It is another warm morning in Niseko and set to warm up a bit more as the sun is out and we have lovely clear skies once again. There's just slightly more of a wind up on the mountain than yesterday. Other than that, another fine day.

The forecast still has some rain due late in the day tomorrow and perhaps Monday, followed by some really warm days next week which will surely see a speeding up of the snow melt. It is getting on for late April, so we certainly can't complain! The resorts are still reporting over 3m up there.

Grand Hirafu have opened what they are calling 'Spring Park' and plan to have it open until the Golden Week. It's over on the upper part of the Shirakaba course (get to it using the King No3 lift). They plan to change the contents but right now seem to have a table top, box and rail amongst other things, so if that's your thing it might be worth checking out.

Of course, the Grand Hirafu gondola is also operating today and tomorrow for the weekend.

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Current lift operations (21st April 2012):

Grand Hirafu:
Ace Quad Lift No2
King Hooded Triple Lift #3
King Lift #4
The Hirafu Gondola will operate on 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th, 30th April, and also from 3rd May until 6th May.

Annupuri:
Annupuri Gondola
Jumbo No1 quad
Jumbo No3 pair
Jumbo No4 pair

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Grand Hirafu and Annupuri both plan to be open until 6th May.
The Hanazono and Niseko Village areas are now closed.
Niseko Village plans to re-open for the Golden Week holiday period from Sunday 29th April until Sunday 6th May.

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Official snow depths:

Grand Hirafu:
Top - 340cm
Bottom - 105cm

Annupuri:
Top - 340cm
Bottom - 110cm