Madarao Kogen

Madarao Kogen

Experience Nagano’s hidden powder playground and world-class tree skiing at Madarao Kogen.

Sections

Overview

Madarao Kogen is a laid-back mountain resort in Nagano famed for its deep “Madapow” snow and playful, tree-filled terrain. Draped across the flanks of Mt Madarao on the Nagano–Niigata border, the ski area links with neighboring Tangram Ski Circus, offering a wide variety of groomed runs, gladed tree zones, and sidecountry lines for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Gentle beginner slopes and family snow parks sit alongside steeper powder bowls and natural features that make the resort a favorite with freeriders. Off the mountain, a compact village of ski-in/ski-out lodges, pensions, and hotels delivers a cozy alpine atmosphere, with onsen hot springs and casual local eateries perfect for unwinding after a day in the snow. Thanks to easy access via the Hokuriku Shinkansen to nearby Iiyama Station, Madarao combines authentic Japanese mountain charm with convenient transport—an inviting base for enjoying Nagano’s legendary winter.

What's Included

Included

Personalised Itinerary and Travel Advice

Traditional Japanese Breakfast Daily

6 Nights Pension Accommodation

5 Day Madarao - Tangram Lift Ticket

Not Included

Flight, Train, or Bus Bookings

Travel Insurance

Personal Expenses

Meals other than those mentioned

Madarao Video

Accommodation

Accommodation in Madarao Kogen offers a cozy, slope-side base that blends classic Japanese hospitality with the comforts skiers and snowboarders love. Guests typically stay in family-run pensions, ski lodges, and small hotels—many of them ski-in/ski-out or just a short walk from the lifts. Rooms range from traditional Japanese styles with tatami floors and futon bedding to Western-style rooms with beds, catering to different preferences and group types. Many properties feature onsen or public baths, hearty home-style meals using local ingredients, and relaxed common areas where guests can swap stories from the day’s runs—creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home in the mountains.

Meals

One of the pleasures of staying in Madarao Kogen is refueling with hearty, mountain-style meals after a day on the slopes. Many pensions and lodges serve set-course dinners featuring a mix of Japanese and Western dishes—think steaming nabe hotpots, local Shinshu vegetables, grilled fish or meat, rice, miso soup, and comforting classics like curry rice or pasta. Breakfasts are often equally generous, with options ranging from Japanese-style spreads to toast, eggs, and coffee to start the ski day strong. As many properties offer fixed menus rather than à la carte dining, accommodating strict dietary requirements can be challenging, so guests with specific needs may need to plan and self-manage where possible.

Madarao Kogen Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Yep! Absolutely. Just let us know in the comments section on your enquiry form that you’d like this, who it’s for, and what you’d like to rent.

Some dietary restrictions cannot be fully supported in small alpine villages and there can be limited food options in rural areas, and traditional Japanese meal offerings at accommodations. Meals often consist of a spread of delicious small dishes, many of which include local and seasonal ingredients. Because not all components can be adjusted or substituted, travelers with specific dietary needs—such as severe allergies or strict vegetarian or vegan diets—may need to self-manage their meals by bringing suitable snacks or choosing carefully from the dishes provided. For most guests, however, the traditional local meals are a highlight of the experience.

More Snow Deals

$1,990 / person

Madarao Kogen, Nagano Japan

Ski / Snowboard Package Deal