Niseko Now: Sunday 21st December 2014
- Dec 21, 2014
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 2cm
Snowfall at base this season 344cm
Posted on Sunday 21st December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Rain! Noooooo! We don't like rain, oh no.
Sadly in the afternoon yesterday we got served up with rain which continued to fall overnight as well. Not the best introduction to Niseko for the many people who are probably here for their first taste of the resort that's for sure.
Happily this morning temperatures have dropped somewhat and it has been snowing... quite heavily in fact as I write this.
As well as the snow though, some strong winds as well this morning.
Take into account the less than perfect conditions due to the rain; the wind; the limited visibility and only a limited number of lifts and courses open this morning; and it all adds up to not one of the best days. Time for a soak in the onsen perhaps.
The good news is that now it has turned into snow it should continue today and tomorrow as well. In fact, it's generally snowy conditions forecast through the coming week, so conditions should hopefully improve quite quickly.
From today I have changed things up a bit in the report, and will note any resort-specific news in the area below if there is any that I can find to share.
---
Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day
Niseko Grand Hirafu:
Just the low Holiday Number 1 lift and Ace Number 1 Pair lift moving at the moment due to weather conditions.
Niseko Hanazono:
Operation of all 3 lifts temporarily suspended.
Niseko Village:
The Niseko Gondola is not moving due to the winds. Community, Banzai and Morino Chair lifts open as normal.
Niseko Annupuri:
All lifts on hold as of 8:30am due to strong wind conditions. They will open if and when conditions improve.
---
Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base: -4C, heavy snowfall from before 6am. Moiwa 600m: westerly gusts, poor visibility and snowdrifts starting to develop. Annupuri 1150m: -12C, W15-25m/s with snowfall. Icy and dodgy condition from 400m altitude on down. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW19m/s at 5:25am, Kamui cape WSW21m/s, 999hPa and 1.8m waves. Westerly 25m/s winds are forecasted at 1500m level at noon.
The temperature dropped and a westerly storm started as the cold front passed around midnight. A 20-30m/s wind with heavy snowfall is blowing above 600m from 5am, snowdrifts will develop drastically and the avalanche hazard will rise accordingly. A track across the rope of closed gate 6, heading to Mikaeri area was found yesterday. Keep in mind that out of bounds access from ski resorts is still officially prohibited in Japan. Niseko’s gate system is quite unique and is actually still an experimental grey area. Respecting the Niseko Rules is the only way to protect the freedom to step out of bounds, as well as keeping the minimum safety of all guests. Many seem to understand the situation and remain patient until the gates open, but it is a shame to see that some still disregards a simple rule. "Freedom" is not easy to obtain and should not be misperceived.
---
Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 210cm
Base - 90cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 150cm
Base - 100cm
Niseko Annupuri:
Top - 135cm
Base - 110cm
---
Lifts open for night skiing (planned):
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift.
There is no night skiing at the Hanazono area.
Niseko Village
Community Chair and Banzai Chair
Niseko Annupuri
Jumbo Number 1 Quad
Niseko Now 2014-2015 season |
Data as of Sunday 21st December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 344cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 314cm 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.