Nozawa Snow Report 26 December 2016

Dec 26, 2016

Greybird Nozawa Onsen: A Christmas Hangover

Nozawa Snow Report 26 December 2016: Stats

Base at top: 95 cm
Temp at Top: -1 Degree
Base at Uenotaira station: 55 cm
New snow since close: 0 cm
Weather: Cloudy

Nozawa Snow Report 26 December 2016: Overview

It’s a pretty grey old day out there, shall I coin the term Greybird Nozawa Onsen? Today’s clouds are high based so visibility isn’t affected even on the summit, but the temperatures have risen inline with the forecasted predictions. Its now sitting at -1c at the resort peak and above freezing in the village. For today’s skiing and boarding adventures expect the snow to soften during the day, perhaps becoming slow during the afternoon. Best skiing will be on the well groomed pistes.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Report 26 December 2016

Yesterday in Nozawa Onsen. Photo thanks to Seiji Suzuki

Yesterday was a fantastic day. Multiple Santas were making the most of the skiing conditions bringing a festive vibe not seen as much in past years. It was good to see a busy resort with lots of Japanese tourists making the trip up from Tokyo, even if the gondola line was at times a little long. The weather was sublime; plenty of fresh snow to enjoy, crystal clear blue skies, cool temperatures and hardly a breath of wind.

If you come skiing in Japan from overseas you may notice the lack of wind. Such is the setup of huge Siberian anticyclones, that wintertime Japan is dominated by high pressure and even a slight NW breeze will result in significant snowfalls (more on this in future reports).

Nozawa Snow Report 26 December 2016: Weather Forecast

The forecast is still delivering an impressive outlook. We have the minor blip of warm air and light rain this afternoon before a strong front of cold air and snow moves over the Sea of Japan. Snowfalls will increase tomorrow peaking tomorrow night, with probably 40cm falling Tuesday night. Another front is due on Thursday night and at this stage it is looking even stronger. Cool temps and moderate to light snow will intersperse the rest of the week.