Good morning from Niseko.

And... whoah!

It was snowing through the day yesterday and rather heavily at times too. Oh yes, and overnight too. And it is still snowing now.

I am measuring 45cm (and counting) of fresh snowfall here at base this morning since my last report, and you will notice that the Avalanche Report below is reporting a whopping 60cm. There may well even be more out there. And what's more, it's excellent quality snow too.

We do often get lots of snow here in Niseko, of course, but it is rare that I get to post numbers like that.

Visibility is limited but that shouldn't stop you. There appears to be a moderate westerly wind in upper areas, but as of 8:30am all top lifts look set to be opening as planned.

Just be sure to be extra careful whilst enjoying these deep conditions.

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What an excellent way to end the month January... this 'last bit' is definitely making up for the 'earlier bit'! Actually, I had almost forgotten about that; but the super computer is currently crunching the numbers and I plan to post my monthly review in the Niseko Now report on Friday.

I hope you can get to enjoy these super conditions.

Onwards into February!

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Niseko Avalanche Report:

Niseko 5am: -11℃, 50cm snowfall, calm. Moiwa800m: -13℃, light wind, 60cm snowfall. Annupuri1100m: -16℃, SW9.1m/s, 1150m NW15m/s. Hirafu1200m: -13℃, light wind, 60cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape: WNW16m/s, Kamui cape WSW14m/s, 1014hPa, 1.7m waves.

Deepest condition of the season. Over 50cm snowfall from base to peak in the last 12 hours and still growing. A moderate westerly wind is blowing in western areas above 1100m elevation, making cornices and snowdrifts grow. The avalanche risk is high in open steep slopes and under cornices above 1100m. Upper elevation gates (G1 to 4) will be closed for the day.

The snow below 1000m is good but almost too deep. Better not venture too far from the groomers today. Rescue will take time & effort. Snowboarders are recommended to carry poles and snowshoes and skiers should put a leash or a colored string in order to prevent loosing their skis. Cracks are also hidden under the new snow and visibility is bad, be mindful of where you drop in.

The new snowpack has not formed notable slabs in areas lower than 1000m and in the trees, and the avalanche risk is relatively low in there. However, it is strongly recommended to avoid cornices and snowdrifts and ride one by one. Avalanches run through the bottom of the valleys, better not stay in potential paths. Cornices above have grown large and very unstable, falling cornices can easily trigger a large slide. Stay away from them.

Very unstable slabs are present in slopes above steep area of Haru No Taki strictly off-limits area. The fatal accident in 1998 has occurred in similar conditions. Please respect the rules and stay away from off-limits zones. Have a nice day.

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Wednesday 31st January 2018

Resort specific information (operations subject to change):

Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort

Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts (apart from King Number 2) should be operating

Official snow depth:
- Top: 475cm
- Base: 240cm

Niseko Annupuri Kokusai

Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts should be operating

Official snow depth:
- Top: 340cm
- Base: 220cm

Niseko Village

Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts apart from the Country Road Chair lift should be operating
- 'Early Gondola' service from 7:30am until 8:30am (Niseko Gondola) - on February 3rd-4th. 1,400 yen special ticket required.

Official snow depth:
- Top: 340cm
- Base: 210cm

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Floodlit 'nighta' skiing:

Night skiing is planned for every evening at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Ski lifts that are scheduled to be operating for nighta are noted below (subject to change):

* Niseko Grand Hirafu - Ace Family quad, Ace Number 2 quad, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 pair
* Niseko Annupuri - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift
* Niseko Village - Village Express, Upper Village Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair