Nozawa Onsen’s Rich History
A Glimpse into Nozawa Onsen’s Rich History
Nozawa Onsen’s skiing tradition dates back to 1923 when the Nozawaonsen Ski Club was established. The following year, the club opened the Hikage ski field, marking the beginning of Nozawa Onsen’s long-standing relationship with winter sports
Nozawa Onsen’s Rich History
Skiing was introduced to Japan in 1911 by Theodor Edler von Lerch, an Austrian who taught one-pole skiing in Takada, Niigata Prefecture. A local junior high school teacher from Iiyama attended von Lerch’s lessons and brought this new skill back to his students, including several from Nozawa Onsen. In the 1930s, Hannes Schneider, a renowned Austrian skier, conducted ski training in Nozawa Onsen. Born in St. Anton, his legacy is honored today by the local café named after his hometown, serving delightful coffee and freshly steamed buns.
Over the years, Nozawa Onsen has formed a sister village relationship with St. Anton. Fostering cultural exchanges where locals learn from each other about skiing techniques and resort management. In 1950, post-war development saw the Nozawa Onsen Ski Club constructing ski lifts, charging a mere 10 yen per ride.
The economic boom of the 1960s significantly increased the popularity of skiing, and Nozawa Onsen became a major destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The management of the resort eventually transferred to the village, which has since produced 16 Olympic athletes, cementing its place in skiing history.
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