Ja-pow Season Has Arrived – Japan Snow Wrap

December 14th, 2014


Surfin’ the earth on local powder craft, does it get any better? Niseko, December 14 Image:: GlenClaydon.com

Mountainwatch | Japan Snow Wrap

The snow arrived a little late to Japan this year, but in fine style old man Winter has really made his presence known. Niseko has experienced 13 straight days of snowfall, with an incredible 153cm falling across the last seven days. And further south Hakuba certainly isn’t falling behind, Cortina is reporting 50cm of new snow, after only opening a few days ago – incredible.

All this snow has made for some epic skiing, and the great news is that there is plenty more on the way. Read on for more info, and scroll down for our pick of the best early season shots from the land of pow…


A new perspective. Niseko, shot from above by local photographer Glen Claydon Image:: GlenClaydon.com

Today on the hill

Niseko was experiencing a powder-fueled groundhog day. 30cm fell overnight so it was snorkels mandatory. With plenty more snow on the way over the next week, records could be broken this month.

Hakuba It was a huge powder day in Hakuba today, with 50cm reported in Cortina and up to 60cm at Happo One. Some resorts are still operating with limited terrain, but expect that to change quickly. All the majors are open, with Iwatake scheduled to open this week.

In The Forecast

Hakuba:
Some snow is expected over the next two days, ahead of a slight warming trend on Tuesday. Then the freezing level flat lines again, and consistent top-ups of 10-20cm are expected Wednesday and Thursday. At this stage the temperatures look to rise slightly by the weekend, so mid-week will be the pick.

Niseko:
Pow, Pow, Pow. Need any more info? Up to a metre is expected to fall by next weekend. Unfortunately the temps look set to warm-up slightly on Saturday, so keep an eye on the forecast as we near closer to the weekend.


I’m willing to bet that this skier doesn’t mind the view Image:: GlenClaydon.com


A rare break in the clouds over Yotei San today Image:: GlenClaydon.com


This little spot is a gem during night skiing on Hirafu, which opens tonight actually Image:: GlenClaydon.com


Natural Japanese beauty Image:: GlenClaydon.com

Hakuba forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.

Niseko forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.