Niseko Now: Tuesday 17th December 2024
- Dec 17, 2024
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 22cm
Snowfall at base this season 224cm
Posted on Tuesday 17th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
There has been another 20+cm of fresh snowfall to report to you this morning, with much of that coming yesterday and some more overnight.
The snowfall is set to continue. I hope this isn't getting boring!
It is very exciting to be excited about all the regular fresh snow, but always keep in mind the dangers out there.
No news to report regarding the opening of the top lifts yet.
In just over a week, Santa and his friends will be making their annual visit to Niseko. I think they might be tempted to stay for a while.
If they can afford it, of course! ;)
------------------------------------
Niseko Avalanche Report
Mountain base: -8℃, 5cm new snow in last 12hrs, 40cm in last 24hr, good visibility, heavy snow, no wind slabs. Moiwa800m: -11.2℃, WNW4.2m/s,15cm new snow, 160cm snowdrifts, minor snowdrift development. Hanazono 1000m: -13.6℃, ESE2.6m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NNW12m/s, Kamui Cape W7m/s, 1015hPa, 1.4m waves. Mikaeri Electric Tower 750m: -10℃, WNW2.7m, visibility 1000m, snow depth 160cm.
The winter pressure system has eased and snowdrifts below 1200m are compacted and stable. The snow is wind-driven and somewhat dense and heavy. The avalanche risk continues above 1200m on 35 degree slopes where snowdrifts have formed slabs. Slab density is inconsistent due to variations in the strength of the snow storm, Beware of rider induced avalanches valleis above 800m. Observations and data indicate that the overall risk of avalanches is low. Many avalanche accidents on the mountains on the Sea of Japan side are caused by the collapsing snowdrifts that develop rapidly during periods of wind and snow. The best way to avoid accidents is to stay out of avalanche paths which run down the valley bottoms. Avalanches are a natural phenomenon, but accidents happen because there are people there. Snow clouds tend to form over the Sea of Japan. Beware of sudden changes in weather. Accidents can be prevented by being cautious. Have a nice day.
------------------------------------
Individual ski area information for Tuesday 17th December 2024
The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources.
Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing.
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 35cm
Base: 33cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 180cm (+10cm change since yesterday)
Base: 145cm (+15cm since yesterday)
Lifts:
All four lifts scheduled to be operating
Courses:
All courses scheduled to be open
Gondola open until 7:00pm
------------------
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 25cm
Base: 15cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 210cm (+10cm since yesterday)
Base: 110cm (+10cm since yesterday)
Lifts:
Ace Family quad (open until 7:00pm)
Ace Gondola (open until 7:00pm)
Ace Number 3 pair
King Gondola (open until 7:00pm)
King Holiday pair (open until 7:00pm)
King Number 3 quad
Swinging Monkey
------------------
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 155cm (+5cm since yesterday)
Base: 110cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Lifts:
Niseko Gondola
Upper Village Gondola (open until 7:00pm)
Village Express (open until 7:30pm)
Community Chair
Banzai Chair (open for night skiing until 7:30pm)
------------------
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 140cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 110cm (no change since yesterday)
Lifts:
Annupuri Gondola
Dream Number 1 quad
Jumbo Number 1 quad (open until 7:30pm)
Jumbo Number 2 pair
------------------
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Lifts:
Number 1 pair lift
Number 2 pair lift
Quad lift
------------------------------------
Night skiing
Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025.
Niseko Now 2024-2025 season |
Data as of Tuesday 17th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 224cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 186cm reported on 14 days |
All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report.