Lotte Arai Resort

Lotte Arai Resort is a world-class ski destination in the Myoko area of Niigata Prefecture, offering 19 courses across a massive 980-meter vertical drop (300m to 1,280m) with 6 lifts. Originally opened as Arai Resort in the 1990s and revived by Lotte Hotels & Resorts, the resort has been reborn as one of Japan's premier luxury ski experiences. With an astonishing average annual snowfall of 1,400cm, it is one of the snowiest lift-accessed resorts in the world.

The resort is legendary for its extensive backcountry and off-piste terrain, with large areas of the mountain designated for controlled avalanche-managed skiing outside the groomed runs. Tree runs, powder bowls, and steep chutes attract expert riders from around the globe. The base area features a luxury hotel with premium dining, an onsen spa, and year-round activities including a zipline. Despite its advanced terrain reputation, the resort also caters to beginners and intermediates with well-groomed lower runs. Direct Shinkansen access via Joetsumyoko Station with a free shuttle makes it remarkably accessible from Tokyo in just 2.5 hours.