Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
Nozawa Onsen History, Culture, Powder
Metres of snow each year
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Longest Run
km
Ski Trails
Lifts & Gondolas
Mountain Restaurants
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Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, nestling on the slopes of Mount Kenashi above the village. The resort offers a variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Nozawa Onsen has a good mix of groomed runs, powder areas and challenging slopes, boasting about 50 kilometres (31 miles) of ski runs and 21 ski lifts to access different parts of the mountain.
Nozawa Onsen is a paradise for winter sports lovers with a great range of Nozawa Onsen accommodation options. The ski season in Nozawa Onsen typically runs from December to April, with peak snowfall occurring in January and February. There is a good choice of ski schools with instructors teaching partly or exclusively in English to help you improve your skiing, or to get out into the beautiful backcountry of the area. Check out and book your Nozawa Onsen ski rentals here.
There are endless ways to enjoy skiing here, from long, scenic, tree-lined slopes to challenging bump runs—and especially deep, deep powder. The best months for skiing Nozawa Onsen tends to be in January and February, although great snowfalls can extend anywhere between November and May!
Need Nozawa ski schools? You find plenty of options available. For Nozawa backcountry skiers there is plenty of great terrain to be found and some great local tour guides to help you out if needed.
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort: Stats
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort consists of 6 main areas as follows.
Yamabiko Area: This area is located at the top of the mountain and offers some of the steepest and most challenging runs at the resort. It’s a favorite spot for advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking adrenaline-pumping descents.
Uenotaira Area: Situated at a slightly lower elevation than Yamabiko, the Uenotaira area provides a mix of intermediate and advanced runs. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking from this part of the resort.
Hikage Area: This section is well-suited for beginners and early intermediates, with gentle slopes and dedicated beginner-friendly runs. It’s an excellent place for novices to build their confidence and improve their skills.
Karasawa Area: Offering a variety of terrain, including groomed runs and tree skiing, the Karasawa area is favored by intermediate and advanced skiers looking for more challenging runs away from the crowds.
Nagasaka Area: The Nagasaka base area is where many of the resort’s accommodations and facilities are located. It has a mix of runs suitable for different skill levels, and it’s also the starting point for the famous “Yu Road,” a moving walkway that takes you up part of the mountain.
Paradise Area: As the name suggests, this area provides excellent tree skiing and powder stashes for advanced skiers and snowboarders who enjoy off-piste adventures.
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort: Weather
Resorts Further Afield
There are nearly 25 ski resorts within 60-90 minutes of Nozawa Onsen, such as Togari Onsen just across the valley or a short drive to the slopes of Madarao Kogen/Tangram. Also nearby are the slopes of Kurohime Kogen, the Myoko Ski Resorts, Shiga Kogen, Cupid Valley and Togakushi plus many more.
Rent yourself a car and discover as many as you want!
Not sure where all the Nagano resorts are? They’re all listed here, as well as the nearest train station.
