The Skiers' Guide to Nozawa Onsen

Incredible powder, to be able to ski fresh stuff one day and go back the next for it to be untouched and unreached is just amazing. Lift system is effective and slowly being modernised. Lots of little restaurants to choose from but get your reservations in early or be prepared to try a fair few before you get a seat, especially if more than just a could of people.

I have been to Nozawa Onsen 2 times, the second time recently (Jan 2025). We experienced excellent weather if youre after fresh snow, not so great if you love sunny days. Resort was relatively quiet midweek, with barely any lift lines. The occasional wait on some in demand charilifts did happen, and long lift lines when it was windy with most of the top list closed.Weekend is there busier days, however still very limited lift lines (even on a powder day). Excellent range of terrain, from cruisers to steeper ungroomed black runs, plenty of powder to be found well in the afternoon. We stayed on snow, which was fantastic for snowboarding. Not so great for dinner options. We had to head into town every night to eat. Town is great, excellent dining options and plenty of options without having to reserve a table. Easy resort to get to from Tokyo, or nearby Nagano. Simple train to IIayama, then snow liner bus to town. Highly recommend a visit.

Nozawa Onsen offers a ski resort that was suitable for all levels and for both skiers and snowboarders. I was snowboarding and the powder was exceptional. While the resort is relatively small there is easily enough for a week. Where nozawa shines is that the village is fantastic. Your time off the slopes will be as enjoyable as the time on it at nozawa, with excellent food and drink options. I couldnt recommend nozawa more and would highly recommend a trip here, especially with a family.

Traditional Japanese village which is compact and has full amenities. Really relaxed resort with bags of charm. The post ski onsens are a must and if you can find a hotel with one all the better. As a family of 4 with 2 teenagers we loved out 2 days skiing. A week may be a little too long.

Quaint village with some amaze pow!! It has a special place in my heart. Make sure you enjoy some local onsens!

A unique mountain village with a ski resort that brings everyone together.

Nozawa appears to be just like any other medium family orientated Japanese resort at first appearance, but this mountain coverts more secrets that I would have ever imagined.

Fantastic & exciting (out of bounds) off piste skiing and side country with fantastic access to a variety of back country terrain. There's a reason I've spent 3 seasons instructing at bosses and will be returning as soon as possible