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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 123cm Posted on Wednesday 9th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning from my Hirafu secret lair. Well, what amounts to just a dusting of fresh snow to report to you this morning. There remains a fair amount of cloud in the sky with some small areas of blue sky to see too, but not much else to report to you really in terms of weather. We might get some snow later on, but don't expect anything major. The more exciting news is that decent snowfall looks set to be with us starting over the weekend and into early next week. Snowy and cold, as we like it. Let us hope that is the case. A few changes to what is open today on our lovely mountain: The Niseko Gondola (at the Niseko Village area) - will be operating from this morning (9:00am until 3:00pm), which will open up more terrain in that area. The Shirakaba course (off the Ace Number 3 lift) is also now officially open at Niseko Grand Hirafu. ----- Ski resort operation information: Wednesday 9th 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: 30cm 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: 60cm - Base: 30cm 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 Wednesday 9th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 123cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 61cm 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 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 18cm Posted on Wednesday 9th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. A little snowfall overnight (Kumanoyu again reporting 5cm; less measured by me), and it feels quite cold this morning. Incoming! The region is going to be enjoying possible heavy snowfall, probably starting sometime late weekend and into next week. That is what we all want, of course. Let it be so!! Official reported snow depths and operating lifts at time of report: Ichinose Family: - Ichinose Number 2 pair lift A line - Reported snow depth: 20cm Kumanoyu: - Kumanoyu Number 2 pair lifts (A and B) - Reported snow depth: 20cm Takamagahara Mammoth: - Takamagahara Number 2 triple lift - Reported snow depth: 30cm Yakebitaiyama: - Yakebitaiyama Number 4 pair lift - Reported snow depth: 30cm Yokoteyama: - Yokoteyama Number 1 Sky B line - Yokoteyama Number 4 pair lift - Reported snow depth: 20cm Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 9th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 18cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 5cm (29th November) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 6cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Wednesday 9th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . We're still on stand-by as we wait for more snow and for the season to get going. There has been some sprinklings on the mountains, but not down to lowest base areas just yet. Hakuba Happo-one are currently reporting a snow depth of 25cm at Kurobishi and 20cm at Usagidaira; with 2cm overnight on those upper areas. The exciting news is that the wait may soon be over though. Forecasts show good snowfall due from Sunday onwards and into next week. ----- There was some drama over the autumn months surrounding the status of the Hakuba Sanosaka ski area for this season. At one point it was looking like it would not be opening for the 2020-2021 season, but they then announced a turn-around and the good news is that Hakuba Sanosaka will be open. Phew! ----- Had a bit of a chuckle at the wording of a message put out by Hakuba Valley regarding use of the Epic Pass. 'While we're just as bummed as you are about travel restrictions...' Fair point, I suppose! ----- All ski areas currently closed as we wait for snow. Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 9th 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 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 122cm Posted on Tuesday 8th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning to you all. It was snowing nicely once we got into the evening yesterday and I have just over 10cm of snowfall to report to you this morning from here at base. We can expect that and more higher up on the mountain. Niseko Grand Hirafu have added 10cm to their top snow depth, which is now standing at 100cm. It certainly feels colder this morning, so that's another good sign. Just about trying to snow in places, but it's more like a flake here and there rather than proper snowfall. Mostly cloudy with some blue sky once again. Lift operations and ski courses that are open remain the same for the moment. ----- Ski resort operation information: Tuesday 8th 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: 30cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center quad - Ace Number 3 pair Courses available: - Family - Center ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 68cm - 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: 60cm - Base: 30cm 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: - 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 Tuesday 8th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 122cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 60cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 81cm Posted on Tuesday 8th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from Geto Kogen. At last, a bit of snow cover again across the mountain. It's a bit on the wet side, but around 5cm of snow on the ground and 10cm being reported higher up. Not enough to open yet and we will need to wait a little longer. Next week seem to be looking promising for the chance of decent snowfall. Geto Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 8th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 81cm Number of days snowfall observed 6 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 55cm (on 12th November) November 2020 snowfall 73cm observed on 3 days December 2020 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Geto Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 16cm Posted on Tuesday 8th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Hello! It was a fairly mild overnight but it is snowing this morning. Not a whole lot on the ground, more like a thin layer. Perhaps a few cm or so in some areas and higher up. While we might get a little more through today, clearer skies are forecast for tomorrow and Thursday before a return to some chance of snow over the weekend and then into next week when hopefully it'll 'level up' to something more substantial. Kumanoyu resting their quad lift again. Official reported snow depths and operating lifts at time of report: Ichinose Family: - Ichinose Number 2 pair lift A line - Reported snow depth: 20cm Kumanoyu: - Kumanoyu Number 2 pair lifts (A and B) - Reported snow depth: 15cm Takamagahara Mammoth: - Takamagahara Number 2 triple lift - Reported snow depth: 30cm Yakebitaiyama: - Yakebitaiyama Number 4 pair lift - Reported snow depth: 30cm Yokoteyama: - Yokoteyama Number 1 Sky B line - Yokoteyama Number 4 pair lift - Reported snow depth: 20cm Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 8th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 16cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 5cm (29th November) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 4cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 27cm Snowfall at base this season 125cm Posted on Tuesday 8th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Furano has been hit with another good dump of powder late yesterday and overnight. There is 27cm of new snow at village level. There is no change in the open courses and lifts since yesterday. The snow front seems to have passed for now and there is just a few light flakes falling as I write this. The sun is hiding behind the clouds but light conditions are good. Wind is varying between light and moderate. 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 Tuesday 8th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 125cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 77cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 112cm Posted on Monday 7th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There is a lot of cloud up there this morning and some light snow has been falling; just about 6cm of fresh measured outside. It is one of those mornings where it's snowing lightly but quite bright in places, and even some blue sky around. Still, hoping to be able to bring you news of more fresh cm tomorrow. There seems to be a bit more snowfall on the forecast over the coming week; more than there was yesterday. I like it when it changes that way. What we could really do with is a large prolonged delivery to really get us going, but it looks like we are going to have to wait for major dumpage. For the moment, open courses remain limited and the situation is as it has been since opening. Quiet too... ----- Ski resort operation information: Monday 7th 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: 90cm - Base: 15cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center quad - Ace Number 3 pair Courses available: - Family - Center ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 68cm - Base: 26cm 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: 60cm - Base: 30cm 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: - 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 7th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 112cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 50cm 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 106cm Posted on Saturday 5th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A very good morning to you from Niseko. The four ski areas that make up Niseko United are all part open from this morning, and they are all reporting a snow depth of 60-75cm on upper slopes; 30-40cm at base areas. The available runs/courses are limited and disconnected from each other, but the sun is out and it feels like a good time to get in those first turns of the 2020-2021 season. At Niseko Grand Hirafu the appropriately named (mid-mountain) Center course and the base Family courses are open. You need to take the Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift back down after showing off your gnarly skills on the Center course. At Niseko Annupuri, the Paradise and Junior mid-lower courses are open. All three quads over at Niseko HANAZONO are moving. (Well, they will be come 8:30am). And over at Niseko Village the lower Community and Banzai Chair lifts are operating. Right now there is some cloud around, some white and some grey, but quite a lot of blue sky and the sun is shining down through my window. It looks like it should be a fine morning. Perhaps a bit more snow later tomorrow and early in the week, though likely nothing major. For now, time to enjoy the first day with all the ski areas open. ----- Ski resort operation information: Saturday 5th 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: 75cm - Base: 30cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center quad - Ace Number 3 pair Courses available: - Family - 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: 60cm - Base: 30cm 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: - 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 Saturday 5th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 106cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 44cm 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