Good morning and welcome to the weekend.

After the fine day yesterday and no snowfall last night, we have been snowed from early this morning and it's continuing to snow now. 15cm at Moiwa 800m from 4am according to the Avalanche Report (below), just a few down here so far. Lots more of that please.

Forecasts seem to say that the main event - in terms of snowfall - is from tomorrow onwards. Today is more cloud and milder conditions with temperatures set to dip to proper cold from tomorrow evening. So don't worry if we don't get much out of it today because it does look like it really is on the way. I'm hoping to be able to get back to reporting impressive numbers to you.

Anyway, I hope you have a good day and I'll update you with the latest tomorrow morning.

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I'm off to the Sapporo Snow Festival today with a few friends. I hear the Star Wars one is particularly impressive, even if I'd prefer Trek myself. ;)

This famous and very popular snow festival is held in Sapporo City and for the 66th this year, running through until Wednesday 11th February. Can't be missed in Odori Park, the grounds at Community Dome Tsudome, and along the main street in Susukino. Usually well worth a visit. Actually I think that Sapporo is well worth a visit even without the snow festival!

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Resort specific news as of 8am - subject to change during the day

Niseko Grand Hirafu:
Looks set to open as planned this morning.

Niseko Hanazono:
Looks set to open as planned this morning.

Niseko Village:
Looks set to open as planned this morning.
Last chance for the 'Early Morning Gondola' tomorrow - 1300 yen, Niseko Gondola open from 7:30am until 8:30am.

Niseko Annupuri:
Looks set to open as planned this morning.

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Niseko Avalanche Report

Niseko base 6am: -6C, 5cm snowfall in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: W5m/s, -7C, 15cm snowfall from 4am. Annupuri 1000m snowpack 275cm. Hirafu 1000m: light breeze, 5cm snowfall. Peak: W6.3m/s, -9.6C. Coastal data: Benkei cape SW2m/s, Kamui cape WSW2m/s, 1017hPa, 0.7m waves.

Pre-low pressure system snowfall started from predawn and left 15cm of snow around 700m altitude. The course condition is a little softer/better, but the tracks in the trees haven’t been recovered. The general avalanche risk is low, however shallow slides are to be expected in south facing steep slopes once the sun warms up the surface. Peak gates are scheduled to open, seek for the ski patrol’s advice before stepping out of the gates. Always stay alert; one moment of inattention can end up in an accident. Beware of trees and cracks. One injury can put an end to your season. Niseko community respects all visitors’ freedom, but is also deeply concerned about their safety.

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Official resort snow depths:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 370cm
Base - 135cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 280cm
Base - 180cm

Niseko Annupuri:
Top - 285cm
Base - 170cm

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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

Niseko Hanazono Resort
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