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Ski resort in Nagano, Japan
Nozawa Onsen
A ski resort above the hot-spring village of Nozawa Onsen in Nagano, which hosted the biathlon at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Forecast updated , when it was 19:00 in Nozawa Onsen (GMT+9).
Nozawa Onsen snow forecast at 1,650 m (top lift)
Next 24 hours on the upper mountain
No snow in the next 24 hours.
A small chance of snow on Thursday.
High confidence, all three forecast models agree
No snow is forecast for Nozawa Onsen at the top lift (1,650 m / 5,400 ft) in the next 24 hours, but 0–10 cm (0–4 in) is forecast over the next 7 days. Two of the three weather models we compare forecast snow this week. Expect temperatures from 2 to 9 °C (36 to 48 °F) and the freezing level near 3,300 m (10,800 ft) over the next day.
- Temperature now
- 3 °C (37 °F)
- Freezing level
- 3,300 m (10,800 ft)
- Wind
- 5 km/h (3 mph), gusts 11 km/h (7 mph)
- Sky now
- Overcast, 82% cloud
Nozawa Onsen hour by hour, on the upper mountain
Hourly snowfallNo rain or snow on the upper mountain in Nozawa Onsen in the next 24 hours.
Nozawa Onsen 7-day snow forecast, on the upper mountain
Best day to ski in Nozawa Onsen this week: Saturday. No fresh snow, cloudy, light wind, mild enough for slush. How we grade a ski day.
| Day | Weather | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|
| Tonight | Dry2 to 3 °C (36 to 37 °F) · freezing level 3,200 m (10,500 ft) | No snow |
| Sat | CloudyBest day2 to 9 °C (36 to 48 °F) · freezing level 3,200 m (10,500 ft) | No snow |
| Sun | RainPoor ski day4 to 7 °C (39 to 45 °F) · freezing level 3,100 m (10,200 ft) | No snow |
| Mon | RainPoor ski day−1 to 5 °C (30 to 41 °F) · gusts 55 km/h (34 mph) · freezing level 2,400 m (7,900 ft) | No snow |
| Tue | CloudyPoor ski day−2 to 5 °C (28 to 41 °F) · gusts 45 km/h (28 mph) · freezing level 2,700 m (8,900 ft) | No snow |
| Wed | RainPoor ski day2 to 8 °C (36 to 46 °F) · gusts 59 km/h (37 mph) · freezing level 2,850 m (9,400 ft) | No snow |
| Thu | Chance of snowPoor ski day−3 to 2 °C (27 to 36 °F) · gusts 85 km/h (53 mph) · freezing level 1,450 m (4,800 ft) | 0–5 cm (0–2 in) |
Sky is graded over the ski day, 9am to 4pm. Bluebird means at least two of the three models show clear skies all day, none shows overcast, and no snow or rain is forecast. Models are weaker on cloud than on snow, and none of them can see valley fog, so treat it as a good sign rather than a promise.
Nozawa Onsen 14-day snow outlook, on the upper mountain
Days 8 to 14. Only two of our three models run this far ahead, and forecasts at this range often change, so read this as a guide to the pattern rather than a plan.
| Day | Weather | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 20 Nov | Chance of snow−4 to −1 °C (25 to 30 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–9 cm (0–4 in) |
| Sat 21 Nov | Snow−5 to −1 °C (23 to 30 °F) · 2 of 2 models show snow | 1–7 cm (0–3 in) |
| Sun 22 Nov | Some sun−6 to −1 °C (21 to 30 °F) | No snow |
| Mon 23 Nov | Chance of snow−6 to 2 °C (21 to 36 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–4 cm (0–2 in) |
| Tue 24 Nov | Chance of snow−5 to 1 °C (23 to 34 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–5 cm (0–2 in) |
| Wed 25 Nov | Chance of snow−7 to 0 °C (19 to 32 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–8 cm (0–3 in) |
| Thu 26 Nov | Some sun−6 to 1 °C (21 to 34 °F) | No snow |
How much snow is there in Nozawa Onsen on the upper mountain?
No snow on the ground
This is an estimate from weather models, not a measurement, so it can differ from the depth a resort reports on its pistes. Check the official snow report before you travel.
Nozawa Onsen snow forecast at 565 m (village)
Next 24 hours in the village
No snow in the next 24 hours.
No snow expected in the next 7 days.
High confidence, all three forecast models agree
No snow is forecast for Nozawa Onsen in the village (565 m / 1,900 ft) in the next 24 hours, but 1–3 cm (under 1 in) is forecast over the next 7 days. All three weather models we compare forecast snow this week. Expect temperatures from 6 to 15 °C (43 to 59 °F) and the freezing level near 3,350 m (11,000 ft) over the next day.
- Temperature now
- 7 °C (45 °F)
- Freezing level
- 3,350 m (11,000 ft)
- Wind
- 5 km/h (3 mph), gusts 8 km/h (5 mph)
- Sky now
- Partly cloudy, 54% cloud
Nozawa Onsen hour by hour, in the village
Hourly snowfallNo rain or snow in the village in Nozawa Onsen in the next 24 hours.
Nozawa Onsen 7-day snow forecast, in the village
| Day | Weather | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|
| Tonight | Dry7 °C (45 °F) · freezing level 3,200 m (10,500 ft) | No snow |
| Sat | Cloudy6 to 15 °C (43 to 59 °F) · freezing level 3,150 m (10,300 ft) | No snow |
| Sun | Rain9 to 13 °C (48 to 55 °F) · freezing level 3,000 m (9,800 ft) | No snow |
| Mon | Rain5 to 11 °C (41 to 52 °F) · freezing level 2,250 m (7,400 ft) | No snow |
| Tue | Cloudy3 to 13 °C (37 to 55 °F) · freezing level 2,700 m (8,900 ft) | No snow |
| Wed | Rain8 to 14 °C (46 to 57 °F) · freezing level 2,800 m (9,200 ft) | No snow |
| Thu | Rain3 to 9 °C (37 to 48 °F) · gusts 50 km/h (31 mph) · freezing level 1,350 m (4,400 ft) | No snow |
Sky is graded over the ski day, 9am to 4pm. Bluebird means at least two of the three models show clear skies all day, none shows overcast, and no snow or rain is forecast. Models are weaker on cloud than on snow, and none of them can see valley fog, so treat it as a good sign rather than a promise.
Nozawa Onsen 14-day snow outlook, in the village
Days 8 to 14. Only two of our three models run this far ahead, and forecasts at this range often change, so read this as a guide to the pattern rather than a plan.
| Day | Weather | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 20 Nov | Chance of snow1 to 6 °C (34 to 43 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–4 cm (0–2 in) |
| Sat 21 Nov | Chance of snow0 to 5 °C (32 to 41 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–4 cm (0–2 in) |
| Sun 22 Nov | Chance of snow−1 to 5 °C (30 to 41 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–3 cm (0–2 in) |
| Mon 23 Nov | Some sun−1 to 7 °C (30 to 45 °F) | No snow |
| Tue 24 Nov | Rain1 to 9 °C (34 to 48 °F) | No snow |
| Wed 25 Nov | Chance of snow−1 to 6 °C (30 to 43 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–15 cm (0–5 in) |
| Thu 26 Nov | Some sun1 to 7 °C (34 to 45 °F) | No snow |
How much snow is there in Nozawa Onsen in the village?
No snow on the ground
This is an estimate from weather models, not a measurement, so it can differ from the depth a resort reports on its pistes. Check the official snow report before you travel.
Where is Nozawa Onsen?
- Prefecture
- Nagano
- Country
- Japan
- Village
- 565 m
- Top lift
- 1,650 m
- Vertical
- 1,085 m
- Lifts
- 20
- Season
- Late November to Early May
- Website
- en.nozawaski.com
About Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort rises from 565 m at the Karasawa base to 1,650 m at the Yamabiko area. The village of Nozawa Onsen, in Nagano Prefecture, sits at the foot of the ski area.
The southern part of the resort hosted the biathlon events at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
When does it snow in Nozawa Onsen?
In Nozawa Onsen, snow falls on about 24 days in January in a typical year, the snowiest month. Snow is regular from November to April.
| January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 days | 18 days | 13 days | 4 days | 0 days | 0 days | 0 days | 0 days | 0 days | <1 days | 6 days | 19 days |
Average days each month with at least 1 cm of snowfall at mid-mountain, 2016–2025. Calculated from ERA5 reanalysis data.
Snow in Nozawa Onsen month by month
Averages for 2016 to 2025 at mid-mountain, from ERA5 reanalysis data. A sunny day has sunshine for at least 70% of the daylight hours.
| Month | Snow days | Share of the year's snow | Low to high | Sunny days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24 | 30% | −8 to −2 °C (18 to 28 °F) | 11 |
| February | 18 | 21% | −7 to −1 °C (19 to 30 °F) | 13 |
| March | 13 | 12% | −4 to 4 °C (25 to 39 °F) | 17 |
| April | 4 | 3% | 1 to 10 °C (34 to 50 °F) | 16 |
| May | 0 | 0% | 7 to 17 °C (45 to 63 °F) | 16 |
| June | 0 | 0% | 12 to 20 °C (54 to 68 °F) | 14 |
| July | 0 | 0% | 17 to 24 °C (63 to 75 °F) | 18 |
| August | 0 | 0% | 18 to 25 °C (64 to 77 °F) | 22 |
| September | 0 | 0% | 14 to 21 °C (57 to 70 °F) | 16 |
| October | <1 | 0% | 7 to 14 °C (45 to 57 °F) | 16 |
| November | 6 | 6% | 1 to 8 °C (34 to 46 °F) | 16 |
| December | 19 | 27% | −6 to 1 °C (21 to 34 °F) | 14 |
Snow in Nozawa Onsen in November
In November, Nozawa Onsen gets snow on about 6 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 6% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from 1 to 8 °C (34 to 46 °F). About 16 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Nozawa Onsen in December
In December, Nozawa Onsen gets snow on about 19 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 27% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −6 to 1 °C (21 to 34 °F). About 14 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Nozawa Onsen in January
In January, Nozawa Onsen gets snow on about 24 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 30% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −8 to −2 °C (18 to 28 °F). About 11 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Nozawa Onsen in February
In February, Nozawa Onsen gets snow on about 18 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 21% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −7 to −1 °C (19 to 30 °F). About 13 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Nozawa Onsen in March
In March, Nozawa Onsen gets snow on about 13 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 12% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −4 to 4 °C (25 to 39 °F). About 17 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Nozawa Onsen in April
In April, Nozawa Onsen gets snow on about 4 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 3% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from 1 to 10 °C (34 to 50 °F). About 16 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Which winters were snowiest in Nozawa Onsen?
Of the last ten winters in Nozawa Onsen, 2018/19 was the snowiest, about 18% above the ten-year average at mid-mountain. The leanest was 2025/26, about 19% below average. The biggest single day of snowfall in the record was 18 November 2025.
| Winter | Compared with average | |
|---|---|---|
| 2016/17 | 111% of average | |
| 2017/18 | 102% of average | |
| 2018/19 | 118% of average | |
| 2019/20 | 92% of average | |
| 2020/21 | 94% of average | |
| 2021/22 | 118% of average | |
| 2022/23 | 90% of average | |
| 2023/24 | 85% of average | |
| 2024/25 | 109% of average | |
| 2025/26 | 81% of average |
Winters are compared with each other rather than given in centimetres. The ERA5 record is reliable on which winters were big and which were lean, but it underestimates absolute snowfall in the mountains, so the resort's own measured totals are the ones to trust for amounts.
Questions about snow in Nozawa Onsen
Does Nozawa Onsen have snow at Christmas?
Nozawa Onsen had at least 2.5 cm (1 in) of snow on the ground on Christmas Day in every one of the 10 years from 2016 to 2025 at mid-mountain. Fresh snow fell during 20 to 26 December in every one of those years.
Does Nozawa Onsen have snow at New Year?
Nozawa Onsen had at least 2.5 cm (1 in) of snow on the ground on New Year's Day in every one of the 10 years from 2016 to 2025 at mid-mountain. Fresh snow fell during 27 December to 2 January in every one of those years.
Does Nozawa Onsen have snow in mid-February?
Nozawa Onsen had at least 2.5 cm (1 in) of snow on the ground on 15 February in every one of the 10 years from 2016 to 2025 at mid-mountain. Fresh snow fell during 10 to 20 February in every one of those years.
Does Nozawa Onsen have snow at Easter?
Nozawa Onsen had at least 2.5 cm (1 in) of snow on the ground on Easter Sunday in every one of the 10 years from 2016 to 2025 at mid-mountain. Fresh snow fell during Good Friday to Easter Monday in 2 of those years.
How many days a year does it snow in Nozawa Onsen?
It snows on about 84 days a year in Nozawa Onsen at mid-mountain, counting days with at least 1 cm of snowfall, averaged over 2016 to 2025. January has the most, about 24 days.
What is the snowiest month in Nozawa Onsen?
January is the snowiest month in Nozawa Onsen, bringing about 30% of the year's snowfall at mid-mountain, based on ERA5 reanalysis data for 2016 to 2025.
Which recent winter was the snowiest in Nozawa Onsen?
Of the last ten winters in Nozawa Onsen, 2018/19 was the snowiest, about 18% above the ten-year average. The leanest was 2025/26, about 19% below average.
How cold does Nozawa Onsen get in winter?
January is the coldest month in Nozawa Onsen at mid-mountain, with average daily lows of −8 °C (18 °F) and highs of −2 °C (28 °F).
How many bluebird days does Nozawa Onsen get in winter?
From December to March, Nozawa Onsen averages about 14 days a month with sunshine for at least 70% of the daylight hours at mid-mountain, and about 6.1 hours of sunshine a day. March is the sunniest of those months. The figures are from ERA5 reanalysis for 2016 to 2025, which sees cloud over a region well but cannot see valley fog.
How high is Nozawa Onsen?
The village or lowest lift at Nozawa Onsen is at 565 m (1,900 ft) and the top lift is at 1,650 m (5,400 ft), a vertical drop of 1,085 m (3,600 ft).
When does the ski season start in Nozawa Onsen?
The lifts at Nozawa Onsen usually open in late November and close in early May. Exact dates change each year with the snow, so check the resort's own website before you book.
Snow forecasts near Nozawa Onsen
Sources: Nozawa Onsen ski resort info, Wikipedia, Skiresort.info (Nozawa Onsen)