Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 30cm Posted on Monday 14th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. It has arrived! Yes, a blanket of 10-15cm on the ground since yesterday (Kumanoyu reporting 15cm, Yakebitaiyama reporting 10cm, myself measuring 12cm) and snow is due throughout this week. Ski area operations appear to be the same as they have been this morning but if the forecast is correct, we can expect more lifts and runs to open up quite quickly as the snow piles up. I might even go as far as saying that much of the area might be open come the weekend. But let's not get ahead of ourselves and just enjoy watching it come from the skies. More! More! More! Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 14th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 30cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (14th December) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 18cm 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 Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 13cm Posted on Monday 14th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning from a snowy Nozawa. Yesterday the clouds moved in and it started snowing... down to base too and it was good to see everywhere start to turn white. This morning the snow is falling nicely and that is what we are due for most of this week. I have just been out and measured 13cm, and counting. The roads around my place are covered in snow and it feels like mid winter. Lifts and course openings remain unchanged for the moment but I imagine that things will be opening up fairly quickly. With all the snow due in the coming week it is really exciting to think that this season we might be back to something more like normal. (Well, in terms of snowfall, anyway). Bring it on! Fresh snowfall recorded by the resort (since 3pm yesterday): - Yamabiko (1407m): 10cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 0cm (?) - Hikage (660m): -cm (not reporting yet) - Nagasaka (615m): -cm - Karasawa (563m): -cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 35cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 20cm - Hikage (660m): -cm - Nagasaka (615m): -cm - Karasawa (563m): -cm Planned operating lifts: - Nagasaka Gondola (8:30am - 5:30pm; last one down at 4pm) - Yamabiko Four quad lift (8:45am - 3:30pm) - Yamabiko Number 2 Four quad lift (8:40am - 3:40pm) - Uenotaira Four quad lift (8:50am - 3:40pm) Courses currently open: - Yamabiko C Course (850m) - Yamabiko D Course (1250m) - Uenotaira Course (2000m) Nozawa Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 14th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 13cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 13cm (14th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 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 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 33cm Weather overview Snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Limited Posted on Monday 14th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . This is the week, folks! With both Madarao and Tangram planning to open this coming Saturday (19th), we need snow. And this week we should be getting enough of it to let that planned opening happen. This morning there's around 10cm or so of snow to report and it is continuing to fall from the skies and doesn't look like there is going to be much let up this week. Which is fantastic news. :) I'm hoping that I might have to post a report every day this week with a new number at that lovely base is made... ----------------------- As the 2020-2021 season here in Japan gets started, we wanted to post a few general thoughts as well as answer a few common questions. Coronavirus in Japan Compared to many countries, Japan appears to have managed to keep its number of (official confirmed) cases relatively low and without any major ‘lockdowns’. Still, coronavirus has overwhelmingly been the major issue of the year and has had a profound impact on many people and businesses. Hospitality and tourism are two of the areas that have been hit particularly hard hit, with the Go To campaign providing a certain amount of relief for some. In recent weeks, the number of confirmed cases announced in the country every day has increased to around 2500-3000, in what is being labelled the third wave. Let us all hope that we might soon see a decrease in the numbers again and do what we can to help that happen. How ski areas in Japan are dealing and measures being taken Correct information on coronavirus is of course important and we encourage everyone to keep up to date with information from trusted sources. We also encourage people intending to visit a ski area in Japan to take on all relevant advice and requests being asked of visitors. While there is understandably a sense of unease along with a bunch of unknowns as we start the winter season, most ski areas in Japan plan to be opening and are implementing various measures to try and minimise the potential for infections. Actual measures and requests vary but generally include limiting the number of people riding gondola cabins, ropeways and multiple-person ski lifts; wearing masks and face coverings; using hand sanitisers; practising social distancing and avoiding queues. Some ski areas are resting various ski lifts for the season, though in many such cases that will not affect the amount of terrain that is available to skiers and snowboarders. There are a small number of ski areas that have decided to not open at all this winter – some citing coronavirus, some citing a lack of snowfall in recent years… some mentioning both. Madarao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 14th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 33cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (on 4th December) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 21cm 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 88cm Posted on Monday 14th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning everyone. Happy to report that it is snowing again and it looks like it should be set in for the week. The numbers will be added. The base will be built, for proper this time. And hopefully Geto Kogen will be able to get open soon! A message from SnowJapan We hope this message finds you and yours well. As the 2020-2021 season here in Japan gets started, we wanted to post a few general thoughts as well as answer a few common questions. Coronavirus in Japan Compared to many countries, Japan appears to have managed to keep its number of (official confirmed) cases relatively low and without any major ‘lockdowns’. Still, coronavirus has overwhelmingly been the major issue of the year and has had a profound impact on many people and businesses. Hospitality and tourism are two of the areas that have been hit particularly hard hit, with the Go To campaign providing a certain amount of relief for some. In recent weeks, the number of confirmed cases announced in the country every day has increased to around 2500-3000, in what is being labelled the third wave. Let us all hope that we might soon see a decrease in the numbers again and do what we can to help that happen. How ski areas in Japan are dealing and measures being taken Correct information on coronavirus is of course important and we encourage everyone to keep up to date with information from trusted sources. We also encourage people intending to visit a ski area in Japan to take on all relevant advice and requests being asked of visitors. While there is understandably a sense of unease along with a bunch of unknowns as we start the winter season, most ski areas in Japan plan to be opening and are implementing various measures to try and minimise the potential for infections. Actual measures and requests vary but generally include limiting the number of people riding gondola cabins, ropeways and multiple-person ski lifts; wearing masks and face coverings; using hand sanitisers; practising social distancing and avoiding queues. Some ski areas are resting various ski lifts for the season, though in many such cases that will not affect the amount of terrain that is available to skiers and snowboarders. There are a small number of ski areas that have decided to not open at all this winter – some citing coronavirus, some citing a lack of snowfall in recent years… some mentioning both. Geto Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 14th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 88cm Number of days snowfall observed 7 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 55cm (on 12th November) November 2020 snowfall 73cm observed on 3 days December 2020 snowfall 15cm observed 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 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 16cm Snowfall at base this season 145cm Posted on Monday 14th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a good start to what should be a very good week. I have just measured 16cm of fresh snowfall out there; so let's guess and hope that there might be well over 20+cm higher up the mountain. Indeed, Niseko Grand Hirafu have actually added 30cm to their upper official snow depth number (and 20cm for base). They are also reporting 35cm of snowfall - at mountain peak... and base (?. Great if so!). Not much movement with the Annupuri and Village official numbers but perhaps they are busy with stuff this morning. Snowfall is due throughout the week so we can expect the numbers to be piling up and more lifts and courses to open up as soon as they deem there is enough snow and it's safe. For the moment those things appear to be unchanged. But there's that lovely layer of fresh snow out there. Visibility limited though and it is cold. If that doesn't bother you then it should be a fine morning to be out there. ----- Ski resort operation information: Monday 14th December 2020 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 130cm - Base: 75cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center quad - King Number 3 quad Courses available: - Family - Sennoki - Alpen - Green - Kokutai - Detour for Beginners - Center - Shirakaba - Rinkan (lower part) - Jumbo - Connection between King Number 3 and Center course ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 105cm - Base: 60cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 65cm - Base: 35cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad Courses available: - Utopia Course - Shirakaba Course - Paradise Course - Junior Course ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 60cm - Base: 30cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express - Community Chair - Banzai Chair ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas from Saturday 19th December 2020. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 14th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 145cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 83cm reported on 9 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1cm Posted on Sunday 13th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The car looked like sugar frosting on a cupcake this morning but, the good news is that it was extremely fluffy powder. There's a perverse enjoyment when it sort of blows off with the windscreen wiper like talcum powder with no ice underneath - maybe just me?! As at 07:00 there was about 0.75cm (that's about a third of an inch for imperialists) but it continues to come down, albeit lightly. Would like to say that the slopes are now all white, but they're getting there. It would be nice to see it turn thicker during the day and over the next three. Meanwhile, the ceremony yesterday was well attended by many local and prefectural dignitaries and I counted 22 bottles of Sake lined up as part of the offering to the deities. I asked where the bottles went afterwards but they were a bit coy about that! Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 13th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 1cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 1cm November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 1cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 129cm Posted on Sunday 13th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a light dusting really overnight and I wish I had a 0.5cm setting... I am going to be kind as it feels like a slight 'round-up' to record 1cm today. Detail fans, don't worry - I will take that into account in another report. It is a cold morning and it is going to remain cold through the day (and hopefully the week). My trusty thermometer is saying -5C, and I note that Niseko Grand Hirafu say -10C up top and Annupuri are reporting -15C. Just cloudy now and some very light snow again in place. But very light, not the kind that adds up. From later on today we are expecting regular snowfall - and heavy at times, not just a dusting. I think we can let ourselves be excited about what is ahead this week. Let us hope that the forecasts are right and we get a decent amount over the coming days. ----- On their official updates this morning, for snow conditions at base, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri have chosen 'powder snow', while Niseko Village has chosen 'hard pack'. I would say it is definitely one of those more than the other. (!) I often wonder about this. When we get a significant dump of beautiful fresh fluffy light snow - and snow conditions are clearly much better than they currently are - is that still just going to be 'powder snow' on the official information? I think it probably is. Which I think is kind of unfortunate, because if it's always going to be 'powder snow', it's kind of difficult to gauge. Just my personal opinion on these things. Let me add that I do realise that no reports are going to be perfect - mine included. ----- Ski resort operation information: Sunday 13th December 2020 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 100cm - Base: 55cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center quad - King Number 3 quad Courses available: - Family - Sennoki - Alpen - Green - Kokutai - Detour for Beginners - Center - Shirakaba - Rinkan (lower part) - Jumbo - Connection between King Number 3 and Center course ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 70cm - Base: 25cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 65cm - Base: 35cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad Courses available: - Utopia Course - Shirakaba Course - Paradise Course - Junior Course ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 50cm - Base: 20cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express - Community Chair - Banzai Chair ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas from Saturday 19th December 2020. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 13th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 129cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 67cm reported on 8 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 128cm Posted on Saturday 12th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a relatively warm morning at -1c and the high will nudge up to 0c later in the morning. Cloud is low and it is snowing very lightly. There is a fine 1cm layer of new snow. With most of the Furano Zone operating now there is a good variety of terrain for all ability levels open. The quad chair will start operation today which will help reduce waiting times to get on Furano Ropeway. The open courses are: A1 (850m) A2 (1,750m) D1 (800m) D2 (740m) Reserved for race training D3 (530m) Reserved for race training E1 (430m) B1 (1,410m) C1 (900m) C2 (570m) Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 12th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 128cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 80cm reported on 7 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Saturday 12th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Morning from Hakuba. Things remain generally unchanged this morning... Tsugaike has that one run open (since yesterday) as everywhere else waits for snow. There is a lot of moody looking cloud around this morning. Soon I'll be able to report colder conditions and decent snowfall. Incoming! ----- Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts: - Gondola (need to take the gondola back to base from the open upper area) - Han-no-ki pair lift Courses open: - Han-kou (top area) Official snow depth: - Top: 24cm - Base: 0cm Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 12th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Friday 11th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Hello and welcome to the Zao Now reports. Some of you might have been thinking that there wouldn't be any Zao Now reports this season, but we are happy to report that we have sorted out a few operational issues and are back. So we will be posting Zao Now reports for the 2020-2021 season, and our sincere thanks to the individuals involved in providing them. And apologies for the delay in them appearing. Better late than never! Zao Onsen, like most (every?!) resort in Japan was eerily silent during the year and I kept looking out for that tumbleweed rolling down the main street! Unfortunate for those summer hikers as it was wonderfully warm and lush this year which extended the Autumn out to just a few weeks ago. The Go To campaign, however, certainly saw numbers increase suddenly toward the end of Autumn and we'll be seeing a lot more Japanese this year on the slopes because of this (and the lack of foreign visitors). Snow cover has been coming and going several times since the beginning of December - snow one day, sunny and hot the next which confused the heck out of the Suzumebachi - Murder Hornets for our American brethren (trapped a beauty before the frosts came in). According to local farmers, this year should see a lot of snowfall, but, the question remains as to when! We're all eagerly waving on the forecast for snow from tomorrow and over the forthcoming week. This would be good timing for the traditional Opening Ceremony tomorrow (11am at the Jupeer area). As it is, the main Chuo slope opened yesterday and you can check it out on the webcam page here. Hope to giving good news of further openings soon! Lifts operating: - Chuo Number 1 pair - Zao Ropeway (both sections) - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable Ski course areas open: - Chuo (part) Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area): - Summit area: 15cm - Paradise area: 15cm - Chuo area: 20cm - Utopia area: 15cm - Uwanodai area: 0cm - Oomori area: 0cm - Kurohime: 0cm Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Friday 11th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 0cm Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 128cm Posted on Thursday 10th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Over the mountain this morning it is mostly grey and dull and cloudy, though there's some blue sky over towards Mt Yotei. I am measuring just over 4cm of snowfall to add to my report this morning. (Yesterday the official base snow depth at Hirafu was 30cm. This morning it has jumped up to 55cm. There hasn't been 25cm overnight, so I am presuming that is just a bit of data catch-up going on). It's all a bit... bit by bit, at the moment. While we have lifts running and offering up some early season fun, it still doesn't feel like things have properly got going yet. But that will hopefully change come next week with a decent delivery of snow being lined up. And I will very much look forward to reporting it to you. ----- Just noticed: Niseko Annupuri plan to have their Gondola operating from tomorrow. That will expand the amount of available terrain over there with the Utopia and Shirakaba courses opening up. ----- Ski resort operation information: Thursday 10th December 2020 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 105cm - Base: 55cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center quad - Ace Number 3 pair Courses available: - Family - Shirakaba - Center ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 70cm - Base: 30cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 65cm - Base: 35cm Ski lifts operating: - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad Courses available: - Paradise Course - Junior Course ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 60cm - Base: 40cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Community Chair - Banzai Chair ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas from Saturday 19th December 2020. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Thursday 10th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 128cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 66cm reported on 7 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 127cm Posted on Wednesday 9th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a colder morning and the temperatures will stay below freezing all day. Above is broken cloud with large patches of clear blue sky letting the sun break through. Overnight there has been a 2cm dusting of new snow. The open courses are: A1 (850m) A2 (1,750m) D1 (800m) D2 (740m) Reserved for race training D3 (530m) Reserved for race training E1 (430m) Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 9th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 127cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 79cm reported on 6 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