Nozawa Onsen Accommodation, Nagano, The Alps Japan
Nestled in the Japan Alps is a magical place steeped in culture and with some terrific skiing and boarding. Nagano was home to the Winter Olympics in 1998.
Get in touch if keen to get knee deep in powder or neck deep in a Hot Spring soon…
Video
Check out our video of our 4 main properties below.
Nozawa Onsen is a very traditional town with beautiful hot springs, friendly locals, and awesome snow. Our Lodge gives you amazing value and we have a range of accommodation to suit any budget.
The Lodge is only 100m to the slopes and short stroll to town
Relaxed and comfortable atmosphere
In the centre of Japan’s main Island Honshu easy access from anywhere
You can fly direct to Tokyo and there is a shuttle bus direct to the Lodge
English and Japanese Speaking Staff to help with all your needs
Unique and beautiful place with breathtaking nature and culture
Nozawa Village is also famous for its hot springs, there are many nearby
Lots of terrain, with Gondolas, high speed quads, and long runs – very few lift lines
Thanks Mark – we were first invited to Nozawa years ago and have been enjoyed the skiing, the village and your hospitality ever since. Thanks for helping us enjoy it so much,
Lucas launches off a massive pillow in Nozawa Onsen.
Base up top: 360 cm Temp Top; -11 Degrees
Base at bottom; 210 cm
New Snow since close: 15-20 cm
Weather; Mostly sunny
The good times keep rolling on here in Nozawa Onsen with another unexpected moderate snowfall overnight. Although the forecast suggested only light very isolated falls we have received a tasty 15-20cm across the upper mountain, slightly less lower down. With the sun shinning, cold temperatures and idealic cumulus clouds floating about the peaks its sure to be a spectacular day on the hill, don’t forget the cameras!
Like the past week or so, tree runs will be the pick today with knee to thigh deep powder ready for slashing and spraying. Head to Yamabiko trees early and when that becomes tracked, your favourite secret tree runs. For those who like to feel the bottom, groomed runs will also be a treat today, fast and smooth early. May become choppy during the afternoon considering its the weekend.
Yesterday was also excellent. We received about 15-20cm the night before which produced a perfect covering to remove tracks from the day before. Overcast skies and isolated snow showers continued for the day. Fog enveloped the upper reaches of the mountain for much of the day, obscuring visibility, however below about 1400m was clear.
It looks like we are set for a period of mostly clear weather for the next few days. The freezing level will stick around 0-200 meters until Tuesday when a gradual rise is expected. Winds will stay light throughout. Further ahead we should expect a few days of spring-like skiing over the later half of the week with warmer temperatures. In the long range forecast more snow is expected from late Saturday onwards.
Today marks the first morning in about a week where it hasn’t been snowing in Nozawa Onsen. Mid level cloud is covering the region, but is expected to clear later in the day. A dusting of new snow has been recorded near the top of resort since last lifts, nothing substantial. Temperatures are similar to yesterday, however are expected to warm later in the day as the sun makes an appearance.
Likewise, the riding today will be similar to yesterday. Untouched tree runs will the pick for the powder hounds, some may require a bit of a search. Groomed runs will be pristine; smooth, fast and remaining that way all day with the minimal crowds.
Looking at the forecast ahead, cold conditions are set to remain into the foreseeable future. The next 5 days will be mostly clear with the occasional passing snow shower. These are most likely tomorrow and on Sunday. Winds will remain light throughout.
The snow just keeps falling here in Nozawa Onsen. Although a clear day was predicted yesterday we have light snow flurries continuing over the mountain. In combination with a solid base pushing towards the four meter mark there is sure to be some great riding in all areas of the mountain. Since close of lifts yesterday we have had 5-10cm fall across Nozawa Onsen and cold temperatures; its currently sitting at -10C at Yamabiko.
Trees runs will be very nice today and the groomers will be soft with the fresh layer of powder. Off piste the snow has consolidated nicely to a very manageable depth and the death cookie layer is almost completely buried. Never ski off piste alone or without avalanche gear and training.
Yesterday was similar to what we have today. The cold conditions and ample fresh pow ensured those who were up on the mountain experienced some of the best conditions this season. Light snow showers continued for the day, continuously topping up the cover for fresh tracks all day long, nice!
According to current predictions, snow showers should ease later today before clearing completely overnight. Tomorrow will be full bluebird, cold and windless. Friday should produce the occasional isolated snow shower as will Saturday and Sunday. Perfect riding conditions for the next few days at least.
We currently have some light snow falling in the village of Nozawa Onsen. Cold temperatures should ensure that there will be some nice powder on offer about the resort with 25cm of overnight falls. There will be excellent riding in all areas of the mountain with plentiful powder stashes in the trees and silky smooth groomed runs.
The current forecast suggests there will be continued cold temperatures in combination with isolated snowfalls for much of the week. Posibilities for bluebird days include tomorrow, Thursday morning and over the weekend. There are no large dumps expected over the forecast period.
Crazy weather here in Nozawa Onsen this morning. Strong winds and heavy blowing snow are creating a blizzard across the mountain and in the village. The good news is that the main Nagasaka gondola is running at half speed so its still possible to access most of the mountain. Its uncertain how much fell over night (we will get a better idea once mid mountain measurements are completed). 30cm accumulation was recorded at Yamabiko, however the actual totals would have been far higher considering much of the fresh snow would have been blown from this more exposed area. Probably around about 60cm fell over night.
The skiing and boarding today will be pretty good but may be difficult with the heavy snow creating easy conditions for getting stuck. Fat skis and powder boards only in the trees today and be prepared for long and difficult hikes out if you loose speed and get stuck. Those who are equipped and experienced in these kind of conditions should enjoy the deep powder, but those not so should stick to the marked trails. Hazardous conditions in the backcountry, avalanche risk is very high.
Yesterday was also a pretty hectic day. There was so much snow that the ski patrol was forced to close some runs because of too much snow. Skyline and many of the runs dropping off the side were closed during different periods yesterday. The snow was deep and slightly heavy but still awesome once you obtained a bit of speed. Many of the groomed runs became narrow cat tracks with deep walls of powder on either side. Not the best day for beginners, but great for everyone else.
Looking at the forecast ahead, snowfall rates should ease off this afternoon in combination with the wind abating. Light snow will continue overnight and into tomorrow, becoming isolated on Tuesday. Temperatures should decrease over this time with the freezing level dropping down to sea level. Wednesday looks to be partly cloudy before another system moves over Thursday into Friday.
