Niseko Now: Monday 18th December 2023
- Dec 18, 2023
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 31cm
Snowfall at base this season 203cm
Posted on Monday 18th December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Good morning from Niseko.
And a very good morning it is too. Oh yes.
After a day of snow yesterday, this morning we woke to copious amounts of beautiful snow on the ground. I just measure slightly over 30cm. Expect that much and possibly more on the mountain.
Early on, Hirafu are saying that they are preparing to open up more of the mountain. No confirmed details just yet, though it looks like they are going to get the Hirafu gondola moving. The same will probably apply to the other ski areas too... expect additions to what is open during the day. A good thing. I have updated the info below as best I can just before opening time
There are a lot of people around now with more arriving every day. Everyone should be happy this morning, especially when they hear of the forecast consistent snowfall through Christmas.
I am going have some celebratory toast. Might go skiing too.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Mountain base -8C, intermittent snow, 40cm snowfall in 12h. No data from Moiwa & Annupuri. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -15.6C, ESE1.7m/s, 40cm snowfall, Hana3 chair: -11.7C, NNW6.2m/s (max15m/s), 40cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW17m/s, Kamui cape W12m/s, 1017hPa, 2.6m waves.
Winter pressure distribution with tight isobars resulting in continuous snowstorm on the mountains and the sea. The snowdrifts are accumulating thick, 100+cm and more, above 800m elevation. The cornices are very unstable and could fall anytime. According to the snowfall transition and observations, the stabilisation of the snowpack is delayed. 30-40cm thick slab avalanche risk triggered by ski-stimulation or falling cornices remains high today. Be careful under chairlifts and side banks. This information is issued for the safety of all ski resorts users. Most accidents can be avoided if everyone is conscious of the dangers. It is highly recommended not to drop into big slopes above 1000m elevation for a while after the weather ameliorates. Be wise. The resorts respects your freedom to ski, but is also highly concerned about your safety. Beware of frostbites. Have a nice day.
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Individual ski area information for Monday 18th December 2023
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 and subject to change.
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 40cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 130cm (+40cm since yesterday)
- Base: 45cm (+20cm since yesterday)
Lifts:
- Ace Family quad *
- Ace Number 2 quad (Center Four)
- Ace Number 3 pair
- King Number 3 quad
- Hirafu gondola
Courses:
- Center Course
- Family Course
- Possibly more
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 25cm
- Base: 25cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 100cm (+20cm since yesterday)
- Base: 80cm (+30cm since yesterday)
Lifts:
- Hanazono Number 1
- Hanazono Number 2 quad
- Hanazono Number 3 quad
- Hanazono Symphony gondola *
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Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 20cm
- Base: 20cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 70cm (+30cm since yesterday)
- Base: 50cm (+10cm since yesterday)
Lifts:
- Dream Number 1 quad *
- Jumbo quad *
Courses:
- Beginners run by the lift
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 45cm
- Base: 37cm
Lifts:
- Upper Village Gondola *
- Village Express *
- Community Chair
- Banzai Chair *
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Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 20th March 2024.
Night skiing is usually until 7:00pm at Hirafu, Hanazono, Village and until 7:30pm at Annupuri.
Lifts marked with an asterix (*) are normally scheduled to operate for night skiing.
Niseko Now 2023-2024 season |
Data as of Monday 18th December 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 203cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (18th December) November 2023 snowfall 120cm reported on 11 days December 2023 snowfall 83cm reported on 11 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.