Latest News from Nozawa Onsen

Base up top: 305 cm    Temp Top; -4 Degrees Base at bottom; 150 cm New Snow since close: 5 cm Weather; Overcast, valley fog   After a long spell with no new snowfalls finally the drought has broken with 5cm of fresh recorded up high, 2cm in the village. The tree runs will be refreshed in the upper areas and will be well worth a look today. The groomed runs will be smooth and soft with the new layer of snow. Temperatures are -4C at the peak and are expected to drop to around -10C in the next 24 hours. Winds are light. Last night the annual lantern festival went off in the Hikage area. The free sake was […]

Base up top: 300 cm    Temp Top; -3 Degrees Base at bottom; 150 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Fog   Its a very atmospheric morning in Nozawa Onsen this morning. Low clouds are circulating around the valleys and peaks giving the place a really Jurassic feel. Temperatures have cooled slightly in comparison to the past couple of days with negatives from mid mountain up. Again, the best riding today will be the groomed runs which will be icy up top, softening further down on the mountain. Yesterday saw some nice riding on the groomed runs below the fog. It was fast up top with temperatures below freezing and slushy on the lower pistes. Off piste was […]

Base up top: 310 cm    Temp Top; 0 Degrees Base at bottom; 155 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Overcast Its a damp morning in Nozawa Onsen this morning. We received some precipitation overnight to which the cover has held up better than expected. If your up for some skiing today the groomed runs will be your best bet, especially those on the upper slopes. Head to areas of higher traffic levels which will have the fastest snow conditions. Luckily these warm conditions should gradually subside over the coming days. Yesterday was very similar to what we have today. Fortunately the rain held off for most of the day but the flat sections were slow in combination […]

Base up top: 330 cm    Temp Top; +2 Degrees Base at bottom; 170 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Overcast   An overcast morning in Nozawa Onsen with high cloud moving in overnight. Temperatures are positive across the mountain so conditions will be slushy from the outset. Today the pick will be the groomed runs which will be smooth but forgiving with the soft snow. The park and pipe will be good to hit today with a magnanimous surface absorbing any mistakes. Some liquid precipitation is a possibility this afternoon so make sure to wear extra waterproof gear on the mountain. Yesterday was a great day of spring-like skiing. Temperatures were quite warm so again the snow […]

Base up top: 340 cm    Temp Top; -5 Degrees Base at bottom; 180 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Sunny A classic bluebird morning in Nozawa. A slight haze is enveloping the lower valleys but the peaks are soaring through into a cloudless crystalline atmosphere. The on piste skiing will be sensational this morning with fast ultra smooth groomers. Later in the afternoon all areas but Yamabiko will become slightly slushy with warming temperatures giving way to soft and playful riding. Later in the day the park and pipe will be good fun. Off piste conditions are variable and packed depending on aspect. Yesterday saw heavily isolated light snow showers continue for much of the morning before […]

Base up top: 340 cm    Temp Top; -6 Degrees Base at bottom; 185 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Isolated snow showers   Isolated snow showers are passing over Nozawa Onsen this morning delivering a dusting of fresh across the pistes. These passing showers should continue for most of the day before clearing later tonight. The pick today will be the groomed runs, which will be soft and fast at the top and hard and fast on the lower elevation pistes. Most areas of powder have become tracked however there are still a few discontinuous patches adjacent to trees, good for one or two turns. Yesterday saw fine weather persist for the duration. There were still some […]

Base up top: 345 cm    Temp Top; -11 Degrees Base at bottom; 190 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Clear   Its another full bluebird morning in Nozawa Onsen. Light winds, low temperatures and good snow. Look to the West for potential views of the Sea of Japan, and of course the surrounding Japan Alps that inspire ski and snowboard touring adventures. Much of the remaining powder snow became tracked out yesterday, apart from a few of the secret localities. Unless you know where these are the best riding will be the groomed runs and park today. Yesterday was a great day for exploring. Fine clear weather inspired confidence and many great runs were found amongst the […]

Base up top: 360 cm    Temp Top; -9 Degrees Base at bottom; 200 cm New Snow since close: 5 cm Weather; Clear   Another picture perfect morning in Nozawa Onsen today. Clear cloudless skies are providing great views across the valley, its sure to be a fine day on the hill. Since last lifts yesterday we have had another unexpected 5cm fall across most of the resort, just enough to fill in yesterdays tracks and provide some sweet fresh lines. Again, the best riding earlier will be in the Yamabiko area, which is very beautiful at the moment with heavily snow laden trees. As the day progresses and the sun takes hold head to the north facing slopes which […]

Base up top: 360 cm    Temp Top; -11 Degrees Base at bottom; 210 cm New Snow since close: 15-20 cm Weather; Mostly sunny The good times keep rolling on here in Nozawa Onsen with another unexpected moderate snowfall overnight.  Although the forecast suggested only light very isolated falls we have received a tasty 15-20cm across the upper mountain, slightly less lower down. With the sun shinning, cold temperatures and idealic cumulus clouds floating about the peaks its sure to be a spectacular day on the hill, don’t forget the cameras! Like the past week or so, tree runs will be the pick today with knee to thigh deep powder ready for slashing and spraying. Head to Yamabiko trees early […]

Base up top: 360 cm    Temp Top; -10 Degrees Base at bottom; 220 cm New Snow since close: 1 cm Weather; Overcast   Today marks the first morning in about a week where it hasn’t been snowing in Nozawa Onsen. Mid level cloud is covering the region, but is expected to clear later in the day. A dusting of new snow has been recorded near the top of resort since last lifts, nothing substantial. Temperatures are similar to yesterday, however are expected to warm later in the day as the sun makes an appearance. Likewise, the riding today will be similar to yesterday. Untouched tree runs will the pick for the powder hounds, some may require a bit of […]