Excellent Forecast for Nozawa Onsen

Watching the beautiful Ogama Cooking Onsen at dusk last night. Highly recommended!

Base at top: 65 cm

Temp at Top: +1 Degree

Base at Uenotaira station: 20 cm
New snow since close: 0cm
Weather: Mostly Cloudy

Its a moody warm morning in the village today in the town of Nozawa Onsen. Overcast conditions prevail and for the past 24 hours extremely warm temperatures, reaching upwards of 15C in the village, have resulted to some damage to the lower slopes. Luckily a repair is fast en route, courtesy of a Siberian freight train of cold air and snow. This morning the freezing level will sit at 1300m, expected to drop to 750m by tonight in combination with a heavy snowfalls.

Today on the hill will be icy at the summit, grading to slushy and rain affected on the lower slopes. Sounds unappetising however these such days with low expectations can often deliver surprisingly fun turns. It certainly is hard to have a bad day on the slopes!

Yesterday much of the mountain was on wind hold. It certainly was an excellent day to explore the regions rich cultural and natural heritage. Soaking in one of the village free onsens, exploring the nearby towns, visiting the biologically unique Jigokudani Snow Monkeys or perhaps a trip to the the mythical mountain view Maguse Onsen.

The model predictions are still locked and loaded with quality snow. An excellent forecast for Nozawa Onsen. Heavy to moderate snow showers lowering to 500m tomorrow, clearing for an beautiful bluebird Christmas Day. Further ahead, we have one last tropical incursion to clear on Monday and then hopefully its all systems go as a winter weather pattern settles in for the season. Good dumps are expected for Wednesday and Friday next week.