It's another good morning from Hirafu as I have 30-35cm of new snow to report here in the village since yesterday. Colder still again this morning. It has been snowing in style over the last day and earlier on this morning the skies were clearer, but the snow clouds have moved back in and it is snowing again.

The forecast is for continued snow through Monday and more snow coming up after that. It looks like our worries about snow are over.

Loads of snow and the Niseko Gondola at Niseko Village resort is going for a late start because of that snow. (Next time, get up earlier!)

Niseko Grand Hirafu peak snow depth officially hits 200cm this morning as they add 40cm to that number. I am not complaining.

At the time of writing the Hanazono Nuimber 3 top lift was closed due to stronger winds on upper areas.

Nighta starts at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri from today. At Grand Hirafu they will have the following lifts operating:

Ace Family lift - until 8:30pm
Ace Number 2 Center Four lift - until 8:20pm
Hirafu Gondola - until 8:10pm
Holiday Number 1 pair lift - until 8:30pm

The King Number 3 triple lift will NOT be joining in the nighta fun this season, which is a shame. But still, nighta at Hirafu especially is very much worth it. I think anyone who comes here should really give it a go. And with all that lovely snow that we have had it should be fine fine conditions tonight.

The first of the Niseko Avalanche Reports has been posted this morning and can be found below. As always, thanks to the good people at niseko.nadara.info who prepare this information each day.

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Planned lift operations:

Grand Hirafu:
Ace Family Pair
Ace Number 3 Pair
Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four
King Number 3 Triple
Swinging Monkey
Hirafu Gondola
Holiday Number 1 Pair

Hanazono:
Hanazono Number 1 Quad
Hanazono Number 2 Quad
Hanazono Number 3 Quad (closed at time of writing)

Niseko Village:
Niseko Gondola
Community Chair
Banzai Chair
Morino Chair

Annupuri:
Gondola
Jumbo Number 1 quad
Jumbo Number 3

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Niseko Avalanche Report

Niseko base 6am: -5C, 40cm of broken crystal snow in the past 12hours. Moiwa 500m: 70cm of fresh, heavy snowdrift development, -5C, NW12m/s, stormy. Coastal data: NNW19m/s, 2.3m waves and 1007hPa.

Heavy snowfall has started since the low-pressure system passed and formed a typical winter weather pattern. Snowdrifts are heavily developing in leeward slopes above 800m. Cornice slopes are unstable and could easily slide under ski stimulation. Potential sliding layer: Dec 12th, which formed under rapid change in temperature. The bonding of snow in the new snowdrifts is very weak and slabs are likely to collapse easily. Most avalanche related accidents occur in slopes with heavily developed snowdrift, during or just after storms.

The snow is excellent, however bushes and stumps are still present just under the surface. Be prudent. Ducking ropes is strictly prohibited and off-limits areas are not to be entered at anytime. Top chairlifts are yet to operate due to lack of snow, and gates won’t be ready anytime soon. Niseko resorts are concerned about your safety but are also ready to respect your freedom. Ski patrols are your friends, please respect and follow their instructions.

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Official snow depth numbers:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 200cm
Base - 70cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 100cm
Base - 60cm

Annupuri:
Top - 100cm
Base - 70cm