The Perfect Ski Resort

IT MAY ALREADY BE MARCH, but that doesn’t mean ski season is wrapping up. At LOTTE Arai Resort in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, skiers can swish down the slopes and enjoy some of the world’s best skiing until May. So far this year, the area boasts more than 16 feet of powdery, light, fluffy snow.

SKI SEASON KICKED OFF December 2018, and skiers around the globe descend on LOTTE Arai Resort for downhill skiing surrounded by a picturesque snowy landscape and 5-star accommodations. The luxury boutique resort reopened December 2017 after an extensive renovation and is now equipped with some of the world’s best facilities. Niigata Prefecture in the northeastern part of Japan is widely known as the origin of skiing in the country.

ADDING TO THE EXCEPTIONAL skiing, LOTTE Arai Resort’s location at Mt. Ohkenashi allows skiers at the top to enjoy stunning sea views on a clear day. A total of 14 courses are on offer, with the longest at more than 17,000 feet. The resort caters to all levels of skiers, with courses for beginners, mid-levels and experts distributed throughout. LOTTE Arai Resort hosts the world-renowned Freeride World Tour Japan Series this month.

CHILDREN WILL RELISH in the sleigh area, and everyone in the group will love the abundance of winter sports on offer. It’s not all about skiing. Asia’s longest zip line, at nearly 5,000 feet and more than 3,000 feet above sea level, can be found at LOTTE Arai Resort, as can the longest tubing course in Japan. Other amenities include bouldering, a square trampoline and more. After hitting the slopes, unwind in a fantastic outdoor onsen created naturally by alkaline-based spring water. Complete your après ski experience by indulging in delicious, fresh seafood and traditional Japanese liquor.

WINTER DELIGHTS AWAIT travelers to LOTTE Arai Resort. For inquiries and reservations, visit lottehotel .com/aria-resort/en.