Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 105cm Posted on Thursday 29th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. For the moment and while we had a bit more since my report, no fresh overnight. It is a calm morning here. Fairly cold, no wind, cloudy with decent visibility. There should be snow falling later today though and hopefully tomorrow too. Conditions were much improved on the slopes yesterday though I'm happy to report... we just want more, more, more! The Light Up operations are planned for tonight but I'm finding it almost impossible to find out if that is going to be happening or not. And I'm looking at all of the official Japanese information too. Hard to believe that they make it so difficult to find out basic stuff like this... /rant! Update: OK I have found it - apparently, going ahead as planned! On the subject of nighta by the way - open at Uwanodai (Onsen Number 1 pair lift); closed on the Yokokura area. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 29th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 105cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 17th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 94cm observed on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 117cm Posted on Thursday 29th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . What a beautiful morning it is here in Nozawa. No new snow overnight but yesterday the resort was reporting 10-20cm of fresh snowfall during the daytime as it did continue to snow after my report was posted. And the webcams show some very enticing images of the upper mountain this morning. I think I need to get out myself this morning once my report is posted. It should be a fun one. It might be fine and sunny just now, but snow is forecast to start falling again sometime this afternoon and continue into tomorrow afternoon. Big picture - we're still low on snow of course and with a lot of folk arriving here to enjoy New Year things are getting busier; the more snow tonight the better. (Obviously!) Fingers crossed. In the meantime, have a great day. Oh by the way, Challenge 39 and Kitsune courses are now open. Skyline - not yet. I am updating the details below with each report, so keep an eye on that info. Lifts that are planned to be operating: All lifts appear to be operating except for: - Kandahar pair - Nagasaka quad - Karasawa pair Courses that are planned to be open: - Yamabiko A course - Yamabiko B course - Yamabiko C course - Yamabiko D course - Yamabiko E course - Kokenashi course - Uenotaira course - Paradise course - Paradise link - Mizunashi A - Mizunashi B - Bunabayashi course - Yunomine A course - Yunomine B course - Rinkan course - Utopia - Challenge course - Challenge 39 - Hikage - Ushikubi - Kitsune - Nagasawa link Official snow depths: - Yamabiko: 115cm - Uenotaira: 75cm - Hikage: 35cm - Nagasaka: 35cm - Karasawa: 25cm Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko: 25cm - Uenotaira: 15cm - Hikage: 15cm - Nagasaka: 15cm - Karasawa: 10cm Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 29th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 117cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 2cm reported on 2 days December 2016 snowfall 115cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 168cm Weather overview Blue sky some cloud Wind Slight Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Thursday 29th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Hello from Madarao on this beautiful morning. Yesterday the snowy conditions continued during the day time giving us just over 10cm of fresh snowfall. It was fun out there! The clouds cleared and this morning there's lots of blue sky and the sun is out. Good news this morning in that the top lift and also some of the tree run courses - Powder Wave I, Powder Wave II, River Line, Powder Theater and Adventure Aisle - are now open. Sounds good to me. Nighta tonight and every evening until 3rd January. With New Year just a few days away, things are getting busier and livelier. All we want now is more snow, and more snow due to arrive tonight. Fingers crossed. It should be a very good day. Maybe see some of you in the tree run courses. Operating status for the day at Madarao Kogen (at time of report): - Number 1 lift - Number 2 quad lift - Number 3A lift - Super quad lift - Number 11 lift - Number 12 lift - Number 13 lift - Number 15 lift - Moving walkway - Kids Park - Free ride Park - Powder Wave I - Powder Wave II - River Line - Powder Theater - Adventure Aisle Official snow depth: - 70cm Lifts currently operating at Tangram Ski Circus: - Number 1 - Number 3 - Number 5 - Number 6 Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 29th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 168cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 11th December) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 159cm reported on 12 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 272cm Posted on Thursday 29th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just three more days left in 2016; the mind boggles at how fast things whizz by. (And how you actually spell 'whizz'!) But anyway what do we have to report this morning. Well, there's a bit of snowfall again but nothing major. Just about 3cm on the ground this morning and snow is currently falling. It is a cold morning and keeping down at -4C at 8am. Visibility looks pretty low out on the mountain too at the start of the day. Snowfall is still lined up on the forecast over the next few days, but we should be hoping for more significant amounts. From this morning the top Ace Number 4 lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu is opening, as well as the King Number 2 quad - which means that all of the lifts and courses at that resort are now operating/open. All the lifts at Niseko Annupuri are now operating of course and at Niseko Village all of the lifts (apart from the Country Road lift) are open. At last! (By the way, I'll write more about that Country Road lift in another report). Next up, all the gates. As mentioned below it seems that the Moiwa Gate 6 is going to be opening from tomorrow. Have a fun day, and see you tomorrow. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -5℃, 5cm snowfall, calm. Moiwa peak: -8℃, SW5m/s, 10cm new snow with no snowdrift development. Hirafu peak ridge: light wind, -10℃, 10cm new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -8℃, W10m/s, light development of snowdrifts, good groomers condition. Coastal data: Kamui cape WSW7m/s, 1010hPa, 1.9m waves. The general avalanche risk low. Snow and wind is forecasted to pick up as a cold front moves across around noon. Moiwa gate 6 is scheduled to open tomorrow after the beacon checker is set. Avalanche beacons or helmets are not mandatory equipment however is strongly recommended to wear. The Japanese Park Law advocates the protection of the environment as well as the adequate use of it. The Niseko Rules acts as a safety guideline implemented by the local community and is the foundation for the local and federal government to tolerate the situation. Anyone has the right to freely climb and glide down a mountain in Japan. The Rules are here to protect the freedom and the safety of out of bounds riding. Please respect the Niseko Rules and let others now about it too. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu Niseko HANAZONO Resort Niseko Village Niseko Annupuri All lifts appear to be operating as planned. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 29th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 230cm Base - 85cm Niseko Village Top - 130cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 130cm Base - 90cm --- Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 29th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 272cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 162cm reported on 20 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 11cm Snowfall at base this season 289cm Posted on Thursday 29th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A nice sunny day after a solid day of snow; we added about 10cm after yesterday's report as snow continued to come down during the day. Even though it's sunny, it was a good cold overnight (see today's temps!), bringing sparkling hoar to the surface of the snow - the areas of new snow are beautiful and sparkling this morning. The forecast promises more snow overnight tonight. Akakura Kanko: 100cm, -6° Akakura Onsen: 120cm, -7° Ikenotaira Onsen: 60cm, -7° Myoko Suginohara: 70cm, -9° Seki Onsen: 110cm, -6° Myoko Ski Park: 80cm, -3° Kyukamura RunRun: 110cm, -3° Tangram Ski Circus: 80cm, -6° Madarao Kogen: 70m, -6° Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 29th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 289cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 53cm (12th December) November 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 277cm reported on 11 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 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 26cm Snowfall at base this season 134cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good news everybody! Well it has been a very unusual start to the season this year with plenty of snow having fallen combined with warm temperatures in between. As a result the snow on the hill has varied a lot between excellent and patchy. As of around 1300 yesterday however we have been getting pounded with snow. In just over 20 hours more than 26 cm's of snow has fallen in the base area and it doesn't look stopping any time soon. Looking on the weather forecast is predicting snow for the next two days which is just what we want to hear. I would still be exercising caution today as there are some areas of the slope where we still do not have much of a base despite the heavy snow we are currently experiencing. Lifts running today are: -Beginner lift No.4 08:00-20:30 -High Speed lift No.5 08:30-20:30 -Prince Gondola No.2 08:30-16:00 (last ride up 15:30) -Takenokodaira Romance Lift 08:45-15:45 -High Speed Lift No.4 09:00-16:30 -High Speed Lift No.3 08:00-17:00 Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 134cm Number of days snowfall observed 16 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 26cm (28th December) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 117cm observed on 12 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 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 103cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. This is better. Just over 10cm of fresh snowfall on the ground here in the village this morning so I would expect more than that up there on the mountain. All very much needed of course and we need more than that, but just for the moment conditions should be very much improved. Phew! 10cm or so isn't enough to get all of the lifts and courses open so I can't see any changes in that respect at the start of the day. It's cold too this morning, with the top of the resort reporting a temperature of -11C at 9am. Not quite that cold down here but still well under zero. Forecast? Looking improved actually. While no mega-dumps on the horizon, there is snowfall scattered across the coming week so perhaps we'll get little by little into the New Year. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 103cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 17th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 92cm observed on 13 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 267cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . You would think we were entering the month of February given the temperature that has been thrown at us this morning. -20c in the village and -21c at the top of the resort! So if you woke up and felt chilly chances are it is because it is cold rather than you have caught a cold. In classic Furano style those cold temperatures are combined with clear weather and plenty of sunshine. On the snow front there has been a light 2cm dusting in the village overnight. No further snow is expected today. Tomorrow will be a little windy but the snow will start again and should fall continuously through until Saturday night. The slopes are in excellent condition. Giant has opened today for the first time this season, which is interesting as there wasn't any significant snow yesterday to change things significantly. All courses are now open on Furano Ski Area except Premium. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 267cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 37 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 157cm reported on 18 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 31cm Snowfall at base this season 199cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . How things can change in just one day! Around 30cm of fresh snowfall in places this morning. More in some places (someone I know is saying 50cm, though that seems a little... what's the word... optimistic?!), and probably less in others as wind has been a factor overnight (a bit less for now, though still gusty in places). Whatever the number, a good amount. Happy this morning. It's really snowing good and proper now as well which is fantastic to see. If this continues there should be more piling up during the day today. Tonight is forecast to be clearer and there may be some sun in the morning before more snow clouds move in by tomorrow night. Come on, bring it on! From what I can gather the only (small) areas that remain closed are Hasuike and Kidoike. All other areas of Shiga Kogen are now at least part open. Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 199cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (24th December) November 2016 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days December 2016 snowfall 172cm reported on 15 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 109cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Ah yes this looks more like our beloved Nozzle! A nice new fresh layer of snow on the ground and snow falling as I got up this morning. 20cm I measure it and that is pretty much what the resort is reporting top to bottom, though I would imagine (and hope) for some more than that up on the top slopes. It's a good cold morning too. Feels like winter. (As it should feel at this time of the year!) Some more snow due today but it should ease off later on and then after perhaps clearer skies to start the day tomorrow more snow is forecast to be falling by night time tomorrow. Doesn't look like it'll continue much beyond Friday on the current forecasts, so we just hope for as much as possible. One day can make a big difference and that is what we are seeing this morning. Time to strap on the skis! Lifts that are planned to be operating: All lifts appear to be operating except for: - Kandahar pair - Nagasaka quad - Nagasaka pair - Karasawa pair Courses that are planned to be open: - Yamabiko A course - Yamabiko B course - Yamabiko C course - Yamabiko D course - Yamabiko E course - Kokenashi course - Uenotaira course - Paradise course - Paradise link - Mizunashi A - Mizunashi B - Bunabayashi course - Yunomine A course - Yunomine B course - Rinkan course - Utopia - Challenge course - Challenge 39 - Hikage - Ushikubi - Nagasawa link Official snow depths: - Yamabiko: 105cm - Uenotaira: 60cm - Hikage: 25cm - Nagasaka: 20cm - Karasawa: 20cm Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko: 20cm - Uenotaira: 15cm - Hikage: 10cm - Nagasaka: 20cm - Karasawa: 20cm Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 109cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 2cm reported on 2 days December 2016 snowfall 107cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 22cm Snowfall at base this season 156cm Weather overview Snow Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Limited Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Morning from Madarao and yes, this is more like it with a decent amount of fresh snow on the ground. With associated wind overnight blowing it all around it is one of those days when you ask 5 different people in slightly different areas and they'll all give you a different number. The resort are saying 0-40cm of fresh snow (along with a smiley face mark), and on their daily report they are posting 20cm. I have taken measurements in a few different areas around my base and I think that the 20cm is probably a fair number to go with this morning though I'm going a bit higher as that is what I found in my usual measuring place. Some places more, some places less. The most important thing is that we have this lovely fresh layer of snow and that conditions should suddenly be much improved. We still need much more though of course. The forecast is for more snow today and then perhaps tomorrow night but after that over the New Year a run of drier days. So it doesn't look like we're on for a long consistent blast just for the moment. Still if we can get some more during the day today we should be good for a while. I'm off out there to check it all out. Hope you can too. Wrap up well - it's cold! Have a good one. Operating status for the day at Madarao Kogen (at time of report): - Number 1 lift - Number 2 quad lift - Number 5 - Super quad lift - Number 11 lift - Number 12 lift - Number 15 lift - Moving walkway - Kids Park - Free ride Park Official snow depth: - 60cm Lifts currently operating at Tangram Ski Circus: - Number 1 - Number 3 - Number 5 - Number 6 Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 156cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 11th December) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 147cm reported on 11 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 269cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yikes it was cold when I got woken up for some reason at 6am this morning. When I finally got up it wasn't that much 'less cold' with the thermometer telling me it was -7C. There's also some fresh snow on the ground. Not as much as we would like - slightly over 4cm but with it being so cold the quality of that 4cm looks pretty good. The forecast over the next few days is for continued snowfall and so hopefully this is the start of a decent delivery. As always, expect more at higher elevations so there should be some decent turns on offer especially if you are getting some of the first lifts to top. Did I say continued snowfall over the next few days? Well, it was snowing earlier on but the sun has actually broken through a few of the clouds as I am about to post this report, and over to the east I can see some bits of blue sky too. So perhaps it's 'continued' as in 'on and off'. Or something. Whatever, I will of course be reporting the latest to you about this time tomorrow. Oh yes - from today, the Miharashi course at Niseko Grand Hirafu is planned to be open. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8C, 5cm new snow. Moiwa peak: -10℃, 15cm new snow, 60cm snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -16℃, NW15m/s, snowdrifts developing. Hirafu 1200m: -16℃, N15m/s, wind exposed. Many development of snowdrifts around 800m elevation. Coastal data: Kamui cape N13m/s, 1016hPa, 2.0m waves. The barometric pressure gradient is steep and strong wind is blowing above 1000m altitude. The snowdrifts at 800m has been tested and are unstable. The avalanche risk will remain high in leeward knolls and cornice slopes above 800m elevation. Potential slide layer is Dec 26th, and the new snowdrift above it would collapse. The snowpack is gradually growing, however access to the out of bounds area from the resort is still restricted. All resorts are doing their best to prepare the gates, however is delayed due to lack of snow. Please respect to the Niseko Rules. They were born from bitter lessons in the past and are here for the safety of all guests. Realizing the risk you've been taking after an accident is too late. A great variety of people come to ski resorts and the community is mindful of the freedom and safety of ALL of them. The Niseko Rules is not a tool to promote tourism. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): The mountain is nearly (but not yet quite) fully open. Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4 lift remains closed. Niseko HANAZONO Resort All lifts appear to be operating as planned. Niseko Village All lifts appear to be operating as planned. Niseko Annupuri All lifts appear to be operating as planned. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 28th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 220cm Base - 80cm Niseko Village Top - 130cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 115cm Base - 80cm --- Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 269cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 159cm reported on 19 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