Togari Onsen Ski Resort

Togari Onsen Ski Resort is a uniquely reverse v-shaped resort that was built with an eye towards the training of GS skiers. It’s still a local ski field that’s not much frequented by foreigners, mostly because it appears as the poorer cousin of the very popular Nozawa Onsen across the valley or Madarao Kogen up the road.

Togari Onsen traditionally has two bases, Pegasus and Orion (each with their own village and community onsen), connected by lower runs and the main top area known as Tondaira. During Covid, the base Orion lifts were closed, and the area was re-named Snow Vacance Village. It is now used for various snow-related activities.

The Casseopeia area joins up the two zones but, being a bit flat, snowboarders may wish to avoid this where possible. Intermediate skiers and snowboarders have a handful of runs of varying pitches, and there are lots of spots to jump off the piste to experiment in the powder. The black runs are short and not particularly steep.

The relative lack of foreign powderhounds means late in the day you are often still able to find some fresh lines. The runs are wide and large sections of ungroomed are left at the side of most of the runs, making it great territory for intermediate boarders who want to get their powder wings. For those wanting to head off-piste, there are minimal ropes, with the exception of some to discourage you from riding the lift lines. The off-piste areas are quite heavily treed so it can be a bit hard to find your way – be careful of gullies.