Niseko Now: Saturday 25th November 2017
- Nov 25, 2017
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 25cm
Snowfall at base this season 135cm
Posted on Saturday 25th November 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Good morning.
And what a lovely morning it is. How do you like the sound of a good 25cm of fresh snowfall? I thought you'd like that.
We are certainly being treated this early season - it's quality snow too, not wet and heavy slush. And remember, this is down here at base and there will be more 'up there'. Talking about 'up there', I notice that Niseko Grand Hirafu are now reporting a snow depth of 185cm. Even so, they do not appear to be opening up any more lifts or courses though just yet.
More snow is due through today and tomorrow so it's not drying up just yet. Mostly cloudy at the moment with light snow falling in places; some small areas of sky on view in places as the clouds move around. Keep an eye on wind conditions though; there's a chance of some stronger gusty conditions over the weekend,
Today sees the Niseko Annupuri Kokusai resort area of Niseko open for the season. They have their Gondola as well as Jumbo Number 1 and 3 lifts operating this morning with the Utopia, Shirakaba, Paradise and Junior courses open. You can even ski back down to base it would seem, though they are warning about bushes and stones sticking up from the snow - so be careful with new gear if you take it out. (I wouldn't). Niseko Annupuri also have a new ski lift installed at the base area this season - more on that in a later report.
Those of you who have followed my reporting in recent years will know that while I do get very excited when it's justified, I don't go overboard and 'over-report'... but I am genuinely excited about this excellent start to the season here. Here's to it being the ongoing theme of the season!
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What's open today in Niseko (subject to change):
Niseko Grand Hirafu
- Ace Number 3 Pair lift (8:40am until 3:30pm)
- Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift, for transport up to the open course (8:30am until 3:10pm)
- The Shirakaba and Center Course is open
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
- Annupuri Gondola (8:30am until 5:15pm)
- Jumbo Number 1 quad lift (8:30am until 3:30pm)
- Jumbo Number 3 pair lift (8:45am until 3:15pm)
- Utopia, Shirakaba, Paradise and Junior Courses set to open.
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Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 25th November 2017:
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono
Top - 185cm
Base - 65cm
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Top - 120cm
Base - 60cm
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Remaining planned season opening dates:
Niseko Village:
Friday 1st December 2017 until Sunday 8th April 2018
Niseko Hanazono:
Saturday 2nd December 2017 until Sunday 8th April 2018
Floodlit 'nighta' skiing schedule:
Saturday 9th December 2017 until Sunday 18th March 2018
Niseko Now 2017-2018 season |
Data as of Saturday 25th November 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 135cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 29cm (20th November) November 2017 snowfall 135cm reported on 8 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.