Niseko Now: Wednesday 18th December 2024
- Dec 18, 2024
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 20cm
Snowfall at base this season 244cm
Posted on Wednesday 18th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
At the risk of starting to sound repetitive, I have another 'about 20cm' of snowfall to report this morning. That is bringing my total observed snowfall for the season up to 244cm.
By the way, in one of the first reports of January 2025, I will take a closer look at the snowfall numbers and offer my thoughts on the season so far in the first of my monthly roundups this season. (In the meantime, again, you can find archive information and data from previous seasons using the links at the top and bottom of this report).
Talking about snowfall numbers, Hanazono have been posting some impressive numbers over the last few days. Another 35-40cm this morning.
It's a lovely morning, by the way, which is a bit of a surprise. Quite a lot of blue sky, particularly away from the mountain, and some fine views of Mt Yotei (wearing a funny little cloud hat early on this morning). Very cool.
It feels like it is going to be a really beautiful morning.
Blocking out all the nonsense happening in the world for a moment, isn't life wonderful? On mornings like this, I always try to remind myself how lucky I am to be able to live surrounded by all this beauty, in my own peaceful world.
Humbled.
(PS Looks like there is going to be some action re: Moiwa gate 6 today. Check the avalanche report below).
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Mountain base: -9℃, 25cm new snow in the last 12hrs, minimal wind influence, moderate visibility. Moiwa800m: -11.8℃, NNW4.8m/s, 25cm new snow in the last 12hrs, 180cm snow slab with minor development. Hanazono 1000m: -13.6℃, N6.0m/s, difficult to groom as snow is too good. Benkei Cape NNW8m/s, Kamui Cape N8m/s, 1015hPa, 0.8m waves. Other locations to be set.
The winterly pressure pattern in the Sea of Japan remains unchanged, and snow clouds continue to flow in intermittently. Snow is expected to intensify again around noon. Slab formation is weak around 800 m elevation, no significant breaks with a snowcat inspection. Based on morning observations and assessment of various data, the general avalanche risk is low below 1100 m altitude. Moiwa gate 6 will be opened today for a limited time. Beware that if you drop too far down you will not be able to return to the chair lifts. Beacon is essential. The bush is thick. Avoid skiing simultaneously on open slopes. Do not fall into gullies. Water is cold. Niseko trusts the sensible actions of its users. Respect the rules. There is no safety in the winter mountains. The terms ‘snowdrifts’ and ‘slabs’ used in this information will be standardised as ‘slabs’ in the future. This information is issued for the safety of winter mountain users and skiers and is not intended for academic research. Most accidents can be prevented if you think and are careful. Have a good day.
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Individual ski area information for Wednesday 18th 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: 40cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 190cm (+10cm change since yesterday)
Base: 160cm (+15cm since yesterday)
Lifts:
All four lifts scheduled to be operating
Courses:
All courses scheduled to be open
Gondola open until 7:00pm
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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: 230cm (+20cm since yesterday)
Base: 130cm (+20cm 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
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 155cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 110cm (no 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)
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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
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Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Lifts:
Number 1 pair lift
Number 2 pair lift
Quad lift
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Night skiing
Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025.
Niseko Now 2024-2025 season |
Data as of Wednesday 18th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 244cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 206cm reported on 15 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.