Nozawa Onsen Snow and Weather Guide: Snowfall, Season Dates and Forecasts

David

Nozawa Onsen gets around 11 metres of snow in an average winter. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) station in the village, at roughly 576 m, records a normal of 1,087 cm of snowfall per season and a peak depth of about 2 m in February (JMA 1991-2020 normals). The lifts reach 1,650 m, so the upper mountain usually holds more snow than the village. For 2026-27 the resort lists an early-season period from 28 November 2026 and its main season from 19 December.

How much snow does Nozawa Onsen get each month?

These are the JMA 30-year normals for the village station. Snowfall is the total new snow in the month; depth is the deepest the snow pack usually gets that month.

January is the snowiest month. February has the deepest base, and March still averages more than 1.5 m on the ground in the village. In winter the northwest monsoon picks up moisture over the Sea of Japan and drops it when it reaches the mountains of northern Nagano, which is why Nozawa, close to the Niigata border, gets far more snow than Nagano City.

The village sits near the bottom of the ski area, so treat these figures as a floor. For today's depth at the top and bottom stations, check the Nozawa Onsen resort page.

When does the Nozawa Onsen ski season start and end?

The early-season period depends on snow, and usually only part of the mountain runs. The 2025-26 season ran until 6 May 2026 (Weathernews). Late in the season, skiing is concentrated on the Yamabiko area, the highest part of the mountain at 1,366 to 1,650 m. For other resorts, see the season calendar.

What is the best month to ski Nozawa Onsen?

Mid-January to late February is the safest bet for deep snow and the full mountain. January brings the most new snow; February has the deepest base. The village's Dosojin Fire Festival takes place every year on 15 January, and accommodation around that date books out early.

December is less predictable. In a good year the whole mountain is open by Christmas, but the lowest runs end at 565 m and can be thin or wet in a warm spell. March has more sunny days and a deep base, with softer snow on the lower slopes in the afternoon. By April, the village snow is melting and most skiing is on the upper mountain.

How do you read the Nozawa Onsen forecast?

• Look at the daily snowfall figure, not only the total depth. Depth tells you about coverage; new snow tells you what the surface will be like in the morning.
• Check the freezing level. With a vertical of about 1,085 m, it can rain at the bottom and snow at the top on the same day, especially in December and March.
• Watch the wind. Strong winds can stop the gondolas and upper lifts, even on a snowy day. Check the lift status before you head up.
• A clear, cold day right after a storm is usually the best day of the week.

Our Nozawa Onsen live cameras show the slopes in real time, and how to read a Japan snow forecast covers the forecast terms in more detail.

Nozawa Onsen mountain facts

Elevations and run lengths are from the resort course map. To compare prices with other resorts, see Japan lift ticket prices for 2026-27.

How do you get to Nozawa Onsen?

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Iiyama, which takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. Not every train stops at Iiyama. From Iiyama Station, the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus takes about 25 minutes and costs ¥600 one way (japan-guide.com). Bus times are not always matched to train arrivals, so check both timetables. For how Nozawa compares with Hakuba and Shiga Kogen, see our Nagano ski resort guide.

FAQ

Is there enough snow at Nozawa Onsen in December?

Usually by the second half of the month. The village averages 223 cm of snowfall in December, but the base is still building, with an average peak of 88 cm in the village. Upper runs tend to open before the lower ones.

Can you ski Nozawa Onsen in April?

In most seasons, yes, on the upper mountain. The 2025-26 season ran into early May. Check the resort's announcement for the 2026-27 closing date.

Does Nozawa Onsen get rain in winter?

Mid-winter precipitation falls as snow in most storms. Rain at the base is more common in December and from mid-March, when temperatures in the village rise above freezing.