Where should you go skiing this weekend?! Tetsuji Hyodo, "Japan's best skiing weather forecaster," predicts the powder snow this weekend.
Overview of this weekend
The cold snap is coming to an end, and it looks like there won't be any significant snowfall this weekend. On the other hand, the weather is expected to be fine, sunny, and with fairly high daytime temperatures, and the snow quality is likely to change to spring-like conditions, with slush and slush especially in lower elevations. It's important to apply proper wax. Beginners won't find it too cold, and the scenery will be fantastic, making for a great skiing and snowboarding experience. The weather will be stable over the weekend, so mountain skiing should also be fun
Through Friday, February 13th
On Friday the 13th, a high pressure system will cover western Japan and Tohoku. In Hokkaido, moist air will flow around the edge of the high pressure system and into the Sea of Japan side, bringing snowfall mainly along the Sea of Japan side
[Hokkaido area]
Areas along the Sea of Japan are expected to see 10 to 15 centimeters of snowfall by morning. Snow will continue during the day as moist air flows in from the west. Furano, Sapporo Teine, Niseko, and Rusutsu are also expected to be fine. The snow will be somewhat damp for Hokkaido
[Tohoku area]
Unfortunately, there is little hope for snowfall tonight as high pressure will enter the prefecture. There may be some areas where a light snowfall will occur. It will be sunny in the morning. A low-pressure trough will pass in the afternoon, bringing wet snow from the evening. There is also a possibility of sleet or rain in low-altitude areas. As the snow will become wet due to sunlight and rising temperatures, it would be best to use wax that is water-repellent
[Yuzawa area]
There is a chance of light snow tonight, Thursday the 12th. High pressure will cover the area and the weather will be sunny during the day on Friday the 13th. The snow will likely be packed in the morning, but temperatures are expected to rise above zero in lower elevations during the day, causing the snow to gradually loosen
[Shinetsu area]
There will be no snow on the night of the 12th (Thursday), but the snow will remain relatively firm and stable on the 13th (Friday). It looks like it will be sunny and clear during the day
[Joetsu area]
There will be very little snowfall on the night of the 12th (Thursday). Tomorrow is expected to be sunny. The snow will be packed in the morning. The snow will gradually loosen during the day
[Other areas]
Most areas in both western and eastern Japan will be sunny. Temperatures will rise during the day. The snow will also ease
Through Saturday, February 14th
The high pressure will bring sunny skies to Honshu, but it will be cloudy in Hokkaido with the possibility of snow
[Hokkaido area]
There will be almost no new snow accumulation. It will be cloudy during the day, but there will be occasional sunshine and the wind will be calm. The temperature is likely to exceed 0°C during the day. Be careful when choosing wax and clothing
[Tohoku area]
There will be very little snow from Friday the 13th. It will be cloudy in the morning, but will gradually clear up in the afternoon. The snow will likely be hard in the morning, but will loosen up during the day as temperatures rise above zero. Water-repellent wax is recommended. Winds will be calm
[Yuzawa area]
The high pressure will continue to cover the area and the skies will be sunny. Because there will be no snow, the ungroomed areas in the morning will likely remain rough and bumpy. Please be careful when skiing. The snow is expected to loosen during the day. Groomed runs will likely be more enjoyable
[Shinetsu area]
On Saturday the 14th, high pressure will cover the area and it will be sunny. Temperatures are not expected to be extremely high the day before. There are likely to be areas with firm snow, especially on the northern slopes, so try to find them. However, the snow is expected to gradually loosen in the afternoon
[Joetsu area]
It will be sunny. Temperatures are expected to rise during the day compared to Friday. The snow will loosen and become more like spring snow
[Other areas]
It will be sunny and the temperature will rise. In western Japan, temperatures will approach 10°C. Be careful when choosing your wax. It is a good idea to apply simple wax regularly while skiing
Through Sunday, February 15th
A low pressure system is moving into the northern Sea of Japan, and a front is expected to extend to Hokkaido. High pressure will cover Honshu, and temperatures will be as warm as March and April nationwide. The snow on the slopes is also expected to loosen considerably
[Hokkaido area]
Snow and rain will fall due to the influence of a front and low pressure. Snow is expected to continue into the morning, but it will be quite wet and not accumulate much. Also, on the Pacific side, some areas, mainly along the coast, are expected to experience rain or sleet instead of snow during the day. In mountainous areas, there is a risk of sudden weather changes, strong winds, gusts, and heavy snow, so please pay close attention to the latest weather conditions when taking action
[Tohoku area]
There will be no snow during the day from Saturday the 14th. In the morning of Sunday the 15th, southern Tohoku, Zao, and Tengendai are expected to be sunny. Northern and southern Tohoku will also gradually become cloudy in the afternoon. The snow that loosened the previous day is likely to turn into ice in the morning due to the cold weather. Be careful when skiing first thing in the morning. The snow is expected to gradually loosen during the day
[Yuzawa area]
It will remain sunny. It will be chilly in the morning, and there will be some icy areas. Please be careful when skiing. The temperature will be above 5°C during the day. It looks like it will be like spring skiing
[Shinetsu area]
It will remain sunny. Temperatures are rising on Saturday the 14th, so ice is likely to appear in the morning on Sunday the 15th, mainly on the southern slopes. Please be careful when skiing. The snow will gradually loosen during the day
[Joetsu area]
It will be cold in the morning, and ice is likely to appear. Please be careful when skiing. The snow is expected to gradually loosen during the day
[Other areas]
It will be sunny and cloudy at times. Temperatures are expected to be quite high. Be careful of ice in the morning
lastly
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are gaining momentum. Japanese athletes are also showing remarkable performances. Personally, I'm hoping that Horishima, the men's moguls skier, will win the gold medal. The ski slopestyle was also a spectacular event, and I'm looking forward to the ski cross competition that follows. Which sport is your favorite?
The temperatures will remain high for a while, but I think the cold will return around early March. We're past the halfway point of the snow season, but there's still plenty to enjoy!
