Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 311cm Weather overview Fine and sunny Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Excellent Posted on Sunday 2nd January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Morning from Madarao. The snow did ease off and just a bit of leftovers to report. There was still some cloud about earlier on this morning but since then it has increasingly been blue sky - it's going to be a great morning, I can tell. By this evening it should be cloudy once again with snow due overnight, but it might just be a night shift with more clearer weather due during the day tomorrow again. And snow on Tuesday. Madarao Mountain Resort - Snowfall reported by the ski area (24 hours): 0cm - All lifts apart from Number 5 and 13 planned to be operating - 14 courses open - Tree run courses: River Line open - 280cm official snow depth Tangram Ski Circus - All 5 lifts operating - 170cm official snow depth Madarao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Sunday 2nd January 2022 Total snowfall at base 311cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 60cm (on 31st December) November 2021 snowfall 11cm reported on 2 days December 2021 snowfall 237cm reported on 13 days January 2022 snowfall 63cm 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 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 661cm Posted on Sunday 2nd January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Just another 50cm or so of new snowfall at base to report this morning, with more than that higher up. That was all yesterday as it stopped by the evening and there is no more overnight. But not to fear! More fresh snow should be coming tonight and tomorrow. Tree run course update: looks like Rabbit, Heart and Garden will be open today. Courses open: Most of Geto Kogen is open. Tree run courses: Heart, Rabbit, Garden depending on conditions. More to open soon. Lifts operating (subject to change): Open as planned Official snow depth: Upper: 380cm Lower: 240cm Geto Kogen Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Sunday 2nd January 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 661cm Number of days snowfall observed 25 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 76cm (on 1st January) November 2021 snowfall 106cm observed on 5 days December 2021 snowfall 431cm observed on 18 days January 2022 snowfall 124cm 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 406cm Posted on Saturday 1st January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning to you from Niseko and Happy New Year. May it be a good one for you, yours and.... everyone. (Well, maybe not the really naughty, bad people). 2022 starts with some sunshine! I do have some fresh snow to report this morning, but it's not snowing now. Those snow clouds won't be too far away though and might well be back within hours. Rather, for the moment the sun is out, there's a nice amount of sun and some blue sky. Mt Yotei is wearing a celebratory cloud hat thingy. It looks like a big massive mochi. Mmmmmm. At the start of the day the top lifts at Hirafu and Hanazono are on hold due to windy conditions up there. The other two top lifts appear to be open. Looks like the (forecast) strong wind made Annupuri cancel their early gondola operations that were planned for this morning. Well, I will now have my traditional New Years toast and then I plan to spend a few hours out on the mountain. Have a good day. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base: -13℃, 20cm new snow, mild blizzard. Moiwa 800m: -15℃, W15m/s, cornice and snowdrift development. Annupuri 1100m: -17℃, NW20m/s, 100cm snowdrift development, snowstorm. Hirafu Ridgeline: -20℃. Coastal data, Benkei cape: NNW16m/s, Kamui cape: N11m/s, 1009hPa, 2.7m waves. Blizzard conditions and the inflow of cold air continue under a winter weather pattern. Cornices and snow drift development is rapid. Leeward slopes above 800m are strongly wind effected, with heavy deposits of wind blown snow on steep cornice slopes. Below 800m in the forests, avalanches are likely to occur on creek sidewalls and the upper sections of knolls. Even if the gates are open today, best not to go out. The avalanche risk on Osawa cornice slope around 1000m is very high. If Gate 8 opens, do not cross the creek to the other side of the valley. Also, the creek is the avalanche path. Do not ride in the avalanche path/creek. Beware frostbite and hypothermia. Conditions are the same on all the surrounding mountains. Good day to finish early and hit the onsen. Happy New Year. ----- Planned ski area operations: Saturday 1st January 2022 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 260cm (+5cm) - Base: 145cm (+10cm) Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 15cm - Base: 15cm Planned lift operations: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad [* open for night skiing until 7:00pm] - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair - King Number 3 quad - Swinging Monkey - King Number 4 (* on hold at start of day) Planned open courses: - All courses open ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 220cm (+13cm) - Base: 160cm (+10cm) Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 25cm - Base: 25cm Planned lift operations: - Hanazono Number 1 - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad (* on hold at start of day) - Hanazono Symphony Gondola [* open for night skiing until 7:00pm] ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 190cm (no change) - Base: 130cm (no change) Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 15cm - Base: 15cm Planned lift operations: - All lifts operating - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad [* open for night skiing until 7:30pm] - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Jumbo Number 4 pair Planned open courses: - All but one course are now open ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 190cm no change - Base: 130cm no change Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 0cm - Base: 0cm Planned lift operations: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express - Community Chair [* open for night skiing until 7:00pm] - Banzai Chair - Wonderland Chair Niseko Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Saturday 1st January 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 406cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (23rd December) November 2021 snowfall 85cm reported on 6 days December 2021 snowfall 307cm reported on 23 days January 2022 snowfall 14cm 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 28cm Snowfall at base this season 226cm Posted on Saturday 1st January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A very Happy New Year from Zao Onsen, and indeed a lot of happy people on the mountain today after good fall of snow last night. At present it does not feel too cold and the winds are down in the lower half. Not surprisingly, all the upper car parks are full now (there is now a shuttle bus service from the Karamatsu car park lower down), except, and this is strange, the Omori car park which was only a 5th full on the upper car park when I was there an hour ago. Again, the Kurohime/Utopia side seems to be ok visibility wise and there is hardly anyone on the Omori slopes. If you're late getting up after last night, thus could be the best area to go to first and especially if you're driving. Official snow depth Summit: 75cm Paradise: 100cm Chuo: 100cm Utopia: 170cm Uwanodai: 80cm Almost all lifts and areas and runs are scheduled to be open. Zao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Saturday 1st January 2022 Total snowfall at base 226cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 27th and 28th December) November 2021 snowfall 38cm observed on 3 days December 2021 snowfall 160cm observed on 14 days January 2022 snowfall 28cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 217cm Posted on Saturday 1st January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Happy New Year 2022, and it looks like a great morning to welcome in the year ahead. Kitanomine Zone is now open and all go. There is 13cm of new snow that was dumped on the village yesterday so snow conditions on the mountain will be excellent. Looking up above things are clear and there is plenty of blue sky. High cloud may move in later. The strong winds that hit yesterday have now passed. Temperatures are cold with a current reading of -16c at base and -18c at the top. Kitanomine Zone OPEN Furano Zone OPEN Furano Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Saturday 1st January 2022 Total snowfall at base 217cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (26th November) November 2021 snowfall 72cm reported on 5 days December 2021 snowfall 132cm reported on 18 days January 2022 snowfall 13cm 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 70cm Snowfall at base this season 489cm Posted on Saturday 1st January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Man, what a day of snow to bring in 2022! First was just clearing up a meter+ fall, whcih took most of the day. Then there were all the cars getting stuck on the road—city folks coming up for the weekend, snow tires but only two-wheel drive. I'll give you a very local hint: when arriving by car, don't take the straight road up from Highway 18 at Tagiri intersection, but rather turn at Toyohashi intersection, near the 7-11. The latter is a prefectural road, not too steep, and well plowed. The straight road is much steep (especially when you're almost up to Akakura Kanko) and not as regularly plowed. Yesterday this meant carnage, with cars stuck in the middle of the road, the road condition just getting awful (ruts, bumps, washboard) and general panic. This is all very amusing for us locals, of course, and your correspondent even made a nice bit of pocket change using his front loader to tow several unfortunate people up to the flatter road above. I'm having fun with this, but this really is good advice. Take the prefectural road! Even if you've got a bulletproof winterized 4WD beast. The snowfall has tapered off now, but the winds have been pretty strong since early this morning. Watch for some lift closures due to wind if this carries on, which the weather forecast tells us is likely. It would be nice to let the fresh snow settle a bit for the sake of safety and fun. When you get close to two meters in two days, steeping into the snowpack can be like jumping into a pool (and it's hard to swim in unsettled snow!). Akakura Kanko: 240cm, -10° Akakura Onsen: 285cm, -5° Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick Snow Resort Top 260cm, bottom 240cm; -8° Their website is noting an accident on the very road I told you to use (above). Ahh...better be ready for a u-turn. Myoko Suginohara: Top 220cm, bottom 120cm; -11° Seki Onsen: 250cm, -10° Myoko Ski Park: Closed again this season Kyukamura RunRun: 200cm, -6° (they lost 80cm overnight?) Tangram: 170cm, -5° Another resort showing a decrease in snow depth... Yes, it does settle quickly, but it snowed all day, all throughout the area Madarao Mountain Resort: 280cm, -8° Nice big jump in depth here; I can get behind this reporting! Lotte Arai Resort 316cm, -3° Kurohime Kogen Snow Park 160cm, -8° Myoko Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Saturday 1st January 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 489cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 111cm (31st December) November 2021 snowfall 30cm reported on 1 day December 2021 snowfall 389cm reported on 14 days January 2022 snowfall 70cm 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 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 60cm Snowfall at base this season 347cm Posted on Saturday 1st January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning. Happy New Year! Yesterday was a bit of a wild day, and some lifts were affected along with the New Year events that were planned. There wasn't much to see either with the snow coming down and wind. At 3pm yesterday, the ski area was reporting from 40cm down at base areas up to 63cm at Yamabiko. That's since early morning. This morning there's an additional 10cm-25cm being reported, which is actually not as much as we were expecting. But definitely another huge impressive amount of snow has been delivered over the last 24 hours, and it is still snowing this morning. It is due to gradually ease off during the day today and tomorrow we should be seeing some sun. Unfortunately, as the day begins the Nagasaka Gondola, Yamabiko lifts, Skyline pair and Uenotaira quad are not moving due to strong winds on the mountain. They also say that there's a chance the Hikage gondola might need to take a rest. It goes without saying that conditions are excellent right now and I am eyeing up tomorrow with the clearer skies. In terms of snow and skiing, an excellent start to 2022. Let's hope the year ends up being a good on in much wider terms too. All the best to you. Information checked each morning at time of report. All subject to change. Fresh snowfall recorded by the ski area (total since yesterday morning): - Yamabiko (1615m): 88cm - Uenotaira (1407m): 79cm - Hikage (660m): 60cm - Nagasaka (616m): 58cm - Karasawa (563m): 50cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko (1615m): 270cm - Uenotaira (1407m): 230cm - Hikage (660m): 200cm - Nagasaka (616m): 195cm - Karasawa (563m): 150cm All courses apart from the following plan to be open: - Grand Prix - Mukobayashi - Kamoshika Planned operating lifts: - Most lifts are now scheduled to be open, subject to weather conditions. - The Utopia and Challenge pair lifts are normally rested on weekdays. - The Nagasaka quad lift is open for night skiing 1st Jan, 8th-9th Jan, 11th-12th Feb (subject to change!) Nozawa Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Saturday 1st January 2022 Total snowfall at base 347cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 75cm (31st December) November 2021 snowfall 15cm reported on 2 days December 2021 snowfall 272cm reported on 11 days January 2022 snowfall 60cm 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 60cm Snowfall at base this season 308cm Weather overview Snow Wind Windy Temperature - Visibility Limited Posted on Saturday 1st January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Morning to you and happy new year. It's a right humdinger of a new year too with some mad snow in the region. Easily another 50cm since yesterday and actually we didn't get quite as much as we thought we would overnight. The snow is forecast to ease off today. I imagine that once the weather calms down, the tree run courses should start to open up. We've surely got enough snow now! We may get some sun tomorrow. The lucky people here will be getting to enjoy excellent conditions. Madarao Mountain Resort - Snowfall reported by the ski area (24 hours): 50cm - All lifts apart from Number 5 and 13 planned to be operating - 14 courses open - Tree run courses not open yet - 280cm official snow depth Tangram Ski Circus - All 5 lifts operating - 170cm official snow depth Madarao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Saturday 1st January 2022 Total snowfall at base 308cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 60cm (on 31st December) November 2021 snowfall 11cm reported on 2 days December 2021 snowfall 237cm reported on 13 days January 2022 snowfall 60cm 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 14cm Snowfall at base this season 173cm Posted on Saturday 1st January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Hello and Happy New Year from Hakuba! 2022 starts with snow still falling. Wind is unfortunately affecting some higher lifts, including the gondola at Happo-one, the upper section of the Tsugaike gondola and upper lifts at 47/Goryu. Fingers crossed that might improve allowing them to open. Special mention to the 40cm of fresh being reported at Cortina again! Tomorrow should be calmer. Some sun even, and according to some forecasts we might even get some sun later today. Further snow is due later on tomorrow night and early in the week too. A really good and consistent season would be great, please. ----- Total snowfall accumulation this season so far [*upper areas] [As reported by official sources at time of this report] Hakuba Goryu: 273cm Hakuba 47: 285cm Hakuba Happo-one: 296cm Hakuba Cortina: 279cm Tsugaike Mountain Resort: 333cm ----- Hakuba Goryu Reported snowfall: - Upper: 25cm Official snow depth: - Upper: 225cm - Toomi: 110cm Hakuba 47 Reported snowfall: - Summit: 30cm - Lower: 10cm Official snow depth: - Top: 220cm - Base: 115cm Hakuba Happo-one Reported snowfall: - Kurobishi: 30cm - Usagidaira: 30cm - Nakiyama: 10cm Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 175cm - Usagidaira: 175cm - Nakiyama: 95cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Reported snowfall: - Mountain Side: ?cm - Village Side: ?cm Official snow depth: - Mountain Side: 130cm - Village Side: 50cm Tsugaike Mountain Resort Reported snowfall: - Upper: 15cm Official snow depth: - Upper: 280cm - Lower: 135cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen Official snow depth: - 200cm Hakuba Cortina Reported snowfall: - Summit: 40cm - Lower: 40cm Official snow depth: - Top: 290cm - Base: 190cm Hakuba Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Saturday 1st January 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 173cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (18th December) November 2021 snowfall 29cm reported on 4 days December 2021 snowfall 130cm reported on 12 days January 2022 snowfall 14cm 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 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 392cm Posted on Friday 31st December 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. And for my last report of 2021 I have another 15cm of fresh snowfall to report. That makes my total for the season so far 392cm. On the last day of last year that number stood at 410cm, so a very number similar. I will do my usual wrap up kind of report for the season until now early next week. Back to this morning and the snow continues to fall. Well, it was falling quite heavily as I started to put this report together, but as we approach 8:30am there's some blue sky appearing and it is getting much brighter. In fact, the sun is even starting to appear. So very changeable just in the last 30 minutes, and it might or might not last. Generally though, the snow is only going to continue into next week. It is going to remain really cold too, as you would expect. Wonderful consistency. Expect some fireworks tonight. Hopefully the skies will be clear for those. (And then it can get back to snowing!) My report tomorrow might be a bit later than usual, but the season does not stop* and there will be snow to report to you. So I'll see you tomorrow morning. Have a good evening. Be good. ----- * Curiously, one feature of a bunch of small local ski areas in Hokkaido is that they are closed on 31st December and 1st January every year. In fact, one of those that closes over New Year is the small ski area behind Kutchan Station, Asahigaoka. As far as I am aware this seems to be a Hokkaido thing. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base: -10℃, 15cm snowfall, light winds and snow. Moiwa 800m: -13℃, 20cm snowfall, cornice and snowdrift development, minor snowstorm. Annupuri 1100m: -14℃, 80cm snowdrift development, snowstorm, poor visibility. Hirafu 1200m: -14℃, strong winds, blizzard conditions, poor visibility. Coastal data, Benkei cape: NNW17m/s, Kamui cape: W10m/s, 1006hPa, 2.8m waves. Currently we are under the influence of a winter weather pattern with isobars close together, cold air is flowing in, snow storm and poor visibility. Major snowdrift and cornice development above the tree line. Expect large cornice collapses from impact, Snowdrift development is moderate. Snow conditions are good but too deep in some locations. Cornice slopes and steep open slopes above 35deg expect the avalanche risk to increase during the morning. Dependant on weather conditions, peak gates are being prepared for opening today, Please respect the patrols decisions. Visibility is poor so take it easy today. Also with the cold temps be careful of frostbite. Wear your helmet and turn your beacon on! Some creeks are still open, if you fall in and get wet, you will die. Be cautious and make smart route choices. Let's hope for no accidents. ----- Planned ski area operations: Friday 31st December 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 255cm (no change) - Base: 135cm (no change) Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 15cm - Base: 15cm Planned lift operations: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad [* open for night skiing until 7:00pm] - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair - King Number 3 quad - Swinging Monkey - King Number 4 (*maybe) Planned open courses: - All courses open ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 207cm (+2cm) - Base: 150cm (+5cm) Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 15cm - Base: 20cm Planned lift operations: - Hanazono Number 1 - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad - Hanazono Symphony Gondola [* open for night skiing until 7:00pm] ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 190cm (no change) - Base: 130cm (no change) Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 10cm Planned lift operations: - All lifts operating - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad [* open for night skiing until 7:30pm] - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Jumbo Number 4 pair Planned open courses: - All but one course are now open ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 190cm no change - Base: 130cm no change Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 0cm - Base: 0cm Planned lift operations: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express - Community Chair [* open for night skiing until 7:00pm] - Banzai Chair - Wonderland Chair Niseko Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Friday 31st December 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 392cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (23rd December) November 2021 snowfall 85cm reported on 6 days December 2021 snowfall 307cm reported on 23 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 198cm Posted on Friday 31st December 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Quite a bit more snow than expected fell last night and today is not that much different from yesterday (poor visibility) although it feels fairly warm. It is likely to get colder throughout the day with winds picking up. Plenty snow forecasted overnight to welcome in the New Year (stay up/get up late - choices choices!). In the meantime, it looks like the Omori area is the best in terms of visibility. Official snow depth Summit: 65cm Paradise: 90cm Chuo: 90cm Utopia: 140cm Uwanodai: 80cm The majority of lifts and areas and runs are now scheduled to be open. Zao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Friday 31st December 2021 Total snowfall at base 198cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 27th and 28th December) November 2021 snowfall 38cm observed on 3 days December 2021 snowfall 160cm observed on 14 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 204cm Posted on Friday 31st December 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Furano Ski Resort has opened Kitanomine Zone this morning. The plan was to operate all lifts on the Kitanomine side, but due to strong wind only the quad chair can operate at the moment. The children's snow escalators remain closed on both sides of the resort. The strong wind combined with light snow means that it is feeling pretty cold on the slopes. Visibility is limited due to low cloud and snow being blown around in the wind. Kitanomine Zone OPEN Furano Zone OPEN Furano Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Friday 31st December 2021 Total snowfall at base 204cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (26th November) November 2021 snowfall 72cm reported on 5 days December 2021 snowfall 132cm reported on 18 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