OUR LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Five favourites within easy reach of Rooms 115 and 306. Where we go depends on the snow, the weather and how energetic everyone feels that morning.
STARTING AT TANGRAM
Drive times are approximate in winter and can stretch after heavy snow. Lift prices are adult day-ticket prices. Where 2026–27 pricing has not yet been published, we have clearly used the previous season as a guide.
Our home mountain
The easy first choice. Friendly terrain, good grooming and beautiful views across Lake Nojiri. Perfect for a relaxed opening day, mixed abilities or when the weather makes a long drive pointless.
Best for: first day, families, cruisy laps and storm days close to home.Trees & powder
Madarao shares the mountain with Tangram, but it has its own personality: more tree runs, ungroomed terrain and plenty of places to hunt for soft snow after a fall.
Best for: fresh snow, stronger skiers and exploring the official tree runs.Village day
A broad, welcoming ski area above one of Myoko's best-known onsen villages. The terrain is friendly, the atmosphere is traditional and it is the local option for night skiing.
Best for: mixed groups, beginners, a village lunch and an onsen afterwards.Big vertical
Long, wide runs spread across the Suginohara and Mitahara zones. It is a brilliant choice when visibility is good and you want longer laps rather than spending the day hopping between short lifts.
Best for: long groomers, big views, fast mileage and clear-weather days.Full day out
The biggest day trip in this group and worth leaving early for. Nozawa combines a substantial mountain with a proper historic village, public baths and plenty of places for a late lunch or drink.
Best for: a full-day adventure, varied terrain and après-ski village atmosphere.A LITTLE FURTHER OFF THE MAP
These are the alternatives for days when we feel like dodging the better-known resorts. They are smaller, more local and each gives us a different reason to leave Tangram for the day.
Off the beaten track
The closest easy adventure beyond the usual Myoko circuit. Kurohime is relaxed, approachable and especially good when the trees are holding soft snow.
Off the beaten track
A quieter powder option with moguls, ungroomed runs and an onsen finish. It feels much less polished than the famous resorts, and that is part of its charm.
Off the beaten track
A proper skier's mountain with excellent grooming, technique-friendly pistes and dramatic scenery. Save it for a clear day when the drive and the views are worthwhile.
Off the beaten track
Small, local and often wonderfully quiet. Iizuna is a strong value choice for carving groomers without committing to a huge expedition.
Off the beaten track
Formerly Kijimadaira. Come for the novelty, uncrowded wide pistes and, when conditions and confidence suit, the famous steep upper terrain.
HOW WE CHOOSE
Fresh snow? Madarao for trees and powder, or stay at Tangram when the road is ugly.
Clear skies? Suginohara for long runs and big views.
Mixed group? Tangram or Akakura Onsen keep everyone happy.
Make a day of it? Leave early for Nozawa and stay for the village.