Austria & Japan Resorts Celebrate Bond

22nd July 2026

For over 50 years, a special connection has existed between St. Anton am Arlberg and the Japanese ski resort of Nozawa Onsen near Nagano.

It began in 1930 with the visit of ski pioneer Hannes Schneider to Japan and continued in 1971 with the official signing of the town twinning agreement.

Hannes Schneider, at the invitation of the Japanese Crown Prince, brought the Arlberg technique to Japan and led ski courses in Nozawa Onsen.

A delegation from Nozawa Onsen visited St Anton earlier in July.

“The Japanese community of Nozawa Onsen is far more than just a tourism partner for us,” said the mayor of St. Anton, Helmut Mall.

“It represents a living friendship and a source of intercultural exchange.

“What once began with a visit to Japan is now an integral part of our community culture and has long since become more than a formal agreement.

“On the 55th anniversary of our partnership, we are especially pleased to welcome our Japanese friends back to St. Anton am Arlberg.”

In Nozawa Onsen there is a special section in its museum marking the relationship.

St Anton & Nozawa Onsen. Image © PlanetSKI

St Anton & Nozawa Onsen. Image © PlanetSKI

St Anton & Nozawa Onsen. Image © PlanetSKI

Looking to the future, both destinations stressed their shared values: hospitality, a connection to nature, and the commitment to the responsible development of winter sports.

PlanetSKI visited Nozawa Onsen in the autumn back in 2019  and reported on the resort and its  relationship with St Anton:

• PlanetSKI heads south on its journey in Japan