Latest News from Nozawa Onsen

Base up top: 175 cm    Temp Top; -7 Degrees Base at bottom; 60 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Light snow We woke to a partly cloudy day in Nozawa Onsen this morning. Although shortly after breakfast the mist and clouds rolled in and we now have some light snow falling. Early on the pistes should be firm and fast, softening with the fresh snow falling. The upper trees will be nicely topped up by this afternoon, however more snow is required to fill in most of the lower trees. Winds at the summit are moderate to strong. The resort and its lodges are beginning to fill up and we expect a busy period between Christmas and […]

Base up top: 180 cm    Temp Top; -5 Degrees Base at bottom; 70 cm New Snow since close: 3 cm Weather; Cloudy Its an overcast morning here in Nozawa Onsen and we are still experiencing the occasional light flurry. Light winds and minimal crowds will ensure a fun day up on the slopes. There are still a few hidden fresh lines on offer amongst the trees although good directional control is needed as there is still some brush exposed. Yesterday was an excellent day in Nozawa Onsen. Even with the weekend influx of visitors it was easy to find some deep un-ridden stashes. The groomed runs were also in fine form with many of the mountains pistes making their […]

    Base up top: 170 cm    Temp Top; -7 Degrees Base at bottom; 65 cm New Snow since close: 45 cm Weather; Moderate snow Looks like snow has persisted here in Nozawa Onsen for about the past 24 hours. In total 45cm fell overnight adding to what fell throughout yesterday. Snowfall rates increased during the evening with heavier falls below localised thunderstorm activity. When we woke this morning and up until the current time (10am) moderate snows were continuing to fall. The best skiing on offer today should be found on the higher reaches of the mountain where an excellent base has formed. The Yamabiko trees will be the best to take advantage of all the fresh powder […]

  Base up top: 100 cm        Temp Top; -8 Degrees Base at Uenotaira 80cm Base at bottom; 0 cm New Snow since close: 30 cm Weather; Snowing nicely Has snowed all night here in Nozawa and we have had the “magic foot” of fresh snow overnight Just a quick update on what is open at the moment All the top area is now a go with Uenotaira 4 lift opening today So now all the intermediate and one black run at Yamabiko are open along with the beginner runs down to Uenotaira and in the middle down to the mid station of the Gondola so plenty to keep everyone happy. A few of the guys skied right […]

  December delight in Nozawa Onsen Base up top: 65 cm        Temp Top; -6 Degrees Base at bottom; 0 cm New Snow since close: 20 cm Weather; Snowed all night and snowing lightly   Has been a snowy few days in Nozawa with about 15cm of fresh on the slopes yesterday morning when we went up.   Saw a bit of sunshine in the afternoon and then started snowing again down to village level in the evening   It was coming down pretty heavy all night but pretty wet. Temps have dropped this morning though and the flakes are drifting nice and light from the sky   Looks like more snow on the menu for Nozawa and […]

Base up top: 45 cm Temp Top; -3 Degrees Base at bottom; 0 cm New Snow since close: 10 cm Weather; Beautiful Bluebird Day to start the season Does not seem like that long ago since I was writing the last report. The lifts closed just 6 months ago and today we start the new season! Magic start too just quietly! Nice and early just scraping into November, a respectable forming base, 10cm of fresh overnight, and the sun is shining. Hopefully, a sign of good things to come for the season ahead. A few keen skiers taking to the slopes today but should be pretty quiet for the next few weeks until Christmas time. So if keen come on […]

In a first for Nozawa Onsen and probably the first ski lodge in Japan Villa Nozawa has installed a 12kw Solar System on the roof! With Japan’s power challenges and in line with our general philosophy for helping to cool the globe we just had to do it. Lodge Nagano and Kamoshika Lodge are following. The rest of the village are waiting to see if it is a success and many will make the switch. The biggest test will be the 4 meters plus of snow that can sit on there in a season. Will be lots of roof clearing but we think the environment is worth it.        

Base up top: 170 cm        Temp Top; 0 Degrees Base at bottom; 0 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Foggy up top clear below The first day of May and there has been a few coolish mornings in Nozawa and still have the Fire place warming us up at night. However day times are nice and warm now when the sun is out. Can get around in a T Shirt some days. Golden week is in full spin and quite a few people strolling between the Onsens in traditional Yukata Kimonos and Geta sandals. The Sakura or Cherry blossoms are also out and about in areas of Nozawa and look pretty impressive especially framed against […]