Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most beautiful Ski villages with one of the main reasons being the abundant of natural free onsens located around the village. A peaceful village surrounded by lush nature with a relaxed vibe but most importantly Nozawa Onsen Ski area is actually quite large by Japanese standards offering about 300 hectares of terrain with a 1085 meter vertical drop.
Not as well known and built up as the likes of Niseko in Hokkaido but with one of the highest annual snowfalls in the world chances are you’ll have a few powder days during your trip. On average it receives over ten meters of snow each season. A true powder paradise.
Aside from Powder hounds flocking to Nozawa to explore the accessible back-country, Nozawa Onsen is also great for families and beginners because most of the green runs are lower mountain and really mellow.
The Benefits of Ski Hire..
In regards to renting ski hire, the benefits definitely out weigh the disadvantages which we have listed a few below.
Unless you are a regular skier, it is actually cheaper for you to rent than buy
Key benefits of Renting include:
- Being professionally fitted out the best gear to suit your abilities
- Testing out the latest gear
- Swapping Skis/Boards to suit current weather conditions
- Access to a huge range of Powder Skis/Boards specific to Japan snow
- All gear serviced by trained workshop technicians
- Convenience – no need to pay extra luggage fees
Did you know?
Japan is known as one of the greatest ‘Powder Snow’ destinations in the world but why does it receive so much snow?
In simple terms – The west to east flow of weather pushes cold air from Siberia and China over the Sea of Japan which in turn collects moisture, its this combination of cold crisp air, moisture from the Sea of Japan and lift created when the winds hit Japans mountains that creates heavy snow fall.
The Sea of Japan does not freeze. This means that the ocean water is always contributing moisture into the atmosphere, which eventually falls as snow.
The downside of that is with the constant moisture circulating in the air, the snow conditions can change rapidly. It is important to keep on top of your waxing and knowing which wax to use in different snow temperatures.
Let us help
Nozawa Central Rental has one of the biggest and up to date gear selections in Nozawa Onsen. Our staff come from all corners of the globe with extensive knowledge and experience within the Ski Industry. All our Skis/Snowboards are freshly waxed and serviced to suit the conditions.
We also have a brand new workshop set up to take care of all your needs.
Check out our Rental Shop page here for latest prices
Greetings. I will be in Nozawa Onsen from Feb 16 to March 2. I’m coming from the States, and am debating whether or not to bring a pair of powder skis. I will bring my Head World Cup Slaloms for the piste, but am interested in what you have to rent for off piste. I’m looking for something from 95 to 105 underfoot, not too much rocker, and some carving ability. 175 cm maximum length. If you could dial me in to what you have available I can make an informed decision.
I’m also wondering if I can rent a probe and shovel in Nozawa Onsen. I will bring my own transceiver and pack. Mt Baker is my home area, so I’m proficient in the use of backcountry tools. Please let me know if there’s somebody who rents BC gear.
Thanks in advance.
Bert
Hey Bert,
Great to hear you will be coming to Nozawa Onsen. You have chosen a good time to come as mountain generally gets quieter after mid February due to the Chinese New Year holiday. As for your Head World Cup Slaloms, they are a great Ski but wont see too many other skiers on them due to the terrain and groomed conditions we have. We have a whole brand new range of All mountain, Powder and Free ride skis that would fall into what you are looking for and its best to see what the conditions are like during them days you are here. Our Stock include Rossignol, K2, Line, Armada, Dynastar to name a few. For the Dimensions you are looking for I would recommend the Rossignol Sin 7 as can blast around and Ski just like your Slalom Ski.
As for renting probe and shovel. We do not rent in our shop and generally back country gear is rented as part of a Back country guided tour. If in any case normally rented as a set and not separately.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Ryan