Latest News from Nozawa Onsen

Some sad news out of Nozawa Onsen this morning. With the loss of one of our Olympic Champions, Sumihiro Tomii san from Maruji Lodge passed away in the early hours of the morning. He represented Japan in the downhill at 2 Olympic games and was a very well respected and liked member of the community. He was a great business partner and friend to us over the years and taught us a great deal about skiing and life in general. A champion skier and a champion gentleman, we will miss you. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

Base up top: 335cm        Temp Top; -10 Degrees Base at bottom: 215cm New Snow since close: 20cm Weather; Snow showers This morning we have woken to passing snow showers and overcast conditions in Nozawa Onsen. These should continue for the rest of day, becoming lighter later on. Out the window there are a few gusts of wind about also. Since lasts lifts we have had a nice top up of 20cm which should keep the power hounds happy and hunting. Weekend crowds are about so bear in mind it may become tracked earlier than normal. Yesterday was a great day on the mountain. After Friday’s massive falls the snowpack had compacted which allowed easier access in many […]

Base up top: 325cm        Temp Top; -10 Degrees Base at bottom: 210cm New Snow since close: 20cm Weather; Overcast Well it’s been a massive few days at Nozawa Onsen. Since the start of this past system we have had well over a meter of snowfall. Moderate and at times heavy snow continued to fall yesterday and currently we have overcast conditions, but no snow falling. The forecast tends to suggest we should experience a clearing trend throughout the day, but also indicates the possibility of further snow showers passing over the region this afternoon and tonight. Reports from the mountain yesterday tend to suggest the snow was too deep to ride for all but a select few […]

Base up top: 320cm        Temp Top; -14 Degrees Base at bottom: 175cm New Snow since close: 50cm Weather; Snow, heavy at times It looks like we have another day of fresh Japan powder here in Nozawa Onsen. As the last lifts were spinning yesterday afternoon we had a sudden increase of intense snowfall which lasted most of the night delivering 50cm of fresh to the slopes! Looking out the window; we have heavy snow continuing and deep snow on the balcony. Wind should be stronger today with 40km/h and higher gusts expected later this afternoon. The powder hounds were in full force yesterday with most of the well known haunts becoming tracked by the end of the […]

Base up top: 285cm        Temp Top; -8 Degrees Base at bottom: 170cm New Snow since close: 30cm Weather; Snow, heavy at times After a brief hiatus heavy snow returned to Nozawa Onsen at about 1am last night and was still falling as of 730am this morning. Unusually, more snow collected in the lower reaches of the resort than the summit. 30cm was recorded down low while the top received 20cm. Areas that were mostly tracked out yesterday afternoon have been almost completely refreshed so it should be another good days riding. Sun, light winds and cloudless blue sky remained for the duration of yesterday. Those who got up were rewarded with deep dry snow, numerous untracked areas […]

Base up top: 280cm        Temp Top; -5 Degrees Base at bottom: 160cm New Snow since close: 20cm Weather; Clear It looks like we have a day of sun and picture perfect here in Nozawa Onsen. For those who are keen photographers; don’t forget your circular polarizing filters for the blue sky! Ice frosted trees at Yamabiko always look great with blue sky backgrounds. We have some low lying fog in the valleys this morning so it should be quite a view up top with the cloud sea. Crowds have dispersed and with the abundant fresh snow, there is no doubt it will be a perfect day for skiing and boarding on the mountain. Yesterday was nothing short […]

Base up top: 260cm        Temp Top; -10 Degrees Base at bottom: 130cm New Snow since close: 20cm Weather; Heavy snow Last night a lightning active thunderstorm moved over the resort producing strong winds in some areas of the mountain. That probably marked the beginning of the frontal system that has delivered much colder temperatures and heavy snow across the resort this morning. With the wind about at the moment, it will be very cold up there, so make sure to put on an extra layer if heading up. Yesterday saw snow continue in Nozawa Onsen, however it was somewhat wet with warm temperatures across the mountain. It didn’t rain, but temperatures stood at around +2C in the […]

Base up top: 230cm        Temp Top; -5 Degrees Base at bottom: 120cm New Snow since close: 5cm Weather; Snow It’s snowing down in the village at Nozawa Onsen this morning. Light falls commenced in the early hours and have gradually increased in intensity producing a heavy dusting since then. As expected, the temperatures are marginal this morning; the village is currently at 0C. With -5C up top, the snow should improve in quality around the higher reaches of the resort. The temperatures should continue to drop throughout the day as snowfalls persist. Yesterday was a very busy day on the mountain- the gondola lines were impressive during the morning rush. Today looks like crowds will be slightly […]

Base up top: 230cm        Temp Top; -7 Degrees Base at bottom: 125cm New Snow since close: 0cm Weather; Clear We awoke to another clear day here in Nozawa Onsen. It looks like it will be another nice days across the resort both on and off piste. Groomed runs with be fast early, but will soften during the day as the temperatures creep into the positives in the sun. It would be wise to apply some sunscreen before heading up today. There is no shortage of cars making their way into the car park this morning so it should be relatively crowded on the hill today. Yesterday, it was also somewhat crowded and with the long weekend, tomorrow […]

Base up top: 240cm        Temp Top; -9 Degrees Base at bottom: 130cm New Snow since close: 0cm Weather; Clear After a couple of days of snowfalls, the weather has returned to intense sunshine here in Nozawa Onsen. Looks like a great day for skiing with the perfect visibility. Many of the well known areas became tracked out when the snowfalls stopped around lunchtime yesterday, however with a bit of exploration you would be sure to still find some untracked Japan powder. Conditions on the groomers will be fast early, but will soften in the afternoon with the warm temperatures forecast. The weekend crowds began to roll into the resort early this morning. It will be significantly busier […]