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Elevation
800m–1,382m
Ski area
34.8 km
Lifts
16
Nearest airport
Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport (MMJ) - 92 km
Schools
0 listed
Ski domain
Overview
Madarao at a glance
Common questions
- Madarao is famous for its perfectly spaced birch glades and exceptional snow, making it a magnet for international freeriders. You will also find uncrowded groomed runs suitable for intermediate progression.
- While there is dedicated beginner terrain at the base area, the resort is generally more suited to intermediate and advanced skiers. Confident intermediates can explore its forgiving tree skiing.
- Madarao has an exceptional snow record, receiving an average of 43 feet of powder annually. This abundance of snow is a key reason international freeriders flock to the resort.
- Absolutely. The unique tree zones, especially Champion #4 and Sanchō areas, offer the steepest challenges. Powder guides are also available to help you navigate the best deep snow.
- Yes, Madarao is dramatically cheaper than other popular Japanese resorts such as Niseko or Hakuba, offering good value for money.
The mountain
Ski area details
Key stats
Summit1,382m
Base800m
Vertical drop (resort)582m
Total Lifts16
Total Slopes34.8 km
The mountain
Ratings
Editorial suitability scores from the Find a Ski School team on a 1–5 scale. These are not visitor reviews.
Skiing
Beginners
Intermediate
Advanced
Off-piste
Snowboarding
Park
Cross-country
Snow guarantee
Resort
Value for money
Family friendly
Après ski
Winter hiking
The mountain
Ski area map
Explore the ski runs and pistes around Madarao. Toggle the ski piste overlay using the layer control.
Ski piste data from OpenSnowMap.org (CC-BY-SA)
Lesson providers
Ski schools at Madarao
No ski schools listed at this resort yet.
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About the resort
About Madarao
Madarao is an outdoor ski area in Japan. The available data lists terrain from 800 m to 1382 m elevation, 34.8 km of recorded slopes and 16 lifts.
About the resort
Key facts about Madarao
Madarao is part of the Madarao & Tangram ski area. Across the area, the lifts span 800m to 1,382m. The lifts run between 800m and 1,382m, a vertical drop of 582m. 34.8 km of marked pistes are served by 16 lifts. The nearest airport is Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport (MMJ) - 92 km.
Resort guide
Madarao resort guide
The resort is a magnet for international freeriders, famed for its perfectly spaced birch glades. These glades contribute to its reputation for exceptional snow. An Australian-run ski school has played a significant role in building Madarao's international standing. Visitors will also find Madarao dramatically cheaper than other popular Japanese resorts like Niseko or Hakuba.
Terrain by Level
Madarao offers varied terrain, though it's most renowned for its tree skiing.
- Beginners: The base area provides dedicated beginner terrain. However, the resort is generally more suited to intermediates and above.
- Intermediates: Groomed runs are typically uncrowded, offering plenty of space to progress. Confident intermediates can begin exploring the resort's famed tree skiing, where the birch spacing is wide and forgiving.
The tree zones are the primary draw for advanced skiers at Madarao. These unique areas are the resort's reason for being. For the steepest tree skiing challenges, head to Champion #4 and Sanchō areas. Powder guides are available to help you navigate the best of the resort's deep snow and extensive off-piste.
Madarao is famous for its exceptional snow record, receiving an average of 43 feet of snow annually. This abundance of powder is a key reason international freeriders flock to the resort.
Madarao is linked to Tangram Ski Circus, offering an expanded skiing experience. A combined lift pass is available, providing access to both resorts and adding significant variety to your trip.
Madarao Mountain School is the established English-language choice for lessons and guiding. The Australian-run school specialises in tree-skiing clinics and powder guiding, catering to those looking to explore Madarao's unique terrain.
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Nearby
Discover more ski resorts in Japan
Listed ski areas nearby include Hokuryuko (2 km), Shinanodaira (4 km), Kitashinshu Shinanodaira (4 km), Togari Onsen (5 km), Iiyama Kokusai (6 km), and Nozawa Onsen (6 km).