Good morning.

Just 2cm of fresh snowfall report this morning.

It didn't feel windy when I was outside just before though it seems that some stronger winds are persisting at higher elevations this morning still. Let's hope that calms down during the day. The morning started off rather overcast but the clouds have been quickly disappearing leaving us with some lovely blue skies and some cloud remaining.

Clearer skies are forecast over the weekend too and it should be calmer with less wind forecast.

Monday is a national holiday in Japan - 'Coming of Age Day' - so we have a long weekend ahead of us. To celebrate, Annupuri will be getting their gondola moving from 7:20am (Saturday through Monday).

So it looks like it is going to be a nice weekend, if not featuring fresh and fluffy snow. Snow should be returning perhaps around Tuesday when no doubt we'll be yearning for a new supply of fresh.

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Mt Yotei's cloud hat this morning has been... complicated. (Fashion, hey).

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Niseko Avalanche Report

Niseko base 6am: -7℃, 5cm snowfall in 24hours. Moiwa 800m: -9.6℃, W8.1m/s, 15cm snowfall with snowdrift/cornice development. Mikaeri Junction: -9℃, W10cm, snowdrifts. Annupuri1150m: -13℃, violent winds. Hirafu peak: -13℃, westerly gusts and snowdrifts developments. Mizuno no sawa: 6cm snowfall in 24hours, snow depth 124cm. Kutchan weather station: -6.3℃, snow depth 124cm. Benkei cape: N13m/s, Kamui cape: N7m/s, 1015hPa, 3.2m waves.

The isobars are starting to spread out, however strong wind persists above 800m, making snowdrifts and cornices develop. Newly grown cornices are very likely to fall. A hoar layer developed yesterday and a shallow avalanche is likely to occur in knoll terrains. The overall avalanche risk is lowering, however remains high in slopes around cornices above 1000m. A long crack has formed in the Nishi-One (west ridge) cornice and a large scale avalanche is to be expected if the cornice ends up falling. 30cm of fresh snow can be found in leeward tree runs and is a little easier to ski than yesterday’s conditions.

Peak gates opening will be delayed. Listen to the ski patrol’s advice and be prepared before stepping out of the gates. Avalanches caused by falling cornices are still to be expected. Better not stimulate cornices and knolls and stay away of the bottom of the valleys. The Backbowl and Osawa cornice slopes should be left untouched today even if the peak gates open.

Wearing a beacon and helmet is highly recommended. Have a nice day.

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Ski resort operation information: Friday 11th January 2019
The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Subject to change!

Niseko Grand Hirafu
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 270cm
- Base: 130cm

Ski lifts operating:
- The Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm), Ace Center 4 quad (8:20pm), Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) and Holiday Number 1 pair (until 8:30pm) lifts are normally open during the evening
- The Center Four lift will be open from 8:00am until 8:20am until 31st January 2019. (500 yen charge).

Niseko HANAZONO Resort

Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 200cm
- Base: 150cm

Ski lifts operating:
- The Hanazono lifts are normally open until 3:50pm (Number 3 until 3:30pm)

Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses:
- All official courses are now available

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Niseko Annupuri

Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 240cm
- Base: 140cm

Ski lifts operating:
- The Jumbo 1 lift is normally open until 8:30pm during the evening
- Annupuri First run from 7:20am until 8:20am on 12th, 13th, 14th January. (1,500 yen charge).

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Niseko Village

Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 250cm
- Base: 140cm

Ski lifts operating:
- The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are normally open until 8:00pm during the evening

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Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resort areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO resort area.