ASIA WEEKLY ROUNDUP #228

JAPAN REPORT

Regular daily snowfalls are quickly pushing Japanese ski areas towards the top of the world snow depths table as the numbers in Europe, which have led all winter, have stalled and even fallen in recent weeks. Niseko (115/330 cm / 46/ 132”) and other Hokkaido ski areas are posting the biggest numbers for upper slope base depth. Although welcomed, this snowfall has been accompanied by strong winds which has resulted in upper mountain closures at times. Shigakogen Mountain Resort (100/270 cm / 40/108”) is posting the most terrain open in the country- 98% of its 83 km (52 miles) of slopes.

JAPAN FORECAST

Continuing cold temperatures (-3 to -15C typically), overcast and frequently snowy weather will reign across Japan’s main ski regions for the rest of the week and over the weekend, with 5-15 cm (2-6 inch) average snow accumulations expected most days.

Image: Japan snowfall forecast for the next 3-6 days.