Warm winter causes chaos: Zero centimeters of snow at Nozawa — weeds taller than snow at Japanese ski resorts

Reported by Chen Rui-Zhong / Taipei

Every winter, many outdoor enthusiasts look forward to a skiing trip to Japan. But this year, an unusually warm winter in Japan has left many ski resorts struggling with “no snow to ski on,” forcing some to quickly turn to artificial snow as a solution.

Due to the warmer climate, snowfall this year has been lower than in previous years, and snow has melted because of rising temperatures, leaving many ski resorts with insufficient coverage. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, ranked among Japan’s “Top 10 Ski Resorts,” was once famous across the country for its abundant and high-quality snow, but currently has zero centimeters of snow; Yamagata’s Yonezawa Ski Resort has only five centimeters of snow; Myoko Kogen Ski Resort, also one of the Top 10, has had to deploy snowmaking machines due to critically low snow levels. Other ski resorts in Yamanashi, Aomori, and other regions are also facing the predicament of “more grass than snow.”

Travel agency operators noted that since snow accumulation is a natural condition, it remains a highly unpredictable variable. Compared to other areas, Hokkaido’s Niseko Ski Resort — renowned for its powder snow — along with other popular destinations such as Zao, Furano, and Hakuba, currently have more stable snow conditions suitable for skiing. However, travelers planning a ski trip to Japan in the near future are advised to check local snow conditions beforehand or be prepared to ski on artificial snow.