Thunderstorms and fresh snow Nozawa Snow Report 21 January 2017: Stats Base at top: 305 cm Temp at Top: -5 Degree Base at Uenotaira station: 230 cm New snow since close: 10 cm Weather: Heavy snow Nozawa Snow Report 21 January 2017: Overview Thunder, lightning and strong winds accompanied daybreak this morning in Nozawa Onsen. I woke to the sound of snowflakes and soft hail rattling the side of the lodge as the storm broke overhead. Storms are an irregular occurrence in the winter only occurring a few times per season if at all. As of 5am no fresh snow had fallen, but from this time to 8am 10cm had collected on the upper slopes. Although the temperatures aren’t especially […]
Nozawa Snow Report 20 January 2017
No fresh snow, a day for the pistes Nozawa Snow Report 20 January 2017: Stats Base at top: 300 cm Temp at Top: -8 Degree Base at Uenotaira station: 230 cm New snow since close: 0 cm Weather: Clear, valley fog Nozawa Snow Report 20 January 2017: Overview Much like two days ago we have some morning fog floating about the valleys. The village is entirely shrouded giving a highly atmospheric feel but at higher elevations its a different story. The top of the mountain is basking in sunshine, all be it with decidedly chilly temperatures of around -8c. While the atmosphere is not quite as clear as Wednesday, there will surely be some photogenic views from Yamabiko and so […]
Nozawa Snow Report 19 January 2017
Light snow flurries and an earthquake alarm in the village Nozawa Snow Report 19 January 2017: Stats Base at top: 315 cm Temp at Top: -6 Degree Base at Uenotaira station: 230 cm New snow since close: 5 cm Weather: Light snow Nozawa Snow Report 19 January 2017: Yesterday What a day it was yesterday! For those lucky enough to get up early would have seen some amazing atmospheric clarity as they rose above the valley fog aboard the Nagasaka gondola. The Sea of Japan and the horizon over the ocean was clearly visible. Even Sado Island way off to the NW was sighted. The mighty Japanese Alps all the way to Hakuba extended across the skyline providing ample mind skiing. […]
Nozawa Snow Report 18 January 2017
20cm and clear skies above, skiing in a dream state Nozawa Snow Report 18 January 2017: Stats Base at top: 330 cm Temp at Top: -8 Degree Base at Uenotaira station: 245 cm New snow since close: 20 cm Weather: Clear Nozawa Snow Report 18 January 2017: Overview The storm is over. Delivering a parting gift of 20cm overnight there are now clear blue skies and bright sunshine above the mountains. A bluebird powder day. In the valleys we have a dense but spectacular sea of fog. Bring the camera up today as there will surely be some amazing views with fresh snow frosting the trees framed by a backdrop of piercing snow clad peaks. To recap from the past […]
Update Nozawa Onsen and Australian Family found today
Update Nozawa Onsen Have had a lot of calls this morning from journalists and concerned people for the missing family so just wanted to update what we know. The family was found at about 8:45 am this morning and all well with maybe some minor frostbite from a very cold night on the mountain. It was a Mother and 3 Adult sons from Australia that had been staying at the resort It would appear that they had ventured out side the Resort boundary yesterday afternoon off the back of Mt Kenashi which is the highest peak at Nozawa Onsen at 1650m They probably skied along a ridge and then headed down the south face. No doubt lost and concerned as […]
Nozawa Snow Report 17 January 2017
7th day of snowfalls; The storm that just keeps giving Nozawa Snow Report 17 January 2017: Stats Base at top: 340 cm Temp at Top: -5 Degree Base at Uenotaira station: 245 cm New snow since close: 25 cm Weather: Heavy Snow Nozawa Snow Report 17 January 2017: Overview It just never stops. For the 7th day in a row it has dumped overnight in Nozawa Onsen. This time 25cm has fallen on the upper slopes and 25cm in the village. This is amazing. A week ago I said to expect some huge figures upcoming and that has been the case. Since the 10th we have had a storm total of 345cm, which is nearly one third of the average […]
Great News out of Nozawa Onsen
Good News out of Nozawa Onsen! The missing family has just been found. Have just gotten off the phone with the head of Nozawa Ski Patrol and all members are fine. Everyone is very relieved to hear. A big thank you to the hard working team at Ski Patrol and a strong message to everyone on the slopes at the moment to be very careful with more heavy snow again overnight.
Nozawa Snow Report 16 January 2017
Yuki to Kasai; Fire and Snow Strikes Nozawa Nozawa Snow Report 16 January 2017: Stats Base at top: 330 cm Temp at Top: -11 Degree Base at Uenotaira station: 235 cm New snow since close: 35 cm Weather: Snow Nozawa Snow Report 16 January 2017: Overview All the fire in Nozawa can’t stop this storm! The morning after the world renowned cultural event, the Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Fire Festival and there will no doubt be many sore heads about town. But those with an eye on the pow will reap rewards this morning with classic winter powder skiing conditions. Heavy snowfalls and blizzard conditions continued overnight refreshing the slopes to a clean slate. There will be no shortage of wind […]
Nozawa Snow Report 15 January 2017
245cm storm total and the base skyrockets to three meters Nozawa Snow Report 15 January 2017: Stats Base at top: 305 cm Temp at Top: -10 Degree Base at Uenotaira station: 225 cm New snow since close: 40 cm Weather: Blizzard Nozawa Snow Report 15 January 2017: Overview A vicious gale roars outside the window. Snow is blown across the fields and then back again filling in any freshly cleared track within the hour. Bushes that once stood meters above the snow are all but gone. Such is the 36 hour blizzard in Nozawa Onsen. The storm continues with only a brief sign of pause this morning, before unleashing once more. Since last lifts yesterday snow has fallen to the […]
The Snow Show continues in Nozawa Onsen
We have waited over a year for this kind of snow to return to the village. Be careful what you wish for! Fire Festival prep underway, Mother Nature making it a little more difficult but they will get there, always do! Anyone moving around the village please take care as roads are getting dangerous with the heavy snow Here are a few pice from around town today! Epic conditions