Snow Report 19 November 2015 - Europe & Japan

Just a few more weeks to go now as preparations are finalised at the resorts and we watch the weather in anticipation of the first big storm of the season. The pictures today don't look white, but they will by next week!

If you're planning trips to Japan or Europe, don't forget to check out my trip report posts from previous years for some ideas:

Skiing in Central Japan 2011 Part 1 and Part 2 

Ski Japan 2012 - Snow, Onsen, Sushi Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3 

Ski Japan 2013 - Powder, Onsen, Sake Part 1 and Part 2 

Ski France and Italy 2013-14 Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3

Niseko 18.11.15 - Niseko United Facebook

JAPAN

A warm and rainy weekend all over Japan gave way to a few fine and warm days before the rain set in again. It has been clearing up for a bit in the middle of this week, before some snowfalls on the weekend but only in Hokkaido.

That's good news for Niseko, which was due to open on 21st November but has now announced a postponement until there is more snow. Check out this cool video of my friend's trip to Niseko in early 2015.

Nozawa Onsen and the top of Kagura typically open on 28th November. The rest typically open some time in mid-December.

Last year, there was no snow on the ski fields until the first week of December, when it dumped up to a metre. Check out my report from last year.

FRANCE

Les Houches 18.11.15 - chamonix.com

Fine and warm conditions through the weekend continued into this week. There are signs of a massive dump this weekend associated with some very cold weather. Here's hoping!

Val Thorens is usually among the first ski stations to open lifts in November, opening on 21st November last year. Opening this year has been delayed until the 28th November allowing time for the runs and lifts to be prepared after the forthcoming storm.

Of our featured resorts, Val d'Isere is also due to open on the 28th November, Les Arcs on 12 December, Chamonix (Grands Montets) on 28th November, and Isola on 5th December.

However, things were slow to get started last year, with limited skiing right up until Christmas. That doesn't look like being repeated this year if this weekend's storm comes off!

Alpe di Siusi - valgardena.it

ITALY

Fine and warm conditions have been the order of the week in Italy as well. However, the storm this coming weekend should deliver snow to the ski areas up close to Switzerland and Austria near the main Alps. Its not likely there'll be as much snow falling as in France but any snowfall is welcome at this time of year.

Madonna di Campiglio and Monte Rosa opened limited areas on the 21st November last year.