Nozawa Onsen

“I had an enjoyable time at Nozawa Onsen during my visit on 4th May 2024. The weather was delightful, contributing to the overall fun experience. The park's condition was commendable in the morning, though the performance of the boards was slightly disappointing. However, I appreciate the staff's efforts in maintenance, especially considering the time of year. What stood out for me was Sawanudori, which was akin to a natural cross course and was in excellent shape. I eagerly anticipate my visit next season.”

“My experience at Nozawa Onsen was largely positive, marked by enjoyable snowboarding sessions, convenient access to various slopes via cable cars, and a good variety of dining options. However, I did notice an inconsistency in the difficulty classification of the trails. Even those categorized under the same difficulty level seemed to vary, which could use some improvement for a better understanding of their actual challenge level.”

“I found Nozawa Onsen to be an excellent resort featuring an abundance of runs and impressive off-piste sections. When it snows, the powder conditions are exceptional, making it a destination I would highly suggest. The town is steeped in tradition and rich with local Japanese characteristics, which adds to its charm. The mountain itself houses a limited number of restaurants, but the base compensates with an increased selection. The food and drink options are fairly diverse, making it a well-rounded experience overall.”

“Nozawa Onsen is a revered ski resort, known for its plentiful snow and diverse range of slopes. Despite its appeal to all skill levels, the resort's vastness can make it difficult to navigate and move between areas. Particularly on weekends, the resort can get crowded, necessitating early arrival to secure nearby parking. The hot spring town, true to the resort's name, is a delightful feature of the area. Its open-air baths are wonderfully atmospheric, and there are numerous restaurants and souvenir shops that remain open into the late hours of the night. Accessing the resort for day trips is relatively easy, with minimal mountain roads to navigate. However, parking near the hot spring town can be challenging due to limited spaces and a labyrinth of uphill narrow roads leading to the ski area. It's worth noting that it can be quite a walk to reach the downtown area or the lower accommodations. For those staying overnight, parking can be a challenge, especially with frequent pedestrian traffic and occasional snow conditions. It's advisable for less confident drivers to familiarize themselves with the location through resources like Street View. Despite these challenges, the resort's unique location as a ski base is undeniably charming and difficult to find elsewhere. It's a location with plenty of appeal, despite its quirks.”