JAPAN SNOW WRAP – Sun, Snow and Sessions
A skier sends it into a perfectly bottomless Niseko snowpack, Jan 27 Image:: Rhythm Niseko
Japan Snow Wrap
A new format for the Japan Snow Wrap this week, a quick rundown on conditions in Hakuba and Niseko followed by a selection of the best photos from the last week. Miss the old format? Leave some feedback below the cut…
Guess what? As we have all come to expect, it has been snowing in Japan. Typically for this time of year we have seen a quick succession of storms hit both Hokkaido and Honshu delivering epic conditions to all resorts. Wind has been proving to be a little bit of an issue for both resorts meaning that when the wind kicks in some lifts are placed on hold or closed.
The Australia day holiday was celebrated in style in bars across the Japanese Alps, the best part of the day for those in Hakuba would have been the 1.4 m of fresh snow they received over about 48 hours! Hopefully those luck enough to be in town spent it on the hill rather then at the bar!
Due to the cycles of wind, storms and sun we are seeing at the moment be sure to take care in the backcountry. Observations coming in through the community channels indicate some skier and some naturally triggered slab avalanches have been occurring. Always take care, travel with a partner and know how to use your safety gear!
A stellar morning today in the Hakuba valley, would be perfect day for touring! Image:: Phoenix Hakuba
In The Forecast:
Hakuba: Partly cloudy in Hakuba for the next 24 hours or so, before a change moves through the region on Saturday, at this stage the temps are looking a little warm so the dreaded rain may be a possibility. I would head as high as possible to avoid any sketchy freezing level scenarios. Another considerable snow event is starting to appear from Wednesday, the coming few days should make this clearer.
Niseko: Only light snow in Niseko for the next few days, the wind is looking like it will persist from a N direction until Saturday which may cause further wind holds until it swings round from the W later in the day on Saturday. A significant snow storm will hit Niseko on Saturday evening and will remain until about Tuesday night. Unfortunately the temps will rise slightly on Sunday meaning the snow quality may suffer.
Overall it looks like the next week or so will deliver a bit of a mixed bag to both islands in Japan, be sure to head high to find the best snow, the trees will offer the best protection from the wind… Enjoy!
Australia day in Hakuba, Aussie day is much better spent neck deep in POW then neck deep in crowds! Image:: Phoenix Hotel Hakuba
Niseko awakes to a cloudy morning Image:: SkiJapan.com
A scenic Niseko lifestyle shot Image:: SkiJapan.com
Surprise surprise, there is POW in Niseko!! Image:: Niseko Photography
Heading to Japan this season? Gear up with some fresh product from Melbourne Snowboard Centre, Melbourne’s biggest online snowboard shop
