Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 18cm Snowfall at base this season 61cm Posted on Thursday 4th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Snowy greetings from Shiga Kogen. 20+cm of snow on the ground this morning and more forecast before the weekend kicks in. It is quite windy too at the moment. Very winter-y. It looks like we can expect Takamagahara Mammoth (the Number 2 triple lift) and Ichinose Family (Number 2 pair lift) to both open from Saturday. Kumanoyu was closed yesterday and will be closed again today due to some kind of lift maintenance. It should be open again from tomorrow. So for today, it's just Yokoteyama that is part open. Full report details will be added from the weekend. Shiga Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Thursday 4th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 61cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 19cm (on 19th November) November 2025 snowfall 43cm reported on 8 days December 2025 snowfall 18cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 43cm Posted on Thursday 4th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . More fresh snow! 15-20cm of it, too, giving us a nice new covering. If we get more today/tomorrow and it stays cold, perhaps this might be our base? It will probably be sunny over the weekend, but would be great if it didn't warm up too much. We shall see. For now, things are looking good, with the planned opening just over a week away. Exciting! Planned opening dates: Madarao: Saturday 13th December Tangram Ski Circus: Saturday 20th December Madarao Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Thursday 4th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 43cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 26cm (on 19th November) November 2025 snowfall 26cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 17cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 48cm Snowfall at base this season 102cm Posted on Thursday 4th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Good news there is! With a good amount of fresh snow, Geto Kogen plans to open tomorrow (Friday 5th December). The Number 1 gondola and A1 course are scheduled to open for the first day. I would imagine more to open quickly after especially if we get a bit more. And we do expect some by tomorrow. The ski area reports 60cm this afternoon. Geto Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Thursday 4th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 102cm Number of days snowfall observed 6 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 48cm (on 4th December) November 2025 snowfall 54cm observed on 5 days December 2025 snowfall 48cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Geto Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 68cm Posted on Thursday 4th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Hello Skiers & Boarders, We had some snow overnight, and more during the day. At times it was a bit windy out there. Importantly, the temps stayed nice and cold, and the forecasted heatwave this weekend has been toned down a bit, so might not end up being too damaging. We'll wait and see. Just to make sure everybody knows, the Furano Quad lift that was down most of last season and wreaked havoc has been fully repaired and is scheduled to open in late December, as per usual. Think snow. --- Ropeway and Lift D 8:30 to 15:00 Furano Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Thursday 4th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 68cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (18th November) November 2025 snowfall 45cm reported on 5 days December 2025 snowfall 23cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 21cm Snowfall at base this season 58cm 'Season in'! As noted in an update to the report yesterday, today is officially the first day of the ski season here in Niseko, with Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu part opening. Details below. At the time of this report, there's no other operation news from other ski areas... yet. Time for some celebratory toast, as is the tradition (one dating back to the Edo period). So we have a respectable amount of fresh snow, with hopefully some more to report tomorrow. For reasons that will become clear in the coming months, over the last few weeks, I have been reading and reviewing all of my archived Niseko Now reports on SnowJapan. It has been really interesting going back and re-living previous seasons. All the ups and downs and the drama. Lots of memories. And quite a few things I had forgotten too. One of the many things that struck me as I was doing that was how the early-season period shapes up every year. On this first day of the season, I wanted to mention a few stats. Below is how much snowfall I had reported at base level by - and including - 4th December in previous seasons. Ranked in order of most snow: 2017-2018 season: 242cm 2012-2013 season: 162cm 2023-2024 season: 151cm 2013-2014 season: 134cm 2019-2020 season: 126cm 2018-2019 season: 120cm 2016-2017 season: 117cm 2021-2022 season: 105cm 2020-2021 season: 104cm 2022-2023 season: 91cm 2015-2016 season: 90cm 2024-2025 season: 62cm 2014-2015 season: 58cm 2025-2026 season: 58cm (doh!) Check out 2017-2018! Heady days indeed. I was a bit shocked to see some of those numbers. There have been seasons when a fair chunk of the mountain was open by 4th December, along with some impressive snow depths reported by the ski areas. Today's reported snowfall has saved some blushes, but that list is certainly making this early season look rather lethargic. But not to worry! Big picture: our records show that a relatively slow start does not indicate a poor snowfall season. More snow is always better than less, of course. But beyond that, it's just an interesting nerdy statistic at this very early stage of the season. Some seasons have started off relatively slow but have revved up into extremely snowy ones. 2014-2015 in particular. So a slow start is just that - a slow start. Come on, nature, let's get revving! Oh yes, before we get going proper, a quick word to newcomers to these reports: - Hello. - These reports are totally independent. That basically means no one sponsors them, and no one has any input into the content. - I'm not here to promote Niseko, hype it up or create sensational soundbites. I’m sure there are plenty of places to find that kind of stuff if that’s what you want. My remit is simple: endeavour to provide good, always honest, up-to-date information throughout the snow season. - My daily snowfall observation number comes to you from near Hirafu base area (and always has). - These are not ‘on the slope’ style ski reports (and not meant to be). - I generally talk about snowfall, weather, ski area operations (and sometimes about toast). For more information about the reports on this site, please read this. And once again this year, thanks and good feelings to the fine people who put together the Niseko Avalanche Report. Thanks! ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base 6am: -7℃, 12h snowfall 20cm, NW5m/s, light snow and wind. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW17m/s, Kamui cape WSW14m/s, 1005hPa, 1.8m waves. Wintery pressure distribution with a Low in the East and High in the West is making cold air flowing into Japan. Stormy weather with Northwesterly 10+m/s wind above 800m elevation. Snowdrifts are developing rapidly. The old snow that persisted in south facing slopes above 900m are forming a 15cm layer of granular snow (depth hoar) on top of the ground. Avalanches are likely to occur in 30degree slopes with bamboo-grass with the rapid growth of new snowpack. Glide avalanches can occur even in the heart of Winter. The snowpack is still very shallow, don’t push it too hard and waste your season. Stay vigilant and do not overestimate your knowledge and skill. It will take some more time to have all our observation instruments running. The report will be issued irregularly for some time. Have a great season. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Thursday 4th December 2025 The snow depth, snowfall numbers and operation details below are manually checked each morning from official sources at the time of report. Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Peak: 30cm Base: 0cm (really?) Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Peak: 120cm Base: 0cm (really?) Lifts: Ace Gondola Ace Number 3 pair Courses: Center Course ---------------- Other ski areas are not yet open Niseko Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Thursday 4th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 58cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (4th December) November 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 7 days December 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 23cm Snowfall at base this season 28cm Posted on Thursday 4th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I have fresh snow to report this morning as the planned opening of the ski area approaches. 23cm, too, more or less in places. This snow started yesterday evening and there was 5cm by 10pm. It is currently cloudy with light snow and a moderate blowy wind. Not long now with the ski area aiming to open next weekend. After more snow due through tomorrow, clearer skies are forecast over the weekend. Zao Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Thursday 4th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 28cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (on 4th December) November 2025 snowfall 5cm observed on 2 days December 2025 snowfall 23cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 16cm Snowfall at base this season 31cm Posted on Thursday 4th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Hello from a snowy Nozawa. Just how we love it. This morning the ski area is reporting 30cm of fresh snow up on the top of the mountain and while they are not posting numbers from base yet, I can tell you about the 15cm I just measured. There is more snow due too, through until late tomorrow - particularly tomorrow (we might get some clearer skies later today). Looking very promising. I would expect a few more runs to open (re-open) once this is past and it looks like clearer skies are due over the weekend. ------------------------------ Fresh snowfall since yesterday morning (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 30cm Uenotaira: -cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 55cm Uenotaira: -cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Lifts operating: Nagasaka Gondola (8:30am-3:30pm; last one down at 4:00pm) Yamabiko Number 2 Four quad lift (8:40am-3:40pm) Courses available: Yamabiko D Notes: You need to get the gondola up to (and back down from) the open ski runs. All base areas are closed. Information on the ski area: Nozawa Onsen Nozawa Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Thursday 4th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 31cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 4th December) November 2025 snowfall 15cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 16cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 597cm Posted on Wednesday 3rd January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A bit disappointing that there is only a small amount of fresh snow to report this morning. I was hoping for more and surely there will be more at higher elevations. Go high and seek, I say! It's mostly cloudy at the moment though there is some blue sky appearing in places. It is a quite nice morning actually. Definitely colder overnight and at the start of the day, and we shouldn't be too surprised if some light snow falls during the day. I don't have much else to report this morning, so over to my season recap waffle... A look back at the season so far: December 2017: It’s time for me to look back at the season so far and see how we are doing, big-picture. Before I start, I want to remind you that all the numbers from my reports are available at any time on each of the archived Niseko Now reports (linked below) as well as by clicking on that lovely blue ‘Snowfall Analysis’ tab at the top of this page. I highly recommend that you have excite let’s checking sessions when you have a bit of time. You might get lost in it all; but in a good way. All very interesting. Here’s the snowfall that I have measured myself here near the base of Hirafu over the last six years in the month of December: December 2017: 406cm December 2016: 181cm December 2015: 244cm December 2014: 519cm December 2013: 275cm December 2012: 418cm So, it turns out that in December 2017 I did not actually observe as much fresh snowfall as I did in December 2014 and in December 2012, but it was still jolly exciting with over 4m. The numbers look more impressive when you add in the snowfall from November too; here’s my total observed snowfall through until the end of December over the last six seasons: The season total up until the end of December 2017: 594cm The season total up until the end of December 2016: 293cm The season total up until the end of December 2015: 308cm The season total up until the end of December 2014: 549cm The season total up until the end of December 2013: 398cm The season total up until the end of December 2012: 536cm Looking at the season as a whole so far, we are ‘winning’. Almost 6m of snowfall by the end of December. This is at base, so there will be more than that up on them there mountains. That’s rather impressive, don’t you think. It is almost double the amount of snow that I observed over the previous two seasons in the same period. Almost 6m of snowfall is also not that far off what I observed over the entire 2016-2017 season (688cm). Yikes. Remember, the previous two seasons were generally/relatively disappointing as you can see if you do go back and read through my reports. And before I get a barrage of ‘outraged’ mail coming in because of that comment, I am of course not saying that the skiing was rubbish. I am just saying that in terms of snowfall, we did not get what we expect = disappointing. The reports are there if you want to read them. 2014 was interesting. Really heavy snowfall in the month of December 2014 making up for a disappointing November 2014. A big difference this season is how we have been enjoying regular snowfall right through since the middle of November - surely the preferred pattern. If you look back at the lovely graphs that are displayed on each of the Niseko Now reports (they show the observed snowfall on each day over the 21 days before the date of the report), you’ll see just how consistent the snowfall has been this season. By my reckoning, since November 13th there have only been 11 days when I have not been able to report any fresh snowfall at base. Something that has just caught my eye - 5 of those no-snow-to-report days have been over the last 11 days. Hopefully that is just a bit of a ‘blip’ in the excellent run of consistency. It has to be said though that as it currently stands the forecast for the coming week doesn't scream 'heavy snow'! We shall see. Anyway, it has been a quality first part of the season in Niseko. Can the season continue in the same way? Let us hope so! What to expect from the month of January Looking ahead, here’s how much snowfall I have recorded in the month of January over the last 5 seasons. The numbers in brackets show the total snowfall observed up until the end of January in each season. January 2017: 152cm (445cm) January 2015: 303cm (611cm) January 2014: 257cm (806cm) January 2013: 461cm (859cm) January 2012: 443cm (979cm) Conveniently ignoring January 2017 for the moment (!), we have generally seen between 2.5 and 4.5m of snow in January. Lastly, as some extra data to take in, here is the data that the Japan Meteorological Agency report from their observation station in Kutchan town: December 2017: 324cm December 2016: 235cm December 2015: 195cm December 2014: 387cm December 2013: 258cm December 2012: 306cm The season total up until the end of December 2017: 493cm The season total up until the end of December 2016: 408cm The season total up until the end of December 2015: 230cm The season total up until the end of December 2014: 428cm The season total up until the end of December 2013: 357cm The season total up until the end of December 2012: 404cm --- I will be with you each morning right through until the last lifts stop moving in May. --- And let me just add: if you like what we do here, please do let other folk know about these reports and SnowJapan.com if you can. The support all helps keep us motivated to putting in all the effort! Thank you. :) Any comments welcome here. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: light snowfall, calm. Moiwa800m: -7.6℃, NNW2.5m/s, snowdrifts developed overnight, light snowfall and calm. Annupuri1150m: -14℃, light NE breeze, 30cm snowdrifts in leeward aspects. Hirafu peak ridge: -13℃, light wind, 20cm snowfall with small snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape SSE2m/s, Kamui cape W3m/s, 1007hPa, 1.0m waves. A small low-pressure system over the Sea of Japan is spreading the isobars, resulting in cold but mild wind condition. The overnight snowfall is small and surface hoar has formed in slopes below 600m. Snowdrifts have slowly developed in leeward slopes above 800m under yesterday’s snow & wind. 30cm of fresh deposit have smoothed out the slopes in leeward aspects. Today’s surface will turn into a potential avalanche trigger layer in the future snowpack. The overall avalanche risk is relatively low today. Peak gates are expected to open from the morning. Better make the most of it in the morning as the weather is forecasted to deteriorate. Cracks also starting to open in many spots. Those cracks are not an imminent sign of a climax slide, however better stay away from its path. Ski down the fall line, not across it. Cutting across knolls and steep slopes is an absolute stupid idea. It can easily cause an avalanche and bury people underneath you. Some parts of the Backbowl sidewalls are forming hard slabs under the late easterly wind. Use extreme caution as those slabs could slide with light skiing impact. Haru No Taki area is being patrolled regularly. Stay away from strictly off limits areas. --- Wednesday 3rd January 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating Official snow depth: - Top: 315cm - Base: 145cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating Official snow depth: - Top: 240cm - Base: 140cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating Official snow depth: - Top: 250cm - Base: 170cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 3rd January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 597cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (21st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 18cm Snowfall at base this season 27cm Posted on Thursday 16th November 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A very good morning to you all. And yes, it really is a very good morning indeed! Yesterday morning there was a bit of a dusting of snow following on from more wind and rain, but things cleared up in the morning. This morning though it's a very different story, with an impressive layer of snow on the ground and very winter-like conditions. Oh yes. How much snow? Well, I have made a few measurements this morning ranging from 14cm to 21cm, but my trusted point where I always bring you my numbers from is giving me just under 18cm. Add to that the sprinkling from yesterday means that 18cm is what I am putting on the report this morning. Bet there's a fair bit more higher up too as well. The forecast is looking very promising too with regular snowfall lined up over the coming week. So the chances of ski lifts being able to open as planned next Thursday is, I would say, very good! It's also in my mind that I may well already be into 'daily' report mode now. Daunting. Exciting. But I can't wait! I hope you spend the season with me. --- Planned season dates: Niseko Grand Hirafu: Thursday 23rd November 2017 until Sunday 6th May 2018 Niseko Annupuri: Saturday 25th November 2017 until Sunday 6th May 2018 Niseko Village: Friday 1st December 2017 until Sunday 8th April 2018 Niseko Hanazono: Saturday 2nd December 2017 until Sunday 8th April 2018 Floodlit 'nighta' skiing schedule: Saturday 9th December 2017 until Sunday 18th March 2018 Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 16th November 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 27cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (16th November) November 2017 snowfall 27cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 686cm Posted on Friday 28th April 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning Niseko fans. Still with me? :) Thank you! Just nine more reports to go this season. The sun is out this morning and it's mostly blue skies with just a bit of cloud here and there. A lovely morning, though perhaps there is some rain coming our way before the end of the day. It appears that Niseko Annupuri are being a bit coy with updated information the last few days, taking the daily update regarding courses that remain open off the official website. Which seems a little bit naughty if you ask me. (If I'm wrong on that score, please do let me know where the info is folks). Anyway I am going to make sure that is updated for my report tomorrow even if it means me going over there and knocking on the office door. Whatever, the snow has been rapidly disappearing from the base areas which are now looking rather bare - check the webcam images from Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri below. Hirafu still have an 'official snow depth' of over 2m though; things keeping relatively cool has perhaps slowed down melt higher up. --- Golden Week But what exactly is Golden Week? It's basically a bunch of national holidays and here is the line-up for this year: - Saturday 29th April is Showa Day (the birthday of Emperor Showa) - Wednesday 3rd May is Constitution Day (Kenpo-kinenbi) - Thursday 4th May is Greenery Day (Midori-no-hi) - Friday 5th May is Children's Day (Kodomo-no-hi) That means that from Wednesday next week until the end of the following weekend, there is a run of five days of holidays for many people. Add in the upcoming weekend and that's your 'Golden Week'. Some lucky folk might take next Monday and Tuesday off work as well, giving them a full 9 days. Nice! As well as the Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri ski resort areas remaining open until Sunday 7th May, the Niseko Village part of the mountain will also be operating their Niseko Gondola from Saturday. Their Gondola will be operating but their ski courses will not be open - from the top of the Niseko Gondola, after a bit of a walk you can be skiing at the courses that remain open at the Niseko Grand Hirafu area. A lift ticket that is valid at all of the open resorts and ski lifts that are open over Golden Week is available and costs 3,800 yen for adults and 3,100 yen for children. --- Individual resort information: Friday 28th April 2017: Planned openings. This info subject to change due to snow and weather conditions - any closings due to weather will be mentioned in the main report above. Niseko Grand Hirafu Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be open daily until Sunday 7th May. You need to get the Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift back down to base. Official snow depth: Top - 220cm Base - 0cm Courses that remain open (checked daily with each report): Detour for beginners Shirakaba Center Large Rinkan Jumbo Dynamic Planned operating lifts: Ace Number 2 Center Four (8:30am until 4:30pm) King Number 3 (8:40am until 4:30pm) King Number 4 (8:50am until 4:30pm) Gondola (8:30am until 4:30pm) ** open only from 29th April until 7th May Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 28th April 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 686cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 85 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 160cm reported on 19 days March 2017 snowfall 83cm reported on 12 days April 2017 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 686cm Posted on Saturday 6th May 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning on this last Saturday of the ski season here in Niseko. It's cloudy with a few spots of rain this morning. There's some fog up top too as well as windy conditions. A bit of resort news: The top Jumbo Number 4 pair lift at Niseko Annupuri won't be operating today and tomorrow, so it's just the Gondola and Number 3 lift over there with the Utopia course available. At Niseko Grand Hirafu, the top King Number 4 lift is on hold at the start of the day and the King Number 3 lift is moving at reduced speed - this is due to windy conditions (and apparently limited visibility up top). All rather limited and not many people about. The season ending tomorrow feels right. I will be posting my last report of the season tomorrow - please note that it may appear be a bit later than usual. Clearer skies and maybe sunshine should be back for the morning but if you are planning on being out and about do keep an eye on the wind and official resort info. Would be good if we could have a complete last day with good weather. --- Individual resort information: Saturday 6th May 2017: Planned resort operations - subject to change. Niseko Grand Hirafu Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be open daily until Sunday 7th May. You need to get the Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift or Gondola back down to base. Official snow depth: Top - 160cm Base - 0cm Courses that remain open: Detour for beginners Shirakaba (Spring Park) Center Large Rinkan Dynamic Planned operating lifts: King Number 3 (8:40am until 4:30pm) King Number 4 (8:50am until 4:30pm) Ace Number 2 Center Four (8:30am until 4:00pm) * to get up to and back down from open courses * Gondola (8:30am until 4:00pm) * to get up to and back down from open courses * --- Niseko Annupuri Niseko Annupuri plans to be open daily until Sunday 7th May. You need to get the Gondola back down to base. Official snow depth: Top - 130cm Base - 0cm Courses that remain open Utopia Planned operating lifts: Annupuri Gondola (8:30am until 4:30pm) Jumbo Number 3 (8:45am until 4:15pm) --- Niseko Village are operating their Niseko Gondola over the Golden Week period. The Gondola is operating but the ski courses at Niseko Village are not available - you can take the Gondola up and then walk over to the top area of Niseko Grand Hirafu and ski/board in that area. Niseko HANAZONO Resort has closed for the season. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 6th May 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 686cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 85 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 160cm reported on 19 days March 2017 snowfall 83cm reported on 12 days April 2017 snowfall 0cm May 2017 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 686cm Posted on Sunday 7th May 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning for one last time this season. So here we are. The last day of the official ski and snowboard season in Niseko. Alas, as I write this just after 10am, the Niseko Annupuri lifts still aren't operating due to windy conditions and the top lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu is also on hold - though the other lifts at Grand Hirafu that should be moving are operating. By the end of today the ski lifts will be able to take a rest after a long, long season. And of course, a big otsukaresama deshita to everyone working hard to keep the Niseko season going smoothly too. Today marks the end of my season too and this is my last report. But before I sign off for the season, a bit of a look back... A quick look back at the 2016-2017 season Over the winter, at the beginning of each month I added a monthly review. They all of course still apply so I have decided to keep this wrap up short. Here are my monthly round-ups if you want to go back and read them: * Niseko Now report and monthly review - 3rd January 2017 * Niseko Now report and monthly review - 1st February 2017 * Niseko Now report and monthly review - 2nd March 2017 * Niseko Now report and monthly review - 1st April 2017 Total observed snowfall for each of the last five seasons. By me. 2016/2017 season: 688cm 2015/2016 season: 992cm 2014/2015 season: 1144cm 2013/2014 season: 1163cm 2012/2013 season: 1493cm In the end, I observed about 3m less snow at Hirafu base than I did the previous season, and over 4m less than the previous two seasons. As always, remember that my numbers are the snowfall that is observed here at base. You can expect perhaps 1.5 times those amounts at higher altitudes, so I think it's probably safe to guess that there was over 10m of snowfall on the mountain. 7-10m of snowfall in a season may still be what many ski resorts would consider very respectable amounts, but it is less than we expect here in Niseko. As I have mentioned in my monthly round-ups, locals and regulars notice this - we are probably totally spoilt - but first-time visitors probably don't... they just get on with enjoying it! And thankfully, things tend to keep very cold up here throughout most of the winter and so we do not get the warmer spells and melt as much as resorts on Honshu seem to get. That all helps with keeping the quality (and quantity) of snow. Now that 2016-2017 is over, it's time to look forward and feel confident that we will reverse the trend of the last few seasons and get back to over 10m at base next season. Let's be totally greedy with our expectations! For the record, here are the numbers that the Japan Meteorological Agency have recorded in Kutchan Town, a bit lower down than Hirafu: 2016/2017 season until the end of March 2017: 835cm 2015/2016 season until the end of March 2016: 841cm 2014/2015 season until the end of March 2015: 969cm 2013/2014 season until the end of March 2014: 946cm 2012/2013 season until the end of March 2013: 1051cm As I have mentioned before this season, it’s curious to see how the numbers for 2016-2017 are higher than mine and comparable with last season - and I’m still not sure why. Anyway, interesting stuff all the same. --- It has been my pleasure to once again be in charge of bringing you the SnowJapan Niseko Now reports this season. I hope that you enjoyed reading them, even if they didn’t bring you news of quite as much snow as we would all have liked. I had a fun season and I am pretty sure that most visitors to Niseko did to. Most people I spoke to on the lifts this season seemed to be loving Niseko. And so they should! Because it's brilliant. It's now time for me to take a bit of a rest and enjoy the next six months. Come November I should be re-charged and raring to go for the 2017-2018 season. I hope to see you then. Bai-bai! Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 7th May 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 686cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 85 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 160cm reported on 19 days March 2017 snowfall 83cm reported on 12 days April 2017 snowfall 0cm May 2017 snowfall 0cm Previous report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com