Nozawa Onsen Powder Tour

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Nozawa Powder Tour

Amazing powder combined with pure Japanese tradition P/P

Discounts available when joining multiple weeks.

Jan 27 - Feb 03, 2024 (FULL)

Nozawa Onsen is one of the most beautiful ski resort villages in Japan. Unlike other Japanese resorts Nozawa is made up of the one ski resort but it is quite large, offering 300 hectares of terrain and a big-for-japan 1,085 meters in vertical drop. Nozawa has one of the highest annual snowfalls in the world so chances are that you’ll have a few pow days during your trip. This place is a powder-hound’s dream. It cops heaps of powder and offers a combo of reasonably steep terrain, tree runs and a heap of wave-shaped gullies, Nozawa Onsen is definitely a resort that every powder hound needs to experience! Don’t be afraid to get into the gullies on a good day, the flow from wall to wall with waist deep powder is bound to keep a smile on your face from top to bottom. During this week our Mountainwatch guides will be on hand to show you to these awesome stashes, epic treeruns and cruise you along the longest groomers.

There’s more to Nozawa than just the amazing powder, you’ll be amazed by the abundance of natural hot springs that were discovered in the 8th century. The steam rises up throughout the town from the used Onsen water that escapes downhill. There are over 13 public onsens for you to explore, spread throughout the town, and free to access. Each bath has it’s unique temperature and mineral levels, the hottest one reaching over 100 degrees – which is only for the locals who use it to cook eggs and vegetables..

Nozawa Onsen has a quiet nature, offering a very peaceful and relaxing vibe. Be prepared to come with an open mind and be ready to experience an amazing display of traditional Japanese culture at the footstep of one of the best ski resorts in Honshu.

Tim Nelson Getting Deep In Nozawa - Image: Sean Radich

Snowy strolls through Nozawa Onsen

Shiro Nozawa Exterior

Anna Segal In Nozawa Village

Onsen

Day 01

Welcome to Nozawa! Those who are joining us from Myoko will jump in the van this morning and head over to Nozawa. If this is your first week make, welcome! Make your Nozawa, one of the snowiest, and most beautiful ski towns on earth! Meet your guide, check in and settle in for the afternoon exploring Nozawa at your own leisure. If you need any rental gear now is the time to pick it up and get ready for the week ahead.

Let your consultant know if you’d like to add an airport transfer to Nozawa Onsen.
Comfortable accommodation at Lodge Yokochi – Japanese Room, twin share – shared bathrooms

Day 02

First day riding! Meet your guides for breakfast and go over todays plan of attack. Nozawa has a quiet nature, offering a very peaceful and relaxing vibe. Nozawa Onsen is made up of the one ski resort but it’s quite large, offering 300 hectares of terrain and a big-for-japan 1,085 meters in vertical drop. This being the first of many days, we’ll use this day to get a lay of the land, and warm up the legs. Follow our guides as they show you around this great resort. Explore wide open slopes, cruise down skyline – Nozawa’s longest run, explore the fun inbound powder stashes and natural half pipes and for lunch there’s a bunch of different options from ramen to a great little bakery.

Breakfast at Lodge Matsuya.
Half day guiding around Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen Lift Pass
Comfortable accommodation at Lodge Yokochi – Japanese Room, twin share – shared bathrooms
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle

Day 03

After a fun first day warming up the legs and exploring the resort, we’ll head further out into Nozawa. Nozawa is known for having some amazing treeskiing and it receives an amazing amount of dry, Japanese powder! Your guides will be on hand to show you around their favourite stashes, best treeruns and get to you to that famous Japow. Feel more like cruising the slopes, there’s plenty to explore and you’ll have some nice views across the valley. We’ll be able to split the group if need be and you’re free to ride with the group for as long or short as you like.

There’s so much to see and do in Nozawa after your day on the mountain. Go and try one of the 13 public onsens, each with its unique temperature and mineral level. Walk along the narrow, snow covered cobble streets and explore the little shops and cafes! Or relax at some of the exciting bars with a sake or Asahi

Breakfast at Lodge Matsuya.
Full day guiding around Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen Lift Pass
Comfortable accommodation at Lodge Yokochi – Japanese Room, twin share – shared bathrooms
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle

Day 04

With a rest day tomorrow we can push it a little harder today. There’s some great side and backcountry terrain to be explored. Find some long open bowls, exciting tree runs with some really fun chutes and pillows. Not too excited by exploring deeper into Nozawa, there’s some really fun, challenging terrain on offer from steep moguls, to untouched black diamond runs with fresh snow – all in bounds! The tarrain around Nozawa is super playful, with lots of side hits, a fun little park with boxes, rollers, a halfpipe and some fun sized jumps. There’s also an olympic sized ski jump where often you’ll see brave men and women practice their ski jump skills.

After a really fun day on the mountain, we’ll meet at a local bar to relax, unwind and share the stoke, and possibly some photos, from the past few days. Enjoy a few Asahi’s, some snacks before heading to the onsen and out to dinner. Tomorrow is a rest day so a sleep in is allowed…

Breakfast at Lodge Matsuya.
Full day guiding around Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen Lift Pass
Comfortable accommodation at Lodge Yokochi – Japanese Room, twin share – shared bathrooms
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle

Day 05

It’s a rest day. There’s so much to do in and around Nozawa besides the great skiing and boarding. If the group likes we can jump in the bus and head to the snow monkey park where you can see the famous snow monkeys bath and relax in a natural hot spring, watch the young ones play around the hillside and enjoy the stunning nature. On the way back we can stop in Nagano to explore the Zenkoji temple. Don’t want to head out? No problem, simply stay in Nozawa, relax and explore the area on your own or get an extra lift pass for an extra day on the hill. We can book in cat ski days, backcountry days and snow scooter backcountry adventures. Just let your travel consultant or guide know and we can book these in for you!

Breakfast at Lodge Matsuya.
Lay Day for activities
Comfortable accommodation at Lodge Yokochi – Japanese Room, twin share – shared bathrooms
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle

Day 06 & 07

With fresh legs, having seen some cultural sights in Japan, you’ll spend the next 2 days skiing and boarding your favourite runs around Nozawa. There’s something for everyone and with the amounts of snow that hammers Nozawa, you’ll be able to score fresh tracks every run! Crowds are usually non existing so you won’t have to hassle with others to score first tracks! After skiing there’s so many onsens to try out, 7 days is hardly enough to try them all..

On the last night we’ll all head out into town for a nice, Japanese dinner and drinks.

Breakfast at Lodge Matsuya.
Full day guiding around Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen Lift Pass
Comfortable accommodation at Lodge Yokochi – Japanese Room, twin share – shared bathrooms
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle

Day 08

After an epic week freeriding around the best resorts near Nozawa, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and guide. For those who are joining us in Shiga for week 3 we’ll jump in shuttle and head on over to this large ski resort.

If Nozawa is your last stop, please let your consultant know if you’d like an airport transfer or Tokyo transfer. Otherwise it’s pretty easy jumping on a bullet train and making your own way down.

Breakfast at Lodge Yokochi.
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle for those heading to Shiga Kogen.

Please Note: the above itinerary is only an example of what each day can look like. Together with your guide you’ll decide each day where to ride depending on snow and weather forecast. You’re free to join for as long or short as you want and can explore the resorts on your own as you choose.
To find out exactly what’s included please check the inclusions tab above.

Lodge Yokochi
The ultimate haven for ski and snowboard enthusiasts seeking unforgettable experiences. With dedicated staff and cozy traditional Japanese rooms and baths. Located in the heart of the action, just moments from the main street, bus station, and a short walk to the gondola, you'll have easy access to fresh lines and endless possibilities. When you're not on the mountain, our communal areas are buzzing with that end-of-day stoke, making it the perfect place to share stories and connect with fellow riders. Pop down for our free daily hot breakfast or get stuck into a heartwarming meal at our brand-new restaurant while soaking up the vibrant and social atmosphere.

Recharge your body in our yoga and fitness space or experience the invigorating ice bath upon request.
Features
- 7 Nights - Japanese room, Twin Share, Shared Bathroom
- Breakfast Included
- Onsen, Yoga and Fitness
- 1x Dinner included
Lodge Yokochi

The ultimate haven for ski and snowboard enthusiasts seeking unforgettable experiences. With dedicated staff and cozy traditional Japanese rooms and baths. Located in the heart of the action, just moments from the main street, bus station, and a short walk to the gondola, you'll have easy access to fresh lines and endless possibilities. When you're not on the mountain, our communal areas are buzzing with that end-of-day stoke, making it the perfect place to share stories and connect with fellow riders. Pop down for our free daily hot breakfast or get stuck into a heartwarming meal at our brand-new restaurant while soaking up the vibrant and social atmosphere.

Recharge your body in our yoga and fitness space or experience the invigorating ice bath upon request.
Features
- 7 Nights - Japanese room, Twin Share, Shared Bathroom
- Breakfast Included
- Onsen, Yoga and Fitness
- 1x Dinner included

INCLUDED

Comfortable accommodation walking distance to shops, cafe’s and lifts
Daily Breakfast
5 Day Nozawa Onsen lift pass
Welcome Drinks
1x Dinner in town
Daily Guiding
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle
Lay Day activities

EXLUDED

Lunch + Dinner
Flights – Let your consultant know if they can help you lock them in
Travel Insurance
Rentals or Add-ons
Airport transfers

EXPERIENCE + GEAR

This tour is for the intermediate to experienced skier/boarder. The resorts we visit cater to a wide variety of levels and having multiple guides on hand means we can split the group up if need be and you can join them for as long or short as you want.

Groups Terms and Conditions

Covid-19 Cancellation

Cancellations due to covid related border closures are subject to suppliers terms and conditions. In most instances refunds or credit will be available up to 30 days prior to travel as a result of a government order currently in place and preventing you from travelling to the region specified in your confirmation. Some exceptions may apply.
Cancellation and refund requests will only be accepted up to 40 days prior to travel to allow adequate time for international travel to resume.
Mountainwatch Travel will not be liable for any additional costs incurred as a result of Covid related restrictions or requirements, including but not limited to mandatory quarantine or Covid-19 testing.
Your refund will be processed after funds are received from suppliers, this can take between 4-8 weeks.
All refunds will incur a processing fee of $49 per person, deducted from your refund. If you choose to keep your booking as credit for future travel, the processing fee will be waived.
Refunds will not be available for change of mind or any other reason indirectly related to Covid-19, including but not limited to leave unapproved, loss of income or unwillingness to travel due to Covid-19. Refunds will not be available if you choose not to adhere to the government or airline’s policy regarding vaccinations.
It is the client’s responsibility to check the policies relating to international travel for the relevant countries. Note these can change at any stage.

DEPOSIT: A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit for all bookings is required within 5 days of your confirmation to secure your booking, otherwise your reservation may be automatically cancelled. Some properties may a require deposit payment inside the standard 5 days and an increased deposit to secure the booking. Payment of a deposit indicates acceptance of these conditions. Tour leaders are responsible for checking all travel dates and arrangements are correct at time of confirmation. If there is a discrepancy Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch must be notified immediately. Subsequent changes may incur amendment and/or cancellation fees.

PAYMENTS: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will accept payments by the following methods. Credit card, or direct deposit into our bank account. Agent payments can be made via direct deposit. Please note: there is a 1.5% charge when paying with Visa or Mastercard.

PRICES
All quotes are in Australian dollars unless stipulated otherwise and are subject to change prior to us accepting your booking request. Prices are based on the quoted itinerary including where applicable, coach transportation, economy class airfares, rail travel, multi-share accommodation, resort lift passes, rental equipment, instructors, etc. Prices are also subject to change in accordance with the following provisions.
Note: coach, airline, and rail fares are subject to change without notice at any time prior to full payment. All government taxes and charges imposed by suppliers beyond the control of Liquid Snow Tours/Mountainwatch (including ticketing fees and airline fuel surcharges) are payable by you and are subject to change. If there are any increases in such taxes or charges, or if you request any itinerary changes or the number or mix of passengers changes prior to you making payment in full, which increases the price of your booking, we reserve the right to change the price at any time by giving you notice. You must pay the additional charges prior to the date of your departure.
Unless otherwise stated, the cost of travelling to or from departure points, flights, visas, airport taxes, port taxes, city taxes, items of a personal nature, laundry, additional beverages and consumables are not included in the tour price.
Exchange rates are subject to change without notice (based on currency fluctuations) until final payment has been processed. Once a booking has been made on your behalf, your booking is subject to deposit and final payment being made by due dates as outlined on your statement or your booking may be cancelled.

Cancellation within 30 days prior to departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee. No allowance or refund can be made for unused meals, accommodation, transport, vehicle rental, equipment hire, lift tickets, or any other unused package components once travel has commenced. If a person or persons cancel from Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch booking, they and the remaining people in the booking will be liable for the additional accommodation costs that result from the cancelling persons.

ACCOMMODATION: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch reserves the right to substitute and confirm alternative accommodation of a comparable or superior standard if necessary should that described in the proposal not be available. Your consultant will communicate any possible changes prior to deposit payments being received.

NOT INCLUDED: All other costs, apart from those detailed in a quote/invoice, are at the clients’ own expense eg: passport and visa fees, inter-airport transfers, meals or any other items including those of a personal nature unless otherwise stated. If flight or other travel delays lead to missed connections, Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch cannot be responsible for train fares, taxis or other extra expenses.

RESPONSIBILITY: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch acts only as an agent for the companies or persons (principals) providing or offering the means of travel, accommodation and other services (the principals’ services) and bookings are made subject to the terms and conditions under which the principal’s services are provided. Accommodation, flights, transportation and any other services are subject to availability at the time of booking. The principals reserve the right to change the prices of their services without notice. Confirmations and invoices are subject to re-issue if incorrect through error or omission and the passenger accepts liability to pay the correct costs for services. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any tour or passenger booking or to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of a Tour or passenger booking. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of NSW, Australia.

LIABILITY: To the extent permitted by law, neither Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch nor anyone on its behalf can be held liable for any alterations, act or omission on the part of the service providers/principals for any consequential, loss, death, injury, accident, delay or damage occasioned to any person or their belongings (including baggage) in connection with the tour or holiday offers supplied by Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch whether or not such loss, injury or damage is due directly or indirectly to any default, negligent act, misrepresentation, breach of duty, or omission of the travel operator, their respective representatives, servants, contractors or agents. Matters outside the control of Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch may affect the services offered and Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will not be responsible for any such matters. Programs, offers, tour prices, services and conditions are current at the time of publication of promotional material are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, including increases in operating costs. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveller who contravenes the law or regulation of any country visited. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch strongly advise against the use or possession of prohibited drugs in foreign countries and warns travelers that if found to be involved in the use or possession of illegal drugs on a Liquid Tours tour or travel package, we reserve the right to discharge the traveler from a tour. This is a zero tolerance policy.

FORCE MAJEURE: Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, neither we nor any Third Party Supplier can accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our or the Third Party Supplier’s contractual obligations is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of force majeure. In these booking conditions, ‘force majeure’ means any event which we / the supplier of the service(s) in question / the Third Party Supplier could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include, whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, epidemics, fire and all similar events outside the control of the party concerned.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We require all travellers to have travel insurance. Please ask your travel consultant about our comprehensive policies or click HERE for an online quote

Another Japan year passes and yes Mountainwatch once again showed why they are the best travel Ski Company to travel with in Japan,great staff,excellent service,and a great bunch of girls and guys who give you the upmost attention while on your stay through the Japanese Alps. Thanks everyone again for a great holiday

Steve Japan

Rob was extremely helpful with our recent trip to Hakuba, Japan. All aspects of our organised trip were fantastic. Would highly recommend :)

Emma Japan

The Mountainwatch crew provided a hassle free experience from start to finish. Nothing was too difficult and they made the trip easy from start to finish.

Nigel Japan

Going on a trip with the Mountainwatch Travel crew was an epic experience. Having experienced riders guiding you through some amazing fun terrain, off the beaten track, with fun as a priority. As it should be. Off the hill was excellent to have someone with some local knowledge to show you around and keep you clued up. Basically, its a rad fun crew to tour with and it was well worth it. Hell yeah.

Chris Myoko, Japan

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FAQ

THE GUIDES

You will be in very capable hands throughout this tour with our professional guides. Our local guide(s) have spent a lot of time riding around Myoko so know the mountains very well and will be able to show you around all the best spots. Our guides will also be around to greet you on your arrival and be around to help you with anything you need when back at the hotel. We’ll make bookings at the best restaurants for those that want to join us for a great night out!

ROOMING & ACCOMMODATION

All the rooming is two queen bedrooms, twin share, shared with other members on the tour.
We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders.
Breakfast is included. Wifi is also freely available.

PRE TRIP INFORMATION

Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive detailed information on your trip which includes your travel vouchers, airline and airport transfer information (if applicable), information on the respective resort, etc. Since this year we also have our head office in Queenstown so there will always be someone around to help in case of an emergency.

TRANSFERS, RENTALS, ADDITIONAL NIGHTS

We can also add in airport transfers. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in Myoko.
Why not extend your stay at the resort or better yet, join us in Nozawa for week 2 of the freeride weeks.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We require all group members to have travel insurance when joining our tour. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered against cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or accidents. We can arrange a quote for travel insurance so please contact your agent for further information or click here for an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding. Keep in mind Mountainwatch is in no way or form responsible or liable for anything that happens during your trip.

FLEXIBLE ITINERARY

Our guides make calls on which resorts will be visited based on the best conditions. Calls can be made even the night before if there’s some unexpected weather conditions to be taken advantage of. Our lay day is also decided by the guides based on the weather conditions.

ON MOUNTAIN GUIDING

Most days we offer full-day guiding to give you the best experience possible. Of course, you don’t have to stay with the group and you are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy the onsen or beer at your own leisure. Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off.

THE GROUP

The Japan Freeride Weeks are open to everyone, whether you’re traveling solo, with mates or with your family. The Freeride Tours are most suitable for intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders. Because of our guide to guest ratio we can always split the group up when needed and meet back at the pub for Après drinks or lunch.

GUIDE TO GUEST RATIO

In advance of the tour we collect information relating to guests’ skiing/boarding levels, and the type of terrain they prefer to tackle. This information assists us in allocating guests into subgroups of usually 6-10 people. We aim to have guests of similar abilities teamed together to maximize the experience on the slopes. We’ll always aim to start and finish the day as a group and have the space during the day to split up if need be. It’s all about your experience and we want to make it as enjoyable as possible!

COMMUNICATION ON TOUR

Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice, they will be with you throughout the tour staying at the same accommodation. We also aim to set up a Whatapp or Facebook group chat to each other during our time in NZ. At the end of each day, we have a catch-up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, share photos and outline the next day’s plan of attack.