Madarao and Japan have become famous for untracked powder and getting into the backcountry extends the terrain you can play in to extreme levels. If you stand on top of Mount Madarao and look around the 360 degree view you will see more runs, chutes, volcanoes and tree runs than you would be able to ride in a lifetime of exploration. Admittedly our region is particularly rich with perfect pitched mountains and is blessed with insane amounts of snow but still all over Japan there are backcount...
Accessing the most perfect untouched runs in the wilderness is simply one of the best experiences you can have in the snow. You need to have a decent level of fitness, training in travelling in avalanche terrain, the right gear and the right people to keep it safe. If you have this magic combination then the best snow of your life is just a few steps away and it is so worth making the effort.
Split boards have changed the world for Snowboa...
For those of you who have visited us at Snowball Chalet you know how insanely deep the snow gets at Madarao Mountain Resort. Regular cheeky overnight snowfalls in excess of a meter (3 feet) mean you need something special to really take advantage of the most perfect conditions in the sn...
Stay warm, stay dry, stay happy.
Our favourite outerwear is made by Mont.Bell. A brilliant Japanese brand that is built for the extremely snowy conditions of Madarao and Japow. Because we get so much snow which is super light and temperatures are really stable when you ride you are entering the white room on every turn a lot of the season. You need gear that will stand up to the pow so you don't end up wet and cold if it gets under your outer layer and melts. Mont.Bell'...
