Kids Skiing Nozawa Onsen Japan
The pleasure and the pain! Skiing, Snow and the Mountains are an amazing combination in bringing a family together with a mutual passion. We get so many families that come to stay with us in Nozawa year after year, they have, like us fallen in love with Nozawa and the family sport of the downhill slide.
Having taught two kids of my own how to ski I am not going to pretend the start can be hard, with tears, tantrums and eventually triumphs and that was just me! I put both kids in a backpack and skied with them not long after they started to walk. They loved it, would gaze at the flakes and the trees and fall asleep after about 4 turns most of the time.
I put the young fella on skis at 3 and he was to be honest pretty hopeless, just cruised along in a daze and I ended up carrying him down most of the way between my legs. I also started my daughter at 3 thinking I am in for another back breaking few months, but much to my surprise and joy she nailed it first run! Does this mean girls are quicker learners than boys? Maybe, but probably more so that as we know, every kid is different.
You want to just give them an easy and enjoyable start for you and them and Nozawa is a great place to do that, here are a few tips that may help along the way.
Choosing Accommodation in Nozawa Onsen – Ski Kids Nozawa Onsen Japan
With kids in tow it is always important to pick an accommodation that is going to help make life easier. If you have chosen Nozawa Onsen as your Ski Holiday destination you are already off to a good start. Nozawa is a very compact village and you can walk everywhere pretty easily. The main part of the village is only about 1.5km from one side to the other.
Check out this map with a scale to give you an idea https://www.nozawaholidays.com/town-map/
Also this little clip which gives you a good over view of the size of Nozawa Onsen and some key landmarks
Some people want ski in ski out which is great but can sometimes mean a longer walk into town at night, others want to be right in town but then means a bit further to the slopes. Most of our properties are a happy medium very near the slopes and an easy walk in to the village for dinner at nights. Here is a great little video showing the locations of some properties and important landmarks in Nozawa
https://www.nozawaholidays.com/location/
Family Friendly Nozawa Onsen – Ski Kids Nozawa Onsen Japan
Nozawa is very geared up for kids and families, with unique culture, fantastic food choices, a wide range of slopes to cater for all levels and amazing facilities thanks to the bubble times in the 90’s.
All this and still not overly busy compared to some other resorts around Japan and the world. Here is a great write up on all the reasons Nozawa is the perfect choice for your famiy Ski Holiday
https://www.nozawaholidays.com/family-friendly-nozawa/
Rental Gear Nozawa Onsen from the guys at Nozawa Central Rentals – Ski Kids Nozawa Onsen Japan
Getting the kids out of the house is a mission at the best of times. Gearing up for a mountain assault needs even that little more planning and tactical organisation.
Once you get your routine down pat though with a little help from the kids you can do it in style. Having the right gear is important and remember you are the one that usually ends up carrying it so don’t take anything you don’t need.
Kids Ski Gear what you need!
Clothing and their outer shell
Layers become an important word and I am not talking about blankets and dooners!
– Thermals – Start with thermals long sleeve best is Merino wool but the synthetic type will do the trick too. Uniqlo in Japan and Australia have some graet deals.
– Skipants that don’t let the snow in to the boots at the right length and ofcourse a colour they like
– Layer up top so can take things on and off as you go kids can heat up before you even hit the slopes but feel the cold up high too. I usually go Shirt, Fleece then good water proof Jacket and maybe even carry another layer incase.
– Onsies are awesome as it is all in one piece and snow cannot work its way in between Top and Bottom
– Backpack you are going to need something to put all these layers and water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, tissues, face masks and 30 other things in!
Hardwear will get them excited about skiing
Helmets – some countries they are compulsory, in Japan they aren’t yeat but any good rental shop will persuade you to wear one. Nozawa Central rental has a great range in kids sizes and colours. They will protect your noggen if someone should run into you or you do a flip of a jump
Goggles and Gloves – get these right or they will add to the whinge factor quicker than a snowflake will melt in an Onsen. If the kids are smaller say under 6 go for Mittens as easy to get on and off. After that they tend to prefer the 5 finger gloves as gives them more flexibility to grab things like snowballs to throw at their siblings!
Goggles also an important asset in Nozawa as we get so much snowfall. They have some for just 500 yen a day or only 4000 Yen to buy at Nozwa Central, a great price and will do the trick. Just try and keep them on their faces. If they come off and fill with snow then tey are basically cactus until you dry them right out again and get that seal again. Goggles will make them feel like a race car driver!
Socks and Boots – like the underwear socks are making contact with the skin so if can get thermal is the way to go. We sometimes double up their socks but if you can get away with one good warm pair will limit rubbing and cold toes! Same with boots get something that works, most locals in Nozawa wear gumboots cheap and waterproof so if you have the good socks are all you need. Just be sure to have a draw string to tighten and also pull the elastic on the ski pants well over the top so the snow doesn’t get in. Kids are having so much fun playing in the snow they often forget they are getting frostbite! To stop their little noses from falling off a facemask is always a good idea then they are bullet proof flying down the slopes!
Some good news one thing you may not need to carry! Start them without poles, they have enough going on with two bits of wood strapped to their feet. They will let you know in time when they want them.
Skis and Boards – I always say start them with skiing, maybe I am old school. I just think it is easie for them when little and will give them a good basis anyway if they decide later they want to switch to Board.
Skiing is easier to learn but harder to get good at. Boarding is the opposite harder to start but easier to get to a higher level, mainly to do with the two edges versus one. Anyway when grabbing some skis the basic rule is length to your chin or even a bit shorter if they are just starting out. Make sure they are well waxed and everything is functioning right. Gravity will do the rest!
Anyway the guys at Nozawa Central Rentals right in the middle of the village have a great range and knowledgeable English Speaking Rentals team that will get you sorted so drop is and see them. The owners have all got kids of ther own so will feel for you and help in anyway. Don’t forget if you book gear or accommodation with Nozawa Holidays you can use the free Ski Locker on the slopes near the main Nagasaka Gondola too.
Here is a link to book https://www.nozawaholidays.com/ski-gear-clothing-hire/
Lessons for Kids Nozawa Onsen – Kids Skiing Nozawa Onsen Japan
Teaching your kids how to ski can test the patience, nerves and cuts well into your valuable ski time. So why not get some one that is experience to get them going. Then you can always take the glory down that track when they win their first World Cup.
The guys at Nozawa Holidays Snowsports have a graet team of experienced English Speaking Instructors that cater to all levels and ages so will be happy to help your kids fall in love with the sport of skiing or snowboarding
Here is a link to book https://www.nozawaholidays.com/ski-gear-clothing-hire/
A few tips to get you on and your clan on the way into a life long addiction of the glide. Hope it helps and please feel free to ask the staff at Nozawa Holiday if have any questions many of us have all been thru it with our kids and eager to share methods and the madness. Look forward to seeing your kids tear past us on the slopes in Nozawa soon.
Remember we do great deals for March and April for kids with lift passes just 1500 Yen a day in March and rental gear half price for kids in April just ask!
https://www.nozawaholidays.com/march-is-magic-in-nozawa-onsen/