boarding. They called JAF, which I guess compares to AAA in the states to unlock his car and make another key, but the next day we had them call the lost and found at the resort and someone turned them in. I didn't use the onsen but my wife and friends did and they couldn't get enough of it. The food, while not gourmet or 5 star, was very delicious and inexpensive for a 4 course meal. There is a happy hour with craft beer and snacks that was awesome. Finally, the staff was amazing. Very friendly and courteous and always willing to help. Sometimes they weren't always at the front desk, but they were always close and even helped me dig my car out from 3' of snow. We'll definitely be returning for another stay in the future.

One thing I just remember, parking is slightly limited and in the winter time, and they suggest you park at the top of the hill at the ski resort parking lot for 500 yen a day. The walk is literally less than 30 seconds and isn't a big deal. I almost got stuck in the hill in my Subaru with chains. I however was trying when the road wasn't freshly plowed and tried again after the bulldozer went by and...

A pleasant stay at a simple, cozy and very friendly place. Lisa and Stewart, as well as all the other international staff made us feel so welcomed and well taken care of.||The location is unbeatable with quite a few restaurants to choose from literally just across the street. Make sure you bring some cash as some places (such as Jazzy Restaurant) doesn’t take credit cards. Active Life is also a 5-min walk to the ski rental building. You can store you skis and poles there, but will need to insert 100 yen into the metal locker thingy every time so make sure you have some spare change. Otherwise, you can also bring everything back to the lodge - they have a dry room with a separate entrance. There are no actual lockers, but open spaces marked with your room number to put your equipment. Japan is a high trust society so there is usually no issues at all.||The room size was modest with a separate bathroom. It was a bit challenging to walk around the room if you’ve two suitcases opened but we didn’t mind as we mostly spent our time outside the room. The room was also well equipped with amenities including a blow dryer, hand soap, body soap, shampoo, conditioner and towels. ||Rooms were not cleaned everyday as this is not a hotel - more like a lodge and the vibe is casual…felt like staying at your grandparents’ home. So if you’re looking for a hotel, this is not the place for you - the front desk is also closed at night.||We noticed mostly families with young children aged between 4-10 staying here. So you would see kids lounging around the public spaces and the pool table which we thought was nice and made the place feel homey. There is also a kids area with some toy cars, coloring pencils, board games, TV and some books next to the open dining area.||Breakfast was modest with corn flakes, granola, milk, toast, coffee and tea. You are offered a hot breakfast every morning (fried eggs os scrambled eggs with sausages, or eggs benedict/fritata/pancakes). Temperature of the hot breakfast can be a hit and miss (sometimes lukewarm), and the coffee was watered down on the last two days we were there but that didn’t bother us much.||You can also sign up for free skiing lessons 9am-12pm, the price was “included” when we got our room. If you’ve no one else signing up, you basically get a private lesson. My instructor, Max, was absolutely fantastic - very patient, pleasant and professional. He would always analyze your moves and give good tips on how you could further improve.||We will definitely be back!...