Good morning from Niseko and the sun is out at the moment. There has been some blue sky around but the mountain has cloud cover as well, so kind of varied conditions this morning.

There is no fresh snowfall to report this morning and it's a mild start to the day.

Temperatures should drop from tomorrow and by the end of the day we can expect some new snowfall.

Not long until New Years now. Just where did 2014 go?! There'll be events aplenty, one of the main ones being the 'Torchlight Skiing' on the lower part of the Kokutai Course - Kogen Course of Niseko Grand Hirafu on New Years Eve. It starts at 11:30pm with the torchlit skiing happening at midnight and that is followed by a firework display. This year will be the 39th time they hold this and fingers crossed for some clear weather conditions so it all can be seen. Obviously we want tons of snow to fall once the event has finished in time for our fun the next morning!

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Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day

Niseko Grand Hirafu:
Looks set to be open as planned.

Niseko Hanazono:
Looks set to be open as planned.

Niseko Village:
Looks set to be open as planned after a slightly late opening.

Niseko Annupuri:
Looks set to be open as planned.

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Niseko Avalanche Report

Moiwa base: 0C, 1cm of wet snow. Moiwa 800m: -2C, SW10m/s, 3cm of new snow and moderate development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -6C, SW10m/s, light snowfall and 185cm snowpack at 1000m. Hirafu 1000m: -2C, light snowfall and thick fog. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW9m/s, Kamui cape SW12m/s, 1008hPa and 1.1m waves.

The atmospheric pressure gradient is small and the mountain in a calm condition. Warm air is flowing in and the mountain is blanketed with a thin layer of wet snow. The eastern (Hirafu) area is covered with a thick fog due to air mass displacement. The wind in higher elevation is sustaining around 10m/s, there are no notable developments of snowdrifts and the snowpack is stable. Gates 4, 5, 6 and 10 will open from the morning but the out of bounds area is mostly tracked out. Seek for the ski patrol’s advice before stepping out of the gate. It’s hard to see the surface with the flat-light. Never overestimate your knowledge and skills; remain prudent and stay safe. Do not enter the strictly off-limits area of Haru no Taki and Yu no Sawa.

There’s been a bunch of new Niseko Rules’ flyer thrown away in the mountain. Not sure for what purpose, but it seems some strange things happen as the number of people grows. Please respect the Rules and have a nice day.

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Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 270cm
Base - 140cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 200cm
Base - 140cm

Niseko Annupuri:
Top - 185cm
Base - 150cm

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Lifts open for night skiing (planned):

Niseko Grand Hirafu
Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift
(There is no night skiing at the Hanazono area)

Niseko Village
Community Chair and Banzai Chair

Niseko Annupuri
Jumbo Number 1 Quad

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Niseko Grand Hirafu 6 day weather and snow forecast