Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 1129cm Posted on Monday 10th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Before I looked out of the window this morning I had heard from a friend in Sapporo describing the near on 30cm of snow outside, so I thought we might be on for that and more.... but no, Sapporo wins today! So what's our haul here in Niseko? Just over 5cm of light fresh snow outside my place, with the report below saying similar. The snow continues to fall now so we should be getting more of those cm. Less wind from the go this morning so I would expect lifts to be open this morning. Over the next few days temperatures are looking likely to remain cold and snow is due to be falling from time to time. Winter is sticking around for a while longer. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -7C, 8cm of new snow in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: calm wind, -9C, 5cm of fresh. Annupuri 1150m: NW5m/s, -13C, 5cm of fresh, 320cm snowpack. Hirafu 1000m: -11C, 5cm of new snow. Peak 1308m: NNW5.5m/s, -13.2C. Coastal data: cape Benkei WSW2m/s, cape Kamui E2m/s, 0.6m waves, 1007hPa. The isobar gradient in western sea of Japan is small and the mountain is under a calm weather. The snowdrift development has settle down and the snowpack is stabilizing. The overnight snowfall is due to a passing small low-pressure system. The general avalanche risk is relatively low, however caution is still required in 40° steep slopes as slides and sluffs are still very likely to occur. Collapsing cornices can also trigger larger avalanches as they fall. Be extra prudent around cornices of the Backbowl (Kozan no sawa), Higashi-One, Osawa (Annupur bowl) and Mikaeri bowl (Moiwa). Stay away from valley bottoms. A thin layer of fast snow is blanketing the snowpack in the trees. Peak gates' opening is yet to be determined. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions and refrain from ducking ropes. One track left under the rope will lead many others to do the same and increase the chances of accidents to happen. Look out for cracks! Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 415cm Base - 210cm Niseko Village: Top - 390cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 395cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 10th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1129cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 88 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 92cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 1134cm Posted on Tuesday 11th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here 5cm of fresh snow this morning to report from here in Hirafu village area. It doesn't feel quite as cold this morning, and the sun is out. It's a bit overcast feeling at the moment and actually some local forecasts tell us that there might even be some snowfall today. Doesn't feel likely at the moment but as we all know here things can change very quickly - case in point yesterday when conditions were changing very quickly. There's generally less snowfall on the weekly forecast now but we can expect temperatures to remain fairly cold even if we see more of the sun. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 5cm of snow in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: NW10m/s, -9C, 10cm of fresh, moderate development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: W15m/s, -11C, light snowfall, 320cm snowpack. Hirafu 1000m: -9C, 10cm of fresh, snowdrift development. Peak 1308m: NW12.5m/s, -11C. Coastal data: cape Benkei NNW4m/s, cape Kamui E3m/s, 1.8m waves, 1016hPa. The isobars gradient is small; snowfall and snowdrift development is small. Some snowclouds are still present over the sea of Japan due to a small low-pressure. Intermittent snowfall is forecasted throughout the day. The snow in the trees is good and the avalanche hazard under 900m altitude is low. However slides from March 10th layer are still considerable in cornice slopes and open steeps. Caution is required in 1000m Backbowl, Osawa and Higashi-One area. Peak gates will open from the morning. Be prepared and geared up for the backcountry. Cornices have grown huge. Anyone caught in a falling cornice will face serious consequences. Do not stay under cornices. Cracks are wide open and deep, beware of falling in them. Carrying 15m of a 7mm rope is recommended. Always ride with a partner as they would notice if anything happens. Do you have your beacon switched on? Carrying a beacon is not mandatory, however strongly recommended. Beware of sudden weather changes. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 410cm Base - 205cm Niseko Village: Top - 390cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 395cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 11th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1134cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 89 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 97cm 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 Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1150cm Posted on Sunday 23rd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from the Niseko area. As I mentioned before, last night was the last 'nighta' of the season. Sad, but it has been good. Always one of the signs that we are now entering the final stretch of the season, though we do have 6 weeks of so left. (That's still a lot of reports I have to write... gambarimasu!) OK, so how about this morning. Just a dusting of snow overnight. The sun is out early on and we have a mix of blue sky and cloud. The forecast for the coming week is looking a lot like that as well, with barely a sign of snow. Instead, it is still set to warm up, especially from tomorrow. We might even get to see high temperatures of up to 10 degrees in Kutchan mid week. No doubt it is going to very much feel like 'spring has arrived', properly. Still there's a lot of snow around and a lot of fun still to be had. Let's see where we stand with observed snowfall for the month - currently on 112cm, and 1149cm for the season so far. Last season for March we got 164cm and 1549cm for the whole season from the same observations. This information can of course be seen lower down on this (and every) page of our reports. --- Niseko base 6am: -6C, 2cm of snow in 12 hours. Moiwa peak: no data. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 370cm. hirafu 1000m: -7C, calm. Pea k1308m: WNW3.4m/s, -9.2C. Coastal data: cape Benkei calm, cape Kamui SSW6m/s, 0.7m waves, 1017hPa. Isobars are spaced out, calm condition at the ocean and the mountains. There are no notable development of snowdrifts and the general avalanche risk is low, except the Spring climax slides hazard in strictly off-limits areas of Haru no taki, Mizuno no sawa and Yu no sawa. Peak gates will be open from the morning. The surface above 1000m altitude will be crusty and hard-packed during the morning. A thin, nice feeling blanket of fresh snow is covering the surface in the trees. A Low might form later in the day and the weather may change quickly, always be ready for unexpected situations. Spring is approaching in the mountains. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 385cm Base - 180cm Niseko Village: Top - 385cm Base - 185cm Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 190cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 23rd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1150cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 97 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1149cm Posted on Saturday 22nd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some real blustery conditions yesterday with snow falling as well but curiously we haven't ended up with more than a thin layer down here in Hirafu. I expect there to be more to be found up on the mountain - see updated Avalanche Report below! I was hoping we might get some big numbers today looking at the news and indeed some of the Now reports on SnowJapan this morning, but it wasn't to be. After seeing the report below, will be interesting to see how conditions are up on the mountain today... Cloudy and light snow as I write this and the temperature just under 0C. Happily, less wind and all of the top lifts appear to be opening as planned this morning. Not much sign of any snow on the forecast after today - rather more sunny conditions are expected and warmer conditions. Hopefully it won't warm up too much. --- Niseko base 6am: -2C, 40cm of snowdrifts in 12 hours. Moiwa peak: no data. Annupuri 1000m: NW5m/s, -7C, many snowdrift development. Snowpack 370cm. Hirafu 1000m: -7C, light snowfall on the courses and development of snowdrifts. Peak 1308m: NW10.3m/s, -9.1℃. Coastal data: cape Benkei N4m/s, cape Kamui NNW4m/s, 1.2m waves, 1009hPa. Isobars are spacing out and weather improving. The heavy wind generated big snowdrifts. 40cm or thicker avalanches should be expected in cornice slopes, upper open steep slopes and knolls above 800m during the morning. Peak gates will be closed. Listen to the ski patrol’s instructions before stepping out of the gates. Spring slides from the ground level are to be expected in strictly off-limits Haru no Taki, Mizuno no sawa, Yu no sawa. Never enter those areas. The snow in the tree is fairly reset, but will also be baked by noon. Beware of cracks, trees and cornice falls. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 385cm Base - 180cm Niseko Village: Top - 385cm Base - 185cm Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 190cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 22nd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1149cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 96 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 112cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1163cm Posted on Friday 11th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So the sun did make an appearance yesterday, but early this morning we also have some fresh snow on the ground! It can't seem to make it's mind up at the moment. We are already back to sun and increasingly blue skies, but that brief snowfall gave us a few cm of fresh. Moderate winds again unfortunately, but as of 7:30am Grand Hirafu seems to be planning to open as normal but keep an eye on that. --- Official snow depth numbers and planned operating lifts at time of writing: Grand Hirafu: Top - 320cm Base - 100cm Ace Number 2 Center Four lift King Number 3 Triple King Number 4 (* Hirafu Gondola will open only on 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, 29th April and 3-6th May) Annupuri: Top - 310cm Base - 110cm Annupuri Gondola Jumbo No1 quad Jumbo No2 pair Jumbo No4 pair --- Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May -- Niseko Hanazono Resort is now closed for the season Niseko Village is closed at the moment but plans to re-open between 26th April and 6th May (Golden Week) Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 11th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1163cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 101 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 13cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1163cm Posted on Friday 25th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko, and it's another fine and sunny morning as expected... cold overnight but it's into double digits already this morning as of 9am. It should be a warm day. Same tomorrow with this warming trend continuing. 20 degrees anyone? Snowfall seems something of a distant memory now at this stage. There's a moderate wind this morning but the lifts that plan to be open seem to be operating. Hirafu Gondola plans to be open tomorrow and Sunday and then Tuesday... basically the 'holidays' over the Golden Week period. --- Official snow depth numbers and planned operating lifts at time of writing: Grand Hirafu: Top - 260cm Base - 40cm Ace Number 2 Center Four lift King Number 3 Triple King Number 4 (* Hirafu Gondola will open only on 26th, 27th, 29th April and 3-6th May) Annupuri: Top - 310cm Base - 50cm Annupuri Gondola Jumbo No1 quad Jumbo No4 pair --- Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May. Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May. -- Niseko Hanazono Resort is now closed for the season. Niseko Village is closed at the moment but plans to re-open between 26th April and 6th May (Golden Week). Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 25th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1163cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 101 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 13cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 341cm Posted on Wednesday 25th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here The sun came out yesterday and it quite quickly transformed into a very fine day. Sunny with almost clear blue skies. Lovely. A great day. And Santa seemed to enjoy himself as well. Good skier too. Anyway, back to this morning. There is about 5cm of new snow to report after we had some snow overnight and it's a nice cold morning, currently around -4C here at base. It's an overcast cloudy feel to the morning, though a few breaks in the cloud especially out towards Mt Yotei so who knows it might start clearing once again like yesterday. Next snowfall due into Friday and through the weekend. There may well be some sore heads this morning but no doubt people will quickly surface to enjoy the mountain. Hope you have an excite Christmas, wherever you are reading this from. All the best. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -5C, 5cm of fresh snow. Moiwa 800m: -6C, 10cm of fresh, calm. Annupuri 1150m: -6C, NW5m/s, 5cm of fresh. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW12m/s, Kamui cape NW5m/s, 1.8m waves and 1021hPa. A westerly wind is stagnating around under 10m/s at 1500m altitude. According to data eveluation, snowfall transition and observations, no drastic development of snowdrifts can be observed and the general avalanche risk is low except in knolls ad cornice slopes. 40cm slab avalanche is to considered in 1000m Osawa & Backbowl cornice area. Slab slides from Dec 24th is also to be considered in Haruno Taki (strictly off-limits) due to yesterday’s sunshine. Gate 1 is scheduled to open today. Travering all the way across the bowl to the cornices is totally thoughtless.The snow in the trees hasn’t ben reset, but still soft and nice. Beware of hitting trees and falling into creeks. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 220cm Base - 100cm All lifts operating apart from Ace Number 4 pair and King Number 2 quad. Niseko Village: Top - 140cm Base - 100cm All lifts operating apart from Country Road. Annupuri: Top - 125cm Base - 120cm All lifts operating apart from Family pair. Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 25th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 341cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 218cm 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 35cm Snowfall at base this season 336cm Posted on Tuesday 24th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here And a very good Christmas Eve morning to you all from Niseko. The main reason it's so good is because of the snow that we have been getting since my last report. Light, deep, dry and lots of it. What more could we want. So much for those forecasts, hey? Anyway. Yes, we have had over 30cm since my last report, more like 40cm outside my place here in Hirafu and surely up there on the mountain too. It's relatively calm too this morning and the snow is still falling. Have a fun day. It should be a really very good one! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, overnight snowfall 25cm, calm wind. Moiwa 800m: -7C, 30cm of fresh, calm wind. Annupuri 1150m: -10C, 30cm of fresh, moderate development of snowdrifts, wind-ripples. Slightly less snowfall in Hirafu. Coastal data: WNW9m/s, 1.7m waves and 1011hPa. Westerly wind under 10m/s is stagnating in 1000m area. According to observations and weather transition, the general avalanche hazard is low, however slab slides are to be considered in knolls and cornice slopes just under the ridgeline around 1100m. The snow in the trees is in good shape and gates are scheduled to open as they’re ready to. Gate 6 & 7 were open yesterday, but is subject to snow & weather conditions today. Please respect the ski patrol’s decisions. Accessing the out of bounds areas is restricted when gates are closed. The snowpack is still insufficient, bushes and stumps are still lying just under the surface. Avalanches are not the only hazards in winter mountains. Do not overestimate knowledge and skills, ski/ride within your limits. The Niseko Rules flyer is available in multi-language. These Rules have been set to protect the freedom to ski out of bounds while keeping the minimum safety. Never enter the strictly off-limits areas and never duck ropes. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 230cm Base - 105cm All lifts operating apart from Ace Number 4 pair and King Number 2 quad. Niseko Village: Top - 120cm Base - 80cm All lifts operating apart from Country Road. Annupuri: Top - 115cm Base - 90cm All lifts operating apart from Family pair. Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 24th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 336cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 213cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 383cm Posted on Sunday 29th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here 20cm or so of fresh snowfall here in the Hirafu village area since my last report. Should be excellent snow conditions this morning, though visibility is limited at the moment due to the snow still coming down. It continues to get busier, though most everyone here now for New Year will now be here and putting the boots on to get out today. Expect generally busy-ness! And we can also expect snow to be falling for most of the New Year period. Doesn't feel particularly windy here, but it's another wind affected morning on mountain with resorts noting wind speeds of up to 18m/s (Annupuri), 17m/s (Niseko Village) and 15m/s (Hirafu) before 9am. A number of lifts are not running at the moment due to the wind conditions - check the listings below for the situation as I post this report. Niseko Grand Hirafu is now up to 2.5m with their official peak snow depth this morning after this latest snow. In the report tomorrow, I'll take a look at the snow fall we have had for the season so far and compare with last year, as well as taking a look at the Kutchan numbers. Let's see how they compare. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 20cm of crushed and crystal snow, moderate development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: -10C, NW15m/s, notable development of snowdrifts in Mikaeri area. Annupuri 1150m: NW13-15m/s, -11C, developing snowdrifts. Annupuri peak 1308m: NW15.1m/s, -14.1C. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW18m/s, Kamui cape: WNW13m/s, 2.7m waves, 1002hPa. Wintry pressure pattern is calming down, however relatively strong snow & westerly wind above 15m/s is persisting above 800m. Snowdrifts are heavily developing in leeward cornice & knoll terrains of O-sawa, Backbowl, Higashi-One and Mikaeri bowl. The snowpack is yet to stabilize and the alavanche risk is high. Peak gates and gate 1, 4 & 5 will be closed. Many of the avalanche accidents occur during and just after storms. Do not duck ropes to step out of bounds. The snowfall amount is not necessarily related to the occurrence of avalanches, a slope will slide if the conditions allows and becomes an accident if a person is involved in it. The newly formed slabs will stabilize and become appropriate to ski once some time passes after the wind calms down below 10m/s. However, everyone should keep in mind that there is no 100% safety in winter mountains. The Niseko Rules have been implemented based on past tragedies. We strongly ask everyone to respect the Rules. Please follow the ski patrol’s instruction. The snow condition in the trees and pistes is wonderful. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 250cm Base - 90cm Ace Number 4, King Number 3 and 4, Swinging Monkey, Hanazono Number 2 and 3 lifts not operating due to strong wind. Niseko Village: Top - 150cm Base - 110cm Niseko Gondola and Wonderland Chair lifts not operating at the moment due to wind, up to 17m/s according to the resort. Annupuri: Top - 125cm Base - 130cm Gondola and Jumbo Number 4 lifts wind affected. Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 29th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 383cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 260cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 363cm Posted on Saturday 28th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This morning I have 15-20cm of snow to report. Hard to put a number on it due to the strong winds that were blowing it around, though wind down at base has calmed down at the moment. Still winds are affecting some lifts at the resorts, as noted below. As I said the winds that we got yesterday and last night have blown snow around meaning that there'll be places where it's deep and places where it's less so. Caution needed, be careful out there. There should be some great conditions to be found though this morning. At the moment it's cloudy with light snow falling this morning but stopping as I write this. But taking a look at the forecast, hopefully it will be snowing or soon snowing through until 2014. Fingers crossed wind doesn't play too much of a part in proceedings. So it's a weekend again and then soon after New Year. There's lots of people around now as you would expect, and a fun lively atmosphere. Fun to be had both on and off the slopes. Hope you enjoy it. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -4C, 20cm of crushed particle snow and moderate development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: -5C, north-easterly wind & snow, notable development of snowdrifts and cornices. Annupuri 1150m: NNW17m/s, 70cm of very unstable snowdrifts, -10C. Annupuri peak 1308m: N21.9m/s, -10C. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNE15m/s, Kamui cape NNE14m/s, 5.1m waves, 995hPa. Developing wintry weather pattern is generating heavy snowfall and high winds. The mountain is under a big storm. Snowdrifts are developing drastically and the avalanche hazard is rising in all altitude. Better stay away from knolls, cornices and steep terrains today. Avalanches are most likely to occur during and just after storms. 50-100cm thick slides triggered by internal weak lines within the newly formed Dec 27th layer are to be expected in leeward slopes with heavy snowdrift deposit above 800m. All peak gates will be closed today. Please respect the ski patrol’s decisions. Nitonupuri, Shiribetsudake, Mt.Yotei and all other surrounding peaks are also in very hazardous conditions. Cautious and meticulous planning is required for all mountain activities during this weekend. Better not venture too far. The snow in the trees is good, but visibility can be very bad. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 230cm Base - 80cm Ace Number 3, King Number 3 and 3; Hanazono Number 3 lifts not operating due to strong wind. Niseko Village: Top - 150cm Base - 110cm Niseko Gondola and Wonderland Chair lifts not operating at the moment due to wind. Up to 19m/s according to the resort. Annupuri: Top - 125cm Base - 120cm Gondola and Jumbo Number 1 lifts wind affected. Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 28th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 363cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 240cm 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 393cm Posted on Monday 30th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here About another 5-10cm of snow to add this morning. I say about as the wind has been at work and been blowing it all about again. Yesterday winds affected lift operations on the mountain, causing a few bottlenecks at times. Unfortunately it looks like it's going to be a similar story today. Let's try to forget the wind though and talk about the snow. It was snowing for most of the day and some nice deep to be found. Snow is forecast through the coming week, with temperatures set to drop over New Year and potentially heavy snowfall on the way. Come prepared! --- For December 2012, the JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) reported 306cm of snowfall in the town of Kutchan. This month, with two days to go including today, they are on 252cm. So just over 50cm to go before we can match last years number. (Not that it actually really matters of course!) And remember that is for Kutchan town, not up on the mountains which get more. Looking at our own numbers from our Niseko Now reports - we have recorded 383cm of snowfall since the beginning of this season including 260cm during the month of December. These numbers coming from the Hirafu base area and can be found towards the bottom of each report. Last year for the month of December we recorded 418cm, and a total of 536cm for November-December. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -4C, 10cm of crushed crystal snow. Moiwa 800m:-7C, WSW20m/s, snowdrift development of up to 100cm. Annupuri 1150m: NW25m/s, heavy snowdrift developments, -11C. Annupuri peak 1308m: wind data n/a, -8.5C. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW19m/s, Kamui cape WSW16m/s, 2.3m waves, 1001hPa. 1500m wind forecast at noon: westerly 20m/s. Wintry pressure pattern persists, generating strong westerly wind above 800m altitude. Extreme avalanche hazard in the Back bowl, Osawa, Higashi-One’s leeward cornice slopes and steep faces. All peak gates will be closed, please respect the ski patrol’s instructions. Wishful thinking can be dangerous. Overconfidence and presumption lead to accidents. The reason for opening/closing the gates is not to restrict the freedom of out of bounds skiing but to ensure minimum safety of all resort users. We strongly demand everybody to respect the Niseko Rules. Do not duck ropes. The snow in the trees is in excellent condition. Be safe and have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 260cm Base - 95cm King Number 3 and 4; all Hanazono lifts not operating due to wind conditions. Niseko Village: Top - 150cm Base - 110cm Niseko Gondola and Wonderland Chair lifts not operating at the moment due to wind. Up to 25m/s according to the resort. Annupuri: Top - 125cm Base - 130cm Unable to confirm at time of writing. Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 30th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 393cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 270cm reported on 21 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 348cm Posted on Friday 27th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It was milder overnight and this morning we have a new delivery of 5cm or so of snow on the ground. Not the best kind of snow though with the milder temperatures brings a wetter variety. Mixed conditions this morning with some sun and blue skies visible through the clouds at times. The main thing today will probably be the winds. Just before 9am a few lifts were not moving due to wind and a few running at reduced speed - see below. Stronger winds are forecast for late morning into the afternoon and so there may well be more closed. Looks like lots of snowfall is on the way though along with colder temperatures. Starting later today. Should be a good weekend. Out on the mountain it was all gates open yesterday. As the signs say, these are 'Out of management areas' which basically means that you enter at your own risk. Be sure you know what you are doing, ideally go with someone else who knows what they are doing, and be adequately equipped. Be safe. And remember them there Niseko Rules, often mentioned in the Avalanche Reports below and outlined here. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: 0C, 6cm of wet snow. Moiwa 800m: calm wind and 10cm of new snow, -2C. Annupuri 1000m: -7C, W13m/s. 1308m: -6.5C, NW3m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape SSW3m/s, Kamui cape: SSW16m/s, 1.6m waves, 996hPa. The weather is calm for now. Warm air is flowing into the coming low-pressure and isobars are momentarily spaced out. However, a northerly blizzard is forecasted to start before noon above 800m. Snowdrifts will develop drastically as the storm kicks in and leeward wind-affected slabs avalanche hazard will rise. Conditions will completely change from yesterday. Peak gates will be closed, please follow the ski-patrol’s instructions. Shallow slab avalanches from Dec 26th layer are also to be expected in steep slopes under lift lines and cliff areas. Although shallow, today’s snow is heavy and consequences can be critical if caught in. Caution. The snow in the trees between 600 and 1000m is good fun. Beware of hitting trees. Avalanche risk will rise for the next couple of days. Many accidents happen during poor weather, better not push it too far. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 220cm Base - 90cm King Number 4 not operating; King Number 3 and top Hanazono lift operating at reduced speed due to wind. Niseko Village: Top - 140cm Base - 100cm Niseko Gondola and Wonderland Chair lifts not operating at the moment due to wind. Annupuri: Top - 125cm Base - 120cm All lifts operating apart from Family pair and the top Jumbo lift which is wind affected. Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 27th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 348cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 225cm 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