Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 416cm Posted on Tuesday 24th February 2026 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It is a fine morning. The sun is out and we have blue skies. Less crowded today with the end of that long weekend. We might get some light snow overnight but probably not much as temperatures remain on the mild side... --------------- Official snow depth (reported by ski area): Yokokura area: 70cm Uwanodai area: 85cm Utopia area: 165cm Chuo area: 170cm Paradise area: 170cm Summit area: 130cm More information about the ski area: Zao Onsen Zao Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Tuesday 24th February 2026 Total snowfall at base 416cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 12th January) November 2025 snowfall 5cm observed on 2 days December 2025 snowfall 120cm observed on 18 days January 2026 snowfall 199cm observed on 23 days February 2026 snowfall 92cm observed 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 Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 520cm Posted on Tuesday 24th February 2026 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Hello Skiers & Boarders, The wind has gone, thankfully. Got a bit of snow overnight, just a small dusting of 3 cm, but potentially up to 10 cm on top. Everything is back open today, except for the ongoing issues with the Furano Zone magic carpet, which is still down for the count. The next few days should be nice and sunny, and then perhaps some snow Friday night and into Saturday. Enjoy. Think snow. --- Furano Zone Lift A: 8:30--4:00 Lift B: 9:00--4:00 Lift C: 8:30--6:00 Lift D: 8:40--4:00 Lift E: 9:00-4:00 Snow Escalator: CLOSED for repairs Kitanomine Zone: Lift F: 8:30--6:00 Lift G: 8:45--4:00 Lift H: 9:00--4:00 Lift K (Gondola): 9:00--4:00 Kitanomine snow escalator: 9:00-12:00, 1:00-3:30 Furano Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Tuesday 24th February 2026 Total snowfall at base 520cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (6th December) November 2025 snowfall 45cm reported on 5 days December 2025 snowfall 234cm reported on 22 days January 2026 snowfall 163cm reported on 22 days February 2026 snowfall 78cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 638cm Posted on Monday 23rd February 2026 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Thin cloud with some hints of blue sky this morning. After that warm weekend, temps should be lower today though relatively mild conditions will likely persist until the weekend. Good to see some snow forecast for Saturday... Shiga Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Monday 23rd February 2026 Total snowfall at base 638cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 25th January) November 2025 snowfall 43cm reported on 8 days December 2025 snowfall 161cm reported on 13 days January 2026 snowfall 337cm reported on 23 days February 2026 snowfall 97cm 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 Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 680cm Posted on Monday 23rd February 2026 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Morning from Madarao. Well, after all that sunshine and warmth of yesterday, this morning looks very different. We have cloud and fog and limited visibility and some drizzly rain too. At least it is colder! The rain isn't forecast to continue for long so all being well we might just end up with a cloudy day today, with some sun tomorrow. Today is the last day of the long weekend, a national holiday for the Emperor's Birthday. Madarao Mountain Resort: - Fresh snowfall reported by the ski area: 0cm - Official snow depth: 190cm - All lifts scheduled to be open - Main courses open - Tree run courses open: all open Tangram Ski Circus: - Official snow depth: 125cm - All 5 lifts scheduled to operate Madarao Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Monday 23rd February 2026 Total snowfall at base 680cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 58cm (on 25th January) November 2025 snowfall 26cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 160cm reported on 11 days January 2026 snowfall 401cm reported on 19 days February 2026 snowfall 93cm 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 Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1067cm Posted on Monday 23rd February 2026 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . It’s gray and looking like it could rain, so I almost forgot to send you today’s news. Sorry about that; I guess I did enjoy the sun and warmth more than expected yesterday (and did both downhill skiing and a run through the trees on hiking skis with the dog, a nice alternative to lift tickets and crowds). It may have rained during the night, in fact, and there was a pretty strong southwest wind (as seen by the blue sheet blown off the snowthrower). The snow levels did go down, too, as usually happens when those winds come in (more than sun, more than rain). Not a lot of good news on the forecast ahead, with sun and rain and warm weather on the menu. Snow? Maybe in early March, it seems. -- Akakura Kanko: 250cm, 4° Akakura Onsen: 345cm, 2° (time to change that snow depth, I think) Alpen Blick Resort 230cm, 0° Myoko Suginohara: 140cm top, 100cm base; 5° Kyukamura RunRun: 250cm, 2° Seki Onsen: 560cm, 2° Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort: 125cm, 3° Madarao Mountain Resort: 190cm, 2° Lotte Arai Resort: 422cm, 8° The lower section of Roppongi Road closed; closures may occur if avalanche danger increases Kurohime Kogen Snow Park: 180cm top, 80cm base; 7° Myoko Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Monday 23rd February 2026 Total snowfall at base so far 1067cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 120cm (on 25th January) November 2025 snowfall 35cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 184cm reported on 11 days January 2026 snowfall 646cm reported on 24 days February 2026 snowfall 202cm 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 Myoko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 713cm Posted on Monday 23rd February 2026 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Yesterday was definitely warmer than Saturday, up to about 12.5C, and it was actually pretty warm overnight. I actually slept with the window open, something I normally do in spring and autumn --- though not in February! Today will not be as warm, hurray, though we are starting with a rather damp conditions. Happily, the forecast for the day is just cloud, so hopefully it will dry up. Early on there's limited visibility up on the mountain. Some sun is due tomorrow. Looking ahead a bit further, I am encouraged to see some snow appearing on forecasts for the middle of next week. March has in the past given us some lovely surprises, so let's all hope we can get some of that! ---------------------------- Fresh snowfall since yesterday afternoon (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 0cm Uenotaira: 0cm Hikage: 0cm Nagasaka: 0cm Karasawa: 0cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 235cm Uenotaira: 195cm Hikage: 135cm Nagasaka: 115cm Karasawa: 90cm Scheduled lift operations: All operating as normal Courses that are not available (when the ski area is operating as normal): All open Nozawa Onsen Nozawa Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Monday 23rd February 2026 Total snowfall at base 713cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 76cm (on 25th January) November 2025 snowfall 15cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 134cm reported on 11 days January 2026 snowfall 438cm reported on 22 days February 2026 snowfall 126cm 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 Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1493cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature 4C base / 2C top Visibility Varied Posted at 8:00am on Tuesday 7th May 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So that was the 2012/2013 Niseko season. The season ended slightly early over at Niseko Annupuri as strong winds in the afternoon put a halt to the lifts on that area with the resort closing at 3:30pm. Strong winds also put a stop to the season for the lifts at Niseko Village in the afternoon. So we ended up closing the 12/13 Niseko season with just the Ace Number 2 Center four lift and Hirafu Gondola operating at the Niseko Grand Hirafu resort area. It’s kind of appropriate in a way - while Niseko is of course no stranger to windy conditions, stronger winds have affected the lift operations seemingly more than usual this past season. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Niseko once again delivered in style for 2012/2013, with an almost ridiculously large amount of that beautiful light powder being consistently served up for large parts of the season. Discussion (and arguments!) on the actual numbers aside, it’s pretty amazing to finish the season on May 6th with the Niseko Grand Hirafu resort still reporting a snow depth of 420cm on it’s upper slopes. More than 4m! Last year, the corresponding number - reported by the same people on the same day - was 190cm. The snow gods, whoever they may be in their wisdom, certainly do look down on Niseko favorably and in a large part it’s surely that consistency of excellent conditions that makes Niseko so popular. There’s certainly lots of confident marketing messages originating from Niseko, but thankfully I think the actual experience mostly lives up to expectations for most people. Of course, all of this means that more and more people are making the trip to visit Niseko each season as well as the many people returning for more. While I don’t have any numbers at hand, it has certainly been another very busy season on the slopes and in the bars and restaurants around the area. Some people like that atmosphere, while some yearn for less crowded times. I think it’s fair to say that the increased numbers and larger crowds are encouraging more people to venture further afield from Niseko to places like Rusutsu and Kiroro Snow World during their stay. With exchange rates currently looking more positive for many people wanting to visit Japan, I would guess that next year will once again see more growth. A look back over these Niseko Now report archives brings back some amazing memories from the season, with some of those even being made as late as just in the last few weeks. There were just a few bumps along the way with some unseasonal rain and warming up, but thankfully those didn’t last too long. Taking a look at the Niseko Now reports for this season, from November 2012 until this month, shows the following observed snowfall each month on our reports: November 2012: 118cm December 2012: 418cm January 2013: 443cm February 2013: 316cm March 2013: 164cm April 2013: 32cm May 2013: 2cm So that’s nearly 16m of observed snowfall in a period of just over 6 months, observed from the Hirafu village area near the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu. And to think, there will have been considerably more than that higher up on the slopes. The Japan Meteorological Agency published numbers of monthly snowfall for Kutchan Town, at a slightly lower elevation than from where we do our report observations, are as follows: November 2012: 98cm (82cm the previous November) December 2012: 306cm (349cm the previous December) January 2013: 268cm (290cm the previous January) February 2013: 228cm (216cm the previous February) March 2013: 124cm (79cm the previous March) April 2013: 27cm (30cm the previous April) Full season: 1051cm (1046cm the previous season) Let’s hope that we can have another great season in 2013/2014. The number of people coming to Niseko in the summer months each year is also increasing. There’s lots of things to do in the ‘Green Season’ including activities such as golf and the ‘Summer Gondola’ at Niseko Grand Hirafu, which the resort has confirmed will be operating this year from Saturday 13th July. One thing that I love about Niseko, apart from the obvious appeal of winter, is how cool the summers are. Memories of enduring the humid summer months in Tokyo still linger…! ------ Thank you for reading these Niseko Now reports this season. I hope that you have enjoyed them and they have been useful as an ongoing commentary of the season. Now that the daily routine of writing reports has finished I think I’m going to have a few lie-ins and try to recharge after the long winter season! I have no doubt though that after just a short period of doing that, I’ll soon be looking forward to next winter. The Niseko Now reports will be back on SnowJapan after the summer months in time for the build up to the 2013/2014 winter season. From myself and SnowJapan, we hope you have a good summer wherever you are, and to see you back here in autumn. Cheers. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data at the end of the season Total snowfall at base so far 1493cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 114 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 164cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 32cm reported on 6 days May 2013 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day Previous 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 1491cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature 0C base / -3C top Visibility Varied Posted at 8:20am on Saturday 20th April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here New snow to report this morning! Just when people thought it was all over, the best part of 10cm or so of fresh snow in the village base area this morning - and no doubt a bit more up top too. The resort has added 3cm to the upper snow depth as a result. Still light snow falling early on now and it's hovering around 0 degrees at the moment. Not too windy too and so the lifts are operating as planned so it seems. Good morning to get out there, and amazing when you remember the date and see well over 4m reported by the resort! Planned resort operations Niseko Hanazono - closed for the season Niseko Village - currently closed but will re-open between 27th April and 6th May Niseko Annupuri - part open until Monday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu - part open until Monday 6th May Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 20th April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1491cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 113 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 164cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 32cm reported on 6 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1486cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature 2C base / -3C top Visibility Fine Posted at 9:24am on Thursday 18th April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a cloudy start to the day here in Niseko. Keeping fairly cold. It's another almost calm morning with not much wind at the moment so the lifts at Niseko Annupuri and Niseko Grand Hirafu should be open as planned this morning. At Niseko Grand Hirafu it seems that the Spring Park is closed for a bit of maintenance at the moment. As an alternative near the King Number 1 lift the Free Ride park has 5, 6 and 8m table top and 11, 13m Step down items up and open. The Spring Park should be open by the end of the weekend or early next week. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 18th April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1486cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 112 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 164cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 220cm Weather overview Cloud cover Wind Light to moderate Temperature -6C base / -10C top Visibility Fair Posted at 9:30am on Sunday 9th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here . Good morning from Niseko - and a good morning it will certainly be! A good 20cm of lovely snow has fallen in the village since my last report. The mountain is covered in cloud and snow continues to fall. Outside the temperature is around -4C as of 9am. Looks like today the Annupuri Gondola is closed for some kind of maintenance, but they have the Jumbo No2 and No3 pair lifts operating this morning. There is a moderate wind this morning and early on the Niseko Hirafu King No3 lift and the Hanazono No3 quad lifts are operating at slower speeds, but other than that lift operations around the mountain seem to be as planned this morning. Snow clouds are likely to be with us through tomorrow with things easing off in the second half of the coming week. Should be a fine day out there, hope you can get out and enjoy it. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 9th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 220cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (2nd December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 102cm 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 613cm Posted on Tuesday 7th March 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here And good news this morning with 9cm of fresh snow on the ground outside my place near the base of Hirafu. It's cold too. Yey. From what I can gather a lot of that has been since early morning (pre-toast) and hopefully it will continue to build up during the day today with snow showers forecast - though the forecasts don't seem to be forecasting major dumpage. They are sometimes wrong of course. It has been coming down quite nicely post-toast and I am guessing that is the reason that I am seeing more than what is in Avalanche Report below. Snow clouds should be with us through this week though so regular top-ups should be happening. Whether they will be enough for a proper reset or not is something we'll have to wait on. Let's see. In fact, I will be a responsible reporter and go out there to do some investigating myself this morning. :) --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base: -8℃, light breeze with 5cm crystal snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -9℃, 10cm snowfall. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, W8m/s, 5cm snowfall, poor visibility. Hirafu 1250m: -13℃, light breeze, no snowfall. Kamui cape lighthouse: SW8m/s, 999hPa, 0.8m waves. Benkei cape lighthouse: NW16m/s. First snowfall in a while and the mountain is blanketed by a thin coat of fresh snow. According to the observations, the avalanche risk is low, however shallow slides from March 6th are to be expected in 35+ grade slopes above 800m elevation. Please do not underestimate the risks as, although shallow, these slides are fast and powerful enough to sweep you down the slope. All gates are scheduled to open however will be subject to the wind and visibility. Please respect the ski patrol’s decisions. The ski patrols and avalanche institute are working hard for maintaining a balance between accident prevention and freedom to ride. Sorry to hear that people are complaining to the town office about what we do. Beware of sudden weather changes. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 7th March 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 330cm Base - 135cm Niseko Village Top - 315cm Base - 140cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 315cm Base - 140cm --- Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 7th March 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 613cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 75 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 160cm reported on 19 days March 2017 snowfall 10cm 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 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 603cm Posted on Thursday 2nd March 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It was all a little too warm yesterday and unfortunately we had to endure a bit of rain in the afternoon yesterday and, it appears, overnight. I decided to stay indoors but thankfully it seemed to be only light rain. I wonder if it managed to snow high up. Anyway, this morning it is mild and overcast - and not raining. It is going to be another mild day though, before temperatures drop tonight and tomorrow should be colder. Perhaps with some fresh snow to fall... --- A look back at February 2017 and the season so far: So, how was your February? Before I start with my short commentary let me again make it clear that I personally have enjoyed the last month very much and I have met many fine people on the ski lifts enjoying their holidays here. And that’s what it’s all about! As part of my duties doing these reports, though, I need to look a look back at the numbers and compare them to our own (high) standards. Remember, I have no control over the numbers – I just report what I see, so I’m dealing with what nature delivers. The first few days of February 2017 month started off rather promising with a run of days with decent snowfall, but then we hit a rather prolonged dry spell and it was only in the last ten days or so of the month when we got back to regular snowfall. One thing that struck me on looking back at the numbers was that there wasn’t one day in February when I recorded over 20cm of snow here at base. The Niseko marketing machine of course boasts about the quality, quantity and consistency of snow to attract people here. And they do it very successfully too! Last season Niseko enjoyed more frequent snowfall than lots of other regions of Japan, and some of them enjoyed being able to make a point about that. I have spoken to a few people visiting Niseko over the last few months who chose to come here because they had noticed that other popular regions were relatively dry last season. Looking at the numbers from other regions this time round though, to some extent that situation seems to have switched this season. (It does seem to be the case though that even if they got decent snow, it often got milder than usual in between the snowfalls. That's the impression I have been getting anyway, I may be wrong. We're a bit mild here too right at the moment, but generally it often keeps cold in Niseko even when it isn't snowing). Perhaps it may well similarly 'switch' again next season, who knows. Personally, I’d be happy if everyone just got tons of regular snowfall and there was none of the ‘we got more than you’ kind of rivalry! Anyway, I’ll leave the words for now and just go over the numbers themselves. Snowfall at base, as observed first-hand by myself: February 2017: 160cm February 2016: 266cm February 2015: 196cm February 2014: 178cm February 2013: 316cm Here are the updated numbers showing the total observed snowfall from the beginning of the season until the end of February over the last handful of seasons: 2016/2017 season until the end of February 2017: 605cm 2015/2016 season until the end of February 2016: 877cm 2014/2015 season until the end of February 2015: 1002cm 2013/2014 season until the end of February 2014: 1037cm 2012/2013 season until the end of February 2013: 1295cm And if we look at that number as a percentage of the total snowfall for the whole season: 2016/2017 % of total season snowfall by end of February 2016: ** remains to be seen ** 2015/2016 % of total season snowfall by end of February 2016: about 88% 2014/2015 % of total season snowfall by end of February 2015: about 87% 2013/2014 % of total season snowfall by end of February 2014: about 89% 2012/2013 % of total season snowfall by end of February 2013: about 87% It’s interesting how that percentage is almost identical every season! And here are the actual observed snowfall numbers for March and April over recent seasons: March 2016: 109cm March 2015: 139cm March 2014: 113cm March 2013: 164cm April 2016: 6cm April 2015: 3cm April 2014: 13cm April 2013: 32cm Remember... at base. --- As a further reference point, here are the numbers that the Japan Meteorological Agency have recorded in Kutchan Town for February and the season so far: February 2017: 173cm February 2016: 210cm February 2015: 167cm February 2014: 130cm February 2013: 228cm 2016/2017 season until the end of February 2017: 741cm 2015/2016 season until the end of February 2016: 698cm 2014/2015 season until the end of February 2015: 825cm 2013/2014 season until the end of February 2014: 804cm 2012/2013 season until the end of February 2013: 900cm Again, I find it interesting (and somewhat puzzling) how those readings are showing numbers that are larger than mine – and indeed larger than last season. There’s just over two months to go with the last lifts of the season planned for Sunday 7th May. I’ll be here with you every day right up until that last day. And then I’ll have a nice long lie-in on Monday 8th May. And on Tuesday 9th May. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 2nd March 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 335cm Base - 145cm Niseko Village Top - 315cm Base - 140cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 315cm Base - 140cm --- Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 2nd March 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 603cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 73 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 160cm reported on 19 days March 2017 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 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