Asia Weekly Roundup #268

Typhoon Aftermath Eases: Small Japanese Resorts Reopen

• Mixed Weather Conditions: Overnight lows in the Japan Alps dropped to -15°C, with snow at higher elevations but rain and sleet at lower levels.
• Snowy Highlights: Up to 30cm of snow reported at top resorts like Nozawa Onsen, attracting skiers hiking to make their first runs. Niseko has seen snowfall down to its base.
• Upcoming Openings: Large resorts plan to open by month's end, while smaller centers have resumed operations after typhoon disruptions earlier in November.

JAPAN REPORT

It’s been cold with overnight lows dropping as far as -15C in the Japan Alps, although daytime highs at resort bases have still been climbing up to a degree or two above freezing. There has been some snowfall, although also periods of rain and sleet.

But up high up to 30cm (a foot) has been reported at resorts including Nozawa Onsen, where the first skiers have been hiking up to earn their first turns of the season. Niseko has also reported snowfall down to resort base level.

None of the country’s bigger resorts are expected to open until the final weekend of the month but several small centres, most reliant on all-weather snowmaking systems or similar, have re-opened after the warm, wet typhoon weather earlier this month stopped even them from opening.

JAPAN FORECAST

Continuing with mostly overcast skies, temperatures typically in the -5 to +5C range in the mountain. Light precipitation which will be snow at certain times and especially at higher elevations. Sleet and rain at lower levels.