We're seeing a bit of sun this morning. Lots of cloud still, but some breaks in them and some sunshine.

Glad that we can move on from yesterday, which was unfortunately blighted with rain. Happily it turned into snowfall, and result of which is up to 15cm being reported by the resort on the slopes.

It's nice and cold again this morning as well which is much better than the milder conditions we experienced yesterday.

Less wind this morning and all lifts are apparently back moving as they should.

Next major snow seems to be forecast for the weekend at present. Until then we will probably see a mix of cloud, sun and snow showers.

---

January 15th is an important date on the Nozawa calendar, perhaps the most important one: The Dosojin Fire Festival.

It's certainly an interesting event and if you are in the area definitely worth a look. It gets busy!

Anyway, here's what the Nozawa skijo official site says about it:

Thursday 15th January
With a gallant display of bravery, this traditional Fire Festival is one of Japan's top 3. The years largest event, come watch as the flames leap high and fierce!

Date & Time

From 1pm on 13th January:
The men drag their felled logs from the forest to the ceremony site.

Until midnight 15th January:
The men work hard on constructing the Shrine used in the ceremony

15th January
By lunch shrine construction has finished.
19:00 – The ceremonial fire source commences its journey
19:30 – Ceremonial Lanterns are erected
20:00 - Fireworks display & Drum troupe performance 20:30: The ceremonial fire source arrives
20:30 - Nozawa Village representatives, Ceremonial lantern holders and small children take part in a mock, ceremonial assault on the Shrine
20:50 - Adults assault the tower for real in an attempt to burn it down
22:00 - Ceremony finishes

---

Fresh snow to report this morning since yesterday:

Yamabiko - 15cm
Hikage - 15cm

Official snow depths:

Yamabiko - 325cm
Uenotaira - 265cm
Hikage - 215cm
Nagasaka - 215cm
Karasawa - 165cm

---

Courses open:

All courses are open except:

Grand Prix course
Jumping Course
Challenge 39
Kandahar West
Kamoshika

---

Lifts open (subject to weather conditions):

All lifts operating except:

Yunomine Pair
Challenge Pair
Utopia Pair
Hikage Number 2 Pair B Line

---

Night skiing at Nozawa until 8pm on the following dates:

Every Saturday until 28th March

---

Nozawa Onsen 6 day weather and snow forecast
Nozawa Onsen main resort data