Latest News from Nozawa Onsen

Base up top: 350cm        Temp Top; -7 Degrees Base at bottom: 170cm New Snow since close: 0cm It’s a sunny partly cloudy morning here in Nozawa Onsen, another classic spring day. Luckily the forecast overnight rainfalls have failed to arrive as we only received light drizzle for a short time last night. We have quite a variation in temperature across the resort of Nozawa Onsen early on. Down in the village is a balmy +5C. However the top is quite cold with a temperature of -7C. It’s unusual to have such a significant variation between top and bottom. Expect the lower runs to be very slushy this morning, whilst the upper slopes will be very fast and […]

Base up top: 335cm Temp Top; -1 Degrees Base at bottom: 175cm New Snow since close: 0cm Today will continue the trend of spring conditions we’ve had recently. Up the top will be fast and icy early in the day, but will soften as the temperature warms by late morning. On the lower half temperatures remained above zero all night so will be soft from first lifts onwards. We expect a mostly sunny morning before the clouds roll through later this afternoon. Unfortunately there is the possibility of rain, but likely this should quickly turn to snow up high. Visibility early on is good, but limited over a long range with a haze blown in by south winds from the […]

Base up top: 370cm Temp Top; -10 Degrees Base at bottom: 185cm New Snow since close: 0cm It’s a clear full bluebird day outside at the moment. We woke to beautiful sunrise alpenglow on the opposing mountain range that was a treat for the eyes. There is not a cloud in the sky with light winds, an almost perfect spring morning in Nozawa Onsen. The only thing we are missing is some fresh powder. Today will be a classic spring day of riding. We will see firm and fast conditions, icy in places, until the sun begins to take effect. During the late morning and afternoon slushy conditions will prevail. Excellent visibility will encourage exploration of the resort. Its worthwhile […]

Base up top: 380cm Temp Top; -10 Degrees Base at bottom: 200cm New Snow since close: 0cm We expected light snow overnight and this morning. It looks as if these haven’t shown and we currently have some partly cloudy conditions over Nozawa Onsen. The riding today will be similar to yesterday with firm and fast surfaces early, grading to slushy by the afternoon. The groomers will be the pick, with the Yamabiko reds being of the best quality. Off piste riding will be quite heavy going today, especially in the afternoon. Yesterday was a fun and very uncrowded day on the hill. There were still more than a few untracked areas of powder on offer in the morning. During the […]

Base up top: 380cm Temp Top; -13 Degrees Base at bottom: 200cm New Snow since close: 1cm We have had a light dusting of snow overnight in Nozawa Onsen; not much, but it’s enough to freshen up the cover. It’s currently overcast with light winds and we expect clouds to move away some time this morning with a clear bluebird day forecast. Temperatures are set to remain relatively cool with a freezing level at about 600m. Groomed runs will be silky smooth and fast this morning and are set to remain in excellent condition with light weekday crowds. Through the trees will be mostly tracked out in obvious areas but with a bit of a hunt plenty of powder stashes […]

Base up top: 380cm Temp Top; -13 Degrees Base at bottom: 195cm New Snow since close: 15-20cm It looks like it will be an awesome day in Nozawa Onsen today. We have had a further 15-20cm of fresh fall since last lifts yesterday and combine with yesterday’s persistent moderate to heavy falls it will be certain that there will be some deep powder stashes about the resort today. The weather out the window looks snowy at the moment with light falls continuing, probably lasting the day. Avalanche risk is still very high so best to avoid steeper off piste areas for the time being. Yesterday was a good day on the hill, especially the afternoon. During the morning there was […]

Base up top: 360cm Temp Top; -11 Degrees Base at bottom: 190cm New Snow since close: 15cm It looks like we have some fresh powder falling in Nozawa Onsen this morning. With a rapid drop in the freezing level overnight the rain has turned to snow delivering 15cm near the summit, much to the delight of skiers and boarders. We have strong winds about the peak so higher lifts may again be on wind hold. With the rapid freeze and fresh snow, slope stability is very low. Beware of the very high avalanche risk when venturing off piste. Yesterday was not the best day on the mountain. Conditions were ok in the morning with firm and fast pistes early that […]

Base up top: 375cm Temp Top; +4 Degrees Base at bottom: 195cm New Snow since close: 0cm It’s the first day of spring and the temperatures have almost spiked from this warm spell with a freezing level sitting at about 2000m. Luckily the forecast rain has held off for the time being. Conditions out there are very spring-like with firm and fast pistes early, softening during the day. Crowd levels are very low and most areas feel like you are at your own private resort. Unfortunately strong winds about the peaks have forced temporary closure of higher lifts and the Nagasaka gondola. Let’s hope the winds back off soon. Like yesterday, the best riding will be had on the groomed […]

Base up top: 405cm Temp Top; +1 Degrees Base at bottom: 220cm New Snow since close: 0cm It’s a warm day here in Nozawa Onsen, one of the warmest in some time with positive temperature right up to the peak. The feeling of spring is definitely in the air for, at least the time being. Wildlife sightings are become increasingly frequent with birds, groups of Kamoshika and even occasional sightings of black bears. But winter is not quite over yet with another dump of Japan powder expected on the weekend. At the moment we have mostly overcast conditions, light winds and even lighter crowds. It will be a fun day for skiing with firm and fast pistes early that will […]