Rentals Lessons Lifts Nozawa Take of two mountains in Nozawa What a rippa of a day it was yesterday! Rippa is a Japanese word which means the same as the English equivalent a ripper of a day. Always nice to get a cold blast in late March and the little top up of snow was much appreciated. In Spring I often ski without gloves but yesterday I wish I had have worn them as the temps stayed nice and cold keeping the piste fresh. The top was great and spent most of the day up at Yamabiko. As expected it got slushy and a bit sparse in places on the lower slopes but still able to ski top to bottom […]
Late March Snow Nozawa
Late March Snow Nozawa A little blast from Winters past today in Nozawa Had the fire on last night for the first time in a while as the mercury dropped in the village. Waking up to the resort reporting 9cm of fresh snow up top at Yamabiko overnight. With temps sitting at -2 degrees and should remain cool most of the day we are in for a pleasant winter treat on the mountain today. The last few days have been a bit bleak but for those that braved the elements they still managed to have a good time on the slopes. Weekend crowds will be all gone today and it should be a bit of a private ski resort. Check […]
Ski Free Nozawa Japan
Ski Free Nozawa Japan Ski for Free in Togari Onsen this Weekend For a few of the smaller resorts in the area this is the last weekend of Operation including our nearest Togari Onsen just across the valley. They are going out with a bang by shouting everyone a few days on the slopes there. Togari Ski Resort is well worth checking out whenever in the area. Read more about it here; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/news/togari-onsen-ski-resort-valley-nozawa-onsen/ In other Onsen gossip I heard last night that Kijimadaira Ski Resort has sold to a Shonan Plastic Surgery operation and they will take over next season. Part of the deal they also got one of our favourite outdoor Onsens Maguse, which unfortunately rumour has it will […]
Every Season Different Nozawa
Every Season Different Nozawa 2014 March Vs Now These two photos taken at Uenotaira the top station of the Hikage Gondola 9 years apart almost to the day. The first one was 22nd of March 2014 the other just a few days ago. On that day in 2014 we had a base of 385cm and got a 40cm dump overnight. Every season plays out differently. If missing these scenes and have not booked for next season now is the time. Head to the site for a quote; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/bookings/ Link in Bio Yesterday we had our warmest day this winter with the village over 20 degrees. It was super slushy up on the slopes but still fun when I did a […]
Live Gigs Nozawa Onsen
Live Gigs Nozawa Onsen More March Sunshine today in Nozawa Beautiful spring morning here with the sun rising over the mountains and beautiful clear skies. Temps sitting at about 5 degrees but think will be a warm one ahead under this bright sun. Yesterday cloud cover most of the afternoon kept the slopes nice and fast up the top and the place to be was in the natural half pipes up at Yamabiko. This time of year that area really comes into its own and carving under the birch trees is all day fun. Lots of live Music and events on around town these days as the locals come out and everyone has more time to indulge. The ever popular […]
Ski Cherry Blossoms Japan
Ski Cherry Blossoms Japan Spring Equinox Day in Japan Today is a public holiday to celebrate the shift to spring and the name given to the day where daytime and night-time are the same length. This comes about from the sun rising exactly in the east and setting exactly in the west. It is also peak time for Sakura or Cherry Blossoms in the countries capital Tokyo. Pretty amazing spectacle to see and appreciate the fleeting beauty of this symbolic flower. Another great reason to visit Japan in Spring as can ski and enjoy the Cherry Blossoms in one trip. If looking to come up next year January is filling pretty quick so if you are not a powder hound […]
Spring Skiing Fun Japan
Spring Skiing Fun Japan You could have been here yesterday… What a magic March day it was yesterday on the slopes in Nozawa. The 15 plus centimetres we received the day before, sunshine and cool temps up high making all the difference. One of the gang that have been here for a while said was his best day all season. Perfect on the piste and some fun in the bit of powder amongst the trees. Plenty of people about for the quasi long weekend and a great vibe on the slopes and at the restaurants. Demo day on as well so lots of cool new gear gliding down the mountain. The sun coming out now for what looks like another […]
Best Ski March Japan
Best Ski March Japan Bluebird Sunday in Nozawa Onsen The sun is just starting to peak over Mt Kenashi this morning and it is shaping up to be a picture perfect day in Nozawa Onsen. We ended up getting 15cm of fresh snow through the day up top at Yamabiko. Given the time of the year it was not the dry powder we are used to but a nice top up all the same. Feast your eyes on the web cams up top this morning with beautiful blue skies and the trees glistening in the white gold. https://nozawa-onsen.com/nozawa-webcams/ Big night in town last night with the streets buzzing under the festival, race rewards and busy weekend. Not many overseas guests […]
Indoor Activities Nozawa Onsen
Indoor Activities Nozawa Onsen Saturday Snow for Nozawa 8cm of snow being reported overnight for Yamabiko this morning. Still raining at Village level so suggest you head high early. Can see the snow line vaguely amongst the clouds sitting up above the village. Temps are hovering just above freezing level down low and set to drop throughout today. More snow expected for the slopes and we may even see the white stuff fall down in town. Definite return to winter feel today so if you don’t feel like braving the elements here are a few cool things can do on a day like today; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/activities-nozawa-onsen-japan/rainy-day-activities-nozawa-onsen/ A few tips, Climb a wall, Grab a Yoga Mat, Sip on some Gin, Chill […]
Road Bike Tour Japan
Road Bike Tour Japan Cool change in the air for Nozawa Wake up to close to 0 degrees temps on my doorstep this morning. The low lying fog early also giving things a distinct wintery feel. Yesterday was fun on the slopes under the cloud cover with some welcome shade from the sunny days. Visibility has cleared up since this morning and should be some nice conditions on the piste for some turns. Pretty quiet in town too ahead of the weekend. Local kids started Spring holidays today so expecting some family fun about town this weekend. As the snow starts to recede and many mountain roads open up thoughts shift to the bike and a great time of year […]