Skier: Tomohiro Murai Photo: Daniel Honda
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort boasts one of Japan's largest ski resorts, a famous hot spring town brimming with Japanese atmosphere and a mountain famous for its famous hot springs that represent Shinshu. With an elevation difference of 1,085m from the summit to the bottom, the resort boasts one of the largest ski runs in Japan for a single ski resort, with 44 courses. Nozawa Onsen's appeal lies in the abundance of high-quality natural snow throughout the season, its vast slopes, long runs, and rich natural terrain
Powder hunting in the dead of winter is of course the best, but even as spring approaches in the mountains (early March), the weather tends to be stable and the snow quality is good, making the mountains even more enjoyable. Let's take a look at what it's like
Spring mountain fun with the COMPASS HOUSE team
As we approach spring (early March), we spent some time in the mountains with staff from Nozawa Onsen pro shop COMPASS HOUSE and ARMADA advisory pro rider Murai Tomohiro, young rider Higuchi Eigo, who has won the Shiroi Koibito Park Air three times, and Japanese-Brazilian photographer Daniel HONDA, who was based at Nozawa Shirakaba in the 2021-2022 season, and asked them about the charms of Nozawa Onsen
The great thing about Nozawa Onsen is that you can enjoy it whether it's raining or not
We asked Tomohiro, "What is the appeal of the mountains of Nozawa Onsen from the perspective of a local professional rider?" "There are so many things to list, but," Tomohiro replied, and the following quickly came to mind. First and foremost, "It's fun whether it snows or not. Once you get off the Nagasaka Gondola, you can have a blast anywhere. On top of that, I guess it's like this."
・Long runs!
・Many steep slopes for high-speed skiing!
・Skylines are great!
・The powder snow in the high season is the best. In the best seasons, there's a daily reset!
・Yamabiko Stream is super fun in spring!
・Even if it's raining below in spring, there's often powder snow above!
・The season is long!
As Tomohiro says, Nozawa Onsen's season is long, with the 2021-2022 season running from November 27th to May 8th. In addition to the natural snow they are proud of, the introduction of snow machines this season has ensured that the season starts early. Each season has its own charm and ways to enjoy it, which is only possible with such a long season
"At the start of the season, we mainly go to the Yamabiko area at the top of the slope, where snow comes in early. We sometimes get powder snow from the first day the slopes open. In the high season, you can either go down from Yamabiko, catching powder as you go, or you can go straight to the lower area, which has many steep slopes."
His favorite routine on a powdery morning is as follows:
First thing in the morning: 1) Yamabiko → Challenge (steepest slope) → lower steep slope First
thing in the morning: 2) Skyline → Jumping or Grand Prix
thing in the morning: 3) Ushikubi high-speed ride
And finally, searching for leftovers.
"When it doesn't snow, my go-to routine is Yamabiko → Skyline to enjoy the grooming. The forest course is also fun," he says. Try it out next time you go skiing in Nozawa.
photo: Daniel Honda
In spring, you can explore the terrain at Yamabiko Stream! If you get caught in the occasional heavy snowfall, you're super lucky
The Yamabiko area, which spreads out from the summit of Mount Kenashi, the top of the slopes, is at an altitude of 1,650m, so conditions rarely get bad. As spring approaches, the weather generally becomes more stable, but surprisingly, at Yamabiko, heavy snowfall can occur even in April.
"You're extremely lucky if you hit spring powder. The grooming at Yamabiko in early spring is great. You can ski long distances, and you can also play at the park in Kaminodaira. But the absolute must-do in spring in Nozawa is playing with the terrain at Yamabiko Stream. It's so much fun." We
headed to Yamabiko Stream as we talked.
Photo: Daniel Honda
This "Yamabiko Sawa" offers a variety of fun experiences, such as flying off the natural pipe-like walls as shown in the photo, or sliding down the walls like a natural banked slalom. Skiing through from above is quite challenging, and it's like a small natural ski cross course, offering a thrilling experience that is in a league of its own compared to powder
Photo: Dainel Honda
Tomohiro and Eigo found good spots and flew stylishly, enjoying the undulating terrain of the stream
Kaminodaira Snow Park is also packed with new items as spring approaches!
Kaminodaira Snow Park, located in Kaminodaira, has also been upgraded for spring. The park has been significantly improved with more features, including mini boxes and waves that even beginners can enjoy. Staff update the park daily on Instagram, so be sure to check it out
On the way down from Nagasaka Gondola Station, you can stop by the park and enjoy a slopestyle-style ride while playing with the equipment. Nozawa Park is great because it's easy and relaxed
[Snow Park Items]
・4m Mini Box ・4m Mini Rainbow
・6m Rainbow Box ・6m Narrow Box
・Accordion Pipe ・Continuous Wave
・5m Kicker x 3 ・7m Kicker x 1
・Wave Jump x 2
Profile
Tomohiro Murai
ARMADA Ski's Advisory Staff & Rider
@tomohiromurai
He started skiing at age 2 and moguls at age 7. At age 12, he began competing in official mogul competitions and going to parks. At age 15, he met Ueno Yudai at a park session venue and began his riding career. He later moved to Ishiuchi Maruyama. He expanded his activities by competing in the World Junior Championships, traveling around Japan, and filming movies. At age 23, he moved to Nozawa Onsen Village and works at COMPASSHOUSE. He now lives a skiing lifestyle centered around skiing, and is constantly exploring new ways to enjoy skiing.
https://compasshouse.jp
Enjoy spring in Nozawa with a test ride of the 2022-2023 new models.
You'll also get to meet ARMADA's advisory pro, Tomohiro!
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ARMADA DEMO TOUR 2022 -
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Yamabiko Area (Organizer: Amer Sports Japan)
Brands available for test ride: ARMADA
Participation fee: Free (lift ticket not included)
Application: Online reservation
■ Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort DATA
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| Top altitude 1,650m | Longest run: 10,000m | Altitude difference 1085m | maximum slope 39° |
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44 courses | 19 lifts | 2 gondolas | Ropeway - Book |