Sknowed Blog | Snow Forecasts, Ski Maps & Resort Updates

Snow Forecast in Japan: Your Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Ski Trip
Japan is well known for its world-class powder snow, drawing skiers and snowboarders from Asia and across the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a beginner, staying updated with the latest snow forecast in Japan is essential for planning an unforgettable trip. This guide provides real-time insights, expert tips, and everything you need to know about snow forecasts in Japan’s top ski regions. Why Snow Forecasts Matter for Skiers and Snowboarders Accurate snow forecasts help skiers and snowboarders plan their trips around optimal conditions. Fresh powder days are a dream for advanced riders, while stable weather is ideal for families and...
Read More
Niseko in Japanese: Exploring the Meaning of Japan’s Most Popular Skiing Destination
What Does “Niseko” Mean in Japanese? Many people have asked me, “What does ‘Niseko‘ mean in Japanese?” so I decided to tap a few words together to explain. Japanese people write the word Niseko (ニセコ) in katakana (not hiragana or kanji), a script often used for foreign or indigenous names. They mainly use hiragana or kanji for words that originated in Japanese. Interestingly, Niseko doesn’t come from standard Japanese; it comes from the Ainu language, spoken by Hokkaido’s indigenous people. In Ainu, Niseko likely means something like “a river that winds through the mountains” or “a sheer cliff by a river.”...
Read More
Sknowed Updates
Below is a list of updated to sknowed.com in reverse chronological order. Times are in GMT. DateActionCommentsTue Dec 24 02:06:23 2024ADDEDIcons for Google Maps and OpenStreetMapsTue Dec 24 02:00:26 2024ADDEDLocation icon in blue to single mountain viewTue Dec 24 01:55:04 2024ADDEDWhite background card to WP postTue Dec 24 01:00:48 2024FIXEDWP image centeringMon Dec 23 10:38:35 2024REDOCompleted refactoringMon Dec 23 09:38:48 2024REDOComplete refactoring of code for home page and top 10 snowfall resortsSun Dec 22 12:34:10 2024REDESIGNSingle mountain view partially completeSat Dec 21 02:34:52 2024DELETEDDuplicate entry of CSS in public-facing siteFri Dec 20 10:19:53 2024ADDED10 days of previous forecast data viewable...
Read More
When is Snow Season in Japan: A Complete Guide
Japan is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts, renowned for its pristine powder snow, scenic landscapes, and world-class ski resorts. In fact, Japan has about 450 resorts. The snow season in Japan is a magical time, attracting skiers, snowboarders, and snow lovers from across the globe. Here’s everything you need to know about Japan’s snow season, including when it starts and ends, how much snow to expect, where it falls the most, where is the most snow, the lest snow and what to consider when planning a winter adventure. So, when is the snow season in Japan? When is the...
Read More
The Global Forecast System (GFS)
Sknowed.com uses data from the Global Forecast System (GFS) to create its 16 days forecasts. So what is GFS and how well does it predict weather? The Global Forecast System (GFS) is a numerical weather prediction model developed and maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. It provides weather forecasts and climate analysis on a global scale. Here’s an overview of its key features and how it works: Core Features Global Coverage: The GFS model provides weather forecasts for the entire planet, making it a critical tool for global meteorological analysis. High Resolution: Horizontal Resolution: The GFS operates...
Read More
Sknowed is in Beta Trials
Sknowed.com launched its 16-day snow forecast for almost all ski resorts in Japan today, Nov 15, 2024. This is a companion to our other website www.freshsnow.jp. Sknowed.com currently provides the mid mountain forecast. Sknowed.com uses the Global Forecast System (GFS) which is a National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) weather forecast model. Aviators are often using this model for planning. We track and calculate over 50 variables. The 16-day forecast is currently free but we kindly ask you sign up. Happy shredding eveyone! Best regardsSknowed.com
Read More
What is Night Skiing?
Night skiing is a popular winter activity where skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes after dark. Many ski resorts have lights installed on their trails, allowing for an extended skiing experience beyond daylight hours. Here are some key points about night skiing: Lighting: Floodlights or other artificial lighting typically illuminate trails. This helps improve visibility and creates a unique atmosphere compared to daytime skiing. Hours: Night skiing usually starts in the late afternoon or early evening and continues until late at night. Specific hours vary by resort. Crowds: It can be less crowded than daytime skiing, offering a more relaxed and often...
Read MoreSki Resort Jobs / Positions, Average Wages, Benefits, Language and Visa Requirements
Japan is renowned for its incredible ski resorts, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Working at a ski resort in Japan is a unique opportunity to experience the country’s famous powder snow, immerse yourself in its culture, and earn money. Here’s a detailed look at the various positions available, top resorts, average wages, job availability, and language requirements. Job Positions at Japanese Ski Resorts Ski/Snowboard Instructors: These positions are filled by experienced skiers and snowboarders with relevant certifications. Instructors are responsible for teaching guests of all ages and skill levels. Lift Operators: Lifties ensure that ski lifts run smoothly, assisting...
Read More
Japan Plugs, Voltage and Frequencies
Ensure you have the right plug type, understand the differences in voltage and frequencies before arriving in Japan. Japan voltage is 100 volts Alternating Current (A.C.). North America typically uses 120v and Central Europe uses 230v. Incredibly though the country operates on two distinct frequencies—50 Hertz in the east and 60 Hertz in the west (you may recall it was incredibly difficult for Japan to supply power from western Japan to eastern Japan after the Mar 11, 2011 earthquake). To the right, you can see a typical Japanese plug type. It is quite rare to have an earth prong...
Read More