Ski Resorts near Nozawa
We are very fortunate in that Nozawa Onsen is one of the biggest and by popular demand one of the best Ski Resorts in the region. It has something for everyone and is the largest stand alone ski resort in Japan. A good mix of Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced runs on offer. Here is a great run down on all the Runs and Lifts in Nozawa ; Ski Resort Info Nozawa
Being a very mountainous region there are close to 100 Ski Resorts across the Prefecture of Nagano. So as much as we love our home resort there is nothing better than getting on the road and discovering some of the hidden gems in the area. On this trip we explored the amazing Togakushi Ski Resort.
Ski Resorts near Nozawa – Togakushi Ski Resort
We checked in to our accommodation in Togakushi in the dark so there was not much to see, not even many lights to se e looking out the window of our cosy Japanese style Tatami Room located right on the slopes. When we woke the next morning it felt a bit like we had been transported to a little village in the Alps of Switzerland. We were staring at some serious alpine peaks from our Fish breakfast window.
Got geared up and slid across to the slopes where a cute old lady greeted us at the ticket booth. They were running a spring special just 2100 Yen a day for a lift ticket. Still top to bottom skiing and about 3 meter base at the top. Compare that to some resorts around the world that charge up to $180 a day for a lot less snow. I was also impressed to see that senior discounts start from age 50! Not long to go..
The Good Oil on Togakushi
- Vertical drop 548m with top at 1748m above sea level
- 7 Lifts 2 x Quads and 5 x Pair
- Advanced 30%, Intermediate 40% Beginner 30% so a good mix
- 19 Ski Courses in Total
- Longest Run 3000m
- Steepest Run 31 Degrees
- Off Piste – Officially not allowed but there are some good side country stashes if you have the gear
Ski Resorts near Nozawa
I personally really enjoyed Togakushi. It is not the most challenging terrain but there are some good sections. The views are fantastic and not many people to share it with. It is still very much a local field so we didn’t see any other overseas guests the day we were there. There is not much English spoken and it is a little tricky to get there so may be the reason. But for a day trip from Nozawa it is a great experience and about a 1 hour drive.
One of the other major drawcard for Togakushi is the amazing Shrine and Giant Sugi or Cedar trees that line the path leading up to it. Feels almost surreal the sheer size and power of these ancient trees. Some of which are believed to be over 900 Years old! The shrines are even older the original said to have been constructed by monks in 210BC.
