Nozawa Onsen Snow Report 5th February 2019
Yesterday was a bit of a mixed bag. It rained just a little in the morning, then came the sun, followed by a flurrisome afternoon and early evening. The good news is that with it all came with a couple of extra centimetres at the top of Mount Kenashi overnight.
Today’s forecast suggests we’re going to see a liberal dose of sunshine and blue sky. Tomorrow may bring a top-up before Thursday through Sunday will see snowfall of some degree. Thursday and Saturday nights are looking the most promising this far out. As we all know well, however, things can change. Typically, whatever snowfall is forecast to fall upon village and mountain is less than what eventuates. If this common trend continues, we should see more than enough fresh powder of the week to come.
What’s happening on top of the mountain right now?
At 8:00 am today
Temp at the top; -7C
New snow since close; 2cm
Base at the top; 280cm
Weather; very light snow at the top/sunny elsewhere
When we think of all the action we’ve seen so far this season, it’s kind of cool to think that really, it’s not even half done yet. The resort opened in mid-December last year which means we’ve been going for under two months. That might seem to be the bulk of the season in other parts, however, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort usually stays open right up until Golden Week in early May.
With Aussie schools holidays and Chinese New Year out of the way, the latter half of the ski season offers some great benefits. Of these, discounted accommodation and lift tickets plus far fewer skiers on the runs, are the main drawcards. Spring skiing in April goes down well with those travelling around Japan as it coincides with cherry blossom viewing in the famous spots around Honshu. Whether couples, families or any other combo, spring makes a fun and pocket-friendly time for a slide down Mount Kenashi!