Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

Nozawa Onsen is an iconic Japanese Ski Resort, and a place people keep coming back to. As the name suggests, it is a hot spring village, compact with narrow roads. It is ideal place to stroll around.

The ski resort can be divided in 4 main areas. The two gondola base stations, Ueno-no-taira the runs between the gondola summit stations, and Yamabiko at the very top of the resort.

The best beginners area runs below the Ueno-no-Taira Four Lift, a hooded quad lift. The gentle slope is wide and ideal for those just coming to grip with the sport. Unfortunately the only route down for beginners is via the “Rin-kan” cat track course to the very north (to the left looking from the bottom of the resort). Beginner’s do, of course, have the option of downloading on one of the gondolas.

The Yamabiko area at the top of the resort is a must on a powder day, with the trees begin open, and it’s altitude guaranteeing light snow. It does get tracked out quickly on a good day however.

The routes down are excellent for intermediate and advanced levels, and the variety of terrain makes for a challenge. Only the very advanced courses are not groomed daily, and are well signposted. The Skyline Course is lone and quite narrow, while the Challenge and Utopia courses are a lot of fun.

There are many dining options on the resorts, with the greatest range down at the bottom of the Hikage Gondola.