Nozawa Onsen has a unique atmosphere, where the village's rich hot spring culture blends with the magnificent nature. It is also known as the birthplace of ski culture in Japan. While proud of its history and tradition, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is always full of new topics. Most recently, the 2020-21 season saw the release of the Nagasaka Gondola, which is equipped with the world's most cutting-edge technology, and the resort also introduced snow machines for the first time
This season, 2021-2022, Nagasaka Ski Center House has also undergone a complete renovation, making it a more functional and comfortable environment for users. Nozawa Onsen continues to evolve in this way, even in the difficult circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked Mikio Katagiri, the ski resort's representative, what is the driving force behind this
Steady evolution even amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Mikio Katagiri was a famous downhill skier who was active in the global W-Cup racing scene in the 1970s. He also competed in two Winter Olympics, leaving his mark on the history of Japanese skiing. After retiring, he served as coach of the All Japan National Team and technical director of international competitions, making him a key figure in the alpine world. He is currently CEO of his local ski resort, Nozawa Onsen, where he devotes his time to ensuring the safety of the resort and ensuring guests have a comfortable time on the snowy mountain.
We spoke to Mikio Katagiri about the recent progress of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort.
"We created a master plan for Nozawa in 2015. We drew up a blueprint for how we would proceed in line with it, looking ahead five to ten years from now
The 10-passenger Nagasaka Gondola, which debuted last season and utilizes the world's most advanced technology, was also part of the plan. It boasts not only speed but also a quiet ride. Due to the impact of COVID-19, we faced a difficult crisis, as our operating technicians might not be able to travel from Austria to Japan, but we managed to overcome it.
Last season, we also introduced snow machines. We use 22 snow machines of various types depending on the location, but all of them are installed at the top of the ski resort. I'm often asked, "Why snow machines, when Nozawa gets so much snow?" However, ensuring a stable supply of snow allows us to reliably open at the end of November. I think it's good for both users and the village. This season, the Nagasaka Center House was finally completed, further enhancing the convenience of the facility.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, I think skiing's potential will be increasingly recognized as a sport that can be enjoyed safely in a spacious outdoor space. Nozawa has thoroughly implemented infection prevention measures, including on the soft side
The reason behind Nozawa Onsen's continued evolution
"It's true that when you unravel the history of skiing in Japan, Nozawa is always the first place to come up. Our predecessors were pioneers in their time. The basis for this is the culture and history of Nozawa that has been built up over the years. There are many Japanese regulars at each lodge who share this love for Nozawa and have been coming regularly for many years. In the same way, the number of overseas guests, mainly from Australia, who just love Nozawa, is on the rise, and this has led to the development and establishment of inbound tourism in recent years
When you go to the outdoor baths, you'll see the village grandparents leisurely soaking in the water. If you're confused and saying, "It's hot!", they'll show you how to get in, and if you try to get out first, they'll say, "Good night." I think this outdoor bath culture is what's supporting the evolution of Nozawa."
Nagasaka Center House has been completely renovated and reopened in 2022 !
The New Nagasaka Gondola debuted in the 2020-21 season and has become a new symbol of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. Attached to its station is the Nagasaka Center House. The facility underwent a complete renovation in the 2022 season and has been in full swing since the start of the season, providing all the services you need for a day on the slopes. Incidentally, the ski resort management office, where Katagiri's desk is located, is also located on the fourth floor.
Consolidating ticket purchase counters in the Nagasaka Center House has significantly reduced congestion, and the facility now features an information counter where you can get any information you need, a deck area for meetings and breaks, a powder room with hairdryers, and a nursing room. Families with small children can enjoy a safe and comfortable stay here.
At the Tune-up shop GLATT on the second floor, they will not only tune up your skis, but also select the best wax for the season, snow quality, and skiing area, providing you with skis that will be better than anyone else on the mountains of Nozawa that day. At the rental corner, the SALOMON Station, you can also rent SALOMON fat skis, so if you hit the powder, you can switch to them on site. There is also an Ishii Sports collaboration shop, so if you find yourself on the snow and suddenly need some anti-fog goggles, you can get them right away. Everything you need to enjoy skiing is in place
On the third floor, there is also a new cafe called "Nagasaka Cafe" where you can enjoy breakfast and freshly ground coffee. The bagels and sweets look delicious! Those who arrive early in the morning can also enjoy hot drinks and sweets during their tea break during the day. This is great
In-depth evolution
Nozawa Onsen is known for its high-quality powder snow and rich natural terrain, making it one of the best places in Shinshu for freeriding fans
"As a ski resort, we are responding to the growing popularity of freeriding and interest in backcountry skiing in recent years. We also have powder-type fat skis available for rental at Nagasaka Center House, and we can also wax the skis to suit the snow conditions, improving the quality of your skiing
The Yamabiko area at the summit has long been popular with powder lovers, but we've opened it up as a special area for those who enjoy skiing at their own risk. While you can freely ski between the courses, we've also taken another step forward, starting last season
Skier: Naoto Kono. Photo: Daniel Honda.
"A little way down from the summit of Mount Kenashi, at the starting point of the descent towards Aoki, we have set up two gate-like 'access points.' From there onwards, the area outside the ski resort's management zone is the border with the backcountry. Anyone who wants to ski in the backcountry must submit a mountain climbing notification and leave through one of these access points
Outside the managed areas, like winter mountain climbing, there is no safety management or regulation by the ski resort, so even if an avalanche or accident occurs, ski resort patrols cannot come to the rescue, but there are still people who misunderstand this. We hope that people will enjoy the magnificent nature around Nozawa, but also take good care of their own safety
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, backcountry tours are currently being planned by Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. You can also enjoy the backcountry with peace of mind by taking advantage of backcountry tours organized by ski pro shops
In addition to this, we are also considering various proposals for new attractions for Nozawa, such as promoting healthy tourism and workation."
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort continues to evolve with the changing world, fusing its unique style, cultivated through its hot spring culture and history, with the latest technology and ideas, and its appeal is only increasing. The "Family Pack Campaign" (until March 27th) will start on March 1st, and a test ride event for the 2022-23 new models is scheduled for early March. From March 28th to Golden Week in May, the Spring Ski Service will also offer discounts on lift tickets. I definitely want to check it out
