Dramatic Sunrise Nozawa Onsen
Base at top: 95 cm
Temp at Top: +5 Degree
Base at Uenotaira station: 65 cm
New snow since close: 0cm
Weather: Cloudy
Dawn Sunrise in Nozawa Onsen, and a dramatic bank of cloud illuminated by the morning sun is reflecting red onto the land. A spectacle of nature, and a dramatic warning of powerful weather ahead. For now at least conditions are calm and warm in the village. Over the valley the towering volcano Mt Myoko stands cloud free in the soft morning light.
As the forecast stands, if you are interested in skiing today, get up there early. The weather is stable now, spring conditions on snow. It is warm, hopefully the pistes won’t have such an icy component as they did yesterday. But by mid morning onwards it will probably be quite miserable on the hill as rain fronts move over Nozawa Onsen from the South. These fronts will build in intensity, becoming more dramatic as the day moves on.
Will be a good day to check out some of the other local attractions, the myriad of onsens, or perhaps a Nozawa Holidays Snow Monkeys Tour.
Yesterday was beautiful and surprisingly icy in Nozawa Onsen. The pistes remained firm for much of the day, especially up high. Only those slopes that were directly hit by the suns rays softened through the afternoon. Nevertheless it was a good day to be up on the hill with astounding views all the way to the Sea of Japan and the majestic alpine regions surrounding.
The outlook for the week ahead remains much the same as predicted yesterday. Tomorrow north westerly winds will bring snow and cold temperatures to Nozawa Onsen. They will build in intensity during the day, peaking overnight. Christmas Eve will see continued light flurries and occasional heavier falls. Christmas Day still looks like it will be the day; clear skies, cold temperatures and plentiful fresh snow.
Sunrise Nozawa Onsen