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Nozawa Onsen & Shiga Kogen Powder Week

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Nozawa Powder Week

Amazing powder combined with pure Japanese tradition P/P

Discounts available when joining multiple weeks.

25th Jan - 1st Feb, 2026

Chase the best snow each day across two of Japan’s most iconic ski destinations with this 7-night guided powder tour. Based in the culturally rich village of Nozawa Onsen and the expansive alpine terrain of Shiga Kogen, this trip offers the perfect mix of deep snow, traditional charm, and flexible, expert-led guiding. Spend your first four nights at Welcome Nozawa, nestled in one of Japan’s most atmospheric ski towns. Nozawa Onsen blends historic streets, steaming public baths, and vibrant local culture with a ski area known for its long runs, powder-filled trees, and stunning views. Midweek, you’ll transfer to Shiga Kogen, Japan’s largest interconnected resort. With over 600 hectares of terrain spread across 18 areas, Shiga offers incredible variety—from mellow cruisers to steep tree zones and high-alpine bowls. Throughout the tour, your experienced guides will make daily decisions on where to ski based on weather, snow conditions, and group ability—ensuring every day is spent on the best snow available.

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, 25th Jan

Welcome to Nozawa! Those who are joining us from Myoko will either stay an extra night in Nozawa with the Guides or head to Nozawa a Day early if accommodation available. If this is your first week 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.
Let your consultant know if you need an extra night from Myoko Kogen.
Comfortable accommodation at Welcome Nozawa – Western Twin Rooms – Shared Bathrooms

Day 02, 26th Jan

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.

Half day guiding around Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen Lift Pass
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle

Day 03, 27th Jan

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 tree skiing and it receives an amazing amount of dry, Japanese powder! Your guides will be on hand to show you around their favourite stashes, best tree runs 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 Onsen’s, 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

Full day guiding around Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen Lift Pass
Private Mountain watch Travel shuttle

Day 04, 28th Jan

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 terrain 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…

Full day guiding around Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen Lift Pass
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle
Dinner with Everyone

Day 05, 29th Jan

Rest and Travel Day today!, We will grab some Breakfast in the morning and pack the Vans, We will depart from Nozawa Onsen to Shiga Kogen Roughly an Hour drive depending on conditions and check into the New Hotel, Hotel Khuls. Hotel Khuls has some amazing onsite amenities with plenty of Onsens and Saunas onsite to relax those legs and get ready for the next 2 days. Hotel Khul has Dinners and Breakfast included at there restaurants onsite and is a Ski in Ski out Hotel in the Ichinose area of Shiga Kogen.

Japanese Twin Rooms With Ensuite – Twin Share
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle
Dinner Onsite
Shiga Kogen Full valley lift Pass

Day 06 & 07, 30th & 31st Jan

After a restful evening, meet up for breakfast before heading out to explore one of Japan’s most expansive and iconic ski areas – Shiga Kogen. Set deep in the Japanese Alps, this massive interconnected resort is a dream for snow lovers, with over a dozen linked ski areas offering something for everyone. On a powder day, Shiga Kogen transforms into a winter playground, with beautifully spaced trees, long groomers, and hidden powder stashes spread across its varied terrain.

Japanese Twin Rooms With Ensuite – Twin Share
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle
Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel
Shiga Kogen Full valley lift Pass

Day 08, 1st Feb

After an epic week freeriding around the best resorts in Nozawa and Shiga Kogen, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and guide. For those who are joining us in Minikami 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.

If you are heading to Minikami for week 3 please let your travel consultant know as we will need too book an extra night here to gives the guides a rest day.

Breakfast at Hotel Khuls
Private Mountain watch Travel shuttle for those heading to Minikami.

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.

Welcome Nozawa

Living Area

Communal Kitchen

Communal Dining Area

Communal Area

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bedroom
Welcome Nozawa offers warm, friendly accommodation in the heart of Nozawa Onsen, just a short stroll to both the ski lifts and village center. This relaxed lodge combines traditional Japanese touches with Western comfort, featuring cozy rooms, a communal lounge area, and genuine local hospitality. Guests love the easy access to restaurants, bars, and the town’s famous natural hot springs (onsen). Whether you're here to ski Japan’s legendary powder or soak in the cultural charm, Welcome Nozawa provides a comfortable, affordable base for your stay.
Features
- 4 Nights - Welcome Nozawa - Western Beds Twin Share
- 1x Dinner included
- Shared Lounge Area
- Drying Room & Ski Storage
- Access to Public Onsen
- Great Location – Easy walk to Nagasaka Gondola and Nozawa Onsen village center
Welcome Nozawa

Welcome Nozawa offers warm, friendly accommodation in the heart of Nozawa Onsen, just a short stroll to both the ski lifts and village center. This relaxed lodge combines traditional Japanese touches with Western comfort, featuring cozy rooms, a communal lounge area, and genuine local hospitality. Guests love the easy access to restaurants, bars, and the town’s famous natural hot springs (onsen). Whether you're here to ski Japan’s legendary powder or soak in the cultural charm, Welcome Nozawa provides a comfortable, affordable base for your stay.
Features
- 4 Nights - Welcome Nozawa - Western Beds Twin Share
- 1x Dinner included
- Shared Lounge Area
- Drying Room & Ski Storage
- Access to Public Onsen
- Great Location – Easy walk to Nagasaka Gondola and Nozawa Onsen village center
Hotel Khuls Shiga Kogen
Located in the heart of Shiga Kogen’s Ichinose area, Hotel Khuls offers unbeatable ski-in/ski-out access right on the slopes of the Ichinose Family Ski Ground. With its prime position in Japan’s largest ski resort area, this comfortable alpine hotel is a top choice for snow lovers wanting direct access to some of the country’s best powder. On-site amenities include a ski and snowboard rental shop, ski lockers, a tea lounge, and a cozy pizza restaurant named "Espoa," known for its handmade pizzas straight from the oven. The hotel is also within walking distance of other restaurants and shuttle stops, making it easy to explore other areas of Shiga Kogen.
Features
- 3 Nights Hotel Khuls Japanese Twin Rooms - Twin shares Ensuites
- Prime Ski-In/Ski-Out Access: Situated directly on the Ichinose Family Ski Ground
- Onsen Facilities Indoor & Outdoor onsens and Sauna
Hotel Khuls Shiga Kogen

Located in the heart of Shiga Kogen’s Ichinose area, Hotel Khuls offers unbeatable ski-in/ski-out access right on the slopes of the Ichinose Family Ski Ground. With its prime position in Japan’s largest ski resort area, this comfortable alpine hotel is a top choice for snow lovers wanting direct access to some of the country’s best powder. On-site amenities include a ski and snowboard rental shop, ski lockers, a tea lounge, and a cozy pizza restaurant named "Espoa," known for its handmade pizzas straight from the oven. The hotel is also within walking distance of other restaurants and shuttle stops, making it easy to explore other areas of Shiga Kogen.
Features
- 3 Nights Hotel Khuls Japanese Twin Rooms - Twin shares Ensuites
- Prime Ski-In/Ski-Out Access: Situated directly on the Ichinose Family Ski Ground
- Onsen Facilities Indoor & Outdoor onsens and Sauna

INCLUDED

Comfortable accommodation walking distance to shops, cafe’s and lifts in Nozawa Onsen & Shiga Kogen
3 Day Nozawa Onsen lift pass
2 Day Shiga Kogen Lift Pass
Breakfast & Dinner included at Shiga Kogen Accommodation
Welcome Drinks
1x Dinner in town
Daily Guiding
Private Mountainwatch Travel shuttle

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

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.