Up to 5cm of new snow this morning to report from Hirafu, but the snow is coming down early on this morning and we should be seeing new cm today.

Better news than that though is that this morning doesn't seem to be as windy and there is - at the start of the day anyway - less lift disruption. In fact, by the looks of things the lifts on the mountain should be pretty much operating as normal this morning.

Snow still forecast through into next week. Stronger winds may be back tomorrow, so check the forecasts tonight and then decide if a sleep in might be a good idea! There will after all be a lot of partying tonight here, as you might expect.

Wherever you are though, have a fun and safe New Years Eve and see you in 2014.

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Niseko Avalanche Report

Niseko base 6am: -5C, 3cm of fresh snow. Moiwa peak: WNW10m/s, -5C, 10cm of fresh. Considerable development of snowdrifts in Mikaeri area. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW11m/s, Kamui cape N10m/s, 2.2m waves, 1005hPa. Wind forecast at noon: WSW15m/s.

The isobars are spacing out and the wind is calming down since early this morning. The snowdrifts are slowly stabilizing. The avalanche hazard is still high, though should settle down in the afternoon. Gates opening still undecided. Some ridgelines are wind-blown crusty and hard to ski. The avalanche risk will remain considerable all day in obvious avalanche terrains such as leeward steep slopes under cornices of Osawa, Backbowl and HigashiOne. It is strongly recommended not to go in those places even after the gate opening. Avalanche accidents often occur just after storms. Dropping into steep slopes right after a strong storm is very dangerous. Today, the snow-slab above Dec 27th (up to 80cm thick) could let go and trigger a large surface slab avalanche. Ask the ski patrol for advice and be careful. Have you switched your beacon on? Avalanche gear isn't a fashion accessory, just wearing them won’t save your life. Be aware of the risk you’re taking. Surrounding peaks around Niseko area are all in same hazardous conditions today. Carefully choose your touring route.

Have an excellent new year.

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Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 270cm
Base - 100cm
All lifts apart from Ace Number 4 operating.

Niseko Village:
Top - 170cm
Base - 120cm
Looks like Niseko Village should be open as normal, checking top lift as I write this.

Annupuri:
Top - 140cm
Base - 130cm
All planned lifts open as normal.