Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 656cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Varied Temperature -9C base / -14C top Visibility Fair Posted at 9:17am on Monday 7th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here 15cm of lovely new light, powdery snow to report this morning. It keeps on adding up. There have been some very fine snow conditions on the slopes and today should be another great day for finding untracked fresh powder. It would help if the wind wasn't so prevalent. This morning once again wind is affecting lift operations with the top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri all not moving and hoping for calmer conditions. All the lifts over at Niseko Hanazono are operating, though the top two are moving at reduced speed. Of course these things can change during a day and the official resort websites have updated information on them so worth keeping an eye on. It does look likely to be windy for the day though. It's colder than yesterday and about -8C in the Hirafu village area now. Annupuri are reporting a temperature of -16C up at the top of that resort area so with the winds of up to 20m/s there it will be feeling mighty cold. Very light snow falling now though it's pretty bright out there and feels like it may well clear up somewhat today. Snow clouds should be here or at least close by though right through the week. First day back to normal life after the long New Year holidays for a fair few people today, so the weekend rush might be over. Interestingly Niseko is different from many other ski resorts in Japan in that there's a fair few people out on weekdays too. Nothing major though. Enough snow and untouched to go around I think. Hope you can get out to enjoy it. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 7th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 656cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 120cm reported on 7 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 768cm Weather overview Cloud, some sun, some snow Wind Light Temperature -5C base / -10C top Visibility Variable Posted at 9:34am on Sunday 13th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here 10-15cm of new snowfall this morning. In further shocking news, I have to report that... it's snowing. Yes, snow is still coming down from the skies as I write this report and it just keeps on piling up. The people assigned to moving snow around both private and public have been pretty much busy none stop this season. I think they are looking forward to the snow clouds to ease off! Could we get to see the sun tomorrow perhaps? The forecast says so, though snow is likely back from Tuesday once again. Actaully talking about the sun, as I have been writing this report, the sun has been trying to break through the clouds in places and at the moment over in the Annupuri area the sun is casting shadows down by the base. Will it break through, or will the snow win out in the end?! All resorts on the mountain appear to be open as normal this morning. If you want to get out just that bit earlier in a morning to enjoy all the fresh snow, you might appreciate the extra minutes available at Niseko Grand Hirafu and their 'Early Morning' service. For 500 yen (or free if you are a Grand Hirafu club member), you can jump on the Ace Number 2 Center Four lift from 8:00am and ride down the Super, Furiko, Green, Aplen and Sennoki courses before anyone else turns up. Note that a normal lift ticket is not valid during that time. 'Early Morning' at Grand Hirafu runs through until Sunday 3rd Febraury. Niseko Village is also operating early gondola today and tomorrow for 1000 yen. Over at Niseko Annupuri, the Annupuri Gondola is going to be opening early as well from tomorrow. The Gondola will open at 7:20am and a 1000 yen charge will let you ride the gondola for an hour before the normal day starts. Again, season tickets and multiple day tickets are not valid for this special early start. That is from tomorrow, 14th January. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 13th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 768cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 232cm 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 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 731cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature -7C base / -15C top Visibility Variable Posted at 9:07am on Friday 11th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Snow was forecast for the day yesterday, and that's what we got. And overnight too. So much so, that this morning have 30-40cm of new snow to deal with. You'll see that in the Avalance report (below) 20cm is reported, and as noted in that it seems that there has been more over on the Hirafu side here. It is another cold morning of course, -7C at the moment here and it probably won't change much throughout the day. Only a slight wind here at base though it does look like stronger winds higher up will prevent the top Wonderland Chair lift at Niseko Village. Other lifts around the mountain seem to be scheduled to operate as planned, perhaps some at reduced speed where necessary. Light snow and generally cloudy this morning with similar snow on/off conditions due in the coming week. This weekend is a long weekend in Japan with Monday being a national holiday - the 'Seijin no Hi', or Coming of Age Day. Those visiting this weekend will certainly not be disappointed. We avoid using hyperbole on these here reports, but when there's totally awesome conditions on the slopes... what else can you say? :) Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 11th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 731cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 49 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 195cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 756cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature -6C base / -11C top Visibility Fair Posted at 1:21pm on Saturday 12th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Apologies for the later-than-usual report from Niseko today. We are already in the middle of the day and all the mountain is open as planned today. Full speed ahead! Since yesterday another 25cm or so of soft light fresh snow on the ground. There's not much wind about and I'm sure right now there are many people up there on the mountain enjoying the excellent snow conditions we have. So much of the same really. Clouds above us and lots of snow to enjoy under our skis and boards... though it is busier today at the start of this long weekend in Japan. Again, excellent conditions for those lucky enough to be here. Hope you can also get to enjoy it. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 12th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 756cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 220cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 361cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Light wind Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 10:57am on Friday 1st February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The good news is that it is snowing lightly at the moment. At the moment it is not heavy enough to start accumulating on the ground, but fingers crossed it develops into something more substantial. It should be a good morning on the mountain, overcast, but a little bit of freshness on the pistes. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 1st February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 361cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (6th January) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm 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 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 361cm Weather overview Cloud, light rain Wind Light to moderate Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted at 10:50am on Saturday 2nd February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . This morning feels more like early April than the beginning of February. It's currently 5 degrees ABOVE freezing with a light, but steady rain. This is hardly the sort of weather you would expect from what is usually the coldest time of the year. The roads are going to be a lot slushier today, so please take extra caution when out and about. Winds are also a problem, with strong gusts of over 7 m/s. This warm spell is supposed to end abruptly this afternoon when the front passes through. Snow and cold temperatures downwards of -10 are in the forecast for this evening. Tomorrow promises to bring more snow and cold; hopefully we'll see some substantial accumulations to bulk up the places that are taking a hit from this rain right now. In other news, the 48th Annual Furano Ski and Snow Festival is being held February 2nd and 3rd (tonight and tomorrow.) The festivities run from 7:00pm to 9:30pm tonight, and from 10:00am to 2:00pm tomorrow. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 2nd February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 361cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (6th January) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm 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 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 396cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted at 10:20am on Tuesday 5th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There has been 25cm of new snow in the village since the last report was posted on Sunday. Monday turned out to be a day with mild temperatures, sunshine and some amazing snow to ski with depths on the ski area itself up to 40cm. Today we have strong winds and cloudy conditions. The gusting winds mean that it is unlikely the Kitanomine Gondola will operate at all, and the low cloud will mean flat light at certain times. The good news is that there is plenty of fresh untracked powder that can be accessed from the operating lifts - all up it should be a very good day apart from the wind. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 5th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 396cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (6th January) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 35cm 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 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 397cm Weather overview Sunny Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 4:40pm on Wednesday 6th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The day turned out to be great with morning cloud lifting early and the sun breaking through to make a typically cold Furano day quite pleasant. There was a dusting of snow overnight which refreshed the nicely groomed pistes. Given that the Kitanomine Gondola was closed yesterday there was plenty of side powder waiting for those that ventured over to the Kitanomine side. The remainder of the week could be brilliant if the snow that is forecast from Thursday to Saturday stays on the radar. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 6th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 397cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (6th January) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 36cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 422cm Weather overview Partly cloudy Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 3:25pm on Sunday 10th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The winds have died down to next to nothing, and all the lifts are running smoothly today. This is a big change from all the gusty winds and heavy snow we've been seeing lately. The weather has quieted down significantly with quiet, partly cloudy skies dominating the landscape. All in all, a beautiful, quiet day to be out on the mountain. Temperatures are up to -4 after a chilly low of -14, and the forecast calls for more cloudy skies with little in the way of precipitation for the rest of the evening. Tomorrow looks like it's going to be very similar to the weather we had today, with partly cloudy skies and little snow. Things will be getting colder this evening, so be sure to dress appropriately for those of you headed out for a few runs of night skiing. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 10th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 422cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (6th January) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 61cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 412cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Variable Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 9:22pm on Friday 8th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is all good news to report today. Yesterday around midday it started to snow lightly and really started to accumulate on the ground late afternoon. By evening there was 15cm of the light dry Furano powder in the streets around the village. Expect significantly more than this amount on the ski area itself. Yesterday's winds have died down for now but strong winds are forecast to return around midday and continue throughout the night. The morning sun is hitting the mountain and there is blue sky all around - a picture perfect day. Main runs have been extensively groomed. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 8th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 412cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (6th January) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 51cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 397cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Variable Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 9:10am on Thursday 7th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There is high cloud this morning and light winds around the base area, increasing with elevation. The winds are forecast to increase as the day progresses and will remain moderate to strong tomorrow. It is forecast to start snowing in the afternoon and continue for the next few days. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 7th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 397cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (6th January) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 36cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 444cm Weather overview Partly cloudy Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 10:54am on Saturday 16th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . A few centimeters of fresh fell overnight, but other than that, there is not too much to report on this beautiful Saturday morning. Overnight lows were cold in the mid-minus teens, but have already warmed up to -6, thanks to the Sun who is out and doing his thing. Partly cloudy skies and on/off snow showers should continue for the rest of the day, but nothing too major seems to be in store weatherwise. Winds are light and variable; all in all, a lovely day for some skiing. Tomorrow looks like it's going to be cloudy and cold, with Winter still well-entrenched in Furano. If you're looking for the blue-bird skiing action, today is your day. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 16th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 444cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (6th January) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 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 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