Things are taking shape on the Slope of Nozawa! The mountain staff has been busy mowing the runs and clearing the shrubs so all is looking nice and defined. Just need to add the white stuff now!
The new lift on Hikage Slope is also taking shape as can see in these photos and should be a nice addition. The overall plan with that Hikage lift is not just about the winter. The Nozawa Onsen Resort also plans to open a summer offering there with artificial ski slopes and Japan’s longest Zip line!
Summer Skiing in Nozawa Onsen
From my understanding the slope will be a series of plastic cup like brushes with water being constantly sprayed on them to provide a summer ski experience. They will be using the latest technology available and hope the facility will draw teams from around Japan and further afield to practice their skills in between Winter seasons.
I am sure it will be a bit of fun for the regular leisure skiers too that want to ride in a T shirt and enjoy Nozawa in the green season. Will be great for local kids too that have Olympic aspirations in that they will be able to train all year round. Along with the Gym at the Olympic park and the string team of experienced peers available for training they have every chance of making it on to the world stage.
This should all kick off next Summer so stay posted and will bring you up to date information as it comes to hand. For now start getting excited about Winter and do some image training down Schneider and Kandahar slopes, two nice steep runs in the Winter season. Check out more info on Nozawa Ski Runs here; Nozawa Onsen Ski Runs and Courses
Thanks Seiji san for the photos