While the term “driving distance” is relative to how keen for pow you might be on any given day, here, it refers mostly to those within 30km, with the only exception being Charmant Hiuchi. More on that later. And while we’re drawing boundaries, “lesser known” shall be taken to mean any resort not commonly considered part of Myoko. Such resorts include the Akakuras, Sugi, Ike, Seki, and also Madarao/Tangram and Lotte Arai.

If you aren’t familiar with Myoko, then you might want to engage in some prior reading on Myoko Kogen Ski Resorts and what they have to offer. Beyond those lie some increasingly-unhidden gems definitely worthy of a powder fiend’s perusal and a visit but bear in mind, you’ll probably want to rent a car (yes, a 4WD with winter tyres) to uncover them.

Kurohime Kogen Snow Park

Despite being in Nagano Prefecture, as opposed to Niigata Prefecture, Kurohime is probably closer to Suginohara than Akakura is, depending on your exact coordinates, of course. It’s also much quieter. A slight unfortunate is that much of the good tree skiing has not been lift accessible for a while now, but the positives include prime views of Nojiri and Mount Myoko, a great park, and importantly, less competition for fresh lines than the Myoko area’s main resorts.

Kurohime Snow Park

Kurohime Snow Park. Image: kurohime-kogen.co.jp

“Kurohime is one of the best family resorts in the area,” says long-term Myokoite, Jamie Majewski. “Although the top is now closed, many will have a crack at hiking up to relive the experience of one of the steepest runs in the area.

“It’s also got a dog park there if you enjoy the company of a furry pooch. It’s the only one around, apart from Nozawa.

“And little do people know that it is actually closer to Sugi than Akakura is and Lake Nojiri for down day activities”.

Kurohime Kogen Snow Park is home to 11 runs, 6 lifts and 430 metres of vertical.

Iizuna Resort

Iizuna Resort is also in Nagano Prefecture and about 20km or so from Myoko Kogen, again depending upon your exact location. It should not be confused with Iizuna Kogen Ski Area which closed permanently around the same time the word “coronavirus” entered the common vernacular, in March of 2020. Word is that Nagano City will give you that resort for free so long as you keep it open. As of the time of writing, there have been no takers.

Iizuna Ski Resort

Iizuna Ski Resort. Image: iizunaresort.com

Back to Iizuna Resort, which is still open during the area’s powdery season. You’re probably not going to find as much fresh pow at Iizuna as Myoko Kogen resorts or some other places on this list. However, it could serve as a good option on a chill day of a few easy slides, soaking up the local Japanese vibe. Passes and lunch are also very cheap and is a fair option for when the sun goes down.

“Iizuna has the best night skiing in the area because it’s fairly steep and has a park,” suggests Jamie. “The nearby onsen, Tengu, is one of the better onsen options around. The nearby Glamprook glamping resort has some upmarket accommodation in the shape of futuristic igloos, for something different”.

Iizuna Resort has 12 runs, 3 lifts, 1 magic carpet for absolute beginners and 600m of vertical.

Togakushi Ski Field

Many readers will already be familiar with this area. The towering cedar trees leading to the upper part of Togakushi Shrine are gifts from the Instagram gods during any season, particularly in winter (Note, the nearby Togakushi Ninja Village and museum are closed from late November to late April).

What probably isn’t as well known is the ski resort just a little further down the road. What makes Togakushi great is that there’ll most likely be very few people there, particularly during the week. Additionally, the views are sublime on a good day and you’ll enjoy a very local experience. The resort doesn’t really cater to English speakers at all, which can be a huge plus when you want to get away from the world and enjoy Japan and a bit of powder on the side.

Beau “Reef Chief” Arnold has been snowboarding all over Japan almost every season (excluding covid years) since 2010 and rates Togakushi highly.

“It has great terrain for everyone at all levels,” he says. “Also, some awesome views, no westerners and they usually have a public slalom course open for everyone. At least, last couple of times I went there they did.

“The cedar shrine is just down the road too,” he adds.

Togakushi Ski Field is not big but has 19 courses, 7 lifts and 550 metres of vertical.

Charmant Hiuchi Ski Resort

This resort is technically in Itoigawa city although not quite as far as the city proper. As the karasu flies, Charmant Hiuchi is fairly close to Myoko but by the time you’ve followed the road, you’ve probably covered almost 80 km. Almost certainly 80 on the way back once you’ve made a sushi train detour in Joetsu. It is a fair bit further than all of the other entries on this list but rates a mention because of one thing; snow. Snow quantity and its ability to be enjoyed via a number of off-piste ungroomed courses.

Charmant Hiuchi

Image: Japan National Tourism Organization

Being so close to the coast, Charmant Hiuchi is among the first to get smashed by those Siberian winds and sees huge snowfall. There is no accommodation at the resort and it takes a bit of extra effort to reach which means it’s typically very quiet so, braving an early morning pays off handsomely on a powder day. It’s also quite cheap and like most of the others on this list, offers a very local feel. All things considered it might be the pick of all of the resorts mentioned here.

“Charmant is a great little resort located near Itoigawa,” offers Himistu House’s Leif Grant, who has been a ski instructor in the area for more than a decade. “It offers excellent off piste terrain and is usually relatively quiet.

“I would highly recommend it on a 20 plus cm day. Charmant suits intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders with very limited beginner terrain.

“After your day at Charmant there is an onsen just down the hill which is great for a bit of rejuvenation after a day on the snow,” Leif adds.

Charmant Hiuchi Ski Resort is home to 16 courses, 3 lifts and 500 metres of vertical.

Kanayasan Ski Area

This is typically where the cliché “last but not least” might be dropped in, however, while this is the last entry on this least, it is also the least. The least elevation, least number of lifts and the shortest season.

What it does have is history. As Leif explains, “Kanayasan is a small ski hill near Joetsumyoko Skinkansen Station.

Kanayasan Ski Area

Kanayasan Ski Area. Image: niigata-kankou.or.jp/ski/10712

“It is the birthplace of skiing in Japan, where Theodore Elden Von Lerch first trained the Japanese military to ski in 1911. Kanayasan is normally only open from mid-January to March and consists of just one single seater chair lift and four runs. There is a small memorial at the base to commemorate its significance to the Japanese ski industry.

“It is a unique experience to see where it all started in Japan,” Leif insists, “and one that few foreigners witness,” but concedes, “It is only good to visit for half a day”.

Kanayasan Ski Area has 4 courses, 1 lift and 113 metres of vertical.

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