Independent snow and weather reporting from the Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 7cm Posted on Sunday 9th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Morning from Naeba. 6cm of fresh snow measured at base this morning. Naeba resort itself is reporting 15cm of fresh, with '30cm' as the snow depth (which is actually unchanged since yesterday). Snow is continuing to fall and we can hope for more during the day today. Operating lifts - Number 5 quad - Number 4 romance Open courses - Number 5 (lower area, 900m length, about 30m width) Planned night-time operations - Saturday 15th December 2018 until Sunday 24th March 2019 - 4:00pm until 8:30pm Naeba Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Sunday 9th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 7cm Number of days snowfall observed 2 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 6cm (reported on 9th December) November 2018 snowfall 1cm observed on 1 day December 2018 snowfall 6cm 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 Naeba. 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 17cm Weather overview Snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Limited Posted on Sunday 9th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . More snow to report this morning, and much more than yesterday as things start to feel much more winter-like. I am measuring a good 13cm of snow on the ground and there should be more coming during the day today - and hopefully over the coming week. Exciting times as we are now less than a week away from the planned opening. Madarao and Tangram both plan to open on Saturday 15th December. Madarao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Sunday 9th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 17cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 13cm (on 9th December) November 2018 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2018 snowfall 13cm 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 25cm Posted on Sunday 9th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . I think we can say the snow season has officially begun. There was some snow on the ground yesterday (but just a bit; your reporter was on Sado Island, coming back through Niigata City where there was about 10cm of wet slush). Today, we have real snow, about 20cm and counting, and it's snowing really well. I'm guessing a bit today, but from today I'll have my official study gear out in the yard, ready to give you the data for your sliding and safety needs. Less than a week from the opening at Akakan and most of the others, and we just might make it.... Myoko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Sunday 9th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 25cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (9th December) November 2018 snowfall 5cm reported on 1 day December 2018 snowfall 20cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 19cm Snowfall at base this season 145cm Posted on Saturday 8th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here UPDATE: At Niseko Grand Hirafu, the course from the top of the King Number 3 quad lift opened today. Hopefully there will be more news to report tomorrow morning. ---- ORIGINAL MORNING REPORT: Good morning! And this morning, it is good. :) I have measured 19cm of lovely fresh snow at base to add to my report this morning (and check the Avalanche report below with 25cm-60cm being numbers that stand out to me). It is also a very cold morning. Yes, this is kind of early morning feeling we desire. Snow continues to fall this morning and by the looks of the forecast it is due to continue over the coming week. I sense we are at a real turning point. Hopefully more lifts and courses will soon be opening and we can be sure that the resorts are working towards making that happen. For the moment though, as of 8:30am, I can't see any changes to report. I will try to update this report later on today with anything new. While this fresh snow and promise of more over the coming days is all very exciting, remember that base is still shallow. Take care out there. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base 5am: -8℃, 25cm snowfall in 24 hours. Goshiki Onsen: -8℃, 60cm snowfall in 24hours with snowdrift development. Sea of Japan Benkei cape: NW18m/s, Kamui cape: W14m/s, 1015hPa, 2.7m waves. The strong north westerly wind brought a good amount of snowfall. Cornices and snowdrifts have developed in wind-exposed ridges’ leeward slopes above 800m elevation. 60-80cm snowdrifts have formed on top of Deb 6-7th layer and the avalanche risk in 40° slopes and knoll terrains is moderately high. A wonderful blanket of soft-slab have blanketed the surface, and conditions will get better if the storm persist throughout the day. However, it is still very shallow out there and it is strongly recommended not to go out of the open courses. All gates are closed. Do not duck ropes. Bushes are still thick and may need to bush-crawl to come out. Beware of frostbites as colder temperature is forecasted for today. Have a nice day. ----- Ski resort operation information: Saturday 8th December 2018 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: 115cm - Base: 50cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Number 3 pair - King Number 3 quad - Swinging Monkey - Ace Number 2 Center Four (for transport to open area) - Hirafu Gondola (for transport to open area) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 55cm - Base: 20cm - Not updated for today at time of report Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses open: - Shirakaba Course - Center Course - Beginners Access - Jumbo Course - Rinkan Course - Yotei Sunset - Parallel Course - Silver Dream ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 60cm - Base: 40cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Dream Number 1 quad ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 60cm - Base: 30cm Ski lifts operating: - Upper Village Gondola - Community Chair - Banzai Chair ----- Night time operations are planned to begin at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resort areas from Tuesday 11th December. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Saturday 8th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 145cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 61cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 11cm Posted on Saturday 8th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . In my last report I was wanting to see more white... we got that this morning. Not a massive amount by any stretch but about 2cm on the car and a thin covering of snow around base. No doubt there will be more than that on the mountain of course. I believe the 'opening ceremony' kind of event will be held this morning at 11am. The Ropeways are moving but not for skiing/snowboarding. The ski lifts await that all-important snow. Zao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Saturday 8th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 11cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 4cm (on 23rd November) November 2018 snowfall 7cm observed on 3 days December 2018 snowfall 4cm observed on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 39cm Snowfall at base this season 129cm Posted on Saturday 8th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . A great return to winter it was today with a significant fresh snowfall of 39cm. The resort really needed that and it allowed the ski area to open up Panorama Course, right at the top of the Furano Zone, and reopen the lower part of Sailer. This now means Furano Zone is skiable from top to bottom. Skiers numbers are increasing significantly as we get further into December and today this led to a waiting time of up to 30 minutes to get onto the Ropeway at certain times. I would expect tomorrow to get pretty congested as well, being Sunday. Open trails: Panorama Shirakaba Spies (upper part only) Sailer Open lifts: Downhill Romance 2 chair Downhill Romance 3 chair Furano Ropeway Furano Zone PARTIALLY OPEN. Kitanomine Zone CLOSED. Furano Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Saturday 8th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 129cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 41cm (30th November) November 2018 snowfall 69cm reported on 6 days December 2018 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 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 4cm Posted on Saturday 8th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from Shiga Kogen. It is definitely colder. And there is a dusting of snow on the ground. I am going to be rather generous by adding 1cm to the report (but I will take into account the few added mm next time). Kumanoyu are back open again from this morning. And the forecast is good for snow with a decent amount due starting tonight and into the coming week. Could this be the turning point? I think we all hope so! Shiga Kogen resort info: Saturday 8th December 2018 The below information is manually checked for each report. Official snow depth numbers are as reported by the ski resorts themselves. Ichinose Family - Official snow depth: 20cm - A 370m stretch of lower course is open - The Ichinose Number 2 pair lift A is operating Kumanoyu - Official snow depth: 20cm - A 600m course area is open - The Number 2 pair lift is operating Takamagahara Mammoth - Official snow depth: 20cm - The lower part of the main course is open, 300m in length - The Takamagahara Number 2 triple lift is operating Yakebitaiyama - Official snow depth: 20cm - The 960m long South Course is open - The Number 4 romance lift is operating All other areas of Shiga Kogen are closed. Shiga Kogen Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Saturday 8th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 4cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 2cm (23rd November) November 2018 snowfall 3cm reported on 2 days December 2018 snowfall 1cm 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 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 4cm Weather overview Light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair to limited Posted on Saturday 8th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Just a quick update to record some snowfall... just a little but enough for things to look white-r. Hopefully there's lots more over the next run of days. Madarao and Tangram both plan to open on Saturday 15th December. Madarao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Saturday 8th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 4cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 3cm (on 24th November) November 2018 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2018 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 90cm Posted on Friday 7th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There is not too much to report this morning. Yesterday temperatures stayed borderline and were hovering around 0c in the middle of the day. Roads and paths are very very icy this morning so extra caution is needed for those driving or simply walking around the village. This morning there is only a dusting of new snow but temperatures are very cold. Moderate snowfall is expected today, so hopefully that will turn into something significant. The Kitanomine slopes are still very lightly covered and a major dump would be required before they could be opened. Open trails: Shirakaba Spies (upper part only) Sailer (upper part only) Open lifts: Downhill Romance 2 chair Furano Ropeway Furano Zone PARTIALLY OPEN. Kitanomine Zone CLOSED. Furano Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Friday 7th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 90cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 41cm (30th November) November 2018 snowfall 69cm reported on 6 days December 2018 snowfall 21cm 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 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 Friday 7th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . There's no snow to report just yet folks, but the wait should soon be over with lower temperatures and decent snow on the forecasts. I am ready and waiting to get stuck into bringing you good snow news - and then getting out there myself. As soon as there is enough snow Hakuba 47 Hakuba Happo-one Hakuba Goryu Tsugaike Kogen Friday 14th December 2018 Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Saturday 15th December 2018 Hakuba Cortina Hakuba Valley Kashimayari Mid December 2018 Hakuba Norikura Onsen Friday 21st December 2018 Hakuba Sanosaka Hakuba Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Friday 7th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2018 snowfall 0cm December 2018 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 126cm Posted on Friday 7th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just 2cm of fresh snow to report from base this morning. It has been just 'light' snowfall, but we are all hoping that today that will change... and that I will be able to bring you some more exciting numbers due over the next few days. Snow please! ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 5am: -5℃, NE5m/s, 2cm of new snow. Goshiki Onsen: -6℃, NE8m/s, 10cm ne snow, light development of snowdrift. Sea of Japan Benkei cape: ENE9m/s, Kamui cape 1012hPa, 0.7m waves. Resort data n/a. The snowpack at 800m is around 60cm thick. 2 layer of granular snow (20cm & 30cm) are present above the surface. Cornice development is minimal. A strong winter pressure distribution is forecasted once the low-pressure moves east and snow & wind will pick up as it does. Bushes are yet to be buried under 1000m elevation and the off-piste is not good to ride. The snow will eventually come, all we can do it wait for it. The 22nd Niseko Avalanche Meeting will be held at the Niseko Chomin Center from 6:30pm today. ----- Ski resort operation information: Friday 7th December 2018 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: 80cm - Base: 25cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Number 3 pair - King Number 3 quad - Swinging Monkey - Ace Number 2 Center Four (for transport to open area) - Hirafu Gondola (for transport to open area) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: -cm - Base: 20cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Hirafu & Hanazono Courses open: - Shirakaba Course - Center Course - Beginners Access - Jumbo Course - Yotei Sunset - Parallel Course ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 40cm - Base: 20cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Dream Number 1 quad ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 50cm - Base: 25cm Ski lifts operating: - Upper Village Gondola - Community Chair - Banzai Chair ----- Night time operations are planned to begin at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resort areas from Tuesday 11th December. Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Friday 7th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 126cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 42cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 88cm Posted on Thursday 6th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The warm spell came to an end yesterday morning and gave way to cold temperatures and snow flurries. The snow never really got going until evening but this morning there is a very respectable 10cm on the ground, and once again the village is transformed to a white blanket. Snow is forecast daily through until the end of the week. Unfortunately the resort had to close the lower part of Sailer Course yesterday due to the effect the warm weather and rain had on the snow on the lower mountain. Hopefully this can be reopened soon, but for now it is once again only the top part of the Furano Zone that is open. Open trails: Shirakaba Spies (upper part only) Sailer (upper part only) Open lifts: Downhill Romance 2 chair Furano Ropeway Furano Zone PARTIALLY OPEN. Kitanomine Zone CLOSED. Furano Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Thursday 6th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 88cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 41cm (30th November) November 2018 snowfall 69cm reported on 6 days December 2018 snowfall 19cm 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 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