Thursday, 16 Jan 2020 07:00 PM MYT
Northern Japan saw just 38 per cent of its average snowfall in December, with only a “little” snow seen in western Japan, the country’s meteorological agency said. Daisen White Resort in Tottori, western Japan, has been shut since early January after opening over the year-end holiday thanks to a sprinkle of snow and 10 machines that pumped out artificial powder.“The shortage has battered not only our resort but snow-related businesses here such as hotels and rental ski shops,” said Masahiro Ozeki, an official at the resort.“But we are still concerned about the rest of the season as less snow is expected in February,” Ozeki told AFP.
Takahiro Oyama, an official from hosts Yamagata city, said there had been fears the competition would have to be cancelled over the “unprecedented shortage of snow”.