Put yourself in the picture. Nozawa Onsen 2013.
Base up top: 310cm Temp Top; -8 Degrees
Base at bottom: 160cm
New Snow since close: 6cm
Weather; Partly cloudy
It is an atmospheric day here in Nozawa Onsen this morning. We woke to some fog and low lying cloud enveloping the village. When that cleared, a clean atmosphere and passing mist on the opposing mountains afforded a very nice view.
We have had a dusting of fresh snow up high overnight refreshing the mountain. Groomed runs should be the pick again today and will be fast and fun. There are challenging conditions off piste as crust layer has formed, so fresh snow is needed there.
Even up high yesterday the snow was very heavy going and so off piste conditions were poor. However the groomed runs were fast and firm all day which made for very fun opportunities to practice carving technique. Moist conditions down low persisted for the majority of the day before the temperatures dropped below freezing around dusk.
The forecast continues to impress. Friday and Saturday are looking like they are going to be sensational days if you don’t mind a bit of wind. Temperatures will be low and snowfalls heavy. Up top on Friday night, during the peak of snowfall intensity, temperatures should be around -17 so snow quality will be extremely good on Saturday morning.
Tomorrow we should expect some sunny partly cloudy conditions.
Valley of the fog.
