Nozawa Onsen spans 1,085 metres of vertical drop across Mount Kenashi, from a 565-metre base to a 1,650-metre summit, with 36 runs covering 297 hectares. The resort receives 10 metres of annual snowfall and features Japan's longest continuous run at 10 kilometres from the Yamabiko summit to the village base. Challenge 39 offers the steepest pitch at 39 degrees, whilst the terrain splits 40 per cent beginner, 30 per cent intermediate and 30 per cent advanced across three distinct zones.

The ski area spreads across Yamabiko at the summit, mid-mountain Uenotaira and Paradise zones, and base-level Hikage, Nagasaka and Karasawa sectors. Skyline run winds 4.5 kilometres along an exposed ridge from 1,450 metres elevation, offering Sea of Japan views on clear days. The Schneider course connects Paradise with Hikage through ungroomed mogul fields and tree zones, whilst Yamabiko's five courses provide powder bowls between widely spaced lifts. Officially designated tree skiing zones operate beneath Yamabiko quad chairs.

The 700-year-old onsen village sits at the mountain base with 13 free public hot spring baths maintained by neighbourhood associations. Saturday night skiing operates on the Nagasaka slope until 2000 hours throughout winter. The resort hosted biathlon events at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, with purpose-built firing ranges and 4-kilometre cross-country loops preserved on the southern slopes. The Dosojin Fire Festival on 15 January draws thousands to watch village men defend an 18-metre wooden shrine from torch-bearing attackers.

Nozawa operates independently without multi-resort pass connections but offers reciprocal discounts at nearby Togari Onsen, Kijimadaira and Madarao. The 2025-2026 season runs 3 December to 6 May, with north-facing Yamabiko terrain holding snow into Golden Week. The resort suits advanced skiers seeking steep ungroomed runs and families using the broad Uenotaira plateau, though intermediate cruising options remain limited outside Yamabiko's five courses and the Paradise zone.