Asia Weekly Roundup #243

Race Against Time: Japan's Last Ski Area Struggles Amidst Rapid Snow Melting

• Gassan, the only lift-served ski area still open in Japan, is facing challenges with warm temperatures causing rapid snow melting, jeopardizing its usual season duration.
• Despite the snow cover diminishing, all 10km of slopes at Gassan remain open, offering skiing opportunities amidst uncertain conditions.
• The weather forecast suggests ongoing warm temperatures with a possibility of rain showers, indicating continued challenges for maintaining snow quality at Gassan.

JAPAN REPORT

Gassan (50/290cm / 20/116") summer ski area in Japan remains open, the only lift-served centre still operating in the country, but warm temperatures have led to the snow cover melting fairly fast, losing about two-thirds of its thickness over the first 6 weeks of operations, so it's unclear if it will make it through to July, the normal season. But for now, at least, all 10km (6 miles) of slopes remain open. The weather has been mostly sunny with temperatures largely in the +5 to +20C range, but some overnight lows have got close to freezing, although there have been rain showers too.

JAPAN FORECAST

It’s looking like more of the same as spring temperatures gradually warm further and head towards the low 20s in the afternoons. Staying mostly dry but with rain showers likely again.