Base up top: 380 cm Temp Top; -7 Degrees Base at bottom; 220 cm New Snow since close: 15-20 cm Weather; Wind and snow The snow is here! It has picked up overnight and we have 15cm of fresh sitting at the summit, 20cm on the more protected upper slopes. A higher amount at lower elevations is a key indicator for wind and a quick glance outside confirms there is some fast moving air about the mountain today. Hopefully the gondolas get up and running without issue although likely at a reduced speed. Looks for some sweet wind features from loaded fresh but be aware of the icy base and death cookies lingering underneath. Stability is low as […]
Czech National powder day mission steeps
Base up top: 380 cm Temp Top; -4 Degrees Base at bottom; 220 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Overcast What a day it was yesterday! The snow was not deep by any margin and many tree areas were riddled with dreaded death cookies but those who got up on the hill were rewarded with stunning morning views as clouds drifted over and away from the resort revealing the beautiful surrounding landscape. The lower angle open slopes held some nice powder that was certainly rideable and the groomers were just about perfect being soft, smooth and fast. With such uncrowded slopes at the moment it was almost as if everyone knew everyone on the hill. A […]
Clear Blue
Base up top: 380 cm Temp Top; -11 Degrees Base at bottom; 225 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Clear As expected it’s a mostly clear morning in Nozawa Onsen with light winds and lengthy visibility. The alpinglow on the surrounding peaks was a spectacular backdrop for snow covered farmland. With a smaller than expected amount of snow yesterday the riding today won’t be exceptional but on the top third of the mountain will have a moderate fresh layer. The groomed runs will also be in good shape and well worth a look when the powder becomes tracked out. Looking at the forecast ahead tomorrow should be partly cloudy with snow showers above around 800m. The […]
Powder is Falling
Base up top: 380 cm Temp Top; -9 Degrees Base at bottom; 220 cm New Snow since close: 10 cm Weather; Snow Finally we have some beautiful thick flakes falling in the village of Nozawa Onsen. A welcome change from the liquid pow we were doused with yesterday. 10cm was recorded at the summit so not a whole lot, but enough to get some good powder turns in. With snow forecast to fall all day its likely that conditions will continue to improve. Looking at the forecast we can see a solid lineup of snowfalls. Snow should ease later this afternoon with a clear day tomorrow. Following that snowfalls should recommence and continue for some time. Moderate falls […]
Base up top: 385 cm Temp Top; +1 Degrees Base at bottom; 220 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Light rain At the moment we have some light rain falling in the village of Nozawa Onsen. Not ideal conditions but the good news is there is snow on the way. The rain should transition to snow early to mid afternoon, earlier at higher elevations. For those heading up today, stick to the well ridden groomed runs for maximum speed. Looks like we are in for a great week ahead according to the forecast with a continued run of snow. Moderate falls are predicted overnight and into tomorrow before a clear day on Thursday. Following that a […]
Warm and Slushy
Base up top: 385 cm Temp Top; -2 Degrees Base at bottom; 240 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Overcast Kicking things off in Nozawa Onsen today with mild overcast conditions. Its still in the negatives at the summit so the skiing will be fair to good across the mountain, good on piste and fair off piste. Expect spring-like snow. There are a few celebrations in various lodges for Australia day. Lodge Nagano and Villa Nozawa have some great ice bars with the lodge crew even building a sweet mini terrain park. Anyone is welcome to come listen to some tunes in the triple j hottest 100 and join in on the fun. Yesterday was very […]
10/10
Base up top: 390 cm Temp Top; -5 Degrees Base at bottom; 245 cm New Snow since close: 3 cm Weather; Overcast One of the best days of the season yesterday? The words were certainly tossed around quite a bit yesterday afternoon by frothing skiers and boarders descending from the hill. Id give it a top five finish personally. The weather, the views, the snow, the only downside was the weekend crowds that luckily spread out after the morning rush. Yes, the exposed slopes became sun affected during the afternoon but the shaded gullies held snow that was perfect for charging. The light air moving glittering ice particles about the upper trees added a remarkable, even magical feel […]
Snow snow and more snow
Base up top: 410 cm Temp Top; -8 Degrees Base at bottom; 250 cm New Snow since close: 20 cm Weather; Mostly cloudy Today is going to be epic. A clearing trend is well in effect, deep, deep powder and light winds. All the hallmarks are ticked. Hit up the tree skiing areas first up. Yamabiko and Challenge will both be good, once these areas are tracked the hot tip is to explore and enjoy! Yesterday was so much better than expected. With all the rain that we had the previous 24 hours no one was really expecting much other than dust on crust conditions. Luckily we were all proved wrong. There was deep, dry windblown powder across most […]
Base up top: 390 cm Temp Top; -8 Degrees Base at bottom; 245 cm New Snow since close: 20 cm Weather; Snow While its raining down in the village it is snowing hard on the upper mountain with 20cm recorded since last lifts. So there will be some nice riding on the upper slopes, especially above 1200m where rain has not affected the snowpack. Time to get out there and enjoy! According to the forecast temperatures will warm over the next few days with the freezing level rising to around 1500 meters. A strong front is then forecast for mid next week with heavy snowfalls expected.
Precipitation Day!
Base up top: 380 cm Temp Top; -2 Degrees Base at bottom; 255 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Overcast If you want to ski today then make sure you get up on the hill as early as possible as rain is in the forecast for all but the very upper slopes. Otherwise it could be a good day to take a rest, avoiding the inclement weather. Perhaps explore Nozawa’s winding streets and alleys, visiting the nearby snow monkeys or taking the onsen challenge. Can you do all thirteen free onsens in one day? For those still keen on hitting the hill it will be quite nice on the groomed runs with some quality wax on […]