Happy New Year! And it is happy, with even more fresh snow on the ground.

I wondered if we really were going to get more during the afternoon yesterday as the snow tapered off and some blue skies appeared. Then, just about when it was time to head for the local shrine for that first visit (and a shot of saké with the neighbors) that snow really started to come down again. It's quieted down a bit at the moment, but it was coming down hard earlier — we figured something like six centimeters an hour. Very nice.

But there are very few cars heading up the hill to the ski area this morning. Maybe it's a bit too much snow, or that people really aren't heading out of the cities to visit us this holiday season.... It's a new year, though, and hopefully one with lots of positive changes.

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New Year message from SnowJapan

The 2020-2021 winter season seems to have got off to a good start in many mountainous regions of Japan, with some areas enjoying some very heavy snowfalls. That is of course very encouraging to see. Even if you are having to look on from afar, we’re sure you will be glad to see a return to a more ‘normal’ pattern to the snowfall this winter.

So 2020 is now behind us and we surely all hope that 2021 will be an all-round better year for everyone.

If you are unable to be here...

We miss you and are sorry that you can’t be here, but hope that you will be able to visit Japan in the not too distant future; and that 2021-2022 season will be open for everyone to enjoy.

If you are here...

Let’s all keep doing everything we can as individuals to try and keep the current situation under control. Ski areas around the country are doing their best to encourage visitors to wear face coverings, keep distance and minimise contact with guests outside their own group. Helping out in that way is surely a very small price to pay to get to enjoy the snow.

One thing we have noticed this season is people mentioning how they are appreciating everything that extra bit more this year. Being thankful for the good things can’t be a bad thing.

We will continue to do what we can to remain positive and genki as we cover this season.

Wherever you are right now, stay safe, stay strong and take care.

SnowJapan wishes you all the best for 2021.

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Akakura Kanko:
230cm, -7°

Akakura Onsen:
255cm, -3°C

Ikenotaira Onsen:
240cm, -5°

Myoko Suginohara:
190cm at summit, 90cm at base; 1°

Seki Onsen:
330cm, -9°

Kyukamura RunRun:
220cm, -3° (still no date change; how did the snow go down?)

Tangram Ski Circus:
150cm, -2°

Madarao Kogen:
220cm, -5°

Lotte Arai Resort
297cm, -2.3°

Kurohime Kogen Snow Park
130cm, -4°

Myoko Ski Park:
Closed this season