Niseko Now: Friday 24th December 2021
- Dec 24, 2021
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 12cm
Snowfall at base this season 290cm
Posted on Friday 24th December 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Ho ho ho, it's Christmas! Lots of people here seem to think that the 24th actually is the 'big day'. It is after all when you eat the cake, fried chicken and go out on dates (if you are lucky... but don't forget to socially distance!).
But of course, most days here in Niseko are special, and this morning I bring you news of 12cm of fresh snowfall since my report yesterday. I note that Niseko Grand Hirafu are sticking their heads out and reporting a much larger 30cm of snow this morning. Impressive to see the official snow depth up to 245cm this morning. (Hey, isn't it nearly time to get those top lifts moving?)
It's a cold start to the day and the snow is beautiful. Conditions should be very good indeed. And the forecast remains for consistent snow at least well into the coming week. Just how we like it. :)
Cloudy, light snow falling as I look outside now and some breaks in the cloud away from the mountain.
Remember to take the Christmas tree down late tonight, or tomorrow morning at the latest.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base: -7℃, 10cm snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -11℃, 20cm new snow, snow drift development, light blizzard. Annupuri 1000m: -12℃, 15cm new snow, snow drift development, light blizzard conditions. Coastal data Benkei cape: NW13m/s, Kamui cape: WNW12m/s, 1019 hPa, 1.5m waves.
We are currently under the influence of a weak winter weather pattern with winds and snow on the seas and above 800m. Snow drift development continues, however from evaluation of data avalanche risk is low. The mountain is semi reset and easy riding. There is major cornice development above 1100m which is prone to easily collapse. New snow slabs on leeward slopes continue to stablise with slow development. The risk of surface avalanches on 40deg slopes continues, fracturing on weak layers within the snowpack. Do not hang around in the gullies and creek bottoms, avalanches come from above. Groomer conditions are good. Take care at speed. Mistake from yesterday: Batura 2 peak elevation incorrect - apologies. Have a good day.
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Planned ski area operations: Friday 24th December 2021
The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report.
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 245cm (+15cm)
- Base: 135cm (+10cm)
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 30cm
- Base: 30cm
Planned lift operations:
- Ace Family quad
- Ace Number 2 Center Four quad [* open for night skiing until 7:00pm]
- Hirafu Gondola
- King Number 3 quad
- Swinging Monkey
All courses open apart from the following:
- Large
- Miharashi
- Dynamic
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 200cm (+10cm)
- Base: 140cm (+14cm)
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 25cm
- Base: 25cm
Planned lift operations:
- Hanazono Number 1
- Hanazono Number 2 quad
- Hanazono Number 3 quad
- Hanazono Symphony Gondola [* open for night skiing until 7:00pm]
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Niseko Annupuri
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 150cm (+10cm)
- Base: 100cm (+5cm)
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 20cm
- Base: 20cm
Planned lift operations:
- Annupuri Gondola
- Dream Number 1 quad
- Jumbo Number 1 quad [* open for night skiing until 7:30pm]
- Jumbo Number 2 pair
Planned open courses:
- Utopia
- Silver
- Shirakaba
- Junior
- Paradise
- Family
- Dynamic
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Niseko Village
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 130cm (no change)
- Base: 100cm (+15cm)
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 10cm
- Base: 10cm
Planned lift operations:
- Niseko Gondola
- Village Express
- Community Chair [* open for night skiing until 7:00pm]
- Banzai Chair
Niseko Now 2021-2022 season |
Data as of Friday 24th December 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 290cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (23rd December) November 2021 snowfall 85cm reported on 6 days December 2021 snowfall 205cm reported on 16 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.