Nozawa Onsen has a unique atmosphere where the hot spring culture rooted in the village and the majestic nature blend together. 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 equipped with the world's most advanced technology, and the introduction of snow machines for the first time.
The entire Nagasaka Ski Center House underwent a complete renovation during the 2021-22 season, creating a more functional and comfortable environment for users. We asked Mr. Mikio Katagiri, the representative of the ski resort, what is the driving force behind Nozawa Onsen's continued evolution even in the difficult situation of the corona crisis.
Steady progress even during the corona crisis
Speaking of Mikio Katagiri, he is a famous downhiller who was active in the world W-Cup racing scene in the 1970s.
He has also participated in the Winter Olympics twice, and has carved his name into the history of Japanese skiing. After his retirement, he served as a coach for the All Japan National Team and a technical director for international competitions, and is one of the main supporters of the alpine world. Currently, as the president and representative director of the local Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, he devotes himself every day to the safety management of the ski resort and to the guests' comfortable time on the mountain. First, we asked Mikio Katagiri about the history of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort in recent years.
“I made a master plan for Nozawa in 2015. I drew a blueprint to proceed along with it for the next 5 to 10 years.
The 10-passenger Nagasaka gondola that made full use of the world's most advanced technology that appeared last season was one of those plans.
It boasts not only speed but also a quiet ride. Due to the influence of COVID-19, we were faced with a pinch that the technical staff from Austria might not be able to come to Japan. We also introduced a snow machine from last season. The 22 snow machines are of various types, but they are all installed at the top of the ski resort. Nozawa has a lot of snow, so why a snow machine? I am often asked, but if we can secure a stable amount of snow, we can definitely open from the end of November. I think it's good for both the user and the village. This season, the Nagasaka Center Howe has finally been completed, and the facility has become more convenient in terms of hardware.
Even during the pandemic, I believe that skiing will continue to be valued more and more for its potential as a sport that can be enjoyed safely outdoors in spacious spaces. Nozawa is fully prepared for infection control and soft aspects.”
The background behind Nozawa Onsen's continued evolution
“It is certain that this is the first place that appears in the history of skiing in Japan. Our predecessors were pioneers in their time. It's the culture and history of Nozawa.There are many Japanese regulars who sympathize with that and have a love for Nozawa, and have been coming to each inn for many years.It's the same feeling that they love Nozawa. The number of overseas guests, mainly from Australia, has also increased, leading to the development and establishment of inbound in recent years.
When I went to the outdoor bath, the village grandpa and grandma were slowly soaking in the hot water. He calls me. I believe that such an open-air bath culture supports the evolution of Nozawa.”
'Nagasaka Center House' reopened after renovation in 2022 !
The New Nagasaka Gondola debuted in the 2020-21 season and became a new symbol of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort.
Attached to the station is the Nagasaka Center House. As a general information facility that provides all the services necessary for slope life, the entire building was completely renovated in 2022, and has been very active since the beginning of the season. By the way, the ski resort management office where Mr. Katagiri's desk is located is also on this 4th floor. Congestion has been greatly eased by consolidating ticket purchase counters in the Nagasaka Center House, and there is an information counter that can tell you anything, a deck area that can be used for meeting and resting, etc., and a powder room with a dryer and a breastfeeding room. . Families with small children can spend a safe and comfortable time here.
At the Tune-up shop GLATT on the 2nd floor, you can select the most suitable wax according to the season, snow quality, and skiing area, as well as tune-up, and provide a board that skis better than anyone else in the mountains of Nozawa today. Willing to. You can also rent a SALOMON fat ski at the SALOMON station in the rental corner, so if you hit the powder, you can change the skis locally. Also, there is a collaboration shop of Ishii Sports, so if you want, for example, "I want goggles that don't fog up!" The environment necessary for enjoying skiing more is fully prepared.
On the 3rd floor, "Nagasaka Cafe" where you can enjoy morning coffee and freshly ground coffee is also available. Bagels and sweets look delicious too! Groups that arrive early in the morning can enjoy warm drinks and sweets during the tea break during the day. This makes me happy.
in-depth evolution
Speaking of Nozawa Onsen, there are many enthusiastic freeriding fans with some of the best quality powder and rich natural terrain in Shinshu.
“We have responded to the recent popularity of freeriding and the heightened interest in backcountry skiing as a ski resort. Nagasaka Center House also offers powder-type fat skis for rental, and we also offer You can also apply wax on the surface, so you can improve the quality of the slide.
In particular, the Yamabiko area on the top of the mountain has long been popular with powder enthusiasts, but it is open as a special area at your own risk. You can slide freely between courses, but there is one more step that we started last season.
: Naoto Kono Photo: Daniel Honda
“A little bit down from the summit of Mt. From there, it means the boundary with the backcountry outside the ski resort's management area. People who want to ski in the backcountry must submit a climbing report and have them exit from this access point.
Outside of the controlled area is the same as winter mountain climbing, where there is no safety management or regulation at the ski resort, so even if an avalanche or accident occurs, the ski resort patrol cannot go to the rescue, but people who misunderstand this is still there. We hope that you will be able to enjoy the magnificent nature around Nozawa, and we would like you to take care of yourself in terms of safety.
Unfortunately, we are closed this season due to the coronavirus, but we are planning a backcountry tour sponsored by Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. Also, if you take a backcountry tour sponsored by a ski pro shop, you will be able to enjoy the backcountry with peace of mind.
In addition to this, we are thinking about various proposals for new attractions in Nozawa, such as promoting healthy tourism and workation.”
The charm of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort continues to grow as it evolves with the changing world, fusing its unique style cultivated in hot spring culture and history with the latest technology and ideas. The "Family Pack Campaign" (until March 27) will start from March 1st, and a '22-23 new model test drive event will be held in early March, and spring skiing will be held from March 28th to May GW. You can also save on lift tickets with the service. I would love to go out.
