JAPAN SKI, SNOWBOARD & OUTDOOR CLUB

Nozawa Onsen Ski/Snowboard & Fire Festival Weekend

A huge ski resort, reknowned for its powder and variety or courses, a traditional Japanese town with 13 free onsens scattered throughout the village and the amazing spectacle that is the Dosojin Fire Festival - this is going be an interesting weekend!

The Dosojin Fire Festival is an annual event held over three days in the traditional snow village of Nozawa Onsen but its on the evening of the third day (Sat. 15th) that the festival comes to its firey climax. The final evening begins with several parades and ceremonies as everybody gathers in the village square. The local firemen wander around dishing out free nihonshuu (sake) to anybody who wants it ensuring that the audience and participants are well primed.

Eventually all the 42 year olds in the village climb up onto of a huge wooden structure that is contructed days earlier. Then things begin to get a little crazy. The remaining villagers attempt to burn the structure down, along with the 42 year olds while the 25 year olds in the village gather at the base to protect their elders. With all the alcohol and fire flying around its quite amazing that more people are not injured!! The 42 year olds are finally let down off the wooden structure and its then completely burnt in a huge firey spectacle that is not to be missed. Check out the video from a previous TSC trip the fire festival on this page.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is a truly a snow paradise - a huge resort, with a great variety of courses really offering something for everyone. From long, wide open courses great for beginners and intermediates to steep powder packed runs that will leave the more experienced skiiers/boarders grinning ear to ear.

Powder, onsens and a crazy fire festival - its going to be a fun weekend!

Some Useful Links:
- Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
- Review of the Dosojin Fire Festival
- Reserve your space on this trip here.

The Plan

Friday 14th January
20:00pm	Meet in Shinjuku. All aboard the TSC Bus! Watch movies, enjoy a glass of wine, chat with old and new friends and get excited! Stop for snacks/dinner along the way
00:30am	Arrive in Nozawa Onsen, check into the Hotel and catch some sleep!

Saturday 15th January
07:30am	Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00am ~ 16:30pm	Grab your rental gear (if needed) and head up to the mountain (Only a 5min walk from hotel to the ski lifts!)
16:30pm ~18:30	Soak in the Hotel Onsen or explore one of the many free, traditional onsens all around town. There is one around 2 min. walk from our hotel.
18:30pm	Dinner and drinks at the hotel.
19:00pm ~ 22:30pm	Head out to the Dosojin Fire Festival. Local firemen hand out free sake at the festival - its crazy - Bring your camera!!
22:30pm ~ Late	Keep partying at a local izakaya/bar or head back to the hotel and get some rest for the next day on the mountain.

Sunday 16th January
07:30am	Breakfast at the Hotel
08:30am ~ 14:30pm	Skiing / Snowboarding at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort or sightseeing around Nozawa Onsen town.
14:30am ~ 15:30pm	Soak in the nearby onsen.
16:00pm	Board the bus for the trip back to Tokyo.
21:30pm	Arrive back in Shinjuku. Refreshed after a great weekend! Remember to swap contact details with the people you met!!

The Price

This Club Trip Includes:
Round Trip Private Bus from Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen
Two Night's Accomodation - 5min walk to the ski lifts (you can ski back to the door if its been snowing!) - 5min walk to free, traditional onsens nearby. - 10min walk to the Fire Festival
Breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday Mornings
Dinner on Saturday Night
One Full Day Lift Pass for Saturday at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort.
Travel and Accident Insurance for the whole weekend
Town and Ski Resort Course Guide Maps
Chance to hang out with a fun group of snow loving folks!
Trip Options - Snowboard Set Rental (Board, Bindings, Boots) +1500yen per day - Ski Set Rental (Skis, Boots, Poles) +1500yen per day - Snow Wear Rental (Jacket, Pants) +1500yen per day - Snow Goggles +500yen per day - Snow Gloves +500yen per day - Extra Lift Pass for Sunday +4000yen
Total Cost : 23000 yen - Reservation Form

Reserve a Space

Reservations are for Club Members only but if you have a friend who wants to come theres no worries just get them to join up as a member for free on the website first

The hotel is a Ryokan style Japanese hotel and is 4-6 people per room. Of course, groups of friends can stay in the same room! Males and females will be allocated to separate rooms, unless you're coming in a mixed group and you prefer to share. Let us know your preferences by email or on the reservation form.

There is only space on the bus for 53 people and these spaces will go to those who book first. This Club Trip will book out well before the trip date so if you are keen to come the earlier you reserve a space the better!

Reservation Form