Muikamachi Hakkaisan

Muikamachi Hakkaisan can be a powder paradise in January and February. It is an hour further west from Echigo Yuzawa (30-mins by local train to Muikamachi, then 30-mins by bus). Because of this it is usually less busy but still managable in a day trip from Tokyo. The resort is especially popular with skiers out to enjoy the moguls, so there is usually plenty of terrain left for freeriding. Below the gondola is a 3km downhill course that will take it out of you. The No. 3 chairlift lets you enjoy a shorter workout. The Raku (easy) course allows you to cut through the thick forest and offers plenty of air points but there is no pipe or park. The area itself is one of the most famous in Japan for sake (rice wine) which you will no doubt get to taste if you stay here. In the winter 'Atsukan' (hot rice wine) is good for warming you up, it's available here and in all other resorts.