Resort Comparison
MadaraovsZao Onsen
Madarao
Nagano, Japan
Zao Onsen
Yamagata, Japan
Key Statistics
Madarao
Stat
Zao Onsen
24 km
Total Piste
Best50 km
10
Total Lifts
Best32
1,382m
Peak Altitude
Best1,661m
1,065mBest
Base Altitude
780m
9/10Best
Snow Reliability
8/10
Local
Ski Pass
Local
★★★★★Best
Family Rating
★★★☆☆
★★★★★★Best
Value Rating
★★★★★
1h 15m
Transfer Time
Best45m
Nagano (NGO)
Nearest Airport
Yamagata (GAJ)
Difficulty Distribution
Madarao
Beginner 8/10Intermediate 6/10Advanced 5/10
Zao Onsen
Beginner 5/10Intermediate 6/10Advanced 4/10
Estimated Trip Cost
Based on 2 travelers, 7 nights, mid-range accommodation. Includes flights from the US, lift passes, ski hire, and transfers.
Category Scores
Madarao
Zao Onsen
Terrain Variety
5
Snow Reliability
9
Lift System
5
Family Friendliness
9
Apres-Ski
4
Off-Piste
7
Beginner Suitability
8
Intermediate Terrain
6
Advanced Terrain
5
Value for Money
9
Accommodation
6
Dining
5
Accessibility
7
Scenery & Charm
7
Ski School
7
The Verdict
Madarao wins on
- Snow Reliability
- Family Friendliness
- Off-Piste
- Beginner Suitability
- Advanced Terrain
- Value for Money
- Accessibility
- Ski School
8category wins
Zao Onsen wins on
- Apres-Ski
- Accommodation
- Dining
- Scenery & Charm
4category wins
Tied categories (3)
Terrain VarietyLift SystemIntermediate Terrain
Best For
Madarao
BeginnersFamiliesGuaranteed snowBudget-conscious travelersEasy access
Zao Onsen
Guaranteed snowBudget-conscious travelersScenery & charmEasy access
Book Your Trip
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Madarao Resort Guide
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Zao Onsen Resort Guide