Niseko Snow – Thredbo No

Rosco reports a huge surge in numbers at Niseko. My guess is that the change to cheaper air fares and the coming Sapporo Snow and Ice Festival are mainly responsible but I am surprised to see so many tourists considering last year’s turn down due to increased prices, poor season and more difficult flight connections, not to mention the currency.

Rosco has taken to the early-openers on Ace 2 lift to get more of the freshies as well as other secret venues that I cannot divulge.

Meanwhile life quietens down in Thredbo. No, not because everyone went to Niseko. The weather is pleasantly warm but not too warm. The next big event is probably the Country Music Festival in March.

Annie and I took a short walk on the range. No snow but certainly a few aggressive march flies.

I'm sure you are all as grateful as I am to Rosco for his reports and photos. Meanwhile Marion reports a fresh 50cm in France but I've had no word from the South Pole for some time now.

8:30am Queue on Ace 2 lift Niseko

Early starters off Ace 2 for some in-resort freshies

Rosco came across a pair of rarely seen Leki birds - migrated north for winter

The golf course run-out. No, not the Thredbo Golf Course

Snowgums chair only for downloading

Fresh alpine waters

Annie cooling her feet

Different species of alpine wildflowers are now appearing on the range

Sig Hill Cam shows no snow

Slightly cooler days are forecast next week. Speaking of which, January 2010 has had a minimum 0.8C cooler than 2009 and a maximum 3.4C cooler than 2009. Felt hotter to me but may be that’s what this global warming is all about.

Grump: I had a really good grump (or so I thought) for this report but I have forgotten it. Don’t you hate that?