Yesterday it wasn't as 'blue sky' as the day before, and this morning we again start with cloudy/overcast skies. It's hovering around 0 degrees at the moment and there's nothing much of a wind here at village level. Calm weather prevails at he moment.

I don't have a whole lot to report this morning. After a run of dry days, I think everyone is now really looking forward to the next snowfall to hit Niseko. I almost don't want to say it, but the forecast isn't really showing us much still - snow showers from Sunday, along with lower temperatures. But still nothing major.

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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

Niseko Village:
Niseko Gondola
Community Chair
Banzai Chair
Morino Chair

Annupuri:
Gondola
Jumbo Number 1 quad
Jumbo Number 2
Jumbo Number 3

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Niseko Avalanche Report

NIseko base 6am: -1C, no snowfall. Coastal data: calm at Benkei cape, E9m/s at Kamui cape, flat, 1011hPa. Light wind-drifted snow accumulation can be observed above 800m, but no fresh snow has fallen. Predicted wind at noon: N or NE 10m/s.

Overall avalanche risk is low, however shallow surface slides should be considered in 1200m Backbowl sidewalls (30 degree grade). Carefully choose your weekend touring route. Better avoid crusty slopes, they could break with ski stimulation and run down the slope in high-speed.

The Hirafu K4 chair-lift is scheduled to open tomorrow. Gate setting will take a little more while. The snow on-piste is hard but in good condition. Beware of over-speeding and hitting trees. Better not overestimate your skills, always be prudent to avoid early season injuries. Seek for ski patrol's advice for out of bounds riding and refer to the Niseko Rules map. Do not cross boundary ropes.

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Official snow depth numbers:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 185cm
Base - 65cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 120cm
Base - 80cm

Annupuri:
Top - 110cm
Base - 80cm