Base up top: 235 cm Temp Top; -8 Degrees Base at bottom; 110 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Light snow At last! We have some fresh snow falling. Not much with only a dusting across the mountain but at least its a start and a sign of things to come with snowfall rates expected to increase later today. The mountain will be fast and icy early and the tree runs will be a challenge in the conditions. With the continued snowfalls conditions should improve later in the day. Yesterday was slushy, classic spring conditions, which is very unusual considering the time of year. Nevertheless there was fun to be had on the pistes after they […]
The week ahead looks good
Base up top: 240 cm Temp Top; +2 Degrees Base at bottom; 115 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Mostly sunny We have a fine and mostly sunny morning in Nozawa Onsen. There is some low lying fog in the valley which will make a nice view from the top early. Temperatures are still quite warm with an inversion layer but the snow has held up very well during this recent warm spell with minimal loss of coverage. Early on the lower groomers will be firm and fast before softening later today. Positive temperatures in the top half of the mountain mean the snow will slushy from the outset. Off piste will be lacklustre at best until […]
Warm, but the week ahead looks good
Base up top: 250 cm Temp Top; +2 Degrees Base at bottom; 125 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Partly cloudy Its partly cloudy here in Nozawa Onsen this morning. We have some mid to high level altostratus cloud affected by strong wind sheer. This tends to indicate it will be windy at the peak today, so some lifts may be placed on wind hold. The visibility below the cloud layer is excellent, look for patterns of sun streaking across the surrounding ranges. Unfortunately we have some warm temperatures today, positive across all elevations of the mountain. As a result soft and forgiving spring like conditions will prevail. Head for high traffic groomers which will retain the […]
Sunny and softening
Base up top: 260 cm Temp Top; -7 Degrees Base at bottom; 125 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Partly cloudy A slightly overcast morning here in Nozawa Onsen today. We have some high clouds and it looks like it will be a mostly sunny morning and afternoon. Its forecast to get slightly warm later and so the best skiing areas will be up as high as possible, the Yamabiko area for example. The park at pipe will also be worth a visit in the softening conditions. Yesterday stayed windy and cloudy with occasional snow showers for the duration. Again the best skiing areas were up high as the lower slopes were scoured and rain affected from […]
Mild Conditions, Snow Overnight
Base up top: 265 cm Temp Top; -1 Degrees Base at bottom; 130 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Overcast Its an overcast morning in the village this morning. As expected temperatures are mild but at least there is no sign of the expected rain for the time being. There is a strong inversion layer across the mountain with warmer temperatures at the top then the bottom. The best skiing and boarding today will be had on the groomed runs and the park will be good fun as well. Off piste runs will be heavy going with the predicted warm temperatures. Yesterday was good fun, again better than expected. Bluebird conditions with good visibility. North facing off piste […]
Dusting, Fine and Sunny
Base up top: 275 cm Temp Top; -9 Degrees Base at bottom; 140 cm New Snow since close: 3-5 cm Weather; Partly cloudy It looks like today will clear faster than expected. We currently have some puffy cumulus clouds rolling over the hills spaced with crystal clear blue skies. Temperatures are cold and will combine well with the fresh snow that we received overnight. Total falls since last lifts yesterday include 3cm at Yamabiko, 5cm mid mountain and a dusting in the village. It was windy up top overnight so there will be sure to be stashes much deeper than the indicated amounts. Head for sheltered gullies and trees for maximum powder enjoyment. Yesterday was a day with some […]
Warm, but snow forecast
Base up top: 270 cm Temp Top; +1 Degrees Base at bottom; 140 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather; Clear Yesterday was amazing. Most people went up on the mountain not expecting too much, but were rewarded with powder with a perfect depth for all areas of the resort. Rain the day before had definitely smoothed out the base and with the knee deep fresh layer out top it was prime for high speed rooster tail sprays, yew! There was no crust layer to speak of indicating a nice gradual transition between rain and snow. Not to mention the views from the top, which were probably the best i’ve personally seen all season. Ice particles floating in […]
Sunny Monday
Base up top: 285 cm Temp Top; -11 Degrees Base at bottom; 150 cm New Snow since close: 10 cm Weather; Clearing snow showers Its a cold and partly cloudy morning here in Nozawa Onsen this morning. We have had some snowfall activity this morning with occasional isolated snow showers passing over the resort. Winds are light at the summit and conditions are expected to clear to full bluebird by the afternoon. Off piste the best areas will be the upper mountain where strong winds last night will have displaced and deposited some nice knee deep stashes amongst the trees. Lower down where snowfall accumulation has been less will have a definite crust layer sitting below the fresh powder. […]
Snow later today
Base up top: 270 cm Temp Top; -2 Degrees Base at bottom; 145 cm New Snow since close: 5 cm Weather; Sleet, snow up high There are marginal conditions across Nozawa Onsen this morning. The freezing level is currently sitting at around 1300m and combined with precipitation, it means that it is raining in the village. However the good news is that snow is falling from mid mountain and above with 5cm of fresh recorded overnight at Yamabiko. The best skiing will be above mid mountain if you can deal with the fog. Otherwise the lower groomers will provide some fun slushy turns. Avoid heading off piste to stay away from sticky moisture affected snow. We expect the freezing […]
Photography Services
Pictures of a recent epic afternoon photo expedition in Nozawa Onsen. For those seeking professional photographs of themselves skiing the deep and steep tree runs of Nozawa Onsen should look no further. We offer professional action photographic/guiding services for skiers of all levels. Drop into Lodge Nagano or Villa Nozawa to make a booking. 8000 yen per hour or 13 000 for two hours per group.