Nozawa Onsen

If you want to add a wellness experience… Japan nozawaski.com

Here you’ll find the perfect combination of top-quality resort skiing and hot springs for pampering after a day of carving up the slopes. First, explore the ski resort’s 297 hectares, from the summit of Mount Kenashi (1650 metres) to the bottom, then hop into an onsen and let the steaming mineral-rich water melt away any muscle tension. The resort village of Nozawa Onsen (nozawakanko.jp), in Nagano Prefecture, is famous for its hot springs, which fill 13 public bathhouses and dozens of pools at private lodges. Can’t wait to get back to your accommodation post-skiing? Right by the ski resort is Sparina (+81 269 85 4567), which has an elevated outdoor bath with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

STAY

What started as a saké brewery with lodging for feudal lords in the 18th century has been transformed into one of Japan’s best boutique ski hotels. Ryokan Sakaya (hotel. qantas.com.au/sakaya), which hosted members of the organising committee of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, is the place to unwind after a big day. Its Gensen Kakenagashi Onsen features men’s, women’s and private baths as well as an outdoor bath, all of which use hot mineral water flowing from two springs.

SKI

Two gondolas and 18 lifts service 36 trails: 40 per cent beginner, 30 per cent intermediate and 30 per cent advanced. Easy terrain can be found near the base of the mountain but there are also some fun runs from the summit of Mount Kenashi, with the longest (for more advanced skiers) going for 10 kilometres.

APRÈS-SKI

Visit the Libushi microbrewery (libushi.com), next door to Ryokan Sakaya, and try its artisan beers. The owners like to experiment with different bacteria and yeast strains in small batches and you can sample their brews in the taproom via 10 taps and two hand pumps. At Himatsuri Restaurant & Bar in Onsen Ryokan Jon Nobi (jonnobi.jp), enjoy tempura or meat from the grill. The restaurant keeps the spirit of the annual fire festival, Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Matsuri (15 January), alive through its design, food and service. The local Mizuo saké comes highly recommended or you can order a cocktail instead.