I have another 10cm or so of snow to report from my base here in Hirafu this morning since yesterday. It is definitely colder this morning as well along with a return of stroner winds on the mountain that are affecting top lifts at the moment.

At Annupuri the top Jumbo Number 4 lift has been not operating due to winds and the top Wonderland Chair at Niseko Village is also similarly affected, with the Niseko Gondola operating at reduced speed. The King Number 4 lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu is also not operating at the time of writing due to wind conditions.

Conditions yesterday were indeed heavier and wetter than we expect in Niseko, but personally I made sure I made the most of the good workout. Things will likely be better this morning with that new layer of snow and colder temperatures. More snow as well as a further dip in temperatures over the next few days is forecast and so hopefully a quick return to powder conditions on the slopes. For now this morning though it is mostly just cloudy with light snow falling in places.

Lifts Operating (at time of writing)
Asterix denotes planned 'nighta' operations

Niseko Grand Hirafu
Ace Family Pair*
Ace Number 2 Quad (Center Four)*
Ace Number 3 Pair
King Number 3 Triple*
Hirafu Gondola*
Holiday Number 1 Pair*
Swinging Monkey

Niseko Annupuri
Annupuri Gondola
Jumbo Number 1 Quad*
Jumbo Number 2 Pair
Jumbo Number 3 Pair

Niseko Village
Niseko Gondola
Community Chair*
Banzai Chair*
Wonderland Chair
Morino Chair

Niseko Hanazono
Hanazono Number 1 Quad
Hanazono Number 2 Quad
Hanazono Number 3 Quad

Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu
Top - 235cm
Bottom - 115cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 150cm
Bottom - 140cm

Niseko Village
Top - 155cm
Bottom - 105cm

Niseko Hanazono
Top - 240cm
Bottom - 115cm

Avalanche Information:

Niseko base: -2C, 15cm of fresh snow in the past 6 hours. Calm weather at the base with moderate development of snowdrifts. Coastal wind: WNW14m/s. Annupuri peak wind: WSW14m/s.

According to snowfall transition and observation, cornices and snowdrifts are moderately developing in leeward slopes above 800m. These newly formed slabs are likely to slide this morning and may result in a 40cm thick surface slab avalanche. Potential trigger layer: Dec 16th. Gate 5 (Hanazono) is scheduled to open at 10am today, however bushes are still thick and it is recommended to come back towards the courses relatively early. Beware of hitting trees. Seek ski patrol's advice at the gates. Fujiwara no sawa’s upper area is not open yet, do not duck ropes. Gates 1 (L-ji) & 6 (Moiwa) are scheduled to open at 10am. Always keep in mind that once you step out of the gate you are stepping out of the resort's management responsibilities. Self-evaluate the potential consequences and go out at your own risk. The Niseko Rules have been determined to ensure everyone's freedom to ski the out of bounds areas but also to secure the minimum safety of all. Please do respect the Rules.