JAPAN SNOW WRAP – The Kick Off

Warm snow in the village fell as the storms rolled through Niseko late last week, the fresh came just in time for when the lifts started spinning on Saturday 30 November Image::Glen Claydon

Mountainwatch | Japan Snow Wrap

This is it, the beginning. Another Winter has arrived in Japan, and with it, a delicious entree of fresh snow.

Japan’s early season snow conditions have been somewhat of a mixed bag until now. Fresh storms brought enough for an eager few to earn their turns, but things warmed slightly soon after. While conditions are still a little marginal, its important to note that its only the first week of December. By this time next week we should be looking at considerable snow totals – fingers crossed anyway.

Today on the hill

Temperatures have warmed in both Honshu and Hokkaido today, with clear blue skies and mild temperatures. Niseko is still holding a 1m base up high, and Hakuba is not far off. It’s the calm before the storm right now, as we are looking at significant storm totals by the end of the week.

For now, we wait…

In The Forecast

Hakuba:
The freezing level looks to bounce around quite a bit over the next 7-Day period, and there is uncertainty in the models. It may be just a fraction too warm for considerable snow fall. If it settles at around mid-mountain we could end up seeing up to 20cm at higher elevations.

Niseko:
A system is on the way from the north-west. Freezing levels will drop as the cold air arrives by about Friday 6am. Accumulations should start to ramp up by friday night, and totals of up to 30cm are expected by Saturday lunchtime. The storm will continue right through to Sunday night. A blast of warmer air will arrive on Monday, though unfortunately rain may arrive with it.

Hauba 47 opened on Saturday, pow turns for days Image:: Hakuba 47

While temps are warm there is still plenty of snow around Image::SkiJapan.com

Winter vista in Niseko. Captured beautifully by Niseko Photography. Image::Yasuyuki Shimanuki

Hope he moves his van before the next storm arrives Image::Yasuyuki Shimanuki

Hakuba forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.

Niseko forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.