10 days on, 2 days off… and it’s back on again here in Kiroro. I’m talking about heavy snow, and that’s a pattern I’d be very happy to see remain for the rest of this winter. As I type, the skies have opened again and snow is falling. While they may look a little disinterested in the photo below (that’s just them!), Kiroro’s mascot dogs Hoku and Sugar are just as excited as I am!

6cm of fresh snow on the measure this morning but it’s bedding in now so I should see plenty accumulate throughout the day. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging between +1 and -5. Visibility may present some challenges today, so pack the low light lenses. Wind is moderate.

Looking at the long range forecast, there isn’t a snow-free-day in sight for at least a week. So it’s happy days for Kiroro locals and those domestic tourists visiting for Christmas and New Year. With some luck, this new storm should see the Nagamine side of Kiroro receive enough snow for the resort to consider opening the Nagamine 2 chair early and therefore allowing access to Nagamine A&B courses and the side-country in that area. Typically these areas open in mid January, but with the strong early season snowfall, perhaps they’ll open earlier this season. Stay tuned and I’ll bring you this information as soon as it comes to hand!

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Official data (as reported by the ski area):

Peak: 130cm snow depth
Base: 80cm snow depth

6 of 10 lifts open
18 of 24 courses open