First Snow In Hokkaido
Woke up to a surprise this morning, after looking out the window saw the first snow in Hokkaido, at least in the Kamikawa basin that is. We have had snow on the mountains for the past few weeks, and knew it was just a matter of time before it worked it’s way down to where we were.
Here where we live you can see the first snow in Hokkaido frost the tops of the nearby mountains, in fact the tallest mountain in Hokkaido is just a short 15 minute drive from our house. Slowly you will see the snow work it’s way down here to the valley.
The temperatures have been in the 5c range (41 F) today which was quite comfortable, although the roads were slushy. This is the most dangerous time of the winter season as far as driving. The temperatures are fairly warm during the day which melts the snow and ice, and then gets down to freezing at night which causes a condition called ice burn. Ice burn is where all of the roads will be iced over, which makes for very dangerous driving conditions.
Today when we were out and about we saw a van that had crashed into the ditch and hit a pole. The windshield was shattered but we didn’t see anyone inside. This is a common sight in the winter time, and you have to take extreme caution and leave extra early to make your appointments. You also have to start stopping way before you need to, so that you don’t run into the cars in front of you.
Here in Hokkaido we have to maintain two sets of tires, a summer set and a winter set, the winter tires are specially designed soft tires to help grip the ice. While the summer tires are regular tires. Chains were outlawed here in Hokkaido some years ago because they tend to wreak havoc on the roads. Large trucks still use chains when having to climb mountain roads, but cars are prohibited from using them.
This first snow in Hokkaido will begin a long stretch of snow, in fact starting today we will probably have snow on the ground for at least 6 months. I love this time of year, the snow is so beautiful and serene. And I love snowboarding, so I keep busy. Why don’t you make a visit to Hokkaido during the winter and try your hand at some winter sports, I can almost guarantee you will have a great time.
Which area of hokkaido you live in? I’m planning on a trip next year, and from the pictures it seems really nice!
Already???
Im going there in Dec!
We are in the Asahikawa area which is considered northern Hokkaido, but if you look on the map, it looks like Asahikawa is almost directly in the center.
If you like winter sports, winter is the best time, with the best powder snow in the world.
If you will not be skiing or snowboarding, the autumn season when all of the trees are changing colors is beautiful.
Great Cheesie. In December…..bring your warm clothes and snowboard or skis.
Black Ice is not Ice Burn but, Ice Bahn from the German word, Autobahn.
Don’t get too excited and try to snowboard on the rocky hills near your house, just yet.
I thought the Bahn was where you but the hawses
I’ll try and remain calm until we get a good base coat.
I’m sure I would have a great time! The pictures are amazing, it seems Hokkaido is a beautiful place to visit.
Beautiful pictures! I would love to visit someday. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, beautiful pictures. I would love to see it in person someday! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for your comments Crystal, unfortunately it was a bit premature and has all melted now, but the end of this month it will start with a vengeance and won’t stop until March.
Come back often
Yes indeed, great photos. The winter and snow hasn’t really hit us yet. My friend is really looking forward to it. He caught the snowboard bug a few years ago. cheers.
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Yes, hokkaido is a beutiful place. I was in Sapporo for 3 months last 1991, attending training with JTB, I wonder how it looks like now…..
There will be lots of snow!