What You’ll Find in This Article
- December 7, 2025 Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort update
- Open areas and crowd conditions in early season
- Lift ticket prices (Adult ¥5,400・Child ¥3,300) *Early season rates
- Uenodaira Lodge lunch review
- Parking and access information
Perfect Blue-Sky First Tracks! Season Opening Day
December 7, 2025 (Sunday) marked our first visit to Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort this season!
Despite arriving at 9:45 AM, we had to park in the second parking lot. The popularity of Nozawa Onsen was immediately apparent – even this early in the season!
Spectacular view of pristine slopes under brilliant blue skies
The weather was absolutely perfect ☀️! Nothing beats first tracks under clear blue skies.
Open Areas: Yamabiko & Uenodaira Provided Plenty of Terrain
Operating Areas
- ✅ Yamabiko Area
- ✅ Uenodaira Area
While only partial terrain was open for early season, there was more than enough space for families to enjoy!
Beautifully groomed slopes for comfortable cruising
Stunning views of Northern Nagano mountains from the lifts
The kids absolutely loved it!
Lunchtime at Uenodaira Lodge
Menu & Prices
We stopped at Uenodaira Lodge for lunch.
What We Ordered:
- 🍜 Ramen (¥900)
- 🍛 Katsu Curry (¥1,200)
Classic shoyu ramen with light, comforting broth
Generous portions of crispy katsu curry
Nothing fancy, but exactly what tired skiers need! Hot ramen and curry hit the spot perfectly after a morning on the slopes.
Restaurant Atmosphere
The lunch rush was busy, but we managed to snag seats with good timing.
Lift Ticket Prices (December 2025)
Our Rates
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | ¥5,400 |
| Child | ¥3,300 |
Significantly cheaper than peak season – one of the perks of early season skiing!
Essential Information
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
- Address: 7653 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen-mura, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano
- Official Website: https://nozawaski.com/
- Operating Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (varies by lift)
- Parking: Free (Lots 1, 2, and 3 available)
Access
- By Car: Joshinetsu Expressway Toyoda-Iiyama IC → 25 minutes
- From Kijimadaira: Approximately 20 minutes
Parking Information (Important!)
Arrival Time vs. Parking Lot
| Arrival Time | Parking Lot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:45 AM | Lot 2 | Lot 1 already full |
Key Tip: Even in early season, aim to arrive by 9:00 AM on weekends! Early arrival is essential during peak times.
Actual Crowd Conditions
December 7, 2025 (Sunday) Status
✅ Lift Wait Times: ~5 minutes maximum
✅ Restaurant: Moderately busy during lunch (12:00-1:00 PM)
✅ Parking: Lot 2 at 9:45 AM arrival
Despite being early season, the turnout exceeded expectations! Nozawa’s reputation as a premier resort was clearly evident.
Slope Conditions
Snow Quality
- ✅ Grooming: Excellent
- ✅ Snow Quality: Firm, well-groomed base
- ✅ Weather: Clear blue skies ☀️
- ✅ Temperature: Comfortable
Impressive snow coverage for early season. The groomed runs were in excellent condition, providing smooth, enjoyable skiing.
Family-Friendly Highlights
The Kids Had a Blast!
- Gentle Slopes: Yamabiko & Uenodaira areas perfect for beginners and kids
- Minimal Lift Lines: Stress-free multiple runs
- Stunning Scenery: Clear-day views extending to the Northern Alps
It had been a while since our last ski trip, but the children were thrilled! They rode the lifts repeatedly and had an amazing time.
Wrapped Up Around 2 PM
Since this was our first skiing in a while, we called it a day around 2 PM.
Conserving energy while still thoroughly enjoying our season opener!
Spectacular views from the gondola on our way down
Why Nozawa Onsen Stands Out
✅ Key Advantages
- Massive Terrain: One of Japan’s largest ski areas
- Variety for All Levels: Beginner to expert terrain
- Onsen Village Nearby: Relax in hot springs after skiing
⚠️ Points to Consider
- Parking Congestion: Weekend arrival by 9 AM recommended
- Lunch Rush: Eat early or late to avoid peak crowds
- Limited Early Season Opening: Full terrain typically opens late December
Summary: Perfect Season Opener!
Our Rating
| Category | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Snow Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent grooming |
| Weather | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Perfect blue skies! |
| Crowds | ⭐⭐⭐ | Parking crowded |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Great early season pricing |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Absolutely fantastic! |
Opening our season under perfect blue skies at Nozawa Onsen couldn’t have been better!
Even in early season, conditions were more than adequate for a great day. Highly recommended for families.
Looking forward to the full season ahead! 🎿
Nearby Ski Resort Recommendations
Other Area Resorts
- Complete Guide to Kijimadaira Ski Resort (Snow Resort Romance no Kamisama) – Hidden gem near Nozawa
- Shiga Kogen Yokoteyama Ski Resort – Highest bakery in Japan at 2,300m