Very Good!4.1 / 5Mar 22, 2019
Dakota S. advanced skier
Nozawa Onsen
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Learn more about Nozawa Onsen
Pros
- Consistent powder and terrain for all abilities
- Village is jam-packed with onsens (hot springs)
- Slopes are never crowded
Cons
- Slopeside restaurants get very busy
Overall
Fan of face shots? Nozawa Onsen has got the goods. Regularly receiving more than 33 ft of light and fluffy powder every winter season, it’s a dream destination for any self-respecting powder hound. A place of ancient splendor, Nozawa Onsen is one of the oldest ski resorts in Japan, home to 734 ac of spectacular ski terrain, bundles of breathtaking backcountry, and an abundance of soothing hot spring onsens. Add to this the village’s truly authentic Japanese atmosphere and you’ve got yourself a ski trip quite unlike any other.
Best month to go
February
Avoid
December and January
For your best chance at scoring big powder days at Nozawa Onsen head over between late January and early February. The snowfall is usually heaviest during this time, so there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy a fresh dump of fluffy white stuff during your stay! December and January can see the slopes crammed with skiers and snowboarders because of the Australian school holidays (which makes up a good bulk of the tourist crowd!), but once February rolls around, the mountain tends to be much quieter. Time your visit for February or March to ditch the queues. All in all, we’d rate February as the best month to ski at Nozawa Onsen!
FLY TO
Narita International Airport
SHUTTLE TO
Nozawa Onsen (6 hours)
Base of Hikage (Walk)
- Closest to ski area with the most lifts and trails
- Furthest from village center, 20-30 minutes walk
- Has a few true ski-in/ski-out lodgings
Base of Nagasaka (Walk)
- Closest to the center of town, 10 minute walk
- Most convenient for those who want to be near the slopes and the village
- Home to The Craft Room, our pick for straight off the slopes après ski
Base of Karasawa (Walk)
- Quieter area on the outskirts of the village
- 10 minute walk from the main street
- Some accommodation close to lifts
Nozawa Onsen Village (0.50-1 mi)
- Dining and entertainment hub
- Cheaper accommodation than bases
- Range of lodging and AirBnb rentals
For beginners
Beginners will be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to ski with suitable mellow terrain across the resort! The Hikage ski area is a good place to start as there are tons of easy rolling greens including Rinkan, a wide open 3 mi trail which happens to be the longest run in the resort!
For intermediates
Yamabiko is the ultimate ski area for intermediates with red (blue equivalent) only runs here! Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy some of the best mountaintop views while shredding the slopes up here, including one of our favorites Yamabiko A which has some pretty steep sections and moguls!
For experts
Nozawa Onsen lacks any form of expert terrain but advanced skiers and snowboarders won't be disappointed here. On-piste, the Challenge 39° Kabe (an ungroomed trail with a 39-degree pitch) and the Skyline Course are some of the best steep stuff here. The real action, however, is in the off-piste tree terrain in the Yamabiko area as well as the backcountry terrain which serves up all the face shots!
Find freshies
Besides the endless exceptional powder in the backcountry terrain on the backside of the mountain, fresh snow can also be found between the off-piste tree terrain in the Yamabiko area, between the trees and in the side-country off the Skyline course.
Ditch the crowds
The Hikage Gondola and Nagasaka Gondola has the worst of the worst lift queues in the morning so hop aboard other chairlifts until the lines die down. During peak season you'll want to avoid Nagasaka Gondola, Paradise Four and the Yamabiko Four chairlift.
Non skiers
With almost thirty hot springs to choose from non-skiers can soak it all up in Nozawa Onsen and embrace the traditional Japanese culture that still oozes around this authentic village. Or take a day trip to the must-see Jigokudani Monkey Park!
Families
The mellow terrain at the Hikage ski area is the best place for families to ski and snowboard together. The Kid's Park at the Hikage base area is also perfect for families with little ones featuring fun inflatable obstacles and a tubing area!
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Nozawa Onsen Reviews
Dakota S. Good!3.8 / 5May 28, 2018
Martie E. intermediate skier
Very Good!4.2 / 5May 25, 2018
Sara C. intermediate snowboarder
Good!3.7 / 5May 04, 2018
Michael N. advanced skier
Fabulous!4.3 / 5May 04, 2018
Jack H. expert skier
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Apr 30, 2018
Casey G. advanced snowboarder
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Dec 27, 2017
MBMark B.
This is the place to go if you want to mix a real Japanese cultural experience with great skiing and boarding. The terrain is varied enough for a week long stay and the town is beautiful, with picturesque lane ways and plenty of public onsens to soak in after the days activities. Plenty of good restaurants as well. It gets very quiet in late... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Superb!4.5 / 5Dec 27, 2017
PBPeter B.
Defidently the most memorable place i have been to in japan. Unbelievable town rich with culture, beautiful onsen's and great food. The mountain is a master piece with a nice variety runs will 100% be back soon. ... Moreadvanced skier
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Dec 21, 2017
SMStacey M.
Spent 5 days at Nazawa Onsen. Mainly skiing but also enjoyed the onsens and the night life. Also had a great day tour to the snow monkeys (not to be missed!).
Very pretty town and easy to navigate and the food options were awesome.... Moreadvanced skier
Very Good!4.1 / 5Dec 18, 2017
DEDean E.
Great town with a wide variety of services and options, great variety of pisted slopes with good dry snow topped up by snowfalls, but not continuously so plenty of sunny days.... Moreexpert skier