Another 10-15cm of snowfall here in Niseko since yesterday and it's a decidedly colder morning this morning, around -5C at the moment. Variable winds on the mountain with Annupuri reporting 13m/s and above, along with a temperature of -15C up top. Wrap up well to seek the rewards! The top Jumbo Number 4 lift at Annupruri is not operating early on because of those winds.

It's going to stay cold right through the week by the looks of things and around Tuesday we should see some heavier snowfall. It doesn't look we're going to catch too much of the sun for a while.

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Lifts Operating (at time of writing)

Niseko Grand Hirafu
All lifts due to be operating on mountain

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
All lifts operating

Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu
Top - 285cm
Bottom - 145cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 200cm
Bottom - 190cm

Niseko Village
Top - 220cm
Bottom - 150cm

Niseko Hanazono
Top - 285cm
Bottom - 150cm

Avalanche Information:

Niseko base 6am: -6C, 15cm of new crushed crystal snow and no development of snowdrifts. Coastal wind: NW12m/s. Moiwa peak: WNW10-15m/s, -10C and notable development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1000m: WNW 15-18m/s, 180cm snowpack.

A typical winter weather pattern is generating a strong wind with snow, making snowdrifts develop notably above 800m. Caution! Avalanche risk is rising. The opening of gate 2 (Annupuri peak) will be postponed and Gate 4 will also be kept closed for today. According to snowfall transition and observations, a surface slab avalanche up to 60cm thickness in leeward knolls at 800m are likely to slide from Dec 22nd layer. Many of the avalanche accidents occur during or just after storms. Better not carelessly drop into wide-open steep slopes or remain in valley bottoms. Respect the Rules and don't duck ropes. The snow in the trees is slightly heavy but good overall condition. Better not push it too far today, think safety first.

The Niseko Avalanche Meeting will take place in Moiwa on Dec 28th at 6pm. Presented by the Niseko Annupuri Avalanche Accidents Prevention Committee. Contact Yamamoto at Niseko Town Office tourism division.