nozawa onsen skiing

Nozawa turns white! Nozawa turns white!     The wait is over—snow has arrived in Nozawa Onsen, and it’s coming down heavy! 🌬️ The narrow village streets are transforming into a winter paradise as big, fluffy flakes blanket everything in sight. Locals have dusted off their shovels for the first time this season.     Since yesterday, the snowfall has been relentless, leaving the mountain covered in a fresh white coat. At the top of Nagasaka Station, the ski resort reports 30cm of powder, but it’s likely even deeper up on the Yamabiko courses. 🏔️ Early risers were already lining up at the gondola this morning, eager to lay down the first tracks on freshly covered slopes. 🚡 Only Yamabiko […]

❄️ Flashback to Nozawa Onsen’s Magical Snowfall! ❄️     Last December, Nozawa Onsen transformed into a true winter wonderland overnight, as the first heavy snowfall blanketed the village, turning it into a picturesque snow globe in just a few days. Will we see a repeat this year? 🌨️     While yesterday’s snow base remains steady at around 30cm up top, temperatures are set to dip this weekend, bringing cooler vibes and a promise of fresh snow. With winds picking up, the Nagasaka Gondola may experience slower operation—or even a pause—so stay tuned for updates. In the meantime, Yamabiko D and E are open and waiting for some carving action. Get ready to wake up to fresh white magic […]

Big White Weekend Incoming! Big White Weekend Incoming! Nozawa Onsen is buzzing with excitement as updated forecasts hint at over a meter of fresh snow heading our way this weekend! 🌬️ Yesterday’s clear skies offered stunning views for those taking the gondola ride, passing through a dreamy mist to reach pristine carving conditions up top. Today, the magic continues with equally perfect riding weather and breathtaking vistas. 🏔️ The snow predictions have surged from 70cm to over a meter, and we can’t help but wonder—could this be true? 🤔 Only time will tell, so set your alarms for Saturday morning to find out! Until then, grab your carving skis and make the most of these ideal slopes before the powder […]

Monday slide in Nozawa Onsen Monday slide in Nozawa Onsen   Today brings a misty morning in the valley, while clear skies greet skiers and snowboarders higher up the mountain—a beautiful mix to kick off the third day of the season. Late November’s snowfall has laid a solid foundation, drawing eager visitors to the slopes from early hours. With a 30cm base at the summit, Yamabiko D and Yamabiko E courses are currently open. Excitement is building as we anticipate the Uenotaira slope opening soon, and then more to follow, with heavy snowfall forecast for the weekend. Let’s keep the snow vibes rolling!   Meanwhile, Nozawa Onsen celebrated the first day of preparations for the iconic Dosojin Fire Festival yesterday. […]

Winter Season Officially Started! Winter Season Officially Started!   What a fantastic start to the season here in Nozawa Onsen! 🌨️ The mountain is blanketed with a solid base of snow, and the flakes are still falling, promising even more fun ahead. 🌬️❄️     This morning, excited skiers and snowboarders rushed to the Nagasaka Gondola to carve the first tracks of the season. The Yamabiko course was buzzing with energy, with Yamabiko D and Yamabiko E now open. We’re hoping to see even more courses opening soon with the snowfall expected over the next couple of weeks! 🌟     We’re also thrilled to share some exciting news—our Instagram community has grown to 30,000 followers! 🎉✨ Thank you all […]

Let the countdown begin Let the countdown begin   The wait is almost over! 🎿 Nozawa Onsen is gearing up for an incredible start to the season, with the lifts set to open in just two days! The excitement is building as the snow is starting to accumulate at the top of the mountain.     This Friday, the forecast predicts a fresh blanket of just under 20cm of snow, setting the stage for a magical opening day. But that’s not all—throughout the day, we’re expecting an additional 25cm of powder to cover the slopes, promising fantastic conditions for everyone to dive in.     Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, Nozawa Onsen is ready to welcome you […]

Start of Season on 30th of November! Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort will Open this weekend the 30th of November 2024.   Another early opening for this Ski Season in Nozawa! The groomers have been busy up top preparing the 50cm base which has accumulated from the last few falls. Adding to this with the snow making machines as temps sit below freezing point at night up top. At this stage it is just D Course up at Yamabiko which will open on Saturday but they will open more slopes as the snow permits. The forecast is for another 20cm on Friday night which should make for a spectacular first day on Saturday Morning. Remember lift passes are discounted until the […]

Ski resort in full swing Ski resort in full swing     The magic of winter is slowly unfolding here in Nozawa Onsen! With each snowfall, the mountain is transforming into a snow lover’s paradise, and the cooler temperatures over the coming weeks will help solidify the growing base. Currently, there’s about 50cm of snow at the top of Nagasaka Gondola Station, and our snow machines are running at full capacity to prepare the slopes.     The resort is aiming to open on November 30th, weather permitting, and with the long-term forecast looking promising—showing snowfall almost every day for the next two weeks—the chances are high! Check out live webcam footage from across the resort here: https://nozawa-onsen.com/nozawa-webcams/. Stay tuned […]

Winter Festivals & Events in Nozawa Winter Festivals & Events in Nozawa     Nozawa Onsen’s winter season is packed with exciting festivals that celebrate community, tradition, and nature. These festivals, rooted in gratitude for good harvests, health, and safety, unite the village and its visitors. Here’s a glimpse of the vibrant events happening this winter!     December: While Christmas isn’t traditionally celebrated, the village remains lively with open restaurants, bars, and shops. Skiing on New Year’s Day is a popular tradition, followed by fireworks on Nagasaka Slope! January: Don’t miss the Dosojin Matsuri on January 15th, a dramatic fire festival honoring the village’s guardian deity with bonfires, sake, and chanting to ensure a prosperous year. February: Celebrate Valentine’s […]

First Turns for the Season in Nozawa First Turns for the Season in Nozawa   Once again, as far as we know local gun skier Shogo Kawano has taken line honours this year. Bit hard to tell from the cams but reckon we got close to the “Magic Foot” or 30cm in this little November dump. Another 30cm expected from Friday night! See they have the snow guns going too up at Yamabiko so would say the Ski Resort are quietly hoping to open on the planned date of Saturday November the 30th. Would be a nice early start if it all comes through but a lot can happen in 10 days in the mountains so will have to wait […]