Put yourself in the picture. Nozawa Onsen pillow line.
Base up top: 375cm Temp Top; +4 Degrees
Base at bottom: 195cm
New Snow since close: 0cm
It’s the first day of spring and the temperatures have almost spiked from this warm spell with a freezing level sitting at about 2000m. Luckily the forecast rain has held off for the time being.
Conditions out there are very spring-like with firm and fast pistes early, softening during the day. Crowd levels are very low and most areas feel like you are at your own private resort. Unfortunately strong winds about the peaks have forced temporary closure of higher lifts and the Nagasaka gondola. Let’s hope the winds back off soon.
Like yesterday, the best riding will be had on the groomed runs. The park and pipe are in fine form and well worth checking out.
Yesterday was a surprisingly good day on the slopes. The Yamabiko pistes held excellent quality right up through the afternoon. The lower groomers became slushy later in the day, but the skiing was still fun and forgiving. Bright blue sunshine made for some beautiful photo opportunities near the summit.
Looking at the weather forecast we expect moderate snow to begin sometime tonight with about 10-20cm expected. We should see snow and very cold temperatures continue on Saturday. The winds will be strong so remember an extra layer of clothing.
Sunday should see the occasional light snow showers pass through interspersed with cold partly cloudy weather. Following this snowy couple of days we should see an extended period of bluebird days with spring conditions and a gradual warming trend.
Yet another pillow line in Nozawa Onsen.
