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Resort Comparison

Appi Kogen vs Nozawa Onsen

Appi Kogen excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Nozawa Onsen offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Appi Kogen's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

The Verdict

Nozawa Onsen leads with 4 wins
Best for Families
Appi Kogen

Ski school from age 3

Best Snowfall
Nozawa Onsen

184.1" average season

Best Terrain
Nozawa Onsen

3,543' of vertical

Best Value
Nozawa Onsen

$55 day pass

Easiest Access
Appi Kogen

Most accessible

Best Village Vibe
Nozawa Onsen

World-class village experience

Appi Kogen
Iwate, Japan
$$Independent
Nozawa Onsen
Nagano, Japan
$Independent

Family

Ski School Age
3+
4+
Full-Day Program
Beginner Terrain
8.5
7.0
Walkability
9.0
8.5
Village Vibe
8.5
9.5

Mountain

Vertical
2,789'
3,543'
Skiable Area
620 ac
741 ac
Green Runs
30%
40%
Trails
21
44
Lifts
18
21

Getting There

Airport
HNA
NRT
Drive Time
1.5h
4h
Road Ease
7.5
6.5

Cost

Passes
Independent
Independent
Day Pass
$60
$55
Cost Tier
Moderate
Budget

Village

Dining
Good
Good
Grocery
Spa
Pool
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Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Appi Kogen

106.6"

avg season

2024-25 season

100.8" total

95%

Nozawa Onsen

184.1"

avg season

2024-25 season

256.1" total

139%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr
184"92"0"
Appi Kogen
Nozawa Onsen

Key Insights

Appi Kogen excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Nozawa Onsen offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Appi Kogen's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

Key Differences

  • Appi Kogen's beginner terrain score (8.5) exceeds Nozawa Onsen's (7.0), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
  • Nozawa Onsen's family village atmosphere score (9.5) exceeds Appi Kogen's (8.5), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
  • Appi Kogen's ski school accepts children from age 3, while Nozawa Onsen starts at age 4
  • Nozawa Onsen is budget-friendly while Appi Kogen falls in the moderately priced category

Best For

Appi Kogen

  • Families with first-time skiers (excellent beginner terrain)
  • Parents with young children (ski school from age 3)
  • Budget-conscious families

Nozawa Onsen

  • Budget-conscious families
  • Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

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Explore More

Regions

Colorado
Utah
British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners
Most Walkable
Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide
Best Time to Go Skiing