Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 22cm Snowfall at base this season 849cm Posted on Thursday 4th February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have two main good things to report this morning - lots more snow and less wind. Hurray! It is good and cold too with temperatures down into minus double digits, even here at base. As I prepared to post this report at 8:30am the only lift that was marked as on hold was the top King Number 4 at Niseko Grand Hirafu... but that also now seems to be scheduled to open (along with all other lifts that should be open). All forecasts still show us getting consistent snow through next week. It might get a bit milder around Saturday, but other than that temperatures should be remaining low. Visibility is variable at the start of the day but rather limited in places. Take care if you are out there. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:NW10m/s. Cape Kamui:W12m/s, 1010hPa, wave2.2m. Hanazono 1000m: -17.3℃, E2.9m/s. Hanazono 720: -13.9℃, WSW4.3m/s. Moiwa 800m: -14.3℃, N5.6m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -17.4℃, WNW7.6m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -17.0℃, WSW3.7m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -16.1℃, WNW3.5m/s. Kutchan Town:-10.1℃, SSW2.2m/s, snow depth 174cm, 1011.0hPa. Moiwa base: -12, 30cm new snow in last 12hrs, calm. The winter type pressure pattern continues however the isobars have spread a little further apart. The snow above 1000m has been blown off and dangerously accumulated on leeward slopes below 700m. Above 1100m cornice growth has been massive, up to 10m in some locations. Stimulation can break off huge pieces that can be extremely dangerous. As of 5am the snowdrift growth has slowed however from observation, data and snow transition, the avalanche risk continues to be high on leeward slopes above 1000m. Also best to avoid high elevation cornice faces like Kozan no Sawa and Higashi One. Gate openings are yet to be decided. Peak gates are expected to be closed. Please follow the patrols instructions. Below 800m the forests are full of wind blown snow, the type of snow Niseko is famous for. A little heavy but good bounce. The snow off the side of the runs is deep, snowboarders should carry a pole. Is your beacon on? It can save you, and your friend’s life. Keep your eye on the weather and have a good day. ----- Planned ski area operations: Thursday 4th February 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning from official sources. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 20cm - Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 370cm (+10cm) - Base: 215cm (+15cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4 - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 12cm - Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 277cm (+13cm) - Base: 210cm (+25cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating - Planned: All three lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 260cm (+0cm) - Base: 190cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - Planned: All lifts apart from Jumbo Number 2 and 3 - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 5cm - Base: 2cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 250cm (+0cm) - Base: 170cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Mori no Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair - Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. There may be other lift operation changes at the moment due to coronavirus situation. Do be sure to check for details with ski areas. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Thursday 4th February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 849cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 62 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 387cm reported on 27 days February 2021 snowfall 52cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 19cm Snowfall at base this season 827cm Posted on Wednesday 3rd February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a very cold morning here. Annupuri are reporting a temperature of -21C at their peak and it is -13C down here at base early morning. Brrrrrr. Post report I'll be looking forward to some toasty toast. Anyway. Snow! And quite a lot of it. I imaging there will be varying amounts around the mountain, courtesy of wind. I just measured a few different numbers close to each other, so I am just having to go with my usual trusted spot. The snow has actually eased off from actually falling for the moment. There is even a few breaks appearing in the clouds and I can see some light blue through them as we approach 8:30am. Maybe even some sun? Might well be temporary. Unfortunately, we still have those pesky winds messing around with us. The day starts with the Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri gondolas on hold as well as the top lifts (apart from the top Hanazono which is opening as planned). We can only hope the wind calms down soon. Still, there should be lots of fine fresh snow to enjoy on the mountain (the Avalanche Report is mentioning 40cm of fresh) and un-Niseko-like quietness going on to allow the lucky people here to enjoy it. ----- Someone sent in a mail asking if I am going to continue the daily reports... 'because business is bad'. I'm not sure where that is coming from but... huh?! Firstly, of course I plan to continue. (The end of last season I nearly stopped before the lifts stopped, but that was a rather different situation. On the same day I said that, the ski area announced closing. You can look back at how that happened in the archive reports). Secondly, and most importantly, I'm not posting these reports to try and persuade you to come to Niseko. Or as a front man for some travel agency or marketing operation. Quite the opposite. Business being good or bad --- whose business? --- is totally irrelevant. I post theses reports because I love Niseko, I enjoy doing it and I also enjoy keeping and sharing a record of the season. And SnowJapan is the perfect vehicle for doing that; one I respect very much. The same general concept goes for all the reports on SnowJapan. Some people still never seem to get it. This site is not a company trying to sell you stuff. If it were that kind of beast, I would not be posting these reports! ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:NW18m/s. Cape Kamui:W14m/s, 1008hPa, wave3.0m. Hanazono 1000m: -19.4℃, ENE4.4m/s. Hanazono 720: -16.5℃, N7.4m/s. Moiwa 800m: -16.8℃, NNW12.8m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -19.8℃, W10.9m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -19.2℃, WSW6.1m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -18.3℃, WNW8.5m/s. Kutchan Town:-11.9℃, W4.8m/s, snow depth 158cm, 1008.6hPa. Moiwa base: -14, 40cm new snow in last 12hrs, blizzard. Currently in a winter type weather pattern, the isobars are close together, snow storms at the sea and mountains. Above 800m 25+m/s winds and snow with rapid cornice and snowdrift development. From tests snow drifts are unstable and avalanche risk is very high. Better to keep off un groomed open steep slopes today. Avoid stimulating cornices and knolls. Most accidents happen right after a snow storm. Developing snow drifts are like a stack of 3-5cm layers. During strong winds development continues this way and consolidation is delayed. If the developing snow drift collapses, surface avalanches occur easily. This type of danger continues for a while after the weather gets better and wind drop below 10m/s. Gate openings yet to be decided. Stay off steep slopes looking for powder. Snow conditions continually change. Last week was good, today not so much. There is no safety in the mountains. Carry safety equipment like a beacon and helmet. Its cold but the snow is good. ----- Planned ski area operations: Wednesday 3rd February 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning from official sources. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 15cm - Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 360cm (+10cm) - Base: 200cm (+10cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4 - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 12cm - Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 270cm (+10cm) - Base: 200cm (+15cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating - Planned: All three lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 260cm (+0cm) - Base: 190cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - Planned: All lifts apart from Jumbo Number 2 and 3 - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 5cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 250cm (+0cm) - Base: 170cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Mori no Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair - Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. There may be other lift operation changes at the moment due to coronavirus situation. Do be sure to check for details with ski areas. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 3rd February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 827cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 61 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 387cm reported on 27 days February 2021 snowfall 30cm 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 297cm Posted on Wednesday 3rd February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The light rain yesterday morning did indeed turned to snow around midday. Nice powder on the slopes this morning. Nice bounce but a shame you can still feel the hard underneath in some areas at mid level down. Vis is about 300-400m at mid levels but foggy patches above that. Low light yellow lenses make a huge difference today. It does not feel cold, however, there should be winds around later today. It should continue to snow through tomorrow so... enjoy. All lifts scheduled to be operating apart from: - Ryuzan pair - Kokutai pair - Karamatsu pair - Paradise Number 3 pair All areas open apart from: - Ryuzan - Kotan Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area): - Summit area: 140cm - Paradise area: 150cm - Chuo area: 150cm - Utopia area: 165cm - Uwanodai area: 120cm - Omori area: 105cm - Kurohime: 165cm Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 3rd February 2021 Total snowfall at base 297cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 36 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 30th January) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 142cm observed on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 146cm observed on 20 days February 2021 snowfall 9cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 565cm Posted on Wednesday 3rd February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Well I am glad to report that the rain stopped and the snow started yesterday. This morning the resort is reporting 5-18cm of snowfall (since yesterday morning) base to top, so a modest layer of fresh out there. It has still been snowing this morning but it feels like it might be easing. But light snow is on the forecast for the day today; clearer skies tonight. Tomorrow might start clearer too but the snow clouds should be back during the morning. It looks like the Nagasaka Gondola is not moving early on this morning - some kind of maintenance. The top areas of the resort are open -- you'll just have to get there using other lifts. Fresh snowfall recorded by the resort (since yesterday morning): - Yamabiko (1407m): 9cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 18cm - Hikage (660m): 11cm - Nagasaka (615m): 11cm - Karasawa (563m): 5cm Nozawa Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 3rd February 2021 Total snowfall at base 565cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 56cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 290cm reported on 12 days January 2021 snowfall 252cm reported on 15 days February 2021 snowfall 23cm 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 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 Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 58cm Snowfall at base this season 1319cm Posted on Wednesday 3rd February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Back to fresh we are. And a lot of it too. Over 0.5m. So yes snow came down yesterday during the day and overnight and it is snowing still this morning. It's windy and visibility is currently limited. Not for everyone but there will be some deep conditions out on the mountain again this morning. Official snow depth ('groomed depth', as reported by the ski area): Top: 410cm Base: 300cm Planned operating lifts: Number 1 Gondola Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift Number 2 Gondola [* weekends & holidays only] Quad lift Planned open courses (subject to change): Main courses: - All open Tree Run course: - All should be open after checking for safety Night skiing: - Planned for weekends and holidays until 28th February Geto Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 3rd February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 1319cm Number of days snowfall observed 45 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 105cm (on 2nd January) November 2020 snowfall 73cm observed on 3 days December 2020 snowfall 482cm observed on 17 days January 2021 snowfall 685cm observed on 23 days February 2021 snowfall 79cm 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 328cm Posted on Wednesday 3rd February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Hakuba Happo-one Reported snowfall: - Kurobishi: 5cm - Usagidaira: 20cm - Nakiyama: 10cm Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 305cm - Usagidaira: 237cm - Nakiyama: 90cm Hakuba 47 Reported snowfall: - Summit: 20cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth: - Top: 325cm - Base: 150cm Hakuba Goryu Reported snowfall: - Upper: 20cm - Iimori: 15cm Official snow depth: - Upper: 310cm - Iimori: 130cm Hakuba Cortina Reported snowfall: - Summit: 15cm - Base: 7-12cm Official snow depth: - Top: 290cm - Base: 160cm Tsugaike Kogen Reported snowfall: - Summit: ?cm Official snow depth: - Top: 340cm - Base: 80cm Hakuba Iwatake Official snow depth: - Top: 200cm - Base: 70cm Kashimayari Official snow depth: - 240cm Sanosaka Official snow depth: - Top: 170cm - Base: 100cm Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 3rd February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 328cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 150cm reported on 12 days January 2021 snowfall 165cm reported on 19 days February 2021 snowfall 13cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 390cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a very warm morning. Already the temperature is -2c and this will be the high for the day. Light snow is falling and there is around 2cm of build up on the ground at the base of the resort. Wind conditions are calm and it is cloudy. Cloud is hovering over the tops, and visibility is best on the lower part of the mountain. With excellent coverage and plenty of fresh snow recently, the trails are in great condition. Kitanomine Zone open Furano Zone open Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd February 2021 Total snowfall at base 390cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 241cm reported on 23 days January 2021 snowfall 94cm reported on 20 days February 2021 snowfall 7cm 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 320cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. It was windy overnight. And this morning we are experiencing light rain > light snow. But let me expand on that as there's some much more excellent news to report. It's one of those funky days when we get a good amount of snow on the mountain with way less so down at base. This morning there is 20-30cm being reported around various ski areas on the upper slopes - hurray! I have an observed 3cm to report. We're hoping for more snow base upwards through tomorrow. ----- Hakuba Happo-one Reported snowfall: - Kurobishi: 30cm - Usagidaira: 28cm - Nakiyama: 0cm Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 295cm - Usagidaira: 225cm - Nakiyama: 80cm Hakuba 47 Reported snowfall: - Summit: 20cm - Base: 5cm Official snow depth: - Top: 315cm - Base: 140cm Hakuba Goryu Reported snowfall: - Upper: 20cm - Iimori: 0cm Official snow depth: - Upper: 315cm - Iimori: 125cm Hakuba Cortina Reported snowfall: - Summit: 5cm - Base: 0cm Official snow depth: - Top: 280cm - Base: 155cm Tsugaike Kogen Reported snowfall: - Summit: 30cm Official snow depth: - Top: 328cm - Base: 80cm Hakuba Iwatake Official snow depth: - Top: 190cm - Base: 70cm Kashimayari Official snow depth: - 240cm Sanosaka Official snow depth: - Top: 160cm - Base: 90cm Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 320cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 150cm reported on 12 days January 2021 snowfall 165cm reported on 19 days February 2021 snowfall 5cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 808cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Snow is falling this morning and coming down nicely as I look outside the window. Rewind a bit and I have to unfortunately report that we did get rained on overnight. But as I said it has turned into snow, so thankfully it did not last too long. Phew. Wind is continuing to be an issue today. As of 8:30am the top lifts are on hold. Visibility is also limited this morning and I suspect some variable conditions out there. Take care. ----- There is a lot in the report today, but as well as the monthly recap from today I have added the '24 hours snowfall' numbers that are reported by the ski areas themselves each morning. The numbers are often curiously in units of 5cm (rather than units of 1cm). And sometimes they don't seem to fit with either my observed numbers or the Avalanche Report numbers. But that in itself is ok. You may or may not value them, but they are another 'official' data point and a point of reference, so I thought it might be interesting to introduce them. Though I suggest they are the number you look at the least. Anyway, you will find those numbers in the individual ski areas listing area below in each report. OK, monthly recap time... ----- The 2020-2021 season so far: until the end January 2021: It’s February already, so time for a season so far re-cap! As is tradition, I would like to start by reminding everyone that I take my measurements from near the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu. Close to my secret lair. There is usually more snow at higher elevations, but it is impossible for me to take measurements from the top of the mountain every morning for all sorts of practical reasons. My numbers on these Niseko Now reports over the years can be compared like-for-like, because they are my observations and are coming from the same place each season. This is how much snowfall I have measured during the month of January over the last nine years: January 2021: 387cm January 2020: 224cm January 2019: 285cm January 2018: 305cm January 2017: 152cm January 2016: 303cm January 2015: 257cm January 2014: 461cm January 2013: 442cm The average number over those nine years is 312cm. So again, the number for the month is above average and this time by 75cm. But more than that… this was the most snowfall I have recorded in the month of January since 2014. Very nice! Here are my season-to-date numbers, from the beginning of this season to the end of January 2021: 2020/2021 season up to end of January 2021: 797cm 2019/2020 season up to end of January 2020: 516cm 2018/2019 season up to end of January 2019: 702cm 2017/2018 season up to end of January 2018: 899cm 2016/2017 season up to end of January 2017: 445cm 2015/2016 season up to end of January 2016: 611cm 2014/2015 season up to end of January 2015: 806cm 2013/2014 season up to end of January 2014: 859cm 2012/2013 season up to end of January 2013: 979cm The average of that lot is 735cm, so again we are tracking ‘above average’ this season. Up until 21st January I had been able to report some snowfall in every report… and actually that daily run goes back to 24th December. In fact, I reported snowfall on all but one day between 13th December and 21st January. That is an impressive and very consistent run of daily snowfall. Maybe not so great if you love clear blue skies, but some excellent snow conditions for those here to enjoy it. And even though we have had some windy conditions over the last few week, I’d say that generally this season we have avoided wind being too much of a nuisance. The consistent daily run of snowfall broke on 22nd January, after which we had something of a dry week or so before that 22cm of snowfall on the last day of the month. Here is how much of the total snowfall for a season we have already had by the end of January in previous seasons: By the end of January 2020, as a % of the season total: about 71% By the end of January 2019, as a % of the season total: about 74% By the end of January 2018, as a % of the season total: about 71% By the end of January 2017, as a % of the season total: about 65% By the end of January 2016, as a % of the season total: about 62% By the end of January 2015, as a % of the season total: about 70% By the end of January 2014, as a % of the season total: about 74% By the end of January 2013, as a % of the season total: about 66% Here is how much snowfall I have recorded during the month of February in the last eight winter seasons. February 2020: 143cm (659cm) February 2019: 198cm (900cm) February 2018: 299cm (1198cm) February 2017: 160cm (605cm) February 2016: 266cm (877cm) February 2015: 196cm (1002cm) February 2014: 178cm (1037cm) February 2013: 316cm (1295cm) The numbers in brackets show the total observed snowfall up until the end of February in each of those respective seasons. All being well we can probably expect somewhere around 2m more snowfall – hopefully more. Hopefully much more... obviously! Here are the snowfall numbers that the Japan Meteorological Agency report from their observation station in Kutchan town. For the month of January: January 2021: 249cm January 2020: 148cm January 2019: 253cm January 2018: 259cm January 2017: 160cm January 2016: 258cm January 2015: 230cm January 2014: 317cm January 2013: 268cm And for the “season so far” up until the end of January: 2020/2021 season up to end of January 2021: 613cm 2019/2020 season up to end of January 2020: 451cm 2018/2019 season up to end of January 2019: 667cm 2017/2018 season up to end of January 2018: 752cm 2016/2017 season up to end of January 2017: 568cm 2015/2016 season up to end of January 2016: 488cm 2014/2015 season up to end of January 2015: 658cm 2013/2014 season up to end of January 2014: 674cm 2012/2013 season up to end of January 2013: 672cm As you might expect, Niseko remains quieter than usual. It is definitely giving this season something of a unique feel. I suspect that even those who moan at crowds and the more bustling version of Niseko might welcome such things back (hopefully) next season. Well, maybe. I very much hope that everyone reading this who wants to come to Niseko will be able to do just that come next season. It sounds really strange even saying something like that - who’d have thought people wouldn’t physically be able to come... (sigh). It is encouraging to see the covid-19 statistics trending downwards here in Japan over the last few weeks. Let that continue please. As always, all the numbers I post in my reports can be found on lower down on page and via the 'Snowfall Analysis' tab at the top. Next monthly recap in early March. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:NW16m/s. Cape Kamui:NW14m/s, 999hPa, wave1.3m. Hanazono 1000m: -6.1℃, NNE1.5m/s. Hanazono 720: NNE4.1m/s. Moiwa 800m: -4.3℃, NNE5.5m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -6.8℃, WNW6.9m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -6.2℃, W3.4m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -5.6℃, W3.4m/s. Kutchan Town:0.0℃, W2.4m/s, snow depth 139cm, 998.7hPa. Moiwa base: +2, no new snow in last 12hrs, rain at midnight, snow melt. After the cold front moved through around 3am, cold winds above 1000m from various directions produced blizzard conditions. From this mornings observation at 5am, heavy snow drift development up to 150cm in various locations was seen. 15-20cm of wet wind blown snow fell in the 600-800m tree zone. Small wet snow avalanches will easily occur under lift lines, creek side walls and 40 deg slopes. Be careful of surface avalanches on strongly wind effected slopes at all elevations. If isobars tighten up, the wind will increase and avalanche risk will rise accordingly. Avalanche fracture face is expected to be Feb 1st layer, which will become a frost layer under the future snowfall. Be careful of the snowfall transition. Snow melt continues below 500m from the rain. Even the forests are bad. Be careful catching your edges in the heavy snow. Creek levels have risen due to the rain. Be careful of collapsing snow bridges and getting wet and hypothermic or worse getting sucked under the snowpack. Gate opens not yet decided. Please follow the patrol's decisions. Depending on the elevation the groomed runs are OK. Good day to practice carving. Please wear a helmet to avoid a fatal accident. ----- Planned ski area operations: Tuesday 2nd February 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 350cm (+0cm) - Base: 190cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4 - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 260cm (+5cm) - Base: 185cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating - Planned: All three lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 260cm (+0cm) - Base: 190cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - Planned: All lifts apart from Jumbo Number 2 and 3 - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 5cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 250cm (+0cm) - Base: 170cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Mori no Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair - Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. There may be other lift operation changes at the moment due to coronavirus situation. Do be sure to check for details with ski areas. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 808cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 387cm reported on 27 days February 2021 snowfall 11cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 935cm Posted on Monday 1st February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Running a little later than usual today, because I skied the best powder I can remember in years yesterday, got off the mountain rather late and then spent an evening clearing out all the snow that fell through the day yesterday. So I'm tired, slightly dehydrated and very happy on this bluebird day. Should still be great snow out on the mountain for a while until that sun warms things up. And, of course, always good on the resorts. Akakura Kanko: 290cm, -3° Myokokogen Sky Cable gondola is running Akakura Onsen: 305cm, -1°C Ikenotaira Onsen: 250cm, -7° Myoko Suginohara: 190cm at summit, 100cm at base; -6° Top 3 lift is not running Seki Onsen: 420cm, -3° Kyukamura RunRun: 270cm, 0° (no new report) Tangram Ski Circus: 140cm, -3° No. 2 Pair and No.6 pair not running Madarao Kogen: 200cm, -1° Lotte Arai Resort 468m, -1.1° Kurohime Kogen Snow Park 130cm, -9° Myoko Ski Park: Closed this season Myoko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 1st February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 935cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 72cm (17th, 20th and 31st December) November 2020 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2020 snowfall 478cm reported on 12 days January 2021 snowfall 431cm reported on 17 days February 2021 snowfall 25cm 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 553cm Posted on Monday 1st February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Hello from Nozawa Onsen. It is a clear and sunny Monday morning. No wonder Naski is looking cheerful. Some snow during the day yesterday, but no more overnight (well, apart from 2cm being reported from Uenotaira). And it is a very cold start to the day. Conditions should be really great this morning. The region is due for a quick warming up during the day and temperatures might rise to around +6C in the village this afternoon. Is that the chance of rain tonight? Please, no!!! Even if that is the case, should be getting back to some snow by the end of the day tomorrow. Fresh snowfall recorded by the resort (since yesterday morning): - Yamabiko (1407m): 8cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 24cm - Hikage (660m): 13cm - Nagasaka (615m): 13cm - Karasawa (563m): 7cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko (1407m): 270cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 225cm - Hikage (660m): 170cm - Nagasaka (615m): 170cm - Karasawa (563m): 135cm Nozawa Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 1st February 2021 Total snowfall at base 553cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 56cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 290cm reported on 12 days January 2021 snowfall 252cm reported on 15 days February 2021 snowfall 11cm 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 Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 21cm Snowfall at base this season 1261cm Posted on Monday 1st February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Geto Kogen. No fresh overnight but 20cm from the snow and windy conditions from yesterday. This morning is calmer and sunny. Should be a great morning... and afternoon. Though I'm wary of the potential for some rain early tomorrow morning. Geto Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 1st February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 1261cm Number of days snowfall observed 44 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 105cm (on 2nd January) November 2020 snowfall 73cm observed on 3 days December 2020 snowfall 482cm observed on 17 days January 2021 snowfall 685cm observed on 23 days February 2021 snowfall 21cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Geto Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com