Notice on the Formulation of Ski School Establishment Standards (Updated Version for the 2025–2026 Season)
Overview
Nozawa Onsen Co., Ltd., the operator of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, established and implemented standards in 2023 for authorizing ski schools, in accordance with the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Management Ordinance enforced by Nozawa Onsen Village. These standards were formulated from the perspective of safety management, with the primary objective of ensuring the safety of all guests at the resort.
The standards aim to prevent unauthorized ski and snowboard instruction by unqualified individuals, illegal employment, and the improper use of season passes. At the same time, they serve as an important measure to promote rule-abiding use of the ski resort and to ensure the continuation of safe and secure resort operations.
We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation in the continued enforcement of these standards.
Regarding the Establishment of Ski Schools
When establishing a ski school within Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, it is required to meet the authorization standards set forth by Nozawa Onsen Co., Ltd., in accordance with Article 12, Paragraph 2 of the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Management Ordinance. Authorization must be obtained through the prescribed procedures.
Unless such authorization is granted, it is not permitted to establish or operate a ski school within the resort.
(A “ski school” refers to any group, corporation, or individual that provides ski or snowboard instruction for commercial purposes.)
Details regarding the authorization standards and the application process for establishing a ski school are set forth in the document “Authorization Standards under Article 12, Paragraph 2 of the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Management Ordinance.” 2 Permission Criteria”.
Regarding the Application for Authorization
- When establishing a ski school, applicants must submit the required application forms as described in the authorization standards in advance. Please ensure that all supporting documents are complete.
Note: The review of your application may take some time. - Before applying, applicants must thoroughly read and fully understand the content of the Authorization Standards under Article 12, Paragraph 2 of the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Management Ordinance.
Note: As stipulated in Article 12 of the Ordinance, the establishment of permanent (long-term) ski schools other than the Nozawa Onsen Ski School is generally not permitted. Only “short-term ski schools” can be established under authorization. The number of days and sessions for short-term ski schools is limited, so please confirm these restrictions before applying. - Form 2 (Short-Term Ski School Authorization Application – for the 2nd and subsequent times) must be completed and submitted at the management office (4th floor, Nagasaka Center House) on the day the ski school opens, after the authorization has been granted. The forms will be provided and retained by the management office.
Required Documents for Application
- Short-Term Ski School Authorization Application (Form 1)
- Roster including the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the representative and instructors
- Copies of documents certifying the instructors’ qualifications
- For foreign applicants: copies of documents proving work eligibility
- Copy of liability insurance certificate
- Photos of uniforms if used
Prohibited Activities
Authorized ski schools must strictly comply with the following rules.
All operators should be fully familiar with and strictly adhere to the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Safety Ordinance, the Ropeway Transport Terms, the Snow Sports Safety Standards, and the ski resort regulations. Additionally, the armband provided by the resort must be worn during all operational activities.
(1) Violations of Authorization Conditions
a. Soliciting or advertising business activities within the ski resort or its facilities. Also, placing flags, signs, or other markers for lessons or meeting points.
b. Failure to wear the armband during operational hours or wearing it outside of work.
c. Being unreachable at the emergency contact number.
d. Using personal season passes or other unauthorized passes.
e. Providing false information in the application.
f. Violating Japanese laws.
(2) Violations of the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Safety Ordinance, resort regulations, or other rules
(3) Entering or skiing in prohibited areas, self-responsibility special areas, or outside ski resort boundaries
Penalties
| Prohibited Activity | Penalty for Ski School Authorization |
|---|---|
| (1) a, b, c | 1st violation: Warning 2nd violation: Revocation of authorization Severe cases may result in immediate revocation |
| (1) d, e, f | Immediate revocation of authorization Unauthorized use of season passes will be addressed according to the season pass regulations |
| (2), (3) | Immediate revocation of authorization and permanent prohibition from the resort |
Even if not listed above, particularly malicious actions may result in immediate revocation of authorization and permanent prohibition from the resort.
Activities Exempt from Authorization
The following activities do not require an authorization application for ski schools:
- Temporary or short-term instruction provided by school teachers to their students as part of domestic school lessons.
Enforcement Measures
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort has assigned enforcement staff to prevent unauthorized ski or snowboard instruction, illegal employment, and the improper use of season passes. The staff conduct record-keeping and verification of lift tickets used by lesson providers.
(1) Duties of Enforcement Staff
Enforcement staff will approach individuals on the resort premises to verify the following:
- Whether an authorization application has been submitted
- The type and number of lift tickets being used
- Name, contact information, and photograph
- Any other necessary information
(2) Actions When a Subject is Suspected
- On the first instance, staff will issue a warning that authorization is required but will not intervene further on site to avoid conflicts.
- If the same individual is observed again, the staff will check whether any remuneration is being received and verify the lift tickets, then:
○If no remuneration is received: no action
○If remuneration is received: a recommendation will be issued prohibiting all future use of the resort - If unauthorized use of season passes is confirmed, action will be taken in accordance with the resort’s season pass regulations.
Reporting Cooperation
Nozawa Onsen Ski School staff and authorized short-term ski schools may report groups or individuals suspected of operating a ski school without authorization to enforcement staff. Enforcement staff will compile and submit all information to the ski resort management.
General Provisions
At Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, all rules—including the Ski Resort Safety Ordinance, the Management Ordinance, and the Resort Regulations—are strictly enforced to ensure the safety of all guests and to provide a secure environment for enjoying snow sports.
Violators of these rules will be dealt with firmly, including permanent prohibition from using the ski resort.
As the designated manager of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Nozawa Onsen Co., Ltd. reserves the right to amend or revise the Authorization Standards under Article 12, Paragraph 2 of the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Management Ordinance.
Please note that ski schools authorized through the application process do not obtain any priority rights for the use of resort facilities or lifts under any circumstances.
Contact Information / Application
Nozawa Onsen Co., Ltd. (Management Office, 4th Floor, Nagasaka Center House)
TEL: 0269-85-3166
Email: school@nozawaski.com
Business Department – Contact: Yamazaki