Resort Comparison
Nozawa OnsenvsZao Onsen
Nozawa Onsen
Nagano, Japan
Zao Onsen
Yamagata, Japan
Key Statistics
Nozawa Onsen
Stat
Zao Onsen
36 km
Total Piste
Best50 km
18
Total Lifts
Best32
1,650m
Peak Altitude
Best1,661m
564m
Base Altitude
Best780m
8/10
Snow Reliability
8/10
Local
Ski Pass
Local
★★★★☆Best
Family Rating
★★★☆☆
★★★★★★Best
Value Rating
★★★★★
1h 30m
Transfer Time
Best45m
Nagano (NGO)
Nearest Airport
Yamagata (GAJ)
Difficulty Distribution
Nozawa Onsen
Beginner 8/10Intermediate 7/10Advanced 6/10
Zao Onsen
Beginner 5/10Intermediate 6/10Advanced 4/10
Estimated Trip Cost
Based on 2 travelers, 7 nights, mid-range accommodation. Includes flights from the US, lift passes, ski hire, and transfers.
Category Scores
Nozawa Onsen
Zao Onsen
Terrain Variety
7
Snow Reliability
8
Lift System
7
Family Friendliness
8
Apres-Ski
9
Off-Piste
6
Beginner Suitability
8
Intermediate Terrain
7
Advanced Terrain
6
Value for Money
8
Accommodation
7
Dining
7
Accessibility
7
Scenery & Charm
9
Ski School
7
The Verdict
Nozawa Onsen wins on
- Terrain Variety
- Lift System
- Family Friendliness
- Apres-Ski
- Off-Piste
- Beginner Suitability
- Intermediate Terrain
- Advanced Terrain
- Accessibility
- Ski School
10category wins
Zao Onsen wins on
- Scenery & Charm
1category win
Tied categories (4)
Snow ReliabilityValue for MoneyAccommodationDining
Best For
Nozawa Onsen
BeginnersFamiliesApres-ski loversGuaranteed snowBudget-conscious travelers
Zao Onsen
Guaranteed snowBudget-conscious travelersScenery & charmEasy access
Book Your Trip
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Nozawa Onsen Resort Guide
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Zao Onsen Resort Guide