Smiling in the show

The mountain resort, just two hours from Tokyo on the Shinkansen bullet train and two hours from Niigata airport by car – boasts four hotel buildings with 257 rooms, four lifts, one gondola, 11 slopes, 10 off-piste areas, a hot spring, swimming pool, and banquet hall.

It’s perched high on Mt Okenashi, which is usually covered in powdery snow and from which, when the weather is fine, you can see the ocean, Ideal for everyone from beginners to expert skiers, the resort offers 1.57 million square metres of ski runs over 5.2km, 11 slopes, and 10 off-piste areas. From a sledding slope for children to an advanced course, which begins at 1,280m above sea level, visitors can take advantage of a variety of facilities. The long ski season is open from December to May and customised ski lessons are provided by former members of the Australian national ski team.

Niigata is often referred to as the Three Whites, – snow, rice and sake – and the resort itself is home to various kinds of restaurants. The food court serves ramen and curry made with pork aged in snow, Hoshizora Winery offers a taste of more than 40 kinds of seasonal wine specially selected from all over Japan, the cafe pours drip coffee hand-made from coffee beans stored in snow and there’s also an Italian restaurant, bakery, and bar.

After skiing, you can soothe tired muscles in the hot spring that draws water from 1,750m underground. Containing metasilicic acid, which is known to be good for keeping the skin moisturised, Lotte Arai Resort's hot spring is perfect for maintaining beauty and health. 

The longest zip tour in Asia at 1,501 metres allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery while feeling freedom of flying. There is also the longest tubing course in Japan (192m), bouldering, Fun Wall and a professional trampoline, which can be used throughout the year.

The ski package offers accommodation in a superior room, choice of Japanese or Western style breakfast for two, one-day economy lift pass for two, and access to the hot spring. The package starts at 38,519 Yen (Bt11,100) for a superior room and there is an additional charge of JPY 2,000 yen on weekend stays.

Find out more at www.LotteHotel.com/arai/.