Niseko Now: Tuesday 19th December 2017
- Dec 19, 2017
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 35cm
Snowfall at base this season 407cm
Posted on Tuesday 19th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
A very good morning from Niseko.
I have an impressive 35cm of fresh snow to report to you since yesterday morning.
Avalanche control at Mizuno-no-sawa started yesterday, as mentioned below, and hopefully we will see gates opening at the weekend. It's always exciting and it will be good to get that 'last piece' of the puzzle set up and going.
---
The snow I am reporting today takes the total haul for this season - observed by me, at base - to over 4m.
Lordy dordy, we really need to try to not get complacent about this. And to really appreciate it as well. Especially after the less spectacular starts we have had in recent years. I certainly hope that the season continues like this, but can it and will it? Obviously we will see as the weeks move on and we get a complete picture of the season.
For now though... sugoi!
---
I am hearing rumors/rumours that a certain Santa Claus has heard about the snowfall here in Niseko this year, and has decided to take a bit of time off from his main duties to appear on the slopes on 23rd and 24th December. It is unconfirmed if he will be skiing or snowboarding but apparently even as he enjoys himself, he will still have a supply of presents to give to folk.
What a thoroughly decent chap.
---
Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6.00am: -6°, 30cm new snow, light winds. Moiwa 800m : -9.6°, W4.1m/s(overnight gusting to 15m/s), 40cm new snow, cornice and snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -13°, W8m/s, 50cm new snow, snow depth 1000m- 170cm, increasing. Hirafu 1200m: -13°, light winds, 50cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW9m/s(2am: 17m/s). Kamui Cape: W10m/s, 1014hPa, wave 1.7m.
The wind pattern hasn't changed and heavy snow continues falling in the Niseko mountains. Grooming machines are having a hard time keeping up with it. The snow is so deep you should take snow shoes if you are snowboarding. From survey and data, on leeward slopes, cornices and knolls, above 800m there is risk of large scale surface avalanches triggered by rider stimulation. Avoid cliffs and steep areas. Snow in the forest is good but too deep.
Mizuno no Sawa avalanche control started yesterday and is expected to open this weekend. Hirafu and Annupuri peak gates are also expected to open at the same time. Please be patient. Poor visibility today due to snow fall. Take care falling into holes or hitting trees. Cracks are hard to see from above. Do not duck ropes. Have a good day.
---
Tuesday 19th December 2017
What's planned to be open today in Niseko (subject to change):
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Lifts operating:
- Ace Number 3 Pair lift
- Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift (* nighta)
- Ace Family quad lift (* nighta)
- King Number 3 quad lift
- Hirafu Gondola (* nighta)
- Holiday Number 1 pair lift (* nighta)
- Swinging Monkey
- King Number 4
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Lifts operating:
- Hanazono Number 1 quad lift
- Hanazono Number 2 quad lift
- Hanazono Number 3 quad lift
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Lifts operating:
- Annupuri Gondola
- Jumbo Number 1 quad lift (* nighta)
- Jumbo Number 2 pair lift
- Jumbo Number 4 pair lift
- Dream Number 1 quad lift
Niseko Village
Lifts operating:
- Niseko Gondola
- Banzai Chair
- Community Chair (* nighta)
- Upper Village Gondola (* nighta)
- Village Express (* nighta)
- Wonderland Chair
---
Official resort snow depths on Tuesday 19th December 2017:
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono
Top - 310cm
Base - 140cm
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Top - 170cm
Base - 140cm
Niseko Village
Top - 180cm
Base - 120cm
---
Floodlit 'nighta' skiing:
Night skiing is planned for every evening at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Ski lifts that are scheduled to be operating for nighta are noted above.
Niseko Now 2017-2018 season |
Data as of Tuesday 19th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 407cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (19th December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 219cm reported on 18 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.