It's the end of October, and autumn is deepening at once. The cold air that began on October 17 saw the first cap of snow on the Tateyama mountain range and the Northern Alps. The ski resorts, which usually open from the end of October to November with artificial snow, are making snow by operating the snow machines at full capacity. Including the impact of the new coronavirus infection, I picked up what I was worried about how this winter would be.
"The snow is coming down considerably. We can expect the first snow at the foot of the mountain."
① La Niña will continue and lots of snow will fall! Predict
The "El Niño Monitoring Bulletin" released by the Japan Meteorological Agency on October 9 showed such a situation and forecast.
● La Niña is believed to have occurred since summer
● There is a high possibility that La Niña will continue through winter (90%)
Winters when La Niña occurs will be cold nationwide
La Niña is the opposite of El Niño, which is said to bring about warm winters. Sea surface temperatures off the coast of Peru in eastern and South America continue to remain below normal for a long period of time, resulting in higher temperatures. As a result, summer becomes hotter, and in winter, the winter-type atmospheric pressure pattern of high to the west and low to the east becomes stronger, and the tendency for the temperature to become lower becomes stronger.
The heat of summer this year was intense. That was exactly the La Niña phenomenon, but this time it's going to be a "cold winter" and it's likely to be a winter with lots of snow.
This is the first time in three years that a La Niña has occurred. Remember how much snow there was in the 2017-18 season? I've been waiting for La Niña to return! And the expectation that we can ski a lot of fresh snow this season is greatly expanded. Last season in 2019-20, the corona shock overlapped with Koyuki and there were few opportunities to enjoy fresh snow, so I want to get revenge this winter.
Japan Meteorological Agency El Niño Monitoring Bulletin (No.337) October 9, 2020
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 big tailwind for skiers. During the fall foliage season, famous places are bustling with activity, and there are signs of recovery in the tourism industry. Let's check the contents of the "Go To Travel Campaign" here.
●For domestic travel, we support half of the cost of overnight stays and day trips
.
with a ticket ●Benefits are capped at 20,000 yen per person per night, and up to 10,000 yen for day trips
no limits on how many nights you can stay or how many times you can use it.
Especially for skiers in the Tokyo metropolitan area, this is a great chance to go to Hokkaido and Tohoku, where travel costs are high. Various lodging packages with lift tickets that apply the Go To Travel Campaign are on sale, and some of them are surprisingly affordable.
Go To also plays a role in backcountry tours
Not only tours to ski resorts, but also packages for backcountry tours and CAT tours are eligible for the Go To Travel Campaign. Even first-time skiers are welcome on this tour, so it would be nice to make a debut in the backcountry without worrying about this kind of opportunity.
"Kazuya Furuse Escort Backcountry Tour in Hakuba 4 Days"
"2020/2021 OPENING BANZAI" Tour!!
Go To Travel CAT Tour Package
Half-price Shinkansen with JR East's "Osaki ni Tokuda Special"!
Since privately arranged transportation is not covered by the Go To Travel Campaign, JR East is developing its own campaign.
Its name is "Special Value Special". Shinkansen tickets and reserved tickets are both half price until the end of March 2021! to become. For example, a one-way ticket from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa, Tokyo to Nagano is 4,060 yen, and Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate Hokuto is 11,610 yen. etc.).
This product is limited to online applications for JR East's "Ekinetto" members. The Shinkansen usually has an image of being relatively expensive. Only in the 2020-21 season, it may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Tohoku and Shinetsu areas, which are easily accessible by Shinkansen!
Corona measures are also one after another, to enjoy safely
With the first season of With Corona, ski resorts and resort groups are announcing guidelines for measures against the new coronavirus infection one after another.
The degree of “denseness” is low as long as you are skating in a field called nature. Therefore, infection control is centered on lift stations and ski resort facilities where people gather. Maintain social distance in queues for lifts and rest houses, wear masks (neck warmers, face masks, etc.), limit rides on lifts and gondolas, cooperate with body temperature measurement, ask for hand washing, gargling, and disinfection, COCOA app Various efforts will be made to reduce the risk of infection, such as recommending downloads of The reception side is steadily making preparations so that everyone can enjoy skiing with peace of mind.
News from Niseko
As the 2020-21 season finally begins, what will happen to the snow, the impact of corona, the flow of people, and so on? Finally, I would like to introduce a message from Mr. Odajima, the owner of the pro shop and lodge "Niseko343" in Niseko, Hokkaido.
No inbound traffic = less competition for
powder
Niseko 343
Mr. Odashima
It's been 42 years since I moved from Sapporo to my favorite Niseko. From the era of the ski bubble to the shift away from skiing, the popularity of snowboarding, and the rise of inbound tourism, we have witnessed various changes over time.
In Niseko, about 20 years ago, all lifts were in operation even when the slopes were empty, and there was still powder in the afternoon. There was a time of peace that is unimaginable today. After that, due to the worldwide decline in interest rates, wealthy overseas people who noticed the attractiveness of Niseko chose Niseko as an investment destination. Therefore, in recent years, we are grateful for the inbound effect, regular customers, and staff that have allowed us to continue operating our shops and lodges.
However, due to the corona disaster this year, the inbound economy has been blown away at once, an unprecedented situation, and since last spring the situation has changed to a completely unpredictable future. The appearance of foreigners has completely disappeared from Niseko, and the summer passed with anxiety.
However, among skiers who love Niseko, there is no inbound this winter = less competition for powder. I began to hear voices like the old days, "You can enjoy powder!"
It all depends on the snowfall, but with the influence of La Niña, this winter may be a season blessed with snow that is unimaginable in Niseko these days. What's more, by using "Go To Travel" and "Regional Common Coupon" valid until the end of January, travel expenses will be halved (because of the budget, first come, first served). Skiing while paying attention to the corona infection is a subtle feeling, but when I look back, I think it will be a memorable ski.
This is not limited to Niseko, but the industry believes in the future and is working hard to prepare for the season with infection control measures. This winter, men and women of all ages while avoiding the "three Cs" - Go to Ski! Breathe in the delicious air - Enjoy Powder! is not it.
Mountain Shop Niseko343Katsuhiko Odashima