Togari Onsen Ski Resort

Togari Onsen Ski Resort is located across the Chikuma River Valley from Nozawa Onsen. It is only a 15-20 minute taxi ride away, and can make a good day trip option, especially on weekends, which Nozawa is busy. Togari Nozawa Onsen Station is 2km away, but taxi is the only option. If coming from further away then there shuttle buses from Iiyama Station, the nearest Shinkansen Bullet train station (20-25mins/ 500yen).

The Ski resort used to be larger and extended to the north and west, but had downsized since the peak bubble years in the 90s.

Togari Onsen Ski Resort has 3 main areas. There are 2 base areas (Pegasus & Orion), and an upper slope area called Tondaira. They are linked by cat tracks (“rin-kan” or “renraku” courses), which are quite flat and may require snowboarders to unclip.

Like all resorts in the area, snow quality is excellent. There have been some moves to open tree runs, but the resort in general has a conservative policy towards off-piste activities.

It has the feel of a more traditional ski resort, and like Nozawa is situated on a hot spring. Farming is another important  industry and some of the lower slopes are rice paddies. Many of the staff are also locals who farm in summer and work the lifts in winter.

The resort has introduced a Bicycle Snow Park, where you can ride fat tire bikes along the slopes. Well worth a try!