Nozawa Holidays

Base up top: 310 cm    Temp Top; +7 Degrees New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Rain   Heavy fog, cloud and no wind has created an atmospheric feeling in the village of Nozawa Onsen this morning. Unfortunately light, isolated rainfalls are continuing on and off making conditions pretty miserable for skiing and boarding but those who make the effort to have some fun up on the mountain will likely be faced with wet but fast snow conditions on the upper groomed runs. Otherwise its a very nice day for a casual stroll around the village or checking out other nearby popular attractions such as the Jigokudani Monkey Park. It looks like todays rainfalls will turn to snow later […]

Base up top: 325 cm    Temp Top; +10 Degrees New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Rain   As expected we have had some overnight rainfalls and the lower slopes are showing the effects of the increased moisture and prolonged warm weather with a significant decrease in the snowpack. Thankfully the snow above mid station is still holding strong and this will be the best area for riding adventures today. Head straight to Yamabiko for the best turns. According to the forecast rain showers will continue today and tomorrow, turning to snow from top to bottom on Monday night. Cool temperatures will persist until Wednesday and we may have a few nice shallow powder turns during these days. From […]

Base up top: 330 cm    Temp Top; +12 Degrees New Snow since close: 5 cm Weather; Clear   It is very warm this morning with a strong spring sun making itself known and a light fog hovering within the mountain valleys. Surprisingly 5cm of fresh snow was recorded at Yamabiko last night, very strange considering the exceptionally high freezing level. Today the snow will be slushy, grading to sticky by the afternoon but the riding will be fun on the upper piste areas. With yesterdays rain washing the atmosphere free of pollution the could be a few nice views from up top. Tomorrow and Monday rain is forecast so conditions won’t exactly be the best. But by Tuesday morning […]

Base up top: 370 cm    Temp Top; +12 Degrees New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Wind   Very strong winds are wreaking havoc across the mountain this morning by forcing closure of the Nagasaka gondola and the upper area chairs. Today the only lifts running will be the Nagasaka quad and two in the lower Hikage bowl. As a result there is not much doing on the mountain today and its best to look for other activities, such as wandering around the quaint Japanese streets in town. According to the forecast some rain showers are possible for this evening, clearing to a sunny day by tomorrow. Rain is also forecast for Sunday and Monday, turning to snow on […]

Base up top: 380 cm    Temp Top; -2 Degrees New Snow since close: 5 cm Weather; Mostly fine   For the second day on the month we have some fresh snow! About 5cm has fallen on the upper mountain since last lifts. This is great news after the rainfall we experienced yesterday, which was the heaviest of the season so far. With a temperature at the summit of -2C the fresh snow will not be the super dry powder we normally have fall in Nozawa Onsen, but it is certainly better than nothing! Today the best riding will be had above the gondola mid station which was the approximate snowfall level last night. Make sure to hit the slopes […]

Yesterday marked the end of the bus that connects Togari Nozawa Onsen Train Station to the Nozawa Onsen Village. Bit of a sad day, after years of taking that connection up to the resort. The old diesel train will continue to run but will need to take a taxi if come that way. The good news is that the Iiyama Bullet train and then Nozawa Onsen Liner from Iiyama station is all go and visitors are loving the connection and ease of getting up here now. Attached is the latest timetable for you, which is the same as we posted a little while ago just the Togari bus is not there now. Safe travels and look forward to seeing you […]

Base up top: 385 cm    Temp Top; +6 Degrees Base at bottom; 185 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Cloudy   Some clouds have moved over the region overnight ahead of the expected cold front later tonight. With the added moisture held by the atmosphere along with some light rainfalls due by mid morning the snow will be rather sticky today, especially later on. Nevertheless with almost a four meter base at the top its hard to resist going for a slide even if its a bit wet. Tomorrow we may wake to some fresh snow and with a bluebird day forecast it may make for an excellent early April combination situation. The forecast for the following […]

Base up top: 390 cm    Temp Top; +6 Degrees Base at bottom; 185 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Clear   Its another spring stunner here in Nozawa Onsen this morning. Only a light breeze with the stock standard brilliant spring sunshine and piercing high peaks of the Japan Alps in clear view around the resort. Good stuff. Again today we will have some spring snow conditions with the best riding to be had during the morning facilitated by faster snow conditions. The past few days things really slowed down by afternoon with a warm atmosphere creating sticky snow and its expected to be the case again today. Tomorrow we should see a brief dive in the […]

We may still have nearly 400cm of snow up top at Yamabiko but the calendar is telling us it is now time for spring skiing. The beautiful weather today is confirming this! From today most of the lower lifts will cease operation for the season. A big otsukaresama and well done to all the fine lifties, ski patrol and resort staff that have worked hard to clear the seats and provide all with safe passage this season so far. Thank you From today the following lifts are running – Nagasaka Gondola – Number 1 – Yamabiko Number 2 Four lift – Number 4 – Yamabiko Four Lift – Number 3 These 3 will run all season until May 6th -Uenotaira […]

Base up top: 405 cm Temp Top; +1 Degrees Base at bottom; 185 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Clear   The rain that moved over the region yesterday afternoon and last night appears to have eased as quickly as it came, on to be replaced by a bright sunny day with no clouds in sight. Therefore it will again be a nice spring day on the mountain with fast but slushy snow. Groomed runs are the pick while the rain will have smoothed out off piste areas. With the weekend crowds back in Tokyo the whole village and mountain is exceptionally quiet. Almost a private resort! According to the forecast we are in for a few more […]