It's another good morning from here in Niseko, or technically... Kutchan. ;)

I have just measured 26cm of fresh snowfall this morning and nice big flakes of goodness are falling as I write this report. Even they look happy.

And I notice that todays haul takes my total observed snowfall for the season (from here at base) to over 10m. Hurray!

Conditions were excellent yesterday with some lovely deep conditions easily found. Visibility could certainly have been better but...

Remember, there's often (almost always?) going to be more snow on the mountain than I can report from base.

And the forecast is showing continued snowfall into next week. Looks like Niseko is delivering for the busy Chinese New Year period. (Though people wanting clear blue skies might get disappointed!)

I hope you can be here to enjoy this. I am going to get my gear on now and make my way to the lifts - might see some of you out there.

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As of 8:30am it seems the top Jumbo lift at Annupuri is on hold due to wind. Other lifts currently opening as planned. May well change.

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Niseko Avalanche Report:

Niseko base 6.00am: -11°, 15cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -12°, 40cm new snow, major cornice and snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -15°, W18m/s, 40cm new snow, major snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: -15°, strong wind to dawn, 40cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW14m/s. Kamui Cape: WSW14m/s, 1014hPa, wave 2.4m.

A strong westerly wind with snow blew until dawn causing new cornice and snow drift growth above 800m. The wind is starting to drop but is still strong above 1100m. New cornice and snowdrift growth is unstable and easily fractures. Avalanche risk continues to be high. Gate openings still undecided. Please listen to the patrols advice.

Today's avalanche risk is the same as yesterdays - High. Especially Osawa cornice face 1000m and Kozan no sawa around 1200m are dangerous. If gates do open, be wise about route choice, Do not stimulate cornices and knolls or traverse steep slopes. Most risks can be avoided be traveling on ridges and riding in forests. Be careful falling into cracks, they are everywhere and cannot be seen because they are covered in snow.

The slopes have been reset and the snow has good rebound. Visibility is also better than yesterday. Do not duck ropes and for everyone's safety please respect and follow Niseko Rules.

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Wednesday 14th February 2018

Resort specific information (operations subject to change):

Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort

Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts (apart from King Number 2) should be operating

Official snow depth:
- Top: 470cm
- Base: 240cm

Niseko Annupuri Kokusai

Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts should be operating
- The top Jumbo Number 4 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to winds

Official snow depth:
- Top: 380cm
- Base: 230cm

Niseko Village

Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts (apart from the Country Road Chair lift) should be operating

Official snow depth:
- Top: 380cm
- Base: 230cm

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Floodlit 'nighta' skiing:

Night skiing is planned for every evening at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Ski lifts that are scheduled to be operating for nighta are noted below (subject to change):

* Niseko Grand Hirafu - Ace Family quad, Ace Number 2 quad, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 pair
* Niseko Annupuri - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift
* Niseko Village - Village Express, Upper Village Gondola, Community Chair