Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 47cm Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Fresh snow for Christmas, yey! Good morning from Hakuba and things are looking much better this morning. Here's how much fresh snow resorts are reporting this morning: Hakuba 47: 10-15cm at base; 25cm higher up Hakuba Happo-one: 20cm Hakuba Cortina: 17-35cm Hakuba Goryu: up to 30cm on upper slopes That sounds much more like it doesn't it. :) Cortina is back open, runs that had been closed are back open... and things just seem a lot more sane and 'real world'! Phew. I have updated the resort specific information below (as I do every day, so always keep an eye on for the latest details). The snow might ease off sometime during the day today and then we are expecting fine weather tomorrow, with a return to snow around Tuesday. (I'm trying to ignore the chance of rain before snow, perhaps we can will it not to happen). We still need a lot more snow of course, but for the moment it is time to get the gear on and enjoy todays delivery of fresh. Have a fun Christmas Eve, wherever you are. Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is currently part open. The resort is reporting 20-25cm of fresh snowfall. Gondola downloading no longer required - you can ski/board to base but not recommended for beginners. The upper course connection with Goryu is now open. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Line A.B, Line C and Line E lifts are operating. All courses now open apart from Route 7 (Route 3 and 8 are back open). The Tree Riding Zone is not yet open. Official snow depth Line C Upper: 90cm Base: 20cm Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is currently part open. The resort is reporting up to 30cm of fresh snowfall on upper slopes. Gondola downloading required back to base. The upper course connection with Hakuba 47 is now open. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Alps Number 1, 2, 3, Toomi Sky Four, Toomi Number 1 pair lift and the Milky Four lift in the Iimori area are operating. The following courses are open: - Grand Prix - Panorama - Super - Toomi - Soft Cream Official snow depth Alps: 110cm Toomi: 30cm Iimori: 20cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is currently part open. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Alpen quad, Panorama pair, Kokusai Number 1, Kokusai Number 3 and Kurobishi Number 2 quad lifts are operating. Downloading via Gondola or Kokusai Number 1 pair lift required. The following courses are open: - Kurobishi (part) - Usagidaira - Panorama Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 80cm Kurobishi: 60cm Tsugaike Kogen: Tsugaike Kogen is currently part open. Lift info: The Eve Gondola and the top Han-no-ki pair lift and Tsuga Number 2 pair lift are operating. The following courses are open: - Han-no-ki - Tsuga-no-mori Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 100cm Han-no-ki: 100cm Oya-no-hara: -cm Kane-no-naru-oka: -cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is currently part open. The resort is reporting 17-35cm of fresh snowfall. Lift info: The Number 1 pair lift, Number 2 quad and Number 4 pair lifts are operating. The following courses are at least part open: - Ikenoda - Mt Hieda Rinkan - Mt Hieda 1 - Itadaria - Ipponmatsu Official snow depth: Top: 90cm Base: 60cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field is currently part open. Lift info: The Gondola, 3-sen North and 4-sen East lifts are operating. The following courses are at least part open: - East - North Official snow depth: Top: 50cm Base: -cm Kashimayari: Kashimayari is currently part open. Lift info: The Number 1 quad, Number 2 pair, Number 3 quad and Number 6 quad lifts are operating. Official snow depth: Top: 30cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Hakuba Norikura Onsen is currently part open. Lift info: The Alps Number 1 pair lift is operating with one course open. Official snow depth: Top: 30cm Hakuba Sanosaka: Hakuba Sanosaka planned to open but has delayed opening. Please note that Yanaba ski hill will not be opening for the 2016-2017 season. Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 47cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (8th December) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 46cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 32cm Snowfall at base this season 161cm Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . A very good Christmas Eve morning to you all, and I have good news. A good thick layer of fresh snow has arrived in Shiga Kogen. I measure 32cm. Nice. Perhaps not mid-season fluffy light dry powder, but pretty decent all the same and the amount is important too at this still-early stage of the season. And snow is forecast for the day, so here's to more cm. More runs and lifts open this morning, though still not fully open or fully connected. If we get a bit more today, perhaps tomorrow we'll see even more open. Tomorrow the forecast seems to be calling for clear and sunny skies, so it should be an excellent day to be on the slopes. Hopefully if Santa clears his workload, he might be able to get out on the skis or board too. I wonder what his preferred mode of snow riding is.... Beyond tomorrow the forecast is looking pretty good for decent snow around Tuesday and Wednesday as well. That all sounds good to me. Areas of Shiga Kogen currently open and official snow depths: Please note that all areas remain only part open. Bunadaira 40cm Giant 50cm Higashitateyama 40cm Ichinose Family 50cm Ichinose Diamond 50cm Kumanoyu 50cm Maruike 40cm Nishitateyama 40cm Okushiga Kogen 60cm Sun Valley 40cm Takamagahara Mammoth 60cm Terakoya 50cm Yakebitaiyama 60cm Yokoteyama 50cm Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 161cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (24th December) November 2016 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days December 2016 snowfall 134cm reported 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 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 87cm Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Ah yes, we like to see snow falling. It's not the driest and fluffiest variety of snow, but it sure is better than rain and so a big improvement on yesterday. There is the best part of 10cm of fresh snow on the ground at base level this morning and 25cm of fresh being reported by the resort up top. Lower courses are not yet able to re-open but they will surely do so just as soon as there's enough snow. Tomorrow the forecast tells us to expect clearer skies and sunshine. Look for the next snow (after today) to be falling around Tuesday. Fingers crossed we can get a fairly decent amount out of today. Conditions should be fun up there on that there mountain. I'm going to go and check for myself. Until tomorrow... Lifts that are planned to be operating: All lifts operating except for: - Hikage quad - Hikage triple - Kandahar pair - Nagasaka quad - Nagasaka triple - 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 Official snow depths: - Yamabiko: 90cm - Uenotaira: 50cm - Hikage: 20cm - Nagasaka: 20cm - Karasawa: 10cm Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko: 25cm - Uenotaira: 15cm - Hikage: 11cm - Nagasaka: 11cm - Karasawa: 11cm Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 87cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 2cm reported on 2 days December 2016 snowfall 85cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 17cm Snowfall at base this season 126cm Weather overview Snow Wind NW Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Madarao. I am happy to report that this morning is much improved with fresh snow. The resort are reporting 20cm of fresh snow and I can attest to 17cm. It's a more winter-like cold as well this morning, I'm not complaining about the need for an extra layer. The snow clouds aren't expected to last through the day and tomorrow clearer skies are forecast but happily it should remain cold. Further snowfall expected around Tuesday. Conditions will be much improved this morning so time to go and have some fun in the snow. Operating status at Madarao Kogen (at time of report): - Number 1 lift - Number 2 quad lift - Number 5 lift - Super quad lift - Number 11 lift - Number 12 lift - Number 15 lift - Moving walkway - Kids Park - Freeride Park Official snow depth: - 50cm Lifts currently operating at Tangram Ski Circus: - Number 1 Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 126cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 11th December) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 117cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 261cm Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning to you all and Merry Christmas! Having lived in Japan for so long, I sometimes get confused into thinking that 24th December is 'Christmas' - so why not let's just celebrate both today and tomorrow. Hurray! OK, so what do we have going on this weekend and what is Santa bringing us... First of all, fresh snow on the ground at base. I have measured 11cm but it is one of those days where it is rather difficult to put a representative number on it because of the winds. (I realise that some people are probably going to have issues with my number, but I've got to go through the season with consistency so it is the number on my report today). As you can see on the Avalanche Report below, it is reporting very large amounts of snow in places on the mountain. Keep it all in mind. So yes it was full-on wild blizzard weather yesterday here on Hokkaido. Similarly to how it was a couple of weeks ago, Sapporo region got a shed load of snowfall as well. That snow will be good ground work for the Sapporo Snow Festival for sure, but it caused problems over there. The weather conditions were bad enough to close the airport and make road conditions pretty hairy. Here in Niseko the pesky rain in the morning changed into snow around lunchtime and from the afternoon the winds got themselves whipped up into a frenzy with the snow that was falling getting blown about. On a day like today take extra care out there with much deeper wind-blown snow drifts out there in places. Wrap up well too, it's going to be cold. The earlier snow this morning has eased off for now and there's even a bit of blue sky in places as the time approaches 8:30am. Stronger winds on the mountain are still affecting some higher lifts at the start of the day today with my updates on that situation below. --- It is of course Christmas weekend with New Year now just around the corner. Niseko is lively and in party mode and there are more people here who are going to be less tolerant of accepting any kind of 'early-season' excuses for snow conditions less than perfect... we're kind of out of that zone now. People are expecting. Let's hope Niseko delivers - I am confident it will! I'm off out now to go check things out for myself. Have a fun day everyone. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, large development of snowdrifts, up to 80cm snowfall in past 12hours. Coastal data: Kamui cape E4m/s, 1016hPa, 3.0m waves. Moiwa 850m: -10℃, N6m/s, 100cm snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, N20m/s, snowdrifts so deep that snowcats have difficulties grooming the course. A strong northerly wind is persisting above 1000m elevation, making snowdrifts continue to develop. The wind at the base has dropped early morning and light crystal snow is falling. Huge snowdrifts have developed overnight and is sitting on top of Dec 23rd layer. 80cm thick slides have been observed in 800m leeward cornice slopes. According to the observations and weather transition, the avalanche risk is very high this morning. The stabilization of snowdrifts in leeward slopes above 800m is delayed. Avalanches are natural phenomenon that occur when conditions align. Snowfall or snowpack amount is not the essential factor. Many of the avalanche accidents occur during and just after storms. The snowpack will stabilize after a day, better stay inbounds and enjoy the snow in and around the courses. Please respect the Rules. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): The mountain is not yet fully open with top lifts at three of the main resorts not yet operating. Niseko Grand Hirafu Top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts not yet operating. The King Number 3 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to wind conditions. Niseko HANAZONO Resort All lifts generally open. However, the top Number 3 lift is on hold at the start of the day. Niseko Village Top Wonderland lift not yet operating. The Niseko Gondola is on hold at the start of the day due to wind conditions. Niseko Annupuri Top Jumbo Number 4 lift not yet operating. Otherwise, open as planned. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 24th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 230cm Base - 80cm Niseko Village Top - 130cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 100cm 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. The lifts marked with a * above are the lifts that are planned to be operating for nighta. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 261cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 151cm reported on 16 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 21cm Snowfall at base this season 222cm Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . OK, today we have good news: 20+ centimeters of snow (a little wet and heavy, but snow) and the fall keeps coming. I measured 18 centimeters before starting the throwing of snow here and there, and another 3 after two hours of power-shoveling joy (at least I get to sit in a warm cabin, not trudge behind the snowthrower (beloved as it is). Some days will need both if we get a genuine, snow-pounded Myoko ski season. I can't understand some of the reports today: Suginohara, which closed yesterday due to low snow and high winds, is reporting 40cm in part of the report, then 15cm and 20 cm for the base and top, respectively (which I guess means new snow, not total, although that's actually what it says in Japanese). Well, everybody's got fresh new snow and it's coming down very nicely, so no complaints.... Actually, as I write the pace has picked up a bit, so we could see an extra couple of centimeters per hour. And all the resorts are open as of today! Your Christmas Eve present. Akakura Kanko: 70cm, -2° Akakura Onsen: 65cm, -3° Ikenotaira Onsen: No new figures today—update, guys! Myoko Suginohara: 40cm, -2° Seki Onsen: 80cm, -5° Myoko Ski Park: No new data Kyukamura RunRun: 80cm, 2° (that should be -2°, methinks) Tangram Ski Circus: 45cm, -3° Madarao Kogen: 50m, (no temperature listed) Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 222cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 53cm (12th December) November 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 210cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 29cm Snowfall at base this season 243cm Posted on Friday 23rd December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There is good news and not so good news out of Furano this morning. The good news is that we have been hit by a snow storm that arrived yesterday afternoon and has delivered a significant amount of snow. At the moment 29cm has accumulated since yesterday in the Kitanomine village. The not so good news is that the snow storm has come with much wind. At village level the winds went from strong yesterday to severe overnight and back to strong. On the ski area itself wind is between strong and severe at the moment and this means that the resort is not able to operate any lifts except for the Prince Romance lift on the Furano Zone. Around the resort there are some very deep drift areas of snow and some roads in Kitanomine have drifts up to a metre high and will require grading before cars can get out or use the roads. Snow is expected to continue to fall during the day but the winds should start to reduce in intensity from now on. Courses expected to be open today: Prince Course & Todomatsu Course only. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 23rd December 2016 Total snowfall at base 243cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 133cm reported 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 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 250cm Posted on Friday 23rd December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Oh dear. It's raining. Yesterday there was snow falling and I measured 2cm of it, but later in the afternoon it was wiped out fairly quickly as the snow turned into rain. It's just too mild and it seems to be something that all of Japan is enduring at the moment. Here in Niseko we are actually getting off relatively well by the looks of things. It is due to be getting colder and snowing today so I'd be happy if soon after I post my report it suddenly changed. If I see Santa on the slopes today, I'm going to jolly well tell him that we want snow and hopefully he'll get on the case in time for dinner tonight. Please do the same. Let's see what I can get to report to you tomorrow morning... --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: +4℃, rain and thaw. Moiwa 850m: +1℃, wet snowfall and snowpack sinking. Annupuri 1000m: -1℃, E5m/s, light snowfall. Hirafu 1000m: -1℃, 15cm of wet snow. Coastal data: Kamui cape E5m/s, 993hPa, 2.0m waves. The low-pressure system has pulled warm air from the south and passed. Little snow has fallen in the Westside of the mountain and melting in areas below 800m elevation. The snow in the out of bounds is heavy and not suitable for skiing. Sticky snow on the groomers too. Heavy wet snow slides can occur at on & off piste steep slopes. A wet & heavy slab is forming on top of Dec 21st layer and can easily slide at slopes above 1000m altitude. Those type of avalanches are very dangerous. Stay away from valleys and steep slopes. Road conditions is also treacherous. The temperature will drop from now and a snowstorm will pick up. Roads will freeze, be careful driving. This information is issued for the safety of all resort users. The weather changes in the last few years seem quite unusual. All we can do is adjust to it. Have a great Christmas weekend. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): All four of the resort areas appear to be opening as planned at the start of the day - a few delays for higher lifts but that should clear soon. Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be operating: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 2 Center Four* - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola* - King Number 3 quad - Holiday Number 1 pair* - Swinging Monkey Courses that are not yet open: - Large - Miharashi - Dynamic Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating apart from top Wonderland Chair (and Country Road which isn't usually open anyway) Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating apart from top Jumbo Number 4 --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 23rd December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 220cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village Top - 120cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 100cm 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. The lifts marked with a * above are the lifts that are planned to be operating for nighta. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 23rd December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 250cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 140cm 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 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 248cm Posted on Thursday 22nd December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Talking about white fluffy things, where's the fresh snow then? Well, it was snowing as I was posting the report yesterday of course. That snow didn't really last long where I make my measurements - but it was there, so it's valid. The forecast is looking pretty good from now - apart from perhaps the rather wet looking snow that is due overnight tonight. Let's hope it still falls as something we can classify as 'snow', even if it isn't light and fluffy. Fresh snowfall is due on most days in the weekly forecast though which sounds good to me. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -3℃, no snowfall. Kamui cape (sea of Japan): E6m/s, 1024hPa, 0.9m waves. Moiwa 850m: -2℃, mild easterly wind, no snowfall. Annupuri 1150m: -4℃, NW5m/s, no snowfall. Barometric pressure gradient is flat this morning, however the next storm is approaching and the wind is forecasted to pick up before noon. Yesterday morning’s snowfall is covering the surface and will potentially turn into a weak layer in the future snowpack. It is the weak bonding in the snowpack that triggers avalanches but those weaknesses are not only the layers deep inside. The highly wind-affected snowdrifts are extremely unstable in their developing stages (during and just after strong winds) and take some time until they stabilize. Leeward slopes with heavy snowdrift deposit during and just after snowstorms are most hazardous. The conditions are forecasted to deteriorate later today through tomorrow. Pay close attention to the coming weather. The access gates are yet to open due to lack of snow. Follow the patrol’s instructions and respect the Niseko Rules. Please refrain from ducking ropes. The freedom to ski out of bounds in Niseko can only be protected if people play by the Rules. Hard pack condition continues, carefully remain in control. Wearing helmets is recommended. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): All four of the resort areas appear to be opening as planned at the start of the day. Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be operating: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 2 Center Four* - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola* - King Number 3 quad - Holiday Number 1 pair* - Swinging Monkey Courses that are not yet open: - Large - Miharashi - Dynamic Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating apart from top Wonderland Chair (and Country Road which isn't usually open anyway) Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating apart from top Jumbo Number 4 --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 22nd December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 200cm Base - 80cm Niseko Village Top - 120cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 100cm 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. The lifts marked with a * above are the lifts that are planned to be operating for nighta. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 22nd December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 248cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 138cm reported 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 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 83cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Ohayo! Its going to be a stunning day here in Naeba with a near perfect bluebird day! The conditions under skis are good with a small amount of patchy ice, there is not much fresh snow as it fell mostly during the day yesterday and has been compacted down. There are 5 lifts open again today with high speed 5 staying open for night skiing until 08:00. Come and hit the slopes with us on this beautiful day! Open lifts are: -Beginner lift No.4 08:00-17:00 -High Speed lift No.3 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 Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 18th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 83cm Number of days snowfall observed 13 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 17cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 66cm observed on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 89cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . This morning I can just about justify awarding 1cm to my report. More like 9mm! It is a fairly cold morning here with just that bit of new snow and generally cloudy conditions. A few more lifts open now including the high speed Kurohime quad - I like that one. Recommended parking area too away from the main village area... Looks like Japan is in for a mild spell this coming week and Zao won't escape that either. Rain is likely even on the mountain mid-week. But we should be back to snowy conditions by the weekend. Lifts that are planned to be operating today at Zao Onsen: Zao Ropeway Chuo Ropeway Sky Cable Mikaeri pair Chuo Number 1 pair AB Chuo Number 2 pair AB Onsen Number 1 pair Onsen Number 2 quad Zao Paradise Pair AB Shobunuma Number 2 pair Katakai triple Utopia Number 2 pair Astraea Number 3 pair Kurohime Number 1 Official snow depths: Chuo - 50cm Utopia - 50cm Uwanodai - 35cm Paradise - 50cm Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 18th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 89cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 17th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 78cm observed 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 41cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. And it's one of those really stunning mornings that Hakuba is so good at. There's new snow since last night but some since my report in the morning yesterday, so that is what is on the report today. Yesterday the snow generally started easing off from the early afternoon and visibility improved though there was still a lot of cloud around (and I am hearing some more light snow falling in places at higher elevations). None of the ski resorts around the valley are reporting any fresh snowfall overnight. We are expecting fine, sunny and clear skies today and after a cold start to the morning temperatures will probably rise to about 6-7C later at village base level. So rather mild... The forecast shows us sun over the next few days, and then rain around Wednesday-Thursday - even at higher elevations. It's going to be warming up much more than we would like. But there are good signs that come Friday we should be looking at a return to colder conditions and fresh snow too. So we can hope for snowfall over the Christmas weekend. In the meantime today should be a beautiful day to be out on the mountains. And that's where I am heading now. Until tomorrow! Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is currently part open. The resort is reporting 0cm of fresh snowfall. Gondola downloading required. Upper course connection with Goryu is now open. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Line A.B and Line C lifts are operating. The following courses are open: - Route 1 (Upper) - Route 2 - Route 3 - Route 4 - Route 5 - Route 6 - Route 8 Official snow depth Line C Upper: 110cm Base: 15cm Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is currently part open. The resort is reporting 0cm of fresh snowfall. Upper course connection with Hakuba 47 is now open. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Alps Number 1 and 3, Toomi Sky Four, Toomi Number 1 pair lift and the Milky Four lift in the Iimori area are operating. The following courses are open: - Grand Prix - Panorama - Toomi - Soft Cream Official snow depth Alps: 90cm Toomi: 30cm Iimori: 20cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is currently part open. Lift & course info: The Adam Gondola, Alpen Quad, Panorama pair, Kokusai Number 1 and 3 pair lifts, and Kurobishi Number 2 quad lifts are operating. Gondola downloading required. The following courses are open: - Kurobishi (part) - Usagidaira - Panorama Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 80cm Nakiyama: -cm Sakka: -cm Tsugaike Kogen: Tsugaike Kogen is currently part open. Lift info: The Eve Gondola and the top Han-no-ki and Tsuga Number 2 pair lifts are operating. The following courses are open: - Han-no-ki - Tsuga-no-mori Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 78cm Han-no-ki: 78cm Oya-no-hara: 20cm Kane-no-naru-oka: -cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is currently part open. The resort is reporting 0cm of fresh snowfall. Lift info: The Number 1 quad, Number 2 quad and Number 4 pair lifts are operating. The following courses are at least part open: - Ikenoda - Ipponmatsu - Mt Hieda Rinkan - Mt Hieda 1 - Itadaria Official snow depth: Top: 110cm Base: 60cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field is currently part open. Lift info: The Gondola, 3-sen North and 4-sen East lifts are operating. The following courses are at least part open: - North - East Official snow depth: Top: 40cm Base: -cm Kashimayari: Kashimayari is currently part open. Lift info: The Number 1 quad, Number 2 pair, Number 3 and 6 quad lifts are operating. Official snow depth: Top: 30cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Hakuba Norikura Onsen is currently part open Lift info: The Alps Number 1 and 4 pair lifts are operating. Official snow depth: Top: 25cm Hakuba Sanosaka: Hakuba Sanosaka planned to open today but has delayed opening. Please note that Yanaba ski hill will not be opening for the 2016-2017 season. Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 18th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 41cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (8th December) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 40cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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