Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 30cm Snowfall at base this season 67cm Posted on Saturday 10th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Real snow today! Just in time for the first "soft opening" at Akakura Onsen, which has three lifts operating (but which also warns about rocks and brush - but it's skiing!). In fact it was enough snow that I had to get busy today not only with the trusty peetah (the local name for the monster snowthrowers) as well as a new toy, a small front loader. Having fun with the heavy metal! Too much fun, as I realized I need to let you good people know about the snow coming down. We're seeing some good ongoing light to moderate snow at the moment. The sun tried to peek out a few seconds ago, but we're back to light snowfall. I'm also pleased to say that I'll be reporting most mornings from even closer to the base of Akakan Ski Area - moving from my house at 670 meters to right around 700. And it does make a difference! Only part of Akakura Onsen Ski Area open: Yodel No. 1 Triple, Yodel No. 3 Triple, Yodel No. 4 Pair Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 10th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 67cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (10th December) November 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 55cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 23cm Posted on Saturday 10th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Morning from Hakuba. There's a lot happening this morning with more snow to report, more resorts opening, more lifts starting up for the season and more courses opening up. I have updated all of the information available below and will continue to do that in my reports every day, so do keep an eye on that for the latest. With snow falling from the skies, things can change during a day with the resorts wanting to get as much open as possible as quickly as possible... as you would, of course! Anyway, yes, it has been snowing again and I measure 6cm on the ground at base and resorts are reporting 20cm of fresh on higher elevations. The forecast has more snow on and off today and tomorrow, perhaps some sun on Monday and then back to snow by mid-week. I'm off out to check out that fresh snow. All information as available and subject to change during the day due to weather and snow conditions Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is open from this morning. The resort is reporting 10-20cm of fresh snow. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Line A and Line C lifts are operating. The following courses are open: - Route 1 Upper - Route 2 - Route 3 - Route 5 - Route 6 - Route 8 (Lower) Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is currently part open. The resort is reporting 15cm of fresh snow on the upper slopes. Lift & course info: The Gondola open from 8:15am until 4:00pm and the Alps Number 1 and 3 lifts are operating. The upper Grand Prix and Panorama courses are open. Official snow depth Alps: 60cm Toomi: -cm Iimori: -cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is currently part open. Lift & course info: The Adam Gondola, Alpen Quad, Kokusai Number 3 pair lift, Panorama pair lift and Kurobishi Number 2 quad lifts are operating. The following courses are at least part open: - Kurobishi - 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 Han-no-ki and Tsuga-no-mori courses are open. Official snow depth: Han-no-ki: 68cm Maruyama: -cm Kane-no-naru-oka: -cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is currently part open. Lift info: The Number 2 quad lift and Number 4 pair lifts are operating. Official snow depth: Kashmayari: Kashimayari will be part open today and Sunday 11th December ('pre-open') before the official opening on Saturday 17th December. Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field plans to open from Friday 16th December. Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Hakuba Norikura Onsen plans to open from Saturday 17th December. Hakuba Sanosaka: Hakuba Sanosaka plans to open from Saturday 17th December. Please note that Yanaba ski hill will not be opening for the 2016-2017 season Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 10th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 23cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (8th December) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 22cm 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 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 37cm Posted on Saturday 10th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Welcome to the first day of the season in Naeba! It has been snowing overnight and has continued this morning so there is lots of fresh snow to enjoy! Looks like the great start to the season we have been looking forward to is finally here! Grab your skis and snowboards and　enjoy the fresh snow! Please stick to the marked ski areas today as there is not a large snow base outside of these areas. Opening, lift & other notes Today only beginner lift 4 and high speed 5 are running. Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 10th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 37cm Number of days snowfall observed 6 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 13cm (10th December) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 20cm 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 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 147cm Posted on Friday 9th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello again and I have another 10cm of fresh snowfall to report to you this morning outside my place here in Hirafu. It's gradually adding up and I noticed that I have now observed just under 150cm of snowfall here since that first snow of the season. It's not quite as cold this morning and the snow isn't quite as dry and fluffy (not the stuff I had in my hand a short while ago anyway), but it should still be a fun morning out there. The forecast is still looking good too with snow lined up most days over the coming week. It does feel like the season has got started now with everything falling into place, even though what is open in terms of lifts and courses remains limited. With the snow due over the coming days though, I expect that to change quite quickly. As mentioned at the bottom of my reports, floodlit night skiing ('nighta') is planned to start from tomorrow. Nighta is available at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas - none over at Hanazono. No specific nighta news yet regarding operations from tomorrow, but hopefully I will have more information in my report in the morning. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -2℃, 10cm snowfall in 12 hours, light snow and calm. Coastal data: Kamui cape ENE7m/s, 1011hPa, 1.0m waves. Wind and snow are forecasted to pick up above 800m as the next low-pressure system approaches and passes. The snowpack is still very shallow and the out of bounds areas are not suitable for riding yet. The groomers are in better condition, but today’s light is weak and undulations are hard to see. Beware of over speeding. Looking at the snowfall transition and other data, the general avalanche risk is low today, however cornices formed at steep slopes and under chairlifts could fall anytime, better beware. Observatory equipment for Nagoya University Snow & Ice Research Center will be installed at Mikaeri area in Moiwa today. The 20th Niseko Avalanche Meeting will be held at Niseko Chomin Center today at 6pm. Everyone is welcome. Have a nice day. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): All four resort areas appear to be able to open 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 - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family course - Alpen course (experts only) - Green - Beginners access course - Shirakaba course - Center course - Boyo (lower part only) - Kokutai (experts only) - Holiday - Jumbo course - Parallel course Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be operating: - Hanazono 1 quad - Hanazono 2 quad - Hanazono 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Silver Dream (experts only) - Stairway to Heaven (experts only) - Setsuzoku - Crystal Garden - Renraku - Yotei Sunset (experts only) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Community Chair - Upper Village Gondola - Village Express Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Jumbo Number 1 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Annupuri Gondola Courses planned to be operating: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior You can now ski down to base at Niseko Annupuri. --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 9th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 155cm Base - 55cm Niseko Village Top - 50cm Base - 40cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 60cm Base - 40cm Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 9th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 147cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (25th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 37cm reported on 6 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 170cm Posted on Friday 9th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The rain that was previously on the forecast for today seems to have vanished and instead some light snow is predicted which will likely be right as there are snow flurries coming down at the moment and temperatures are cold at village level, currently at -5c. There has been a light dusting of snow overnight and this light snowfall should continue over the weekend. While there is no significant snow event forecast over the next few days, constant cold temperatures and a light refresh each day will keep the slopes in good condition. There is cloud around the top of the resort and the upper half of the mountain is foggy, with better visibility on the lower part. Furano Ropeway 8:30am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 2 chairlift 8:40am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 3 chairlift 9:00am-15:00pm. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 9th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 170cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 60cm reported on 6 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 137cm Posted on Thursday 8th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have 10cm of fresh snowfall to report to you on this Thursday morning here at Hirafu base. It's good quality snow as well, nice and light. Oh yes. It is another cold morning, -6C as I write this and expected to remain well under zero through the day, and hopefully snowfall will continue through the day today - at least on and off, hopefully more on than off. Right at this moment as I look out of the window it is snowing very nicely. It looks like it will probably get a bit warmer tomorrow, but with snowfall forecast over the coming days and through the weekend, we should be seeing more lifts and courses opening up soon. Indeed, some of the courses that were open but then closed have re-opened at Niseko Grand Hirafu. You can see what is planned to be open in the information posted below. It's sometimes a fast-moving situation and hard to keep track of, so please do check with the resorts for their very latest if required. We will need more open as more highly expectant and excited folk are continuing to arrive in Niseko. As we get closer to Christmas, those numbers are only going to increase. I even saw Santa last night - in a bar in Kutchan! - so he's obviously up for some early season turns too. Always a good sign that the season has started, the Niseko Avalanche Reports are up and running and once again a very big thank you to the good folk who put them together each day... --- Niseko Avalanche Report: The atmospheric pressure gradient is lenient and the weather is relatively calm. Mild wind and -7℃ at base level with 15cm of fresh snowfall in the past 12 hours. Kamui cape weather WSW11m/s, 1014hPa, 1.6m waves. The snowdrifts that developed above 800m have stabilized and the general avalanche risk is low. This information is issued in order to prevent accidents in the out of bounds areas. Avalanches occur when the conditions aligns and does not depend on the amount of snow. They are natural occurrences that only become an accident if somebody is caught in it. Leeward slopes during storms are the most dangerous as they are where unstable snowdrifts mostly develops. Highly wind affected snow is heavy and loose and most likely to slide. Niseko area respect the freedom to ski out of bounds, however is also deeply concerned about all visitors’ safety. Avalanches are not the only hazard in Winter Mountains. Be aware of the risks you’re taking and it is your responsibility to be well prepared for anything that could happen. Today’s snow is light and lighter snow is usually stable. Have a nice day. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): All four resort areas appear to be able to open 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 - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family course - Alpen course (experts only) - Green - Beginners access course - Shirakaba course - Center course - Boyo (lower part only) - Kokutai (experts only) - Holiday - Jumbo course - Parallel course Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be operating: - Hanazono 1 quad - Hanazono 2 quad - Hanazono 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Silver Dream (experts only) - Stairway to Heaven (experts only) - Setsuzoku - Crystal Garden - Renraku - Yotei Sunset (experts only) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Community Chair - Upper Village Gondola - Village Express Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Jumbo Number 1 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Annupuri Gondola Courses planned to be operating: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior You can now ski down to base at Niseko Annupuri. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 8th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 135cm Base - 45cm Niseko Village Top - 45cm Base - 30cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 45cm Base - 30cm Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 8th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 137cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (25th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 27cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 169cm Posted on Thursday 8th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is another day of cold temperatures with -12c at the base of the resort. There has been a small amount of snow overnight amounting to 3cm and there are light snow flurries at the moment. Some light precipitation is expected to continue through today. Tomorrow the forecast is for a warm blip again with temperatures in town breaking into positive digits and bringing with it some light rain. Temperatures higher up the mountain will probably be below freezing, so hopefully the mid to upper slopes at least will see some kind on snow instead of rain. Furano Ropeway 8:30am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 2 chairlift 8:40am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 3 chairlift 9:00am-15:00pm. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 8th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 169cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 59cm 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 24cm Posted on Thursday 8th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Well, the sun was out yesterday but the news this morning (apart from the nearly 10cm of fresh snow on the ground) is that the Chuo Number 1 pair lift will be operating today meaning that Zao Onsen is now officially open for the 16-17 season. Hurray! The Chuo Ropeway is open from 8:30am and the Chuo Number 1 pair lift from 8:45am, closing at 3:30pm. Special tickets costing 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children are available in this early part of the season. The resort is reporting 30cm of snow on the ground up there and a temperature of -5C. It's all very limited of course, but we need to start somewhere. The forecast for the weekend shows snow to be falling. Yes please! What is currently open at Zao Onsen: Chuo Nunber 1 pair lift Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 8th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 24cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 9cm (on 8th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 13cm observed on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 30cm Weather overview Cleared up Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Thursday 8th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . More snow to report today with another 8cm on the ground and hopefully somewhat more on the mountain. It has cleared up again by lunchtime and now there's blue sky and sun once again but with more snowfall due over the weekend, things are looking positive for that opening next weekend. The official opening date for Madarao Kogen this season is Saturday 17th December. Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 8th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 30cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 13cm (on 7th December) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 14cm Posted on Thursday 8th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Hello and I bring good news. Today is the first day of the season! Yes, with a good 10cm on the ground in base areas and more up on the mountains, the first ski lifts are going to be moving this morning - and as far as I can confirm early morning, it's Happo-one and Tsugaike Kogen that win the first lifts of the season prize. Hakuba Happo-one is going to be open from 11am with the Adam Gondola, Kokusai Number 3 pair lift and Panorama pair lift operating. It's just the Panorama course that will be open on this first day. Tsugaike Kogen will have both sections of the Eve Gondola operating as well as the top Han-no-ki high speed pair lift. Part of the Upper Han-no-ki course area will be open. Right now I don't have any word from Hakuba 47 or Hakuba Goryu but you can bet they'll be trying to open as well. It's all panic-stations now with places now rushing to open and as such the situation may well change during the day. I'll give you an update on the situation tomorrow morning. Right now the snow has eased off and there's more and while there is still a lot of cloud around there's more blue sky starting to appear and sun is on the forecast with a high of a mild +5C expected in the village. Later tomorrow we should see a return to snow and there's a decent chance of some cm piling up over the weekend too. Exciting times. Here's to a great 16-17 season. Planned season opening dates for the ski and snowboard resorts in the Hakuba region: Hakuba Happo-one: part open from today Hakuba 47: as soon as there is enough snow Hakuba Goryu: as soon as there is enough snow Tsugaike Kogen: part open from today Hakuba Cortina: from 10th December Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: from 16th December Hakuba Norikura Onsen: from mid December Hakuba Sanosaka: from mid December Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 8th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 14cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (8th December) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 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 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 127cm Posted on Wednesday 7th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here 1pm update: Since I posted my report it seems that the Jumbo Number 1 lift and a few more courses are opening at Annupuri - I have adjusted the operation details below. Please note that all other report information remains unchanged from my original report. --- Original morning report: A good morning to you from here in Hirafu. Yesterday the winds were affecting the lifts at Niseko Annupuri from the start of the day of course, and by noon the top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu and Hanazono were also having to stop due to the windy conditions up there. Happily this morning it is less windy and so all of the lifts that are planned to be operating today should get off to a smooth start. I was thinking I might be able to report more snow than we actually have this morning - it was coming down hard at times, but it was also being blown about by strong winds - and in the end it's just 4cm of fresh here at base. 20cm has been added to the official snow depth for upper areas of Niseko Grand Hirafu though, so it sounds like a trip up there is definitely required for a first-hand check! As for current weather conditions, it's just mostly cloudy skies as I write my report but the forecast still has snow clouds never far away over the coming days and we can probably expect more snow by tonight. There's a few small breaks in the clouds and a bit of blue sky on show in places as well. It's nice and cold this morning and probably won't get much 'warmer' than -5C here at base, so wrap up well if you are heading out. Resort operations appear to be generally unchanged for the moment as we wait for more snow to allow them to open more of the mountain up. --- Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): All four resort areas appear to be able to open as planned at the start of the day, though it looks like the Ace Number 2 Center Four lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu is going to have a delayed opening - currently unclear how long that delay will be. 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 - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family course - Beginners access course - Shirakaba course - Center course - Jumbo course - Parallel course The lower areas (apart from Family course) are closed - the Ace Number 2 Center Four lift and Gondola can be used to get back to base. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be operating: - Hanazono 1 quad - Hanazono 2 quad - Hanazono 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Silver Dream (experts only) - Yotei Sunset Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Community Chair - Upper Village Gondola - Village Express (used as a connection) Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Jumbo Number 1 pair (from 1pm) - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Annupuri Gondola Courses planned to be operating: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior You can now ski down to base at Niseko Annupuri. You can board too, if you like! :) --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 7th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 125cm Base - 40cm Niseko Village Top - 40cm Base - 20cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 55cm Base - 30cm --- Night skiing is planned from Saturday 10th December 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 7th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 127cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (25th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 17cm 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 14cm Snowfall at base this season 166cm Posted on Wednesday 7th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a pretty pleasing update that I can provide this morning. After the report was posted yesterday we received a further 11cm of snow up until evening and then another 3cm was recorded this morning, which make a total of 14cm for today's update. Furano is doing really well so far this season with a total of 110cm falling in November, making this the best November on record for the last 5 seasons. December is also off to a very promising start with 56cm being recorded over the last 7 days. The upper mountain is enveloped in cloud with the lower mountain being clear. Temperatures have plummeted again with -9c in the village this morning. With all the fresh snow it promises to be a great day to get out there and have a ski, and it cant be too long now before the resort can open up some more terrain. Furano Ropeway 8:30am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 2 chairlift 8:40am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 3 chairlift 9:00am-15:00pm. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 7th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 166cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 56cm 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