Across the five main resorts around 35% of the runs are rated as beginner slopes (green), while some 45% are rated as intermediate (red). It is well worth noting that, generally speaking, slightly different standards apply when it comes to rating trail difficulty here. We found that a great deal of the intermediate slopes in Japan would probably have been rated as easy in Europe. As a result, beginners will find plenty of very manageable red-rated runs in the area, leaving newcomers with a vast amount of terrain to explore.
Akakura Onsen is a good place to start
Absolute beginners should look no further than Akakura Onsen for mellow slopes and the ideal destination for getting to grips with the snow. Around half of the runs here are green-rated beginner groomers, offering up a consistent shallow gradient as well as some fun tree-lined runs, such as the attractive “Elegant Course”. This is a wonderful resort for finding your feet and offering skiers of limited abilities the chance to explore some varied terrain. Holders of the combined ticket should also hop over the demarcation line into Akakura Kanko and hit the Champion Beginner Courses A & B. Both runs are served by their own lift and offer ideal mellow hillside for honing your skills between the tree glades.
Make the step up in Suginohara and Ikenotaira
Beginners who are ready to move on to slightly more challenging terrain would probably be best heading south to Suginohara or Ikenotaira for the day. Ikenotaira is a relatively compact resort dominated by easy runs on the lower slopes and intermediate terrain higher up. Expect long runs here and quiet conditions on the slopes. Suginohara is Myoko Kogen’s highest resort and also boasts one of the longest runs in the country (more on that in the “Advanced” category). The lengthy Suginohara Gondola runs most of the way up the mountain from the centre area, offering beginners access to the long, mellow descents of the Cedar Course on the Mitahara side and the Shirakaba Course of the Suginohara side. This is a great place to come if you want a lot of mountain to explore and as little lift riding as possible.