Lotte Arai

Lotte Arai is located in Niigata, near the Myoko area, and is one of Japan’s more distinctive ski resorts for those who prioritize lift-accessed off-piste over lots of groomed runs. The lift system itself is fairly small, with a handful of lifts and a gondola, but between the groomed descents there are large zones of ungroomed terrain. Mount Okenashi reaches 4,688 feet, and the ski area starts down at around 1,050 feet.

What makes Arai stand out is how easily accessible the freeriding is. From the top station of the Zendana Lift, you quickly reach rolling terrain with bowls, sparse trees, and plenty of lines that lead back toward the lift system. Big Bowl is one of the area’s most obvious objectives, with a short hike from Mount Okenashi and more open powder skiing when conditions line up.

Arai often gets huge amounts of snow from the Sea of Japan, and after a big dump the skiing can be deep and slow in flatter sections. Because of that, much of the best off-piste is in the upper third of the mountain, where the pitch is better and the terrain carries more speed. Farther down, the mountain mellows out, which means you need to choose your lines a bit more thoughtfully.

Lotte Arai is best suited for experienced skiers and riders who want Japanese powder with convenient logistics—hotels right at the base and lots of freeriding close to the lifts. It’s not a resort for anyone looking to rack up groomer miles, but for a few days of deep snow, rolling terrain, and less crowding than Japan’s most famous areas, Arai is a strong choice.