Nozawa Onsen Transforming to Winter
Two great shots taken almost exactly 7 years apart of the village of Nozawa Onsen in November. It is always an amazing feeling when you drive around that bend and see the village with the majestic slopes rising up behind it. Even after doing it for 30 years it never grows old for me. It is a feeling of excitement, a wonder of nature and home. Made even better with a fresh coating of snow on top!
Nozawa Onsen Transforming to Winter
The top photo from November 2012 looks like we probably got 30cm up top overnight. We opened the resort a few days later on the 1st of December 2012 with a 60cm base up top. That season went on to be a terrific season with high level of snow fall. Check out the graph below
This Season in Nozawa
So what does this mean for the coming season and what can we expect? I wish I had a crystal ball as a lot of the time long range weather forecasting is just that ” Crystal Ball ” territory. The JMA ( Japan Meteorology Bureau ) along with some forecasters are tipping less snow fall than average this year. But they have done that is the past and we got smashed. I generally listen to the old farmers in the village as they have been toiling the soil there for as many as 60 years so are always watching the weather.
They are telling me that it may be a little less than normal as we had so much rain this last few months, but we had very little rain in June and July when we normally get a lot so they are not 100% sure. Let’s face it no one really is and even in a less than average Ski Season we would get well over 10 meters of snowfall! So would not be too worried.
Nozawa Onsen Transforming to Winter
The 12 day forecast is not a bad reference but even that can change dramatically over the time. It is looking pretty healthy at the moment. Temperatures dropping and snow expected from Wednesday. With an even larger system from Monday the 2nd of December and temps could drop down to Sea Level. Really at this time of year thats what we want most for it to get cold! Then as long as we get some precipitation Mother Nature will do her thing and return on the Snow show! My humble guess is we will open by December 10th this Season but really what do I know 🙂
Do your Snow Dance, cross your fingers and anything else that may help. Probably the biggest thing we can all do is our best to ” Cool the Globe”. Contrary to what Donald Trump says there are many signs that the world is becoming a warmer place. Bad bush fires in Australia, more typhoons in Japan and maybe less snow, I can’t really remember what it was like 30 Years ago now :). So get out of your cars, reduce your waste and do what ever you can to keep the place cooler. Until then Saty safe and we look forward to seeing you.
Special dedication to Jake Burton Carpentar well known as the founder of Snowboarding who passed away last night aged 65. A true Pioneer and innovator he will be missed. RIP