As we enter the latter half of October, autumn is quickly approaching. The cold air that began flowing in on October 17th brought the first snowfall to the Tateyama mountain range and the Northern Alps. Ski resorts that typically open in late October or November using artificial snow are now operating at full capacity, and the 2020-21 ski and snowboard season is fast approaching. We've picked out some of the things we're curious about this winter, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
"The snow has settled considerably. We are looking forward to the first snowfall at the foot of the mountain."
① If the La Niña phenomenon continues, we will see a lot of snow!
The Japan Meteorological Agency's "El Niño Monitoring Bulletin" released on October 9th showed the following situation and forecast:
● The La Niña phenomenon is believed to have occurred since the summer
● There is a high probability (90%) that the La Niña phenomenon will continue into the winter.
When the La Niña phenomenon occurs, winters become colder across the country
The La Niña phenomenon is the opposite of the El Niño phenomenon, which is said to bring about warmer winters. When sea surface temperatures off the coast of Peru in Southeast America remain lower than average for an extended period of time, temperatures tend to rise. This leads to hotter summers, and in winter, the winter-type atmospheric pressure pattern of high pressure in the west and low pressure in the east becomes stronger, leading to a stronger tendency for temperatures to fall
This summer's heatwaves were intense. That was due to the La Niña phenomenon, but this time it's likely to be a "cold winter" with lots of snow
This La Niña phenomenon is the first to occur in three years. Remember the abundant snowfall in the 2017-18 season? La Niña is back! Anticipation is building for plenty of fresh snow this season. Last season, 2019-20, saw only light snowfall, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant there were few opportunities to enjoy the fresh snow, so this winter, I'd like to get revenge
Japan Meteorological Agency El Niño Monitoring Bulletin (No. 337) released on October 9, 2020
Let's take advantage of the Go To Travel campaign and ride the wave!
This winter, the government's "Go To Travel Campaign" to revitalize the tourism industry is also a major boost for skiing. With the autumn foliage season approaching, famous spots are bustling with activity, and the tourism industry is showing signs of recovery. Let's take a look at the details of the "Go To Travel Campaign."
● Domestic travelers will receive support equivalent to half the cost of accommodation and day trips.
● 70% of the subsidy will be used to discount the travel cost, and 30% will come in the form of a regional coupon that can be used at the travel destination.
● The subsidy is capped at 20,000 yen per person per night, and 10,000 yen for day trips
● There are no restrictions on consecutive nights or the number of times it can be used . This is a great deal no matter how you look at it. Especially for skiers in the Tokyo metropolitan area, this is a great opportunity to travel to Hokkaido or Tohoku, which are usually expensive destinations.
There are various accommodation packages available that include lift tickets that qualify for the Go To Travel campaign, and some of them are surprisingly good deals.
Go To also helps with backcountry tours
In addition to tours to ski resorts, backcountry tours and CAT tour packages are also available as part of the Go To Travel campaign. These tours are open to first-time skiers, so it's a great opportunity to make your backcountry debut with peace of mind
"2020/2021 OPENING BANZAI" Tour!!
Go To Travel CAT Tour Package
Get half price on Shinkansen tickets with JR East's "Osaki ni Tokudane Special"!
Because personally arranged transportation is not included in the Go To Travel Campaign, JR East is running its own campaign. It's called the "Osaki ni Tokudane Special." Shinkansen tickets and reserved seats are both half price until the end of March 2021!
For example, a one-way adult reserved seat in a standard car from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa costs 3,290 yen, Tokyo to Nagano costs 4,060 yen, and Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto costs 11,610 yen. The longer the travel distance, the greater the discount (subject to restrictions on trains, number of seats, and route). This offer is available exclusively to JR East "Eki-net" members through online applications.
While the Shinkansen is usually perceived as a bit pricey, the 2020-21 season may be a golden opportunity to travel to the Tohoku and Shinetsu regions, which are easily accessible by Shinkansen!
COVID-19 countermeasures continue to be implemented to ensure safe enjoyment
As we enter the first COVID-19 season, ski resorts and resort groups are steadily announcing guidelines for preventing COVID-19 infection. Skiing in natural environments means there's little chance of overcrowding. Therefore, infection control measures are primarily focused on lift stations and ski resort facilities where people gather. Various measures will be implemented to reduce
the risk of infection, including maintaining social distance in lift lines and rest houses, wearing masks (neck warmers, face masks, etc.), limiting access to lifts and gondolas, cooperating with temperature checks, requesting hand washing, gargling, and disinfection, and encouraging people to download the COCOA app. Those hosting the resort are steadily making preparations so that everyone can enjoy skiing with peace of mind.
News from Niseko
The 2020-21 season is finally about to begin, but what will happen next? What will the snow be like, what will the impact of COVID-19 be, and how will people move around? Finally, we would like to share a message from Odashima-san, the owner of Niseko343, a pro shop and lodge in Niseko, Hokkaido
No inbound tourists = Less competition for powder snow.
Just like in the old days, "You can enjoy powder snow!"
Niseko 343
Odashima
It has been 42 years since I moved to my beloved Niseko from Sapporo. I have witnessed the many changes that have occurred over the years, from the ski bubble era, to the decline in skiing, the popularity of snowboarding, and the rise of inbound tourism
About 20 years ago, all lifts in Niseko were operating even when the slopes were empty, and powder remained even in the afternoon. There was a time of peace that is unimaginable now. Later, with the global fall in interest rates, wealthy foreigners who discovered Niseko's charm chose it as their investment destination. As a result, we have been able to continue operating our shops and lodges thanks to the inbound effect, regular customers, and staff in recent years, and we are grateful for that
However, this year's COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented blow to the inbound tourism economy, and since last spring, the situation has changed dramatically to one that is completely unpredictable. Foreigners have completely disappeared from Niseko, and the summer has passed in a state of anxiety
However, among Niseko's most avid skiers, the lack of inbound tourists this winter means less competition for powder snow. People are starting to say, "We can enjoy powder snow like we used to!"
It all depends on the snowfall, but thanks to the influence of La Niña, this winter may be blessed with a snowy season unimaginable in Niseko these days. What's more, the "Go To Travel" campaign and the "Regional Common Coupon" are valid until the end of January, so travel expenses are essentially halved (first come, first served due to budget constraints). Skiing while being careful about COVID-19 infection is a bit tricky, but I'm sure it will be a memorable experience when you look back on it
This is not limited to Niseko, but the industry is believing in the future and working hard to prepare for the season by taking measures to prevent infection. This winter, while avoiding the "three Cs," people of all ages and genders can go ski! Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy powder!
Mountain Shop Niseko343 Katsuhiko Odashima