Niseko Now: Sunday 20th January 2013
- Jan 20, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 10cm
Snowfall at base this season 903cm
Weather overview Cloud, some sun
Wind
Moderate on mountain
Temperature -2C base / -8C top
Visibility Good
Posted at 10:13am on Sunday 20th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Just about 10cm of snow this morning to report from base here. It is a milder morning here in Niseko and only about -3C here at the moment. The closest we have been to positive numbers in a while.
Things are fairly calm and there is just a slight wind, but more moderate winds higher up on the mountain. Not enough to prevent the lifts from opening as planned. As yesterday, it seems only the top Hanazono lift and the King Number 3 lifts at Grand Hirafu are operating at reduce speed.
It was snowing earlier on but has eased off now and as I type this out - from Hanazono this morning - there is a lot of cloud around but the sun is casting shadows down on the lower slopes. I can see a break in the clouds as well and some blue skies. Cloud and light snow actually on the forecast, but perhaps we are on for an early clearing?
It does look like we are due a run of days with little or no snow and the chance of more sunny, clearer skies this coming week, with snow due back later in the week.
I thought it worth reminding you about the early operations that Niseko Grand Hirafu are running every day right through until 3rd Febraury:
If you want to get out just that bit earlier in a morning to enjoy all the fresh snow, you might appreciate the extra minutes available at Niseko Grand Hirafu and their 'Early Morning' service. For 500 yen (or free if you are a Grand Hirafu club member), you can jump on the Ace Number 2 Center Four lift from 8:00am and ride down the Super, Furiko, Green, Aplen and Sennoki courses before anyone else turns up. Note that a normal lift ticket is not valid during that time.
Previously, I mentioned that this was running until 3rd March - the actual correct date is 3rd February. Sorry for that mistake.... I have edited the previous report to reflect this.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Sunday 20th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 903cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 367cm reported on 20 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.