Yamabiko at first lifts yesterday
Base at top: 315 cm
Temp at Top: -6 Degree
Base at Uenotaira station: 230 cm
New snow since close: 5 cm
Weather: Light snow
What a day it was yesterday! For those lucky enough to get up early would have seen some amazing atmospheric clarity as they rose above the valley fog aboard the Nagasaka gondola. The Sea of Japan and the horizon over the ocean was clearly visible. Even Sado Island way off to the NW was sighted. The mighty Japanese Alps all the way to Hakuba extended across the skyline providing ample mind skiing. It wasn’t until around midday when photochemical haze spoiled the long distance views. And what about the snow. It was phenomenal. Deep, cold powder snow that was much improved from the day before. Excellent skiing was had across the mountain with nothing but happy faces (except for those who missed out). Many of the multi season staff were remarking that it was one of the best days skiing they have ever had, myself included. More again please 🙂
We woke this morning at 630am to some light flurries of snow and the loud sirens of the earthquake alarm. Luckily nothing eventuated, however earthquakes are always in the back of your mind in Japan. From last lifts to 8am we had 5cm of fresh snow fall, perhaps a little more since then. If you are paying close attention to the base depth figure you may have noticed a decline back towards the three meter mark. This is simple the natural compaction of the snowpack as the snowflakes break down and air in compressed out after fresh snowfall has occurred.
Out skiing and boarding today you’ll notice the snow is slightly heavier powder, similar to Tuesday. Nevertheless it will be a fun day on the hill with good turns through the Yamabiko trees and smooth groomers across the lower pistes. The crowds are light and the mountain is currently shrouded by fog above 1000m.
According to the forecast we expect light snow showers to continue on and off today, perhaps clearing later this afternoon. Then tomorrow night we will see another round of snow of much the same quality as today. Which will continue into Sunday morning. From then one another much colder batch of snow is due for early next week. potentially clearing again around Wednesday or Thursday.
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