Happy New Year to All!
Just like Xmas, New Year’s Eve has delivered a solid dump to help get us in a celebratory mood. Pity ’bout the wind of course! Check the lift operation before you head out the door to avoid disappointment (follow this link then click on your area!) As I type, Annupuri is closed completely & Niseko Village only has bottom lifts moving. Grand Hirafu is your best bet of getting high with both the Gondola and Centre Four working.
With this wind around I’d be heading anywhere sheltered – the trees are your friends! 60cms of fresh at the base, but I’d be expecting double that up high and in more sheltered areas.
The big news is this though: last night’s dump is a tiddler compared to the one that should come through tonight! Think double the snow and you’ll be close. Strong winds look to accompany it so I doubt there’ll be any gates open for a couple of days. Avvy risk is extreme – make sure you’re still around to enjoy the new year by listening to the patrol. Don’t duck ropes. In a couple of days this storm system will be gone and once the snowpack has stabilized there’ll be some amazing riding to enjoy.