Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 96cm Posted on Saturday 7th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. It is still snowing and this morning I have another 14cm to add. With some rather windy conditions, it's one of those mornings when there is more/less than that in places. More snow is expected across the coming days, hopefully with less wind. Oh, and welcome back to the Niseko Avalanche Reports! A big thank you and yoroshiku in advance for all the effort put into them. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base 6:30am: 20cm snowfall in 12h, wind affected snow. Moiwa 800m: -9.3℃, average NNW9.5m/s, 25m/s gusts at 4am. Hanazono 1000m: -11.5ど, wind direction n/a, 25m/s gusts at 4am. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW17m/s, NNW25m/s at 4am, Kamui capeW2.6m/s, WNW25m/s at 4am, 1009hPa. The Sea of Japan is in a very rough condition due to the strong winter pressure distribution. The wind has started to calm down, however the wind slabs formed in the past 12h have developed dramatically and the avalanche risk in leeward slopes above treeline (800m elevation) with heavy snowdrift formation is high. 120cm thick slides are expected in the Backbowl’s high slopes area until this afternoon. The off piste areas are still closed due to lack of snowpack. Please respect the Niseko Rules. Many of the avalanche accidents are caused by collapsing snowdrifts that developed quickly under strong winds. The visibility is poor. Drive safely. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Saturday 7th December 2024 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 20cm Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 98cm (+13cm change since yesterday) Base: 75cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All four lifts are now operating Courses: Juicy Fruit Yotei Sunset Parallel Mango Salad Silver Dream ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 20cm Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 130cm (+20cm change since yesterday) Base: 50cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: Ace Family quad Ace Gondola King Gondola King Holiday pair King Number 3 quad Swinging Monkey Courses: Family Sennoki Alpen Beginners access Green Kogen Boyo Holiday ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Lifts: Upper Village Gondola Village Express Community Chair Banzai Chair ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 55cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 30cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Lifts: Dream Number 1 quad Jumbo Number 1 quad Courses: Paradise Junior ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned from Saturday 14th December 2024 until Wednesday 23rd March 2025. Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Saturday 7th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 96cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (5th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 58cm reported on 5 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 48cm Posted on Saturday 7th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Today the Chuo lift will be opening from 9am through 3:30pm! You can get there via the Zao Chuo Ropeway. The ski area is calling today and tomorrow a 'pre-open' before what was the planned opening date of Saturday 14th December. I suppose if we get enough snow and conditions are good enough there might be a chance of it remaining open in the coming week. But let's see how that pans out. There is more snow forecast. There is light snowfall with moderate fog early this morning. I can't see the top of the mountain or the sky. The roads have a light covering of snow and the plows are getting to work as I write this. Ski lifts operating (planned): Chuo Number 1 pair (via Zao Chuo Ropeway) Ski runs open (planned): Chuo Official snow depth (reported by ski area): Yokokura area: -cm Uwanodai area: -cm Utopia area: 40cm Chuo area: 30cm Paradise area: -cm Summit area: -cm Zao Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Saturday 7th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 48cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (on 6th December) November 2024 snowfall 18cm observed on 4 days December 2024 snowfall 30cm observed 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 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 34cm Snowfall at base this season 43cm Posted on Saturday 7th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . I think we can call today the first real day of winter. Thirty-four centimeters of nice, heavy snow on the ground; the first operation of a new snowthrower and the first visit by the snowplows. It’s continuing to snow steadily, probably a fresh cm every hour or so. It’s supposed to keep going until Monday morning, so we’re building a pretty good base for the potential openings starting one week from today. Just might happen! Akakura Kanko: Planned opening December 14 Akakura Onsen: Planned opening December 14 Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick: Planned opening December 14 Myoko Suginohara: Planned opening December 21 Kyukamura RunRun: Planned opening December 21 Seki Onsen: 120cm, 00° Planned opening late December Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort: Planned opening December 21 Madarao Mountain Resort: Planned opening December 14 Lotte Arai Resort: 187cm, 13° Gondola and Zendana lift Kurohime Kogen Snow Park: Planned opening December 21 Myoko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Saturday 7th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 43cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (7th December) November 2024 snowfall 8cm reported on 1 day December 2024 snowfall 35cm 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 Myoko. 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 17cm Snowfall at base this season 20cm Posted on Saturday 7th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Snow! The ski area is this morning reporting 30cm of snowfall up on the open Yamabiko area, and I have just measured 17cm. So, a decent amount overnight. It's still snowing with more due over this weekend. And then perhaps we'll get some sun on Monday (but back to snow mid-week). Ski area operations remain the same as they have been at the start of the day, but as we get more snow I am guessing that some expansion is imminent! Naski is pleased. 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: 40cm 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 (8:45am-3:30pm) Courses available: Yamabiko D Yamabiko E (ungroomed) You need to get the gondola up to (and back down from) the open ski run. All base areas are closed. Nozawa Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Saturday 7th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 20cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (7th December) November 2024 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2024 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 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 22cm Snowfall at base this season 41cm Weather overview Snow Wind Northerly Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Saturday 7th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . I wasn't looking forward to eating my hat, so I particularly pleased to be able to report snow. And another decent amount of it, too, with more expected right through until the end of tomorrow. Beyond the weekend, some sunny skies are expected early week, but we should be back to getting fresh snow Wednesday onwards. Opening next weekend for Madarao? It sure feels like there is a very good chance! Opening in style (ie. with lots of runs open) would be amazing, if they could manage that. ----------------- Planned ski area opening dates: Madarao Mountain Resort: Saturday 14th December 2024 Tangram Ski Circus: Saturday 21st December 2024 Madarao Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Saturday 7th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 41cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 11cm (on 19th November) November 2024 snowfall 19cm reported on 4 days December 2024 snowfall 22cm 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 63cm Posted on Saturday 7th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. After all that excitement about a week ago, here we are with another dose! Our mountains have been on the receiving end of a large amount of snow (not evident in the more modest numbers from base, of course). Quick side note: Just to be clear for those of you who might be new to these reports. I will always mention how much snowfall ski areas are reporting from upper elevations in each report, both in my text commentary and in the list below. Regarding the 'snowfall at base' thing with my numbers, please be sure to read the About page linked to from the top of this report. OK back to the report. Happo-one has this morning reported 55cm of fresh snowfall at Kurobishi with an official snow depth of 140cm. That ski area is planning on getting the Alpen quad lift and Kurobishi Number 2 quad lifts moving today. All the main courses at Hakuba 47 are now open and you can ski or board back to base. Impressive. There is a lot going on right now, and as the snow continues to pile up I imagine that during this weekend more lifts and runs will become available. In fact, the below list might already be out of date soon after it is posted. But the headline simply has to be that we are doing very well and it is all extremely encouraging for what is still the early part of December. More snow through the weekend, with some sunshine currently forecast for Monday. I am liking it very much. -------------------------------- ABLE Hakuba Goryu New snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Top: 35cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 105cm Lifts: Telecabin gondola Alps Number 1 pair Alps Number 3 pair Courses: Panorama Grand Prix Super Technical Notes: Take the gondola up to (and down from) the ski runs that are open ------------ Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park New snowfall (reported as 'todays snowfall' by the ski area): Top: 30cm Base: 20cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 105cm Base: 30cm Ski lifts: All lifts operating (apart from Line D which usually only operates when the gondola is closed) Courses: All main courses open Notes: The Tree Riding Zones are not yet open ------------ Hakuba Happo-one New snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Kurobushi (1680m): 55cm Usagidaira (1400m): 45cm Nakiyama (800m): - Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Kurobushi (1680m): 140cm Usagidaira (1400m): 126cm Nakiyama (800m): -cm Ski lifts: Alpen quad (scheduled) Adam Gondola Panorama pair Kokusai Number 3 pair Kurobishi Number 2 quad (scheduled) Courses: Panorama (More upcoming, surely, including Usagidaira and Kurobishi) Notes: Take the gondola up to (and down from) the area that is open ------------ Tsugaike Mountain Resort Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Upper: 132cm Base: 28cm Ski lifts: Eve Gondola Han-no-ki pair lift Courses: Han-no-ki Notes: Take the gondola up to (and down from) the ski run that is open -------------------------------- Other planned opening dates for ski areas around Hakuba. All are subject to change and depend on snowfall. Friday 13th December 2024: Jigatake Saturday 14th December 2024: Hakuba Cortina Hakuba Norikura Onsen Kashimayari Friday 20th December 2024: Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka Hakuba Now 2024-2025 season Data as Saturday 7th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 63cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (30th November) November 2024 snowfall 42cm reported on 3 days December 2024 snowfall 21cm 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 Hakuba. 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 82cm Posted on Friday 6th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here We have more fresh snow! I have another 15cm to record this morning. It's cold out there and the snow is light and fluffy. A good way to start the day. (After some toast, of course). It is snowing very nicely as I put this report together, and we're expecting it to continue over the weekend. There's a lot happening right now as the snow continues to fall and build up. At Annupuri, the Jumbo Number 1 quad is moving this morning, so now the Paradise and Junior courses are available at that ski area. The second pair lift at Niseko Moiwa is also open. There are also now more runs opening up at Hanazono, and it looks like they are preparing the gondola too. I am checking and updating the list below each morning, so scroll down a little and check that out. Of course, things can change during the day - and probably will at this stage of the season. I will do my best to try and catch it all for you every morning. Gambarimasu! Update 10am: Hanazono gondola is moving and available up to mid-point. ------------------------------------ The small ski area behind Kutchan train station called Asahigaoka is set to open for the season on Friday, 27th December. Asahigaoka may be small and most definitely not as gnarly as the nearby famous Niseko ski areas. However, if you are new to skiing and want to avoid the crowds, and want to spend a bit (a lot!) less, it might be worth considering. I was talking with Andrew from SnowJapan HQ yesterday about a few things. Japanese ski areas are his specialist subject, and he has a nerdy, in-depth knowledge of what is happening nationwide. While many ski areas are increasing lift ticket prices this year, and some big names by an alarming amount, it was a bit surprising to learn that quite a few are actually keeping their prices unchanged. And that includes Asahigaoka, which is interesting considering its location at the entrance to Nisekoland. A one day ticket for an adult there is just 1,500 yen again this year. I have mentioned this before in these reports, but some small ski areas in Hokkaido are entirely free to use, though you might have to deal with surface rope-tow lifts... which is definitely an experience in itself! I think the point is that if you venture away from the fame and fashion of the big names, and sometimes not by far, there are definitely cheaper, less well-known spots to discover. They might not be for you but might be well-suited to others. I suppose some people visiting Niseko or Japan in general from overseas might not be overly bothered by costs so much, especially when compared with locals (for whom it is becoming a real issue, as I discussed a few times last season). But even taking out that factor, some of the smaller and less well-known ski areas can be real gems and offer a distinctly different experience. Anyway, it's just a thought for the day as I noticed the opening date of Asahigaoka. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Friday 6th December 2024 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 18cm Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 85cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 65cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: Hanazono Number 1 lift Hanazono Number 2 quad Gondola (available up to mid-point) Courses: Juicy Fruit Mango Salad Silver Dream ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 20cm Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 110cm (+15cm change since yesterday) Base: 50cm (+20cm change since yesterday) Lifts: Ace Gondola Ace Family quad Ace Number 3 pair Courses: Sennoki Course Family Course Shirakaba Course Center Course ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 0cm (huh?) Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 20cm (0cm change since yesterday) *incorrect Base: 0cm (0cm change since yesterday) *incorrect Lifts: Upper Village Gondola Village Express Community Chair Banzai Chair ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 0cm (hmmm) Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 50cm Base: 30cm Lifts: Dream Number 1 quad Jumbo Number 1 quad Courses: Paradise Junior ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned from Saturday 14th December 2024 until Wednesday 23rd March 2025. Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Friday 6th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 82cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (5th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 44cm reported on 4 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 Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 70cm Posted on Friday 6th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Hello from Geto Kogen. The heavy snow hasn't arrived yet. Just another cm or so down at base since yesterday and a few higher up. It is a mostly cloudy morning (with some glimpses of blue sky at times). Forecasts are still promising snow over the next few days so I'm looking forward to be able to tell you about that tomorrow. Lifts operating (planned): Number 1 gondola Runs open (planned): Several A courses, with restrictions More runs will open when there is enough snow. Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): 70cm (top) 20cm (base) Geto Kogen Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Friday 6th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 70cm Number of days snowfall observed 8 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 30cm (on 30th November) November 2024 snowfall 48cm observed on 5 days December 2024 snowfall 22cm observed 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 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 21cm Snowfall at base this season 40cm Posted on Friday 6th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . There has been a heavy downfall of large fluffy flakes. Visibility is not great due to the fall. The roads have not been plowed yet. The skies are currently unseen! And more is forecast over this weekend. Good signs for opening next weekend. Quick update: The ski area will be opening tomorrow and Sunday for (provisionally) two days; they are calling it 'pre-open' and it is one week earlier than planned. The upper Chuo area will be available, via the Zao Chuo Ropeway. Zao Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Friday 6th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 40cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (on 6th December) November 2024 snowfall 18cm observed on 4 days December 2024 snowfall 22cm observed 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 46cm Posted on Friday 6th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. It's snowing and there's a few cm on the ground around base areas. I just cleared almost 3cm off the roof of my car. Ski areas seem to be reporting about 10cm of snow at higher elevations. Lots of snow is still forecast through Sunday, so this is just a warm up. Hopefully! Another ski lift (and few top runs) at Goryu are now open and we can expect more to quickly open up once the snow arrives... -------------------------------- ABLE Hakuba Goryu New snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Top: 10cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 85cm Lifts: Telecabin gondola Alps Number 1 pair Alps Number 3 pair Courses: Panorama Grand Prix Super Technical Notes: Take the gondola up to (and down from) the ski runs that are open ------------ Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park New snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Top: 10cm Base: - Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 85cm Base: 10cm Ski lifts: All lifts operating (apart from Line D which usually only operates when the gondola is closed) Courses: Route 1 (upper section) Route 2 Route 3 Route 4 Route 5 Route 6 Route 8 Notes: The Hakuba 47 base area is now open, but you can't yet ski/board back to base (take the gondola) The Tree Riding Zones are not yet open ------------ Hakuba Happo-one New snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Kurobushi (1680m): 13cm Usagidaira (1400m): 12cm Nakiyama (800m): - Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Kurobushi (1680m): 65cm Usagidaira (1400m): 62cm Nakiyama (800m): -cm Ski lifts: Adam Gondola Panorama pair Kokusai Number 3 pair lift Courses: Panorama Notes: Take the gondola up to (and down from) the Panorama ski run that is open ------------ Tsugaike Mountain Resort Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Upper: 91cm Base: 8cm Ski lifts: Eve Gondola Han-no-ki pair lift Courses: Han-no-ki Notes: Take the gondola up to (and down from) the ski run that is open ------------ Other planned opening dates for ski areas around Hakuba. All are subject to change and depend on snowfall. Friday 13th December 2024: Jigatake Saturday 14th December 2024: Hakuba Cortina Hakuba Norikura Onsen Kashimayari Friday 20th December 2024: Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka Hakuba Now 2024-2025 season Data as Friday 6th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 46cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (30th November) November 2024 snowfall 42cm reported on 3 days December 2024 snowfall 4cm 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 Hakuba. 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 67cm Posted on Thursday 5th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Light (to moderate at times) snow as I put the report together this morning, with 18cm of it to report since yesterday. With this fresh layer, conditions out there will be improved this morning. The snow should be building up over the coming days, just as we like it. I'll let you know by how much. It looks like the Hirafu Ace Family quad is now open, so there are three lifts moving at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu and a few more courses. We are already seeing some strange numbers on the official Niseko United website, and it is probably due to them just not being updated. For example, this morning Hirafu and Hanazono are both reporting up to 30cm on the mountain while Annupuri and Village are going with 0cm. Of course, and this is an important point to remember, there are always going to be variations between areas around the mountain. (And we are allowed some mistakes here and there). Anyway, I will keep updating the information as it is published every morning in the list below. I reserve the right to possibly make some executive decisions (ie. delete them to avoid possible confusion) if the apparent tardiness continues! ------------------------------------ 10am update: The Banzai ski lift is back moving at Niseko Village. Oh yes, and it is snowing nicely now. :) ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Thursday 5th December 2024 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 27cm Base: 27cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 80cm Base: 60cm Lifts: Hanazono Number 1 lift Hanazono Number 2 quad Courses: Mango Salad Take the Hanazono Number 1 lift back down to base (because lower runs not yet available) ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 30cm Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 95cm (+15cm change since yesterday) Base: 30cm (+20cm change since yesterday) Lifts: Ace Gondola Ace Family quad Ace Number 3 pair Courses: Sennoki Course Family Course Shirakaba Course Center Course ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 0cm Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 20cm (0cm change since yesterday) Base: 0cm (0cm change since yesterday) Lifts: Upper Village Gondola Community Chair Banzai Chair ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 0cm Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 50cm Base: 30cm Lifts: Dream Number 1 quad Courses: Beginners run by the lift ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: Number 2 pair lift ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned from Saturday 14th December 2024 until Wednesday 23rd March 2025. Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Thursday 5th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 67cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (5th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 29cm 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 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 Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 69cm Posted on Thursday 5th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning. Just about 1cm to report this morning with the ski area saying there has been several cm on mountain. So not much. The ski area is part open but it's limited and conditions aren't great. Obviously we need a good amount of snow to really get things kicking off. It is snowing very lightly as I post this. Thankfully we are still looking at consistent snow over the coming days, heaviest around later tomorrow and into Saturday. Fingers crossed everyone. Lifts operating (planned): Number 1 gondola Runs open (planned): Several A courses, with restrictions More runs will open when there is enough snow. Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): 65cm (top) 15cm (base) Geto Kogen Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Thursday 5th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 69cm Number of days snowfall observed 7 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 30cm (on 30th November) November 2024 snowfall 48cm observed on 5 days December 2024 snowfall 21cm observed 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 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