Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Weather overview - Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 11:45am on Friday 9th November 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . This year has been great for the autumn colours - the scenery in this region has been truly spectacular this year, and even now in the village area the colours of autumn are doing their thing. It won't be long now before the trees are looking barer and winter is with us. We have had a few short blasts of winter like conditions actually. Around 2nd/3rd November there was a fair amount of white snow cover on the the mountain, though not down to the village area level. Great to see the white cover, but it has now gone for the moment again. The Echo Line road connecting Zao with Miyagi Prefecture is now closed for the season and everyone in the village is busy preparing for the coming winter season. As always Zao will open basically as soon as there is enough snow and we can hope that may be around early December. We will just have to wait and see. I will be posting more in the coming weeks as we approach opening with the latest. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 9th November 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 3cm Weather overview - Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 11:45am on Wednesday 28th November 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Things are looking nice and white this morning as we welcome a few cm of fresh snowfall to the village with yesterdays rather stormy conditions. The wind has calmed down this morning and it's just a generally cloudy start to the day. A cold one though, and right now around 0 degrees. There's not a huge amount of snowfall on it's way in the coming week according to the forecast. Best chance around Saturday. The Zao Chuo Ropeway is closed for maintenance at the moment until hopefully the weekend when they will re-open (for sightseeing). Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 28th November 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 3cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 3cm (28th November) November 2012 snowfall 3cm 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 13cm Weather overview - Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 9:12am on Sunday 2nd December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Amazing what a bit of snow can do. Yesterday, the first lift of the season started moving! There's not that much snow out there (30cm according to the resort) and not much course area open, but the Chuo Number 1 pair lift is operating and part of the Chuo area at Zao Onsen is open. I'll bring you more details on Tuesday, when we will get the Zao Now reports into 'daily mode'. Welcome to the 12/13 season! Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 2nd December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 13cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 10cm (2nd December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 10cm 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 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 751cm Weather overview Cloud, rain, snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility OK Posted at 11:34am on Sunday 28th April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The rain moved in yesterday evening and turned to a wintry mix/snow late last night. Precipitation is falling, but it's a mixed bag at the moment - a little rain mixed with snow in the village, a nice wintry mix at the bottom of the ski resort, and all snow up on the mountain. This might be our last chance for fresh snow before the season ends next weekend. It is certainly a welcome sight. We're at the end of April, and you can still ski the mountain from top to bottom with a 130cm base. Not a bad run after a slightly dry to normal snow season. It's currently 3 degrees with a stiff winding blowing out of the north at 6 m/s. The forecast doesn't call for much warmer temperatures, so be prepared for a small taste of winter if you're up there skiing near the peak of the mountain. Conditions change over to Spring-like snow the further down you go, so be sure to keep that in mind when getting in your last few runs of the season. One more week to go! Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 28th April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 751cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 98 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 219cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 19cm reported on 10 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 751cm Weather overview Cloud with scattered showers Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted at 9:15am on Sunday 12th May 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The Cherry Blossoms may be blooming in Hakodate, but it is still ski season for one last day in Furano. For those of you who have been on the fence about getting out there for that final run, today is your last chance! It's currently 7 degrees with a few scattered showers lingering around Central Hokkaido. The rain is on its way out for the day, but overnight saw a cold, steady rain spread across the area. With lows holding fast in the mid-single digits, only the upper elevations of the mountain had a chance of seeing some appreciable snowfall. The top of the mountain is bristling white, but snow conditions transition quickly over to spring-like as you ski towards the bottom. The good news is that the rain will move out and stay out for the rest of the day. The cloudy weather will most likely be lingering, but temperatures should peak in the low 10's, not too shabby for a mid-May Sunday. Winds are brisk at 6 m/s, but even the wind should calm down a bit for the last afternoon of ski lift operations this season. If you're looking for the best conditions to round out the 2012-13 year, be sure to hit the slopes after lunch. Hope to see you out there! ---- Thank you very much for reading the Furano Now reports this season. Furano Now will be back with you on the other side of summer when the 2013/2014 ski season is once again just around the corner. See you then! Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 12th May 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 751cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 98 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 219cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 19cm reported on 10 days May 2013 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 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 738cm Weather overview Cloudy Wind Light Temperature - Visibility OK Posted at 9:11am on Wednesday 10th April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There has been a dusting of new snow through the village in the early hours of the morning with little accumulation on the ground due to the warmer ground temperatures that are present. It is now high overcast and looks to stay that way for the remainder of the day with the chance of some further light snow during the day. Temperatures are cooler than they have been over the last few days and this combined with the fresh dusting on the mountain will provide for some good spring skiing today. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as Wednesday 10th April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 738cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 90 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 219cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 6cm 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 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 737cm Weather overview Part cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility OK Posted at 1:49pm on Saturday 6th April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Spring is continuing its slow advance into the Furano valley. After a relatively cold day yesterday, today is feeling much warmer. Temperatures took a brief dip below freezing overnight, but have already rebounded to 9 degrees by this, the early afternoon. Things are relatively quiet today, with partly cloudy skies and warm temperatures. However, a front passing through the area will bring widespread rain, heavy at times, into the area for the latter half of the weekend. Winds have already started to pick up a little, but should only intensify as we move into the evening and the storm approaches. If you're looking to get in some spring skiing, today is your day. Tomorrow is shaping up to be a serious rain event, so get in a few runs while you can! Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as Saturday 6th April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 737cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 89 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 219cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 5cm 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 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 737cm Weather overview Broken cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted at 10:09am on Monday 1st April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It was a fantastic weekend in Furano with fresh snow on both Saturday and Sunday. This morning has also delivered more snow - it is hard to believe this is still happening in April! Temperatures on the lower mountain are above zero today and look to stay that way for the rest of the week, but on the upper mountain they will remain quite cold. This means that the lower half of the mountain will be spring snow conditions. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as Monday 1st April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 737cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 89 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 219cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 5cm 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 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 668cm Weather overview Partly cloudy Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted at 1:39pm on Sunday 17th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It's shaping up to be a beautiful day out there today, with plenty of sun making its way through those clouds, bringing along with it more then enough Spring-like temperatures. It looks like we are poised to break the freezing mark today with a forecast high around 3 above. Lingering cloud cover may look threatening, but it doesn't look like we will be seeing too much in the way of appreciable precipitation on this fine Sunday. We got about 15cm of snow yesterday, and there is still some of that to be had up on the slopes. Tomorrow looks like it's going to continue the warming trend, with rain in the forecast for later in the day. If you're going to get out there and take advantage of great March skiing, it looks like today is your day to do it. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 17th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 668cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 82 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 155cm reported on 13 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 658cm Weather overview Snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 12:09pm on Saturday 16th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . A cold front swept its way across Central Hokkaido last night and into the morning, bringing with it colder temperatures and plenty of heavy, wet snow. Temperatures actually rose overnight before turning south of the freezing mark around 9am this morning. Since then, we've seen almost 10cm of big, fluffy flakes extremely high in moisture content. Not quite the dry, powder-like snow we're used to here in Furano, but as Spring approaches we can expect to see a lot more of this variety of snow. The good news is that there should be plenty of fresh out there. The downside is turns will be a lot slower especially on the lower half of the mountain where the heaviest snow is falling, so please take that into account when speeding down the mountain. The All-Japan High School Ski Tournament held every year in Furano continues today, but only Spies and Ropeway courses are closed off to the public today. Both Panorama and Technical are now open for everyone. Temperatures are now hovering around -2 and continuing to fall as the day progresses. Expect overnight lows around -8 with snow falling throughout the evening hours. Tomorrow should be relatively calm with cloudy skies and seasonable temperatures. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 16th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 658cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 81 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 145cm reported on 12 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 648cm Weather overview Sunny Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 12:15pm on Friday 15th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . We have wintery temperatures again. It is a nice sunny day with some broken cloud moving around as well. The lower mountain is frosty underfoot but great conditions on the upper mountain. Very few people out there and still some great powder in certain places. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 15th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 648cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 80 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 135cm reported on 11 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 568cm Weather overview Cloudy some snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 10:46am on Sunday 3rd March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The snow didn't give up after all. The snow storm that started Friday afternoon gathered its strength for another push early Saturday afternoon, bringing with it more of the high winds/heavy snows combination that we've seen so much of the last three days. Anywhere from 20-30cm fell between early afternoon to midnight, accompanied by more gusty wind conditions that have created huge snowdrifts on the leeward sides of everything. Things have quieted down now and the lifts are running on the normal schedule, but the official word from the resort is that due to all that snow that fell yesterday, they will be doing snow removal/grooming throughout the day. That means that some lifts will be forced to temporarily suspend operations in order to get the job done. Also, if the wind picks back up again (currently gusting at 3-5m/s, a nice break from yesterday's peak of 9m/s), they may have to stop lift operations until the winds die back down. However for now, things are running smoothly, the sun is trying to peak out, and the weather isn't so cold in the mid minus single digits, about -5C. Winds are rather brisk out of the North, but nothing to debilitating at the moment. Expect snow showers on and off throughout the day, but the major snow event for this weekend is, for the large part, behind us. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 3rd March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 568cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 72 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (5th February) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 55cm 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