Good morning Niseko fans!

We enjoyed fine weather yesterday with some lovely blue skies and a wonderful sunset. Light blue and pink. Kawaii!!

This morning it is a very different colour scheme. There is lots of grey cloud around and visibility may well be an issue. Very light snow is falling in places (but for now it's not the kind of snow that will ever amount to new cm!)

First run operations are happening at Niseko Annupuri until Monday. If you want a 7:20am start on the Niseko Annupuri either tomorrow or Monday and have the 1,500 yen funds...

As of 8:30am it looks like the top King Number 4 lift is on hold. Not sure why. Other lifts appear to be opening as planned, so that basically means all lifts apart from the top Jumbo Number 4 lift at Annupuri and the Country Road lift at Niseko Village.

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Long weekend ahead! Yes, Monday is 'Coming-of-Age' Day here in Japan and a national holiday.

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If you haven't already, I recommend you check out the Hakuba Now report today.

In it, the fearless reporter down there replies to some charming comments sent in to, er, 'thank' them for their ongoing daily efforts. I do know the feeling. And some people wonder why we prefer to remain nameless! ;)

Gambatte!

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Niseko Avalanche Report

Mountain base 6am: -3℃, no snowfall. Moiwa800m: 2.8m/s, 153°(SSE), -4.6℃. Hirafu 1000m: 4.2m/s, 233°(SSW), -9.2℃. Hanazono 720m: 3.5m/s, 179°(S) -4.8℃. Annupuri snow depth 135cm. Sea of Japan Benkei cape: S5m/s, Kamui cape: SSE4m/s, 1012hPa, 0.7m waves.

Lacking snowfall and the groomers are firm. The temperature is a little high as a small Low pressure system is approaching. The general avalanche risk is low according to this morning’s observations and weather data evaluations, however hard-slab slides hazard is still present in steep slopes.

Gate 3 (Hirafu peak) has opened yesterday. Good news for people hunting the peak. Please be mindful of the Rules. Bushes are still thick and make things difficult for rescue operations. Be very careful out there and remember that outside the gates is outside the resort’s management.

We see a lot of people riding the Annupuri O-sawa (first bowl). This is the place where the first fatal snowboarder’s avalanche accident occurred. Accidents can happen anytime when the conditions align. The Niseko community respects the freedom to ride, however is always concerned about all user’s safety. Please respect the Niseko Rules.

The light is weak and it's difficult to see the slope condition. Beware of sudden weather changes. Have a nice day.

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Ski resort operation information: Saturday 11th January 2020

Niseko Grand Hirafu

Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 195cm
- Base: 65cm

All lifts are normally operating

All courses normally open EXCEPT the following:
- Miharashi

Lifts scheduled for late operations:
- Ace Family quad until 8:30pm
- Ace Number 2 Center Four quad until 8:20pm
- Hirafu Gondola until 8:10pm
- Holiday Number 1 pair until 8:30pm

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Niseko HANAZONO Resort

Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 130cm
- Base: 75cm

All lifts are normally operating

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Niseko Annupuri

Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 145cm
- Base: 95cm

All lifts normally operating EXCEPT the following:
- Jumbo Number 4

Lift scheduled for late operations:
- Jumbo Number 1 quad until 8:30pm

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Niseko Village

Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 140cm
- Base: 90cm

All lifts normally operating EXCEPT the following:
- Country Road (which is normally rested anyway)

Lifts scheduled for late operations:
- Annupuri Village Gondola until 8:00pm
- Village Express until 8:00pm
- Banzai Chair until 8:00pm