ARAI

Arai Ski Resort offers some fantastic skiing in Honshu, especially for higher intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. The terrain itself is much smaller than nearby resorts at only 388 acres, however, it has the all important vertical (951 metres) for those waist-deep powder days. Below the tree-line, the resort offers some great light tree-skiing. Above the tree-line, you have access to incredible wide open powder bowls, and off-piste skiing within avalanche controlled areas. For even more fresh lines, you can take a short hike up to the peak from the top chair.

Arai's proximity to the Sea of Japan brings storms with plenty of moisture for snow, and plenty of it, up to 15 metres annually. Some say that due to this, Arai receives more snow than nearby Myoko Kogen and Seki Onsen! The slopes are East-facing, so the snow sticks around a little longer through Spring. Ski patrollers at Arai are diligent, so expect to find a few in-bounds areas roped off - as tempting as they may look, the mammoth snowfall also brings increased avalanche danger so best to steer clear. Arai boasts a team of highly trained and experienced international snow patrol and avalance forecasters on site to make sure your powder turns are safe.

Arai is best for those who love backcountry style terrain, with rolling alpine zones and over a 1000 metres of vertical. Arai has some steep off-piste pitches allowing you to get waist deep with each turn, even with just a couple of inches of new snow. While it looks small on the map, the off-piste area to explore feels much bigger, especially if you put in the odd 10 minute hike (of which there are some still in the safe in-bounds area).  This would also be a great place for strong intermediate skiers looking to have a go at off-piste powder. They will find areas where the terrain is challenging but easy enough to handle and best of all, it's safe. While a ski guide is always a benefit, Arai is one resort where they aren't absolutely necessry since the off-piste is avalanche controlled, there is plenty of it in-bounds and most of it is quite visible and easy to navigate.

Where Arai falls down is its beginner and intermediate on-piste terrain. There simply isn't enough of it to warrant more than a day or two for skiers not looking to venture off-piste. The first timers' run is so flat that if a few inches of snow falls during the day (which is quite common) and it's not groomed, skiing it in a snow plough becomes virtually impossible. 

The resort is serviced by only 5 lifts - one main gondola, two quad chairs, and two double chairs. There is an excellent ski school run by Myoko Snowsports - they also offer guides for off-piste powder skiing. Lessons and guides can be included as part of an Arai Ski Package via Scout.

Arai has some great facilities for a family ski holiday. At the base area, you will find an International Ski School with English-speaking instructors (operated by Myoko Snowsports) with a great range of group and private lessons for kids (from the ages of 3) and adults. This is a major drawcard for Arai, being one of the only resorts in Japan with an extensive international-visitor friendly ski school. Also expect to find high quality rentals, which can be easily arranged right at the gondola base building. 

For families, the Lotte Arai Hotel offers great rooms for families, including childcare services. One benefit of staying here is the prime location, almost ski-in/ski-out, and easily access to the base of the resort. There are other great amenities for the kids, including an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a trampoline room, and the Lodge has a fun karaoke room. Tubing is also available at the base, perfect for a down day or a spare afternoon, and there is a food court and restaurant at the base and top of the gondola, providing many options for dining throughout the day.

The terrain is catered to intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders, however, there are some beginner slopes at lower mountain, including nice long blue runs. 

Arai is a small resort area with only one accommodation option at the base. The Lotte Arai Resort Hotel is the main complex at the base of the resort and offers a good range of rooms for individuals, couples, and families. The accommodation is Western-style rooms, with many restaurants, shops, and amenities including indoor & outdoor pools, indoor & outdoor onsen, gym, and day spa. There's 3 bars (very quiet) and karaoke room on site.

The Lotte Resort Hotel has fantastic re-furbished rooms and brand new facilities, but be prepared to pay a little extra to stay at the resort. Having no main village as such at the resort means dining out can be rather pricey, however, there are surprisingly a number of options; from bakeries and cafes, to exquisite restaurants. Opting for accommodation with half-board (breakfast and dinner included daily), does reduce the impact on your wallet. For budget travellers, we recommend a home base at nearby Myoko Kogen and taking a day trip (or two!) to Arai.

Other than incredible skiing and the facilities at the hotel, there aren't many other activities at the resort itself. Kids (and adults) can participate in tubing, which is always a great way to spend an afternoon. There is also a long zip-line which is quite a thrill, though it does eat up a bit of skiing time with the briefing getting to and from the actual zip-line which goes across the ski resort. The day spa is also a fantastic way to spend the day, with treatments and pampering sessions available at the Lotte Arai Resort Hotel.

If you have a car there are some lovely attractions within a 40-60 minute drive, such as the historical town of takada, onsens, temples a vineyard and even an aquarium.

Arai is located on Mt Ohgenashi in the Niigata Prefecture of Honshu, only about 21km North of Myoko Kogen. Shinkansen is the easiest way to get to Arai, with a bullet train journey approximately 3 hours from Narita Airport (or only 1.5 hours from Tokyo). The resort offers a free shuttle from Joetsumyoko station, or you can take a taxi (which can be fairly expensive). Arai is about 30 minutes from Joetsu Myoko station. 

Transfers are available from Myoko Kogen for those wanting to take a day trip or partaking in a multi-resort ski holiday. Private transfers are also available from Tokyo Narita and Haneda Airports via Chuo Taxi.

The resort itself is incredibly compact, with everything within walking distance. The main hotel is located directly at the base of the resort, so you're on the slopes for first tracks straight away each morning. There is no town or village close by.

Like many of the Nagano resorts in Honshu, the majority of snow falls between late-December and mid-February, with plenty of powder days throughout January. Heading towards the end of Feb and start of March, expect more bluebird days and Spring-like conditions. January is the coldest month, and brings stormy and blizzard-like days, however, this also brings the mammoth snowfall consistent with the regions proximity to the Sea of Japan (15 metres a season!).