Latest News

Base up top: 300 cm Temp Top; -3 Degrees Base at Uenotaira : 225 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Beautiful Sunshine Magic day up here in Nozawa, with the sun greeting us early this morning. The snow cams looked awesome early, no new snow reported but looks like we had a of something up there with the trees having the beautiful white glisten about them. Temps are nice and cold early at -3 degrees so should make for a fast surface early. With the sun shining bright it should soften up pretty quick and no wind should make for a really nice day ahead. The outlook is for another change tomorrow and some snow expected up top […]

Base up top: 300 cm    Temp Top; -5 Degrees New Snow since close: 1 cm Weather; Light snow   A cold change has swept across the region overnight introducing some cold winter-esque air and light snow showers about the mountain. Since last lifts a dusting has been recorded across the mountain and 1cm at Yamabiko. With strong winds earlier there will be a few nice windblown stashes in the trees however watch out for sheet ice conditions on the more exposed courses. During the second half of this week we should see some improving conditions as the snow softens back to spring snow in combination with more lengthy breaks of sunshine. Much better than the rain we have had […]

Base up top: 300 cm    Temp Top; +1 Degrees New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Rain   Temperatures have cooled off overnight, however not as much as expected. At the moment we have the freezing level sitting at around 1800 meters so we still need a slightly cooler atmosphere for snowfalls to occur in Nozawa Onsen. Today groomed runs will be the best bet and these will be wet and slushy but the rainfalls are creating slightly faster snow on piste. The forecast for this week is all over the place and difficult to nail down. Cooler temperatures and light, isolated snow over 1000 meters is expected for the next three days. Patches of sunshine are also on […]

Base up top: 310 cm    Temp Top; +7 Degrees New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Rain   Heavy fog, cloud and no wind has created an atmospheric feeling in the village of Nozawa Onsen this morning. Unfortunately light, isolated rainfalls are continuing on and off making conditions pretty miserable for skiing and boarding but those who make the effort to have some fun up on the mountain will likely be faced with wet but fast snow conditions on the upper groomed runs. Otherwise its a very nice day for a casual stroll around the village or checking out other nearby popular attractions such as the Jigokudani Monkey Park. It looks like todays rainfalls will turn to snow later […]

Base up top: 325 cm    Temp Top; +10 Degrees New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Rain   As expected we have had some overnight rainfalls and the lower slopes are showing the effects of the increased moisture and prolonged warm weather with a significant decrease in the snowpack. Thankfully the snow above mid station is still holding strong and this will be the best area for riding adventures today. Head straight to Yamabiko for the best turns. According to the forecast rain showers will continue today and tomorrow, turning to snow from top to bottom on Monday night. Cool temperatures will persist until Wednesday and we may have a few nice shallow powder turns during these days. From […]

Base up top: 330 cm    Temp Top; +12 Degrees New Snow since close: 5 cm Weather; Clear   It is very warm this morning with a strong spring sun making itself known and a light fog hovering within the mountain valleys. Surprisingly 5cm of fresh snow was recorded at Yamabiko last night, very strange considering the exceptionally high freezing level. Today the snow will be slushy, grading to sticky by the afternoon but the riding will be fun on the upper piste areas. With yesterdays rain washing the atmosphere free of pollution the could be a few nice views from up top. Tomorrow and Monday rain is forecast so conditions won’t exactly be the best. But by Tuesday morning […]

Base up top: 370 cm    Temp Top; +12 Degrees New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Wind   Very strong winds are wreaking havoc across the mountain this morning by forcing closure of the Nagasaka gondola and the upper area chairs. Today the only lifts running will be the Nagasaka quad and two in the lower Hikage bowl. As a result there is not much doing on the mountain today and its best to look for other activities, such as wandering around the quaint Japanese streets in town. According to the forecast some rain showers are possible for this evening, clearing to a sunny day by tomorrow. Rain is also forecast for Sunday and Monday, turning to snow on […]

Base up top: 380 cm    Temp Top; -2 Degrees New Snow since close: 5 cm Weather; Mostly fine   For the second day on the month we have some fresh snow! About 5cm has fallen on the upper mountain since last lifts. This is great news after the rainfall we experienced yesterday, which was the heaviest of the season so far. With a temperature at the summit of -2C the fresh snow will not be the super dry powder we normally have fall in Nozawa Onsen, but it is certainly better than nothing! Today the best riding will be had above the gondola mid station which was the approximate snowfall level last night. Make sure to hit the slopes […]

Yesterday marked the end of the bus that connects Togari Nozawa Onsen Train Station to the Nozawa Onsen Village. Bit of a sad day, after years of taking that connection up to the resort. The old diesel train will continue to run but will need to take a taxi if come that way. The good news is that the Iiyama Bullet train and then Nozawa Onsen Liner from Iiyama station is all go and visitors are loving the connection and ease of getting up here now. Attached is the latest timetable for you, which is the same as we posted a little while ago just the Togari bus is not there now. Safe travels and look forward to seeing you […]

Base up top: 385 cm    Temp Top; +6 Degrees Base at bottom; 185 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Cloudy   Some clouds have moved over the region overnight ahead of the expected cold front later tonight. With the added moisture held by the atmosphere along with some light rainfalls due by mid morning the snow will be rather sticky today, especially later on. Nevertheless with almost a four meter base at the top its hard to resist going for a slide even if its a bit wet. Tomorrow we may wake to some fresh snow and with a bluebird day forecast it may make for an excellent early April combination situation. The forecast for the following […]