Niseko Now: Monday 2nd January 2023
- Jan 2, 2023
- 9 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 22cm
Snowfall at base this season 383cm
Posted on Monday 2nd January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
It is a cold, snowy and windy morning. I have just measured 22cm of fresh snow, and it looks like Hirafu and Hanazono (and town areas) has been getting more than the southern areas of the mountain this time round. More is due to day and over the next several days.
So yes, it is very cold and the wind is probably going to be an issue today. Niseko Annupuri is reporting 'extremely strong winds blowing in the mid to upper areas'. Indeed at the start of the day, their gondola and upper lifts are waiting it out. The Hanazono Gondola is shown as being on hold but I can see it moving on the webcam, so hopefully it will open soon. Hirafu Gondola has opened as planned and the Niseko Gondola at Village is also moving, as are base lifts.
It is probably one of those days when extra care is required if you are venturing out, and keeping a check on the excitement levels is wise. Take care out there.
Anyway, here's lots more words...
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A look back at the season so far: until end of December 2022
First of all, snowfall numbers!
We didn’t get much snowfall in November 2022, just 17cm by my last report of the month. The snow properly started around that last day of November, with 14cm on 1st December and then snow on all but four days during December. And it has been pretty consistent too. Not massive amounts (the most snowfall recorded in one report so far was 21cm on 17th December), but on many days I observed 10-20cm at base.
All of this data can of course be found on the detailed Season archive page here:
2022-2023 season (this season)
2021-2022 season (last season)
How does that compare with previous seasons?
This is how much snowfall I have measured during the month of December over the last ten seasons:
December 2022: 336cm
December 2021: 307cm
December 2020: 348cm
December 2019: 207cm
December 2018: 333cm
December 2017: 406cm
December 2016: 181cm
December 2015: 244cm
December 2014: 519cm
December 2013: 275cm
December 2012: 418cm
Here’s how much snow I have observed up until the end of December in each of the seasons:
2022/2023 season up to end of December 2022: 353cm
2021/2022 season up to end of December 2021: 392cm
2020/2021 season up to end of December 2020: 410cm
2019/2020 season up to end of December 2019: 292cm
2018/2019 season up to end of December 2018: 417cm
2017/2018 season up to end of December 2017: 594cm
2016/2017 season up to end of December 2016: 293cm
2015/2016 season up to end of December 2015: 308cm
2014/2015 season up to end of December 2014: 549cm
2013/2014 season up to end of December 2013: 398cm
2012/2013 season up to end of December 2012: 536cm
So, more snowfall in December 2022 than in December 2021, but due to the low snowfall numbers in November, the season-so-far total number this year is less than last year. (As of the end of December).
One noticeable difference is that while we missed out on the snow in late November, the snowfall during December this year was regular and consistent. That is in contrast to the fact that most of the snow in December 2021 came in the second half of the month.
I’m very pleased with the first month of the season and have enjoyed some typical Niseko conditions. It has been great to see some friends who were able to visit for the first time in a while, too! And it is exciting to think that it’s still pretty early season.
Here is how much of the total snowfall for the whole season we have already had fallen on us by the end of December in previous seasons:
By the end of December 2021, as a % of the season total: about 34%
By the end of December 2020, as a % of the season total: about 34%
By the end of December 2019, as a % of the season total: about 40%
By the end of December 2018, as a % of the season total: about 44%
By the end of December 2017, as a % of the season total: about 47%
By the end of December 2016, as a % of the season total: about 43%
By the end of December 2015, as a % of the season total: about 31%
By the end of December 2014, as a % of the season total: about 48%
By the end of December 2013, as a % of the season total: about 34%
By the end of December 2012, as a % of the season total: about 36%
Looking forward to what we might expect in January, here’s how much snowfall I have recorded during previous seasons. (The numbers in brackets show the total observed snowfall up until the end of January in each of those respective seasons).
January 2022: 325cm (717cm)
January 2021: 387cm (797cm)
January 2020: 224cm (516cm)
January 2019: 285cm (702cm)
January 2018: 305cm (899cm)
January 2017: 152cm (445cm)
January 2016: 303cm (611cm)
January 2015: 257cm (806cm)
January 2014: 461cm (859cm)
January 2013: 443cm (979cm)
Some thoughts:
It was October 2022 when the Japanese government announced that restrictions on inbound tourism would be largely lifted. It was great news to hear. At long last! After a few years of relative peace, quiet, somewhat complicated feelings, uneasiness - and lack of revenues for many businesses - things could return to normal.
The timing of the favourable exchange rates was great too! Excellent. (Let's not mention the backdrop of rising prices everywhere for the moment.)
Everyone had been guessing about a possible lifting of travel restrictions, but no one was quite sure if and when it would happen. As a result, the October announcement was a bit late for a few things.
Firstly, it was a bit late for some people to plan a Japan visit during the 2022-2023 season.
It was also a bit late for many businesses, who didn't have much time to prepare. Even with the news of the border opening, business owners didn't know how many people to expect to turn up. There was clearly a pent-up demand, but how many would be able to get here? This situation presented some unique staffing issues: how many staff should be hired, and in such a short time?
The question of how many people will turn up has been partly answered:
Quite a lot!
Which is fabulous news for the local economy.
However, in the background, some services are currently struggling with staffing issues, and it can sometimes be apparent. For example, I was in a restaurant just before New Year. It was extremely busy, and the staff were running around looking somewhat flustered. (Though I must add that, in true Japanese style, they were still polite and friendly. Don't you just love that?)
From what I hear and see, finding enough staff is a headache at the moment. I am guessing some of you (lots of you, perhaps) will be reading that and thinking, 'that's totally mad; where do I sign up?!' And it's an excellent point!
All of this has meant that some workers enjoy pretty cool perks. I have heard rumours of some eye-popping 'finders fees' offered for certain skilled work positions. Great work if you can get it.
Staffing and labour shortage issues are not a problem unique to Niseko but a Japan-wide phenomenon. Japan is a declining and ageing population, and (from what I hear) visa-related immigration is on the strict side.
I am not privy to visitor numbers. Still, I am guessing that while there are obviously a lot more foreigners around this year, the numbers might not be as high as they perhaps sometimes look or feel. With some businesses having to scale back or cut certain services (due to the staffing issues), the remaining places will naturally be busier. I must add that the times I have been out there, the ski slopes themselves haven't been overly busy. I have certainly seen it busier in my years here. Instead, it has felt more like an 'associated services' thing. Other people may well have different impressions, and I'd be keen to hear them.
Niseko has a reputation to live up to. First, of course, there are the famous snow conditions. But in modern-day Niseko, there's also the luxury aspect. People come here with high expectations and often pay a handsome price for the privilege. So it needs to deliver.
Hopefully, by the time next season comes around (or even better, sooner than that), staffing will not be a major issue. Unless the world goes off on another adventure of unpredictable madness, everyone involved should have more time to be prepared.
Please note that in writing the above, I am just highlighting a current issue and my take on it. I would like to think that my Niseko-loving credentials are intact and undisputed. :)
And to people about to visit. Don't worry; there has not been a catastrophic decline in services! I'm sure you will have an excellent time. To avoid the busiest times, for example, I recommend having an early or late lunch. Things like that.
I also wish the best to the businesses eager to serve their excited customers.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Mountain base -11C, intermittent snowstorm, 30cm snowfall, windslabs forming and bad visibility. Moiwa800m: -14.1C, W9.6m/s, cornices and snowdrifts are very unstable. Annupuri1100m: -17.1C, WNW8.4m/s, strong storm, bad visibility and 40cm snowfall and large, up to 150cm, snowdrift development. Hanazono1000m: -16.1C, SSE2.6m/s, 30cm snowfall. Mizuno no Sawa: -15.6C, NNW4.4m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW17m/s, Kamui cape W16m/s, 1013hPa, 3.0m waves.
The atmospheric pressure gradient is steep and it’s stormy from the coast to the mountain range. Cornices and snowdrifts are developing drastically and the avalanche risk is extreme. It is recommended to call it a day early and chill at the onsen today. Wind-affected snow is stacking up thick in the leeward tree runs. Surface slab avalanches are likely to occur in high elevation knolls and slopes with heavy snowdrift accumulation; stay away from the gully bottoms.
The Niseko Rules are rules for riding the area outside the ski resorts. All resort users are expected to abide by the rules no matter their experience or knowledge level. One line across the rope will lead others to follow it. An accident that occurred at gate 8 area in the past was caused by a young snowboarder following an arrogant, over-confident skier’s track. That was Japan’s first snowboarder’s fatal avalanche accident. Keep in mind that leeward slopes under high-winds are extremely likely to avalanche. Today is not a safe day to venture out to risky slopes. Beware of frostbites and have a nice day.
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Ski area information for Monday 2nd January 2023
The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources.
Lift information is the planned operations for the day, weather permitting.
Official snow depth numbers in brackets show the change since previous report.
*** SOME LIFT OPERATIONS AFFECTED BY WIND THIS MORNING ***
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 30cm
- Base: 30cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 270cm (+20cm since yesterday)
- Base: 110cm (+10cm since yesterday)
Lifts:
- Ace Family quad [* open until for 7:00pm for night skiing]
- Ace Number 2 quad (Center Four) [* open until for 7:00pm for night skiing]
- Ace Number 3 pair
- Hirafu Gondola
- Holiday Number 1 pair
- King Number 3 quad
- King Number 4
- Swinging Monkey
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 23cm
- Base: 28cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 195cm (+15cm since yesterday)
- Base: 165cm (+15cm since yesterday)
Lifts:
- Hanazono Number 1
- Hanazono Number 2 quad
- Hanazono Number 3 quad
- Hanazono Symphony Gondola [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing]
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Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 10cm
- Base: 10cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 140cm (+10cm since yesterday)
- Base: 120cm (+10cm change since yesterday)
Lifts:
- Annupuri Gondola ON HOLD
- Dream Number 1 quad
- Jumbo Number 1 quad [* open until 7:30pm for night skiing]
- Jumbo Number 2 pair
- Jumbo Number 3 pair ON HOLD
- Jumbo Number 4 pair ON HOLD
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 0cm
- Base: 0cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 125cm (+5cm since yesterday) (honto ni?!)
- Base: 110cm (no change since yesterday)
Lifts:
- Niseko Gondola
- Village Express
- Community Chair [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing]
- Banzai Chair [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing]
- Wonderland Chair
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Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Lifts:
- Number 1 pair lift
- Number 2 pair lift
- Quad lift
Niseko Now 2022-2023 season |
Data as of Monday 2nd January 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 383cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (2nd January) November 2022 snowfall 17cm reported on 5 days December 2022 snowfall 336cm reported on 27 days January 2023 snowfall 30cm reported on 2 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.