Tangram Ski Circus

Tangram Ski Circus sits on the north-west flank of Mt Madarao in Shinano-machi, Nagano Prefecture, and links directly with neighbouring Madarao Kogen at the summit.

• The compact area packs 14 official courses serviced by five lifts (2 quad chairs, 3 doubles) and delivers a respectable 520 m of vertical—from the 800 m base to the 1,320 m peak.
• Recent seasons have seen Tangram introduce five designated tree-run zones and relax off-piste rules, complementing its wide groomers and gentle beginner slopes.
• A joint “Madarao + Tangram” ticket unlocks a combined 51 courses across the two mountains, all reached via a short crossover lift at the top.
• Frequent Sea-of-Japan storms blanket the north-facing slopes in reliable, dry powder and reward riders with views of Hokushin Gogaku and Lake Nojiri.
• The slopeside Hotel Tangram offers true ski-in/ski-out convenience plus on-site onsen, an indoor pool, restaurants and rental desks—ideal for hassle-free family stays.
• Access is straightforward: about 45 minutes by local bus or taxi from Iiyama Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and roughly one hour by reservation shuttle from Nagano Station.