The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Lotte Arai occupies the eastern slopes of 1,429-metre Mount Okenashi in Niigata Prefecture, offering 1,100 metres of vertical drop across 524 acres. The resort operates 14 runs spanning 329 to 1,429 metres elevation, with terrain distributed as 36 per cent beginner, 36 per cent intermediate, 20 per cent advanced and 8 per cent expert. Reopened in December 2017 following extensive refurbishment under Korean conglomerate Lotte, the resort receives an annual average of 18 to 22 metres of dry powder snow. Ikon Pass holders receive seven days of access with no blackout dates, whilst Ikon Base Pass holders receive five days.
The ski area layout centres on a single elongated bowl served by six lifts, with eight designated freeride zones occupying 80 per cent of the terrain. Groomed pistes include the 5.2-kilometre Myoko Long Run and Village Road for beginners, whilst advanced skiers navigate Legendary and Mamushi Gaeshi, the latter named for terrain steep enough to flip a viper. Above-treeline sub-alpine bowls including Zendana Bowl and Big Bowl offer multiple fall lines into the resort. The longest continuous run extends 7 kilometres with avalanche-controlled off-piste areas managed by proactive ski patrol.
The base area centres on a 257-room hotel complex with ski-in, ski-out access, multiple restaurants, Hoshizora onsen with outdoor pools, and Spa Manna wellness facilities. The resort operates Myoko Snowsports, an English-language international ski school that has won Japan's Best Snowsports School at Ski Asia Awards for 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Lotte Arai won Japan's Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards 2020 and maintains recognition for powder quality and luxury facilities.
The integrated resort structure suits families seeking convenience and advanced riders targeting controlled freeride terrain in a single-mountain environment. Season dates run 5 December 2025 to 29 March 2026, covering 115 operating days. Limited groomed variety means intermediate skiers may exhaust piste options within two to three days, though extensive off-piste zones provide depth for confident all-mountain skiers willing to explore beyond marked runs.
1100m
Vertical
14
Runs
524 acres
Skiable
22m
Annual snow
Ikon Pass
Pass
The Terrain
14 runs across 524 acres skiable
Lotte Arai spreads 14 runs across 524 acres skiable of terrain. It leans beginner at 36%, with 5 beginner runs to find your feet and 4 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
14
runs
14 runs across 4 grades
Beginner5 runs · 36%
Intermediate5 runs · 36%
Advanced3 runs · 20%
Expert1 run · 8%
Time it right
When to visit Lotte Arai
The 2025-2026 season operates from 5 December 2025 to 29 March 2026, spanning 115 days. Lotte Arai typically runs from early December through late March, with some years extending operations into late April or early May depending on snowpack. The Myoko region receives consistent storm cycles from December through March as northwest flow off the Sea of Japan wrings moisture against the first mountain barrier.
Annual snowfall averages between 15 and 22 metres depending on measurement location and seasonal variation, with the resort's position and elevation creating reliable powder accumulation. Base elevation of 329 metres yields denser snow near the gondola, whilst upper elevations above 1,000 metres maintain squeaky, dry conditions through midwinter. The resort offers limited snowmaking, relying primarily on natural accumulation. Base depths regularly exceed three metres during peak winter.
January and early February deliver peak powder conditions with frequent multi-day storm cycles and cold temperatures preserving snow quality. Late December sees strong early-season accumulation, whilst March transitions to spring corn conditions with extended daylight and milder temperatures. Weekdays between mid-January and early February offer optimal powder with minimal crowds, avoiding the holiday rush periods that draw domestic visitors.
The resort operates snow tubing, a Kids' Garden play area and snow rafting activities throughout winter. First tracks programmes allow early gondola access for dedicated powder seekers. Spring events include terrain park setup in the Zendana area from late season onwards. The resort transitions to green season operations from May through November, featuring the 1,501-metre zipline tour and Tree Adventure aerial course.
Season 2025-2026
5 Dec 2025
Opens
29 Mar 2026
Closes
114
Days open
22 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Lotte Arai, and where to stay
Lotte Arai sits on Mount Okenashi's eastern slopes in Myoko city, Niigata Prefecture, on Honshu's northwest coast. The base village lies at 329 metres elevation in agricultural countryside 21 kilometres north of the core Myoko Kogen resort cluster and 22 kilometres south of Joetsu city. The resort faces east with views extending to the Sea of Japan on clear days, positioned where mountain ranges stretch from Mount Myoko to the coast across rice paddies.
Joetsu city, 15 kilometres northwest with a population exceeding 190,000, provides the nearest significant urban services. The town of Arai, immediately adjacent to the resort, offers limited independent accommodation including Hotel Soboku and Arai Villa. Myoko Kogen resort villages including Akakura Onsen lie 30 minutes south by car. Nagano city sits 50 kilometres southeast, whilst Niigata city and port facilities are located two hours north by car.
From Tokyo, take the Kanetsu Expressway to Fujioka Junction, then the Joshinetsu Expressway to Arai Smart Interchange, totalling 130 minutes of motorway driving plus seven minutes on local roads. The Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Joetsu-Myoko Station requires one hour 46 minutes, with the resort located 15 kilometres southeast of the station. Drive time from Osaka via Meishin and Hokuriku Expressways extends to approximately five hours 45 minutes.
Narita and Haneda airports in Tokyo serve international arrivals, approximately three to four hours by combined train and shuttle. Niigata Airport, two hours away by car, connects to major Asian hubs. From Joetsu-Myoko Station, free resort shuttles operate throughout the day with advance booking required, or taxis cover the 15-kilometre distance for approximately 4,000 yen. Direct airport shuttle buses run from Narita, Niigata and Toyama airports with advance reservations.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Lotte Arai, powered by Stay22.
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Lotte Arai Lift Tickets
Lotte Arai lift tickets & passes
The 2025-2026 season at Lotte Arai closed on Mar 29, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Lift tickets FAQ
How much does a Lotte Arai day pass cost?
Lotte Arai day pass pricing varies by date and advance booking - see the full breakdown in the tickets panel.
Can I buy Lotte Arai lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets online or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Lotte Arai lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Lotte Arai, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Lotte Arai lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Lotte Arai - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Lotte Arai lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Lotte Arai offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Lotte Arai directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Lotte Arai.
More Lotte Arai intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.