A Guide to Ski Touring in Nozawa Onsen

 Nozawa Onsen is a scenic mountain village on the main island of Honshu in Japan. It is one of the most popular skiing destinations in Asia that attracts tourists from across the globe. Apart from the powder snow, this tiny little town tops the list due to its unspoiled charm, beauty and culture. If you are searching for a ski resort in Japan, you must consider Nozawa onsen.

You will have an amazing time in Nozawa onsen ski-in ski-out resorts with your family, friends or partner. It is a perfect holiday destination for every age group. Moreover, Nozawa is fun and affordable too. Keep on reading to know everything about skiing, accommodation, ski gear and lift tickets in Nozawa onsen.

When is the right time to visit Nozawa onsen ski resort?

The official ski season begins in December and lasts till April. If you are planning on having memorable cultural encounters then you can plan your trip around mid-January, during the famous fire festival in Nozawa onsen.

Where to stay in Nozawa Onsen?

There are plenty of hotels, ryokans, inns etc for a quintessentially Japanese experience. Based on budget, there are various accommodation options that might attract you. There are hostel style rooms, luxurious apartment style accommodations whereas tourists who can splurge a little bit can find places like ski-in ski-out hotels as well as private cabins and vacation homes.

If you are planning a trip to Nozawa during the winter, it is apparently clear that you are going on a skiing trip. So try to book in advance and find accommodation near the ski gondola. There are some luxurious properties near the gondola. You can be the first one to hit the slope if you choose to stay in these ski-in ski-out properties. Kamoshika Lodge and Schneider hotel are some popular options to consider.

More about Nozawa onsen ski resort

The ski resort was opened seventy years ago and spans over 700 acres of area. There are two ski gondolas in Nozawa, i.e. Hikage and Nagasaka. Make sure to find accommodation near these areas to be the first one on the ski lifts. Nozawa Onsen resort has an interesting Uenotaira slope that can be enjoyed by beginners as well as advanced skiers.

Where to find ski rentals in Nozawa?

Nozawa is most well-known for skiing vacations so there is no shortage of rental ski gear. However, to get the best deals on high quality products, advanced booking is recommended. Some rental agencies have tie-ups with hotels in Nozawa Onsen. So confirm with the hotel that you are staying in if you are eligible for a good deal or discount on rental gear.

Another great option is to find a touring agency to tackle the hassle of accommodation as well as ski gear. These agencies are partnered with local businesses so you can get a great deal of quality gear as well as up to a 10% discount. When travelling during the peak season, make sure to book in advance not just to get good deals but also to ensure that you will have desired ski gear and snowboards to enjoy your time.

Where to get lift tickets in Nozawa Onsen?

Standing in queues at the ticket office can be avoided if you pre-book your lift passes for Nozawa onsen. You can request an online lift ticket when you book your holiday with one of the touring agencies. They offer you a booking number at the time of reservation. Use the number, enter the required details and you can avail of flexible lift tickets. Flexible lift tickets are better than regular tickets as you get the freedom of ultimate date changes.

Are there ski lessons available in Nozawa Onsen?

Those who are a beginner or a little rusty can book a private instructor for ski and snowboarding lessons in Nozawa Onsen. The best part, you can share the cost with up to 4 people so lessons can be fun as well as affordable for the entire group. Lesson plans are available for a duration of 2 to 5 hours.

You can also book an experienced guide to show you around Nozawa Onsen ski resorts. Advanced skiers also get the option to hit untracked slopes with the help of an experienced skier guide.

Final words

Nozawa Onsen is the best choice for an ultimate Japanese skiing holiday. If you are planning around the regular season i.e. December to March then it’s highly recommended to make advanced bookings. For more details on lessons, lift tickets and ski rentals connect with the experienced team at Stay Nozawa. They have years of industry experience and their association with local businesses can get you the greatest deals on accommodation, ski rentals, and more.