Snowy hut in the Yamabiko area.
Base up top: 415cm Temp Top; -16 Degrees
Base at bottom: 260cm
New Snow since close: 25cm
What a crazy day it was yesterday in Nozawa Onsen. We had very strong winds shut the entire top half of the mountain almost all day. Combined with the weekend crowds it was a little hectic in the lift lines. We saw heavy snow continue all day- a true blizzard.
Amongst the trees the riding was brilliant with deep windblown powder. Cruising down the groomed runs was not too dissimilar to the Antarctic with horizontal blowing snow. A day to get out there and experience the conditions just for the fun of it.
Today the storm has subsided and we have some blue skies and sun making a return. We still have the occasional light snow shower passing through. The top of the mountain will be all time considering the closure of top lifts yesterday; two days of fresh powder awaits the early birds.
Looking at the forecast we should see mostly blue sky today before completely clearing tomorrow. Tomorrow should be beautiful in fact with cool temperatures, light winds and bluebird skies. Wednesday should see spring conditions with the freezing level rising to around 1200m and mostly clear weather. The first day of spring we will see a return to winter conditions with moderate snow and very cold temperatures predicted. Let’s hope the powder continue well into March and beyond.
Ski racing yesterday in very challenging conditions
