ARAI SNOW RESORT Overview

ARAI SNOW RESORT (アライスノーリゾート) is located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, near Myoko City. This resort is known for its reliable snow conditions and a vertical drop of 1,087 meters, making it suitable for a range of skiers and snowboarders. Its terrain includes six main pistes spread over approximately 5.5 kilometers, offering a variety of slopes primarily suited to intermediate and advanced levels. The resort’s elevation ranges from 327 meters at the base to 1,414 meters at the summit. While it offers quality snow and a quiet atmosphere, the skiable area is relatively compact compared to larger Japanese resorts, which may limit options for longer stays focused on extensive terrain exploration.

Quick Facts

• Official Name: アライスノーリゾート (ARAI SNOW RESORT)
• Location: Niigata Prefecture, Japan
• Nearest Town: Myoko City
• Base Elevation: 327 meters
• Summit Elevation: 1,414 meters
• Vertical Drop: 1,087 meters
• Piste Length: Approximately 5.5 km (mapped)
• Number of Trails: 6
• Number of Lifts: 5 (types not specified)
• Night Skiing: Yes
• Best Suited To: Intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders

Who This Resort Is Best For

The resort primarily suits intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders who appreciate a manageable ski area with reliable snow conditions. Beginners may find limited dedicated beginner terrain, so those new to skiing might prefer resorts with more extensive beginner zones. Families can visit, but should consider the availability of family-specific programs and childcare, which are not clearly detailed. Powder enthusiasts will benefit from the region’s snowfall, though the relatively small skiable area may limit extensive off-piste exploration. Day visitors and those seeking a quieter atmosphere may find it suitable, while skiers looking for large-scale terrain or extensive night skiing options might consider other resorts.

Non-Ski Activities

Non-ski activities are not detailed in available sources. Visitors interested in alternative winter activities should consult the resort or nearby Myoko City for options such as snowshoeing, hot springs, or cultural experiences.

Accommodation and Village Atmosphere

LOTTE ARAI has quite a few non-ski activities and facilities. During winter, the main options include:

• Snow tubing – a dedicated course with a moving carpet
• Zip line – availability depends on weather and seasonal operations
• Indoor swimming pool
• Hoshizora Onsen – indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths
• Spa and massage treatments
• Indoor playground – bouldering, trampoline and climbing/fun walls
• Children’s playroom
• Board games
• Restaurants, cafés and a pub
• Souvenir shopping

Food and Après-Ski

LOTTE ARAI has considerably more dining than a typical standalone Japanese ski area. Most restaurants are located around the hotel and base village, with a smaller selection available on the mountain.

On-mountain and daytime dining

• Sky Restaurant ZEN – The principal on-mountain lunch restaurant. It is normally open during the ski season from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Gondola Restaurant Village – A casual food-court-style restaurant inside Village Station at the gondola base, generally serving lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Myoko Coffee – Coffee, desserts and light snacks in Village Station.
• REMARK – A café and bar serving drinks such as Arai Lemonade and shochu-blend highballs. Its operating dates appear to be seasonal.

Dinner restaurants

• The PLATE – The resort’s main international and Western-style restaurant, offering buffet dining and steaks. Published hours are breakfast 7:00–10:00 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and dinner 5:00–9:00 p.m.
• Japanese Restaurant Asahi – Traditional Japanese cuisine in the Lodge building, open for breakfast and dinner. Dinner is generally served from 5:00–9:00 p.m.
• Steakhouse BECO – A specialist steak restaurant suited to a more substantial or special-occasion dinner, normally open from 5:00–10:00 p.m.
• Shabu-shabu Yashiro – Japanese hot-pot dining, particularly well suited to groups and cold winter evenings.
• Ha Noi – A Vietnamese restaurant within the resort.
• Arcobaleno – A Western-style dining option listed among the resort’s restaurants.

Bars and evening entertainment

• Café & Bar Ruri – The resort’s principal cocktail bar and après-ski lounge, located on the first floor of the Lodge. Café service is normally offered from 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., followed by bar service from 6:00–10:00 p.m.
• Cottage Lounge – A relaxed lobby lounge in the Arai building, generally open from 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
• Karaoke Bar San – Offers karaoke together with darts and billiards, making it the resort’s main late-evening entertainment venue.

The après-ski atmosphere is mostly hotel-based and relatively refined, centred on cocktails, lounges, dinner, karaoke and the resort onsen. It is not a large bar-hopping village like Niseko or Hakuba, and there are few establishments within easy walking distance outside the resort.

Restaurant schedules can vary with hotel occupancy and the season. Advance dinner reservations are recommended, especially for BECO, Asahi and Shabu-shabu Yashiro on weekends and holidays. Breakfast reservations are not normally accepted.