After a brief hiatus heavy snow returned to Nozawa Onsen at about 1am last night and was still falling as of 730am this morning. Unusually, more snow collected in the lower reaches of the resort than the summit. 30cm was recorded down low while the top received 20cm. Areas that were mostly tracked out yesterday afternoon have been almost completely refreshed so it should be another good days riding.

Sun, light winds and cloudless blue sky remained for the duration of yesterday. Those who got up were rewarded with deep dry snow, numerous untracked areas and an unbeatable backdrop including views of the soaring Japanese Alps. Yesterday was a good day to be on the mountain.

It looks like snow is set to continue today and tomorrow so riding should be outstanding over the next few days. Following that, we should experience some good weather for around three or four days as an area of high pressure moves over the region. The next chance of snow looks possible around the 22nd/23rd of this month.


Lifts operating:
All lifts operating except:
Yunomine pair
Mizunashi triple
Challenge pair
Utopia pair
Higake Number 2 B line

Courses open:
All courses open except:
Kandahar East

Official snow depths
Yamabiko
285cm

Uenotaira
260cm

Hikage
175cm

Nagasaka
170cm

Karasawa
130cm