Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 994cm Posted on Wednesday 19th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just under 10cm of fresh snow this morning since yesterday here in the Hirafu area, though I notice the Avalanche report below is saying 40cm in places over at Annupuri due to snowdrift. Strong winds have not been very friendly the last few days, causing some very large lift lines at some of the lifts on the mountain again. I'm afraid it looks like the top lifts at Hirafu (Ace 4, King 3, King 4) are going to be affected again this morning and I don't yet have any updates from the other resorts at the time of writing. Please check before going is the best advice. Hirafu is expecting the strong winds to remain until evening today so hopefully we can stop talking about wind tomorrow. Expect a mad rush situation once those lifts and gates get to re-open! It's mostly cloudy this morning but thinning with a bit of blue sky just about visible in some places. Snow showers probably won't be too far away though over the next few days. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 15cm of fresh snow with development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: NNW16m/s, -9C, developing snowdrifts and poor visibility. Annupuri 1150m: gusty NNW20m/s, -11C, 40cm of new snow with snowdrift development. Hirafu 1000m: -10℃, 20cm of new snow with snowdrift development. Peak 1308m: N12.3m/s, -12.5℃. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW11m/s, Kamui cape E4m/s, 3m waves, 1015hPa. The isobars are starting to space out, but the wind remains strong above 800m. Cornices and snowdrifts are still developing. The snow in the trees is lighter nice blowers, however avalanche risk remains high in wind affected snowdrift/cornice slopes above 800m. Gate 2 & 3 will be kept closed. Other gates undecided. Please respect the ski patrol’s instructions and do not duck ropes to seek fresh tracks. One irresponsible track left under the rope will lead many others to do the same and increase the chances of accidents to occur. Cracks are hidden under fresh snow, beware of falling into hidden-cracks. Falling headfirst can lead to suffocation or other critical situation. Be careful choosing your route. Do not traverse across slopes under cornices today. Ski/ride down the fall line. The storm will pick up again as the isobars narrow up again, beware of sudden weather changes. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 375cm Base - 175cm Niseko Village: Top - 360cm Base - 215cm Annupuri: Top - 330cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 19th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 994cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 75 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 135cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 997cm Posted on Thursday 20th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a cold and snowing morning here in the Niseko area. There's not much to report yet in terms of cm - less than 5cm - but it will probably building up during the day. What's better is that this morning there is much less wind about and all of the mountain seems prepared to be open including the top lifts. There's lots of excited people already lined up for those first lifts getting up there right now. Looks like peak gates will be open as well. Visibility isn't the best, don't get too carried away and take care! Snowfall, maybe on and off, forecast over today and the next few days and keeping cold. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 5cm of fresh in the past 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: mild wind and 10cm of fresh. Annupuri 1150m: mild wind, -13C, 3cm of fresh. Hirafu 1000m: mild wind, 3cm of fresh, calm weather. Peak 1308m: NW3.0m/s, -12.9C. 12:00 forecast: NW10m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW7m/s, Kamui cape W4m/s, 1.4m waves, 1019hPa. The isobars are spacing out, making the wind and snowdrift development calm down. The snowpack is stabilizing. Peak gates will open from the morning. A small avalanche occurred in 800m lower Annupuri bowl (O-sawa) middle-ridge yesterday, one skier got buried but been rescued safely. Avalanche hazard remains considerable in some areas today. Better not traverse open steep slopes such as the Backbowl’s sidewalls. Falling cornices, traversing slopes or stimulating knolls could all trigger a slide. Most cases, people get buried in avalanches triggered by someone else. If you trigger a slide, you’re not only putting yourself in danger but others that are below you. Cracks are hiding under newly formed snowdrifts. Be especially careful in Moiwa bowl and Higashi-One. Do not duck ropes. Be prepared with avy-gear and use the gates to step out of bounds. Guides and leaders are responsible for their group’s safety. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 380cm Base - 180cm Niseko Village: Top - 360cm Base - 215cm Annupuri: Top - 330cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 20th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 997cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 76 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 138cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 1032cm Posted on Saturday 22nd February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's a lovely morning in the Niseko area, nice and calm but and mostly clear with blue skies and importantly that new delivery of 10-15cm of snow that I have just signed off on making it even lovelier. Lovely. Perfect weather and probably conditions too for the start of the weekend. And the fine clearer weather looks like it's going to continue as well, though the downer of that (apart from the probably lack of fresh overnight deliveries) is that from early in the week it will probably be getting a bit milder than it has been with town temps. getting into positive numbers. For now though, should be a really great day. Busy, but great. Have fun finding those untouched places! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -9C, 12 hours snowfall 30cm of crystal snow, no development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: N6m/s, 30cm, -9C, moderate development of snowdrifts overnight. Annupuri 1150m: N7m/s, -11C, development of snowdrift. Peak 1308m: NNW5.9m/s, -12.3℃. Hirafu 1000m: -8℃, 20cm of fresh snow. Coastal data: Benkei cape N11m/s, Kamui cape E5m/s, 1.7m waves, 1022hPa. Isobars are largely spacing out, mild wind with no drastic development of snowdrifts. Accirding to snowfall transition and 5am observations, the general avalanche risk is low. The surface layer of new snow is getting heavier on top of Feb 13-15th layer, caution is still required in 1100m altitude slopes with heavy load of snowdrifts. Winter mountains are always hazardous, especially in this time of the season. Opening of gates 2, 3 and 6 will be delayed in order to minimize happy-go-lucky visitors. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Riding the anti-avalanche barriers along route 66 is dangerous. Parking on the road is prohibited. Beware of sudden weather changes and falling into cracks. The snow is in good condition. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 390cm Base - 200cm Niseko Village: Top - 360cm Base - 215cm Annupuri: Top - 355cm Base - 230cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 22nd February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1032cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 78 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 173cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1037cm Posted on Friday 28th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from Niseko and we do actually have some new snow to report. It's a bit wet, but it's snow all the same - we'll take it! It's not snowing now and actually the sun is making an appearance. The forecast does seem to telling us to expect sun today. Hopefully it will be getting colder over the next few days as well and from Monday snow clouds should be back over the region. I have to write my report early this morning and so I don't have complete news yet from the resorts regarding lifts but there may well be some stopped this morning due to the wind. The only thing I have as of 8am is that Annupuri say they'll open if and when the wind calms down, so seems at least some delays there. Please check with the resorts for the updates on that situation. Update: Niseko Grand Hirafu are saying that the top King 3, King 4 and Ace 4 lifts will not be opening on time due to the wind up there. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: 0C, 3cm of wet wind-affected snow. Moiwa 800m: n/a. Annupuri 1150m: W15m/s, -6C, development of snowdrifts. Hirafu 1000m: -6C, light snowfall. Peak 1308m: NW21.6m/s, -8C. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW14m/s, Kamui cape NW12m/s, 1.0m waves, 1012hPa. Warm air inflow with wet snowfall due to passing low-pressure system. Westerly wind is picking up above 600m as the cold-front passed early morning. Re-crystallized snow due to temperature drop is unstable and easily sliding in steep faces. Tracks have frozen under treeline and the skiing condition is bad. Peak gates opening is yet to be determined, please respect the ski patrol’s decisions. The weather is forecasted to temporarily improve, however another storm will start picking up as soon as snow-clouds start to form on the Sea of Japan. Keep in mind that many of the accidents occur during poor weather conditions. Have a safe day. Spring season is approaching. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 370cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village: Top - 350cm Base - 200cm Annupuri: Top - 355cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 28th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1037cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 80 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 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 1047cm Posted on Monday 3rd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Rejoice! There's 10-15cm of fresh snowfall to report this morning with the report below logging in 20cm on the mountain. Now that's more like it. It isn't snowing just at this moment as I am writing this, just cloudy conditions but snow is forecast on and off for the day today. The forecast is looking encouraging as well with the chance of snowfall every day through until at least the weekend. This could be good, so yes... bring it on! With the new layer of snow this morning conditions should be improved today, though of course we could do with more to cover up the fresh-less conditions we have had underneath over the last week. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 15cm of overnight snowfall. Moiwa 800m: n/a. Annupuri 1150m: W8m/s, -10C, 15cm of fresh, light development of snowfall, snowpack 315cm. Hirafu 1000m: -9C, 20cm of fresh with light development of snowdrifts. Peak 1308m: WNW11.5m/s, -13C. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW13m/s, Kamui cape W10m/s, 1.5m waves, 1017hPa. Typical wintry pressure pattern (high in the west, low in the east) generated some snowfall overnight. Shallow, but good quality snow. According to snowfall transition and observations, the new snow in lee-slopes above 800m is forming soft-slabs and could potentially slide from Feb 28th layer. The snow is not fully reset in the forest; old tracks and hard snowballs are hiding under. Ski carefully. The groomers’ conditions are very good and powder condition can be safely enjoyed in un-groomed courses during the morning. Peak gates will open from the morning, please use gates and do not cross boundary ropes. The snow will pick up as the isobars narrows down, beware of sudden weather changes. Developing snowdrifts in high altitude steep slopes are very unstable and could trigger a 40cm thick avalanche. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 375cm Base - 180cm Niseko Village: Top - 350cm Base - 200cm Annupuri: Top - 360cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 3rd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1047cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 81 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 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 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 1034cm Posted on Sunday 23rd February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a few more cm of fresh snow to report this morning. After the clear start to the weekend yesterday, we're back to more cloudy conditions this morning. Light snow earlier but no snow falling right now as I write this. There's just a light wind and a temperature of about -6 degrees. So just a cloudy day today perhaps? The forecast continues to tell us to expect sun and clearer skies again tomorrow and the first part of the week. It is also going to be milder and temperatures at base may venture into positive territory. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 2cm of snowfall since dawn. Moiwa 800m: W6m/s, -9C, 5cm of fresh. Annupuri 1150m: WNW7m/s, 5cm of new snow. Hirafu 1000m: -8C, light dusts. Peak 1308m: NW10.4m/s, -12.2℃, 12 o’clock forecast NW10m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW10m/s, Kamui cape SSW3m/s, 0.7m waves, 1027hPa. Calm morning in spaced out isobars wintry pressure pattern. The overall avalanche risk is low. Peak gates will open from the morning. Please refer to the ski patrol’s advice before stepping out of the gates. The mountain is tracked out, but the snow remains good except in south facing slopes. Beware of over-speeding, hitting trees and falling into cracks. Many hazards other than avalanches are present in the mountain. This information is made to secure the minimum safety of people skiing in Niseko. Thoughtless actions can lead to serious consequences. Never overestimate yourself and be prudent. Precaution is key to avoid accidents. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 390cm Base - 190cm Niseko Village: Top - 360cm Base - 215cm Annupuri: Top - 355cm Base - 230cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 23rd February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1034cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 79 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 175cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 1141cm Posted on Saturday 15th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a couple of cm of fresh snow to report this morning in Niseko. Light snow is falling this morning though and it feels a bit more winter-like. It is colder this morning but there's much less wind than there was yesterday, so the ski lifts should all be operating as normal today. The forecast for the day is cloud and snow at times, with a similar look to the forecast for tomorrow as well. The sun may pop in for greetings from time to time as well through the clouds. So we are now half way through March of course. I have observed 104cm of snow since the beginning of the month which it turns out is almost the same as what I observed at the same point of last season. Last year 164cm was observed for the whole of the month of March (with over 60cm in the second half of the month). JMA are so far recording 99cm of snow in Kutchan town this month. The total snowfall recorded by JMA in Kutchan town for March last season was 124cm. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -5C, 5cm of crystal snow in 12 hours. Moiwa peak: n/a. Annupuri 1000m: NW8m/s, -11C, 5cm of new snow and development of snowdrifts, snowpack 340cm. Hirafu 1000m: mild wind, 5cm fresh snow, -9C. Peak 1308m: NW8.9m/s, -11.4C. Coastal data: cape Benkei NW13m/s, cape Kamui WSW2m/s, 0.8mwaves, 1-14hPa. Northerly wind picked up during the night and cornices are slowly developing above 1000m altitude. Feathery crystal snow started to fall since early morning and the snow in the trees is getting better. According to observations and data evaluation, the general avalanche risk is low, however shallow slides are to be expected in Higashi-One cornice areas and Backbowl 1100m sidewalls. Ride one by one, be conscious of the risks and avoid riding the bottom of the valleys. Peak gates will open from the morning. The snow around the courses is really good. Sun-baked surfaces are forming slabs in south facing slopes under 800m. Thin slides from March 14th layer are to be expected around cliffs and under lift-lines in the afternoon. Do not duck ropes to access the out of bounds areas, always use the gates. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 390cm Base - 190cm Niseko Village: Top - 390cm Base - 200cm Annupuri: Top - 395cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 15th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1141cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 91 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 104cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 1139cm Posted on Wednesday 12th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's another 5cm of so of fresh snow this morning. The sun is out, it's calm and it's a fine morning. Clouds are due to move back in later in during the day and we may see some more snowfall overnight. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -10C, 5cm of new snow in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: -11C, 15cm of fresh and light development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -11C, 10cm of fresh with light development of snowdrifts, snowpack 320cm. Hirafu 1000m: -10C, 10cm of fresh, calm weather. Peak 1308m: N2.9m/s, -12.1C. Coastal data: cape Benkei calm, cape Kamui S2m/s, 0.5m waves, 1020hPa. The isobars are spaced out and the weather is calm. No notable development of snowdrifts has been observed and the general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates will open from the morning. Hard slabs are forming in some areas above 1100m and could slide with ski stimulation. Stay cautious. The snow in the trees has been reset and is in wonderful conditions. Beware of cracks; it is strongly recommended to carry a rope in case you or your partner falls into one. Put a ski or something hard under and perpendicular to the rope when pulling the victim up. Can you make a bowline knot? Cornice fall is a permanent hazard, and skiing out of bounds involves many other risks. Better not overestimate skills and knowledge; remain humble and prudent towards the mountain. Seek for the ski patrol’s advice before stepping out of the gate. 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 Wednesday 12th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1139cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 90 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 102cm reported on 10 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 992cm Posted on Friday 27th February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning from Hirafu. Just another small amount of fresh snow this morning, around 5cm outside my place. It feels a bit warmer too and the snow quality is reflected by that - bit wet. Looking at the report below there's a fairly decent amount to be found higher up so head up there for the goods. Stronger winds likely later in the day and temperatures drop. It looks like even at 8:45am as I am about to post this, the top lifts at Annupuri, Village and Grand Hirafu are stopped because of the wind. Anyway, hopefully I will have more snow to report tomorrow morning for you. --- If you take a look down this page at that pretty little table of statistics, you'll see that this season so far we are on 992cm of observed snowfall, compared with 1037cm last season at the end of February. --- Resort specific news as of 8:45am - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Top King Number 4 and Ace Number 4 lifts on hold. Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned. Niseko Village: Top Wonderland lift on hold. Niseko Annupuri: Top Jumbo Number 4 lift on hold. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: +1C, 20cm of wet snow in last 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: SW10m/s, 30-40cm of new snow and snowdrift development, -4C. Annupuri 1150m: SW15m/s, 20cm new snowfall, snowdrift development, -7C. Hirafu 1000m: SW15m/s, blizzard conditions, snowdrift development -6C. Annupuri peak 1150m: wind SW speed not avail, -6.0℃. Cape Benkei: SW3m/s, Cape Kamui: SSW12m/s, pressure 997hPa, wave 0.7m. Low pressure system has brought warm air into the region with heavy falls of wet snow. From observation, snowdrifts above 1000m are unstable, Osawa, Kozan no sawa, Mikaeri Bowl, below Higashi one(east ridge), will easily fracture at Feb 26th layer, 40-50cm depth. These slabs are heavy and dangerous. All peak gates will closed this morning. Please respect and follow the patrol`s decisions. Cracks are hidden by new snow and cant be seen from above, take care not to fall in head first. Snow in the forest is heavy and hard to push through. The local business group that was reported recently causing trouble on Niseko and nearby mountains has approached the local council to try and justify their behavior. These people do not even try to understand why there are Niseko Rules, and how they came to be put in place. They show there nativity by thinking they can complain to local government and every thing will be OK. The reason this trouble has started is because this business has the wrong view about what freedom means, overestimates their own experience and knowledge, and do not take any cultural differences into account. The Avalanche Institute is an independent organization who together with the ski area management and local government try to minimize accidents. If someone interferes with our ability to do this, we will react strongly. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 415cm Base - 150cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 27th February 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 992cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 70 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 186cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 1002cm Posted on Saturday 28th February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Hirafu and some more snow to report on this last morning of February. Another 10cm here in the base area once again, and hearing 20cm or so higher up from the resort. It's kind of similar amounts as we have seen over the last 4 or 5 days in fact, so a steady refresh each day and bringing us up to 196cm observed at base for February. It also means that we break through the 10m mark for the season as a whole. I'll take a look at more statistics sometime in the next few days. This morning the sun is out. Lots of blue sky, a few clouds and some bright sunshine. A moderate wind but it doesn't seem to be affecting lift operations this morning, at the time of writing and checking information anyway. (Phew!) A generally fine day expected today with a return of snowfall sometime late on tomorrow. I've got a few people to meet out on the mountain so I'm off to put the boots on. Have a very fine, safe and fun day wherever you are. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -3C, 20cm of new snow. Moiwa 800m: NE10m/s, 20cm of new snow, major snowdrift development. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 315cm, NNW15m/s, snowdrift development. Hirafu 1000m: Strong winds, -7C, snowdrift development on leeward slopes. Annupuri peak 1308m: wind NNW18.1m/s, -9.1C. Cape Benkei: NNE16m/s, Cape Kamui: ENE6m/s, pressure 1018hPa, wave 2.7m. Blizzard conditions late last night to dawn caused rapid snowdrift development on steep south facing slopes (under knolls). From 5am observation, expect slabs to fracture at 50-60cm, avalanche risk is High. Slabs are fracturing at Feb27th low pressure layer. Peak gate openings are yet to be decided. Please respect patrol's decisions. Annupuri Osawa, Kozan no sawa should not be ridden today. Do not traverse from gates 1 and 8 to Osawa cornice slope. Do not duck ropes. Also be aware there is avalanche risk low on the mountain at Annupuri Ski area in the gully under gondola. Most avalanche accidents happen right after a storm. A simple pit check alone is an unreliable way to assess risk. The wind blown snow propagates impact regardless of a weak layer. Avoid riding in valley bottoms- where the avalanche will run. The snow is good and deep in the forest. Be aware of hidden cracks. Is your beacon on? Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 400cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 28th February 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1002cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 71 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 987cm Posted on Thursday 26th February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning and there's fine clear blue skies above Niseko this morning. But we also have another 10cm or so of snow again this morning, delivered from yesterday afternoon and overnight. It is good and cold this morning too so I would expect conditions to be pretty good - not the deepest of layers, so I'd go early to get it while it's there. I expect to be bringing news of more snow in my report tomorrow too, with a snowy day ahead of us Friday. Just hoping that wind doesn't become a nuisance again... All resort areas plan to be open as normal this morning, as do the gates. So have a good one! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 10cm of new snowfall in last 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: W5m/s, 15cm new snowfall and minor snowdrift development overnight. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 305cm. Hirafu 1000m: light winds, 15cm new snow, -7C. Annupuri peak 1308m: wind NW 5m/s, -10.9C. Cape Benkei: NW4m/s, Cape Kamui: WSW5m/s, pressure 1021hPa, wave 0.8m. The sea and mountains are calm under influence of a high pressure system. The mountain has a shallow blanket of fresh snow and there has been some minor snow drift development. From observation the general avalanche risk is low and the snow is good in the forest. All gates are expected to be open. The Mizuno no sawa educational program is now closed for the season. In Haru no Taki, Mizu no sawa, Yu no sawa the cracks are becoming more obvious and the risk of full depth avalanche is increasing. These steep south facing gullies should not be ridden. From this years snowfall transition a large scale avalanche from around 1100m in Osawa and Kozan no sawa is predicted. This avalanche will run a long way, traveling at about 80kph, picking up trees and rocks as it goes. Avoid riding in the valley bottom. Avalanches only become an accident if people are involved. Niseko Rules have been put in place for the safety of all guests and to protect your right to ride out of bounds. Please respect and follow the rules, and understand the difficult job the ski patrol have to do. Have a good day. Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 26th February 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 987cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 69 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 977cm Posted on Wednesday 25th February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning Niseko Now readers, and there's another 10cm of snow to report this morning and it looks decent quality too. Probably to do with the fact that it's colder this morning and I could really notice that when I went out for my early morning walk. I must go up and try it, you know.. just to check! It's not snowing right now, rather it's a somewhat surprisingly fine morning. Lots of blue sky, just a bit of white cloud, just a light wind... and the sun shining down on us. Should be some fine views to be had this morning. Still forecasts tell us that we might just get a bit of snow today, sun expected tomorrow before snow arrives just in time for the weekend - decent snowfall forecast for Friday. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 15cm of new snowfall in last 12 hrs, calm. Moiwa 800m: NW10m/s, 20cm new snowfall and snowdrift development. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 300cm. Hirafu 1000m: light winds, 15cm new snow, -10C. Annupuri peak 1308m: wind NW speed not avail, -10.6C. Cape Benkei: WSW4m/s, Cape Kamui: NNE4m/s, pressure 1016hPa, wave 2.0m. Strong westerly wind continued at higher elevations until dawn. Leeward slope knolls show 50cm of new snowdrifts which appeared stable at 5am observation. As wind drops the snow will turn to light crystals. The snow in the forest is good but you will still hit the bottom. Yesterdays low pressure snow was slow because it contained dirt from the continent and the dirt will remain in the Feb 24 layer. All gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice before going out of bounds. From the snowfall transition don’t stimulate steep slopes of knolls today. The avalanche risk continues to be high. Large scale avalanches will run down the valley bottoms, always avoid riding in the bottom of gullies and valleys. We are always repeating this – please respect and follow the Niseko Rules. The snow is better than it has been for a long time. Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 25th February 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 977cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 68 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 171cm 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