Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 334cm Weather overview Cloud and light snow Wind Varied Temperature -2C base / -8C top Visibility Fair Posted at 9:24am on Monday 17th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have another 10cm or so of snow to report from my base here in Hirafu this morning since yesterday. It is definitely colder this morning as well along with a return of stronger winds on the mountain that are affecting top lifts at the moment. At Annupuri the top Jumbo Number 4 lift has been not operating due to winds and the top Wonderland Chair at Niseko Village is also similarly affected, with the Niseko Gondola operating at reduced speed. The King Number 4 lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu is also not operating at the time of writing due to wind conditions. Conditions yesterday were indeed heavier and wetter than we expect in Niseko, but personally I made sure I made the most of the good workout. Things will likely be better this morning with that new layer of snow and colder temperatures. More snow as well as a further dip in temperatures over the next few days is forecast and so hopefully a quick return to powder conditions on the slopes. For now this morning though it is mostly just cloudy with light snow falling in places. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 17th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 334cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th and 11th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 216cm 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 324cm Weather overview Cloud and light snow Wind Light Temperature 1C base / -2C top Visibility Fair to poor Posted at 9:20am on Sunday 16th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Anyone get out to enjoy the nighta last night? Can't say I did but I hope to soon. It's quite a mild morning here in Niseko, currently around 3 degrees in the village and not cold out on the slopes either. We have had another 5-10cm or so of snowfall, but it's not prime Niseko powder this time - more of the wet variety. Still, it's definitely better than rain. Let's call it variety! Best conditions will be found higher up and in the trees today. It also looks like Gate 1 will be opening later on. It is a bit more windy than yesterday but not much and nothing to unduly concern lifts. This morning the Annupuri Gondola is back up and running and the only other lift news I can see is that the top Hanazono lift is running at reduced speed. Other than that, the resorts seem to be open as normal. Look for temperatures to dip from tomorrow and then bring with it our favourite kind of snow. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 16th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 324cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th and 11th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 206cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 312cm Weather overview Light snow, cloud Wind Light Temperature -1C base / -4C top Visibility Fair Posted at 9:01am on Friday 14th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This morning it is not as cold as yesterday, currently around -1C, and there's a 1m/s wind around base, and importantly 10cm or so of fresh snow that has fallen early this morning and light snow is falling. It feels fairly mild today and likely will be into tomorrow as well, but hopefully we will see some into Sunday and then temperatures drop as we move into next week when it's looking good for a decent snowfall. Today is of course the last day of the cheaper 'off' season lift ticket prices. I think those who have made good use of it until now have done very well, thank you very much. Nighta operations at Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village from tomorrow! I know a fair few people who are looking forward to that. I think we can expect things to quickly start getting noticeably busier from now on. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 14th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 312cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th and 11th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 194cm 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 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 344cm Weather overview Cloud and light snow Wind Varied Temperature -1C base / -8C top Visibility Fair Posted at 9:45am on Tuesday 18th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another 10cm of snow to report this morning from the village with the temperature around the same as yesterday as well as those winds affecting some top lifts on the mountain as well. Similar kind of conditions as yesterday really. The forecast is looking positive for decent snowfall over the next few days along with temperatures that are going to drop further overnight into tomorrow. Tomorrow should see a return to nice cold conditions. This morning early on the Niseko Gondola at Niseko Village is running at slower speeds. The top King Number 3 and King Number 4 lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu, as well as the top Hanazono Number 3 quad lift, are not operating due to the wind conditions on the mountain at the time of writing. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 18th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 344cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th and 11th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 226cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 40cm Snowfall at base this season 384cm Weather overview Heavy snow Wind Varied Temperature -8C base / -13C top Visibility Poor Posted at 9:26am on Wednesday 19th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A very good morning to you from Niseko. And a very good morning it is! I have 40cm of fresh snowfall to report today and it is still snowing. Oh yes. And it is very cold as well, earlier on when I got up it was closing in on minus double digits, and currently around -8C. Annupuri say it is -15C up top this morning. So we have had some heavy snowfall since yesterday into this morning and it a very wintery morning - just what we like! The forecast for today into tomorrow is more snowfall, perhaps a break in the snow on Friday, followed by more snow from Saturday, so a good strong winter weather pattern developing. Having to cope with the new snowfall some lifts are starting a little later than usual this morning, and the top Hanazono lift is operating at reduced speed early on but other than that we seem to be open as normal. Moderate winds on the mountain may well affect top lifts today. It should be great deep powder conditions on the Niseko slopes today. For those interested in the JMA Kutchan town snowfall numbers, the current snowfall for December 2012 so far stands at 190cm. The number for the complete month of December 2011 was 349cm, December 2010 was 201cm and December 2009 was 246cm. Looking back over the reports since the beginning of the season, actual snowfall here in Hirafu will soon be over 4m. It is looking promising for another impressive December for Niseko. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 19th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 384cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 266cm reported on 17 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 35cm Snowfall at base this season 419cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Varied Temperature -6C base / -11C top Visibility Poor Posted at 9:52am on Thursday 20th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning. Yesterday was an excellent day in Niseko with wonderful conditions being enjoyed out there. After the bumper snow that I reported yesterday I wasn't quite expecting to be reporting similar this morning. But that's the way it is, with another 35cm of fresh snow to report this morning. We have well and truly busted through the 4m mark of total snowfall here in the village. Let's see how far we can go this December... can we beat last year? Snow conditions yesterday were brilliant. And they will possibly be better today. If such things are possible, of course. ;) Variable winds by the looks of things on the mountain this morning though not much here in the village. The resorts are reporting winds between 1m/s (Hirafu base) and 17m/s (Annupuri top). Lifts seem to be operating mostly as normal though the top two lifts at Hanazono were operating at a reduced speed early on. So the forecast is looking promising as well with basically snow lined up daily in the coming week. Things may get less cold tomorrow and Saturday, but other than that it's just snow and more snow really. Did I mention it was still snowing? Enjoy! Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 20th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 419cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 301cm 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 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 17cm Snowfall at base this season 436cm Weather overview Cloud with light snow Wind Varied Temperature -5C base / -9C top Visibility Fair Posted at 9:31am on Friday 21st December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here The snow continued yesterday and we have another 15-20cm of the wonderful stuff around the village this morning. I could get used to saying that every morning! Niseko Grand Hirafu's official (upper) snow depth has reached 300cm this morning. Earlier on it was -6C, currently around -4C according to my trusty thermometer outside. It is cloudy with light snow falling as I write the report, though fairly decent visibility on the slopes. The snow clouds don't look like they're about to move on either with snow lined up pretty much every day over the coming week. Look for particularly cold temperatures and heavier snowfall late weekend into early next week, possibly along with strong winds again. As more and more people arrive for the Christmas week, Niseko is certainly getting busier and the party atmosphere levels rising. With the excellent conditions we have and amount of snow to enjoy, there's a lot of happy people here at the moment. Early on this morning it looks like just the top Hanazono Number 3 lift and the King Number 3 lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu operating at reduced speed, but other than that open as planned. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 21st December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 436cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 318cm 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 446cm Weather overview Cloud with light snow Wind Varied Temperature -1C base / -6C top Visibility Fair Posted at 9:41am on Saturday 22nd December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Welcome to the weekend. And I have more snow to report, another 5-10cm or so since yesterday. It is not as cold as yesterday and currently around -1C in the village, cloudy but fairly bright with it and light snow forecast for the day. It's a fairly calm morning here and all the lifts that should be moving this morning are doing so taking people up to the lovely snow conditions out on the mountain. Not a whole lot more to report this morning really. From tomorrow we can expect colder conditions once again as the snow continues to fall giving us regular top-ups on the Niseko slopes. It'll be needed from now on with more people. I think today marks the first day of the season when Niseko Grand Hirafu will have all of their lifts operating. Tis the weekend before Christmas of course, with more people arriving by the day in Kutchan and Niseko. There'll be lots of parties in the coming days! Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 22nd December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 446cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 328cm 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 585cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Variable Posted at 9:05am on Sunday 3rd February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . After the rain of yesterday when we all got a bit wet eventually it did turn into snow. Unfortunately the less than ideal conditions meant that the resort cancelled their planned fireworks display last night which was a shame. OK so the good news this morning is that we do have new snow on the ground. About 10cm or so. Light snow has been falling this morning with the top half of the mountain still covered in cloud. But it does look like conditions might well clear up, a bit of blue sky can be spotted here and there. We'll just have to see how it changes but a clearing trend is likely. The Park is open and the Tree Runs will hopefully open after having a once-over by resort staff. Tomorrow might be a bit warmer again but snow is forecast. Looking forward a few decent snowfalls lined up over the next week so we should be back to powder conditions fairly soon. Lifts planned to be operating: Number 1 Number 2 Number 3 Super quad Number 5 Number 11 Number 12 Number 15 Kids Park --- FreeRide Park Powder Wave I Powder Wave II Usagi Riverline Powder Theater Adventure Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 3rd February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 585cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (24th December and 18th January) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 223cm reported on 14 days January 2013 snowfall 352cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 10cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 575cm Weather overview Cloudy Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 9:08am on Saturday 2nd February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . We had a dose of rain last night I'm afraid. The good news is that it is holding off now at the moment for this morning. There is a fair bit of cloud up there, lots of it threateningly grey, but also some breaks in the cloud. We'll just have to see which way it goes. We could get more rain, but later on in the day temperatures are forecast to drop and hopefully tomorrow it will be snow. So, some rain on the snow and so not the best of conditions for this Saturday morning. But I'm sure lots of fun to be had nevertheless. Don't get too wrapped up though it's a rather warm 6C. Tree runs should open after their morning check. Nighta tonight of course with all the fun of the fireworks. Lifts planned to be operating: Number 1 Number 2 Number 3 Super quad Number 5 Number 11 Number 12 Number 15 Kids Park --- FreeRide Park Powder Wave I Powder Wave II Usagi Riverline Powder Theater Adventure Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 2nd February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 575cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (24th December and 18th January) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 223cm reported on 14 days January 2013 snowfall 352cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 617cm Weather overview Clear, fine Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted at 9:15am on Thursday 7th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . No new snow that I can see on the ground this morning, though the resort seems to be claiming 5cm on the slopes. This morning is a fine and mostly clear on - just some wispy cloud here and there, but mostly sunny and blue skies. Not too cold either. Snow due later on today and tomorrow along with forecast plummeting temperatures. Got to say that this year we haven't been getting those consistent deep refreshes of snow like we saw last season, and more of this kind of milder day mid season. There's certainly enough so nothing to complain about really but here's too more of the former in the second part of the season! We like those full on crazy conditions. Lifts planned to be operating: Number 1 Number 2 Number 3 Super quad Number 5 Number 11 Number 12 Number 15 Kids Park --- FreeRide Park Powder Wave I Powder Wave II Usagi Riverline Powder Theater Adventure Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 7th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 617cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (24th December and 18th January) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 223cm reported on 14 days January 2013 snowfall 352cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 42cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 602cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Moderate to strong Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted at 8:04am on Tuesday 5th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Somewhat colder this morning in Madarao which is good news. Yesterday was too warm and too... wet. This morning light snow is falling and again the upper part of the mountain covered in cloud but decent visibility on the lower slopes. Best news is that up to 15cm of new snowfall on the slopes this morning. More like 5-10cm at base. Overnight we were treated to snow but also lots of strong noisy wind which blew it all around. There's be less and more than that amount in places, care needed. Snow clouds likely to be with us through today into tomorrow so hopefully we can rack up some more new cm. Lifts planned to be operating: Number 1 Number 2 Number 3 Super quad Number 5 Number 11 Number 12 Number 15 Kids Park --- FreeRide Park Powder Wave I Powder Wave II Usagi Riverline Powder Theater Adventure Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 5th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 602cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 37 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (24th December and 18th January) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 223cm reported on 14 days January 2013 snowfall 352cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 27cm 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 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