Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 518cm Posted on Saturday 1st February 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and welcome to February. May it be a good one for us all and, of course, in terms of snowfall and conditions. We have received a modest amount since yesterday down at base. Hirafu seems to be reporting up to 20cm of snowfall on the mountain, and Hanazono says 10cm. Who knows what might happen today, but it is a lovely early morning. Check out the image of Mt Yotei from Hirafu below. Apparently there is a chance of more snowfall and does feel like there is a bit more cloud around now than 30 minutes ago. I plan to post my monthly recap on Monday. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -6℃, 5cm now snow, calm, good visibility. Moiwa 800m: -8.6℃, NW4.3m/s, wind peaked at 6pm@15m/s, continued 10m/s winds overnight and slab development . Annupuri 1100m: -10.3℃, WNW5.7m/s, 10cm new snow. Hirafu Hanazono: -9.8℃, WNW3.8m/s, 10m/s winds overnight, 10cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NNW9m/s, Kamui Cape WSW8m/s, 1018hPa, wave 1.2m. This information is issued to reduce accidents in areas outside the ski resort. Niseko gates are closed in bad weather based on the morning observations and an assessment of wind strength, direction, and snowfall intensity over the past 12 hours. Many accidents occur in bad weather. Although the actual conditions for an avalanche are a weak layer and wind, predicting the development of snow slabs caused by wind is useful for preventing accidents on the mountains. Avalanches are natural phenomena, and accidents only happen because people are there. Based on this morning's observations, data and discussion with the ski patrol, the avalanche risk is low today. All summit gates are expected to be open. The snow is not overhead today but leeward valleys are partially reset. There is no safety in the mountains in winter. Always be cautious. Is your beacon on? Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Saturday 1st February 2025 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 10cm Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 250cm (+9cm change since Wednesday) Base: 190cm (+3 change since Wednesday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 20cm Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 280cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Base: 120cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 180cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 135cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 200cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025 Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Saturday 1st February 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 518cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 snowfall 161cm reported on 19 days February 2025 snowfall 8cm 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 510cm Posted on Friday 31st January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I am very happy to be able to report more fresh snow this morning. Not massive numbers, for sure, but jolly nice quality. Hirafu is reporting up to 15cm and Hanazono is reporting up to 18cm. Even at 8am there is a rather long line of people waiting for the first Hirafu gondola. I hope they brought some toast supplies for the wait. The fresh snow will undoubtedly be excite for many. Remember to take care out there, everyone. So, a thankfully much improved end to January. May February be a great one. By the way, the Hanazono lift started up around mid-morning yesterday and now seems to be back to normal, which is also good to see. I'm going to post my 'up until the end of January' recap thingy on Monday. (I need time to think and write it up). ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -5℃, 15cm snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -6.7℃, NNW10.7m/s, large development of cornice and snowdrift slabs. Mikaeri 750m: -7.0℃, NW2.3m/s, 20cm snowfall. Annupuri 1100m: -9.1℃, WNW6.7m/s, large cornice development. Hirafu Hanazono: -9.3℃, NNW7.4m/s, 15cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW13m/s, Kamui cape NW11m/s, 1013hPa, 1.9m waves. Winter pressure distribution persists and the wind has been blowing around 10m/s on average, making slabs and cornices grow in SE aspects relatively quickly but slow enough to remain stable. The wind peaked around 18m/s at 10pm last night. The slab’s growth and stability is determined by the wind. The overall avalanche risk is low expect in the Backbowl sidewalls, Osawa cornice slopes and strictly off-limits areas such as Haru no taki. All gates are scheduled to open. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Overhead blower conditions can be found in some areas. Beware of trees, they’re stronger than you. Do not stay at the bottom of the gullies, avalanches run through the gully line. Avoid simultaneous riding and traversing. There are many people below you, please be considerate of others. Is your avy transceiver switched on? Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Friday 31st January 2025 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 18cm Base: 18cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 241cm (+31cm change since Wednesday) Base: 187cm (+27 change since Wednesday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 15cm Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 270cm (+15cm change since yesterday) Base: 115cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 175cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 135cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 200cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025 Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Friday 31st January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 510cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 snowfall 161cm 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 497cm Posted on Thursday 30th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have measured a further 7cm of snowfall since my last report. The Avalanche Report report is mentioning 10-20cm of fresh snow on mountain; Hirafu ski area is reporting 10cm across the mountain. (No snowfall numbers from Hanazono as of 8:30am. Added later: 10-15cm) It sounds like there has been a (mini) reset, so conditions should be fun this morning. There is indeed a big line of people waiting for that first Hirafu gondola! As I'm putting this report together it has been a mixed bag of weather going on out there. It has been snowing in places, ranging from hardly at all to moderately. But there has increasingly been some blue sky opening up and sun too, and it feels like we are going to be getting more of that. Forecasts still tell us to expect more snow at least today and tomorrow, which sounds good. The Hanazono 1 lift is scheduled to resume operations this morning, though the ski area has said that there may be delays 'due to weather conditions or necessary adjustments'. I don't know what the problem was/is... apparently some kind of 'mechanical trouble'. (The lift has not opened as of 8:35am and they actually seem to be in the process of detaching the cabins/chairs). Last report of January tomorrow. According to my careful calculations, the next day it will be February. Can you believe that?! ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -4℃, 10cm new snow, a slightly heavy wind-driven snow slab, good visibility. Moiwa 800m: -7℃, NNW8.6m/s, cornice and snowdrift development, good visibility. Mikaeri 750m: -7.0℃, NNW1.7m/s, 20cm new snow, good visibility. Annupuri 1100m: -9.5℃, WNW7.1m/s, cornice and snowdrift development, 20cm new snow, good visibility. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -9.2℃, NNW6.3m/s, 20cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NNW9m/s, Kamui Cape NW8m/s, 1009hPa, wave 2.1m. Wind averaged NW 12m/s for 8 hours, formed slightly damp 30cm snow slabs on the leeward side slopes over 800m elevation. From the tests and data, those slabs are starting to stabilise. Mountains are reset, snow in the tree runs is good. The old surface is hard due to no snow for 10 days, and having the new snow on the layer seems an avalanche is likely to occur. However, the avalanche risk depends on how the snow falls. Today’s snow layer was formed with weak wind and snow and slowly consolidated as it piled up. Slabs break with skier’s stimulation on steep slopes over 1200m elevation. However, the avalanche risk is low on the slopes under 1000 elevation and in the tree runs. Do not ride simultaneously. Do not stay in the gullies. Avalanche is a natural phenomenon, but accidents occur when people are involved. There is no 100% safety in this sport. Beware of the sudden weather change. Finally, it snowed. Have a good day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Thursday 30th January 2025 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 15cm (added later) Base: 10cm (added later) Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 210cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 160cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: The Hanazono Number 1 lift is due to resume operations this morning The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 10cm Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 255cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 110cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 175cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 135cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 200cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025 Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Thursday 30th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 497cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 snowfall 148cm 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 490cm Posted on Wednesday 29th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Happy Chinese New Year! To celebrate, we do have some fresh snow this morning. At last. Just a bit, though. I have measured just under 3cm. Hirafu is reporting 3cm and Hanazono is reporting 5cm. More snow is promised during the day today and across the next few days. I eagerly await. The skiing day starts, however, with largely clear skies, blue sky and sunshine. It is another beautiful early morning. The main Number 1 lift at Hanazono had issues yesterday afternoon, causing problems for anyone wanting to head up top from the base area. A line quickly formed of people waiting to shuttle out to other base areas (or just finishing up for the day). I don't know exactly when the problem started or what the problem was - they did not seem to announce anything. This morning they have announced that the lift will not be opening as planned this morning. Let's hope that they can quickly fix up whatever the problem might be. Some of you will remember the jolly exciting Louis Vuitton Niseko Winter Resort Pop-up Store from last season, catering for all your posh bags and other expensive accessory needs on your way to and from the ski lifts at Hanazono. Last month, another small building was being prepared in the same spot near the base lifts at Hanazono, and I later forgot to tell you what it was. At one point, we thought it might be a giant Super Mario warp pipe, but unfortunately, it is not. (That would have been cool). Instead, it is the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet Pop-Up Store & Bar. I learned yesterday that this snappily-named facility will, apparently, only be open until 31st January. So only for a few more days (12:00pm until 9:00pm, with alcohol served from 3:00pm). According to the associated marketing blurb: "Johnnie Walker Blue Label has collaborated with luxury ski wear brand, Perfect Moment, to craft this season's must-have aprés-ski accessory. Fusing technical excellence with a contemporary, fashion-led design, Perfect Moment pushes boundaries and transforms traditional whisky packaging into a stylish bag, which becomes a crossbody accessory once the bottle is removed." So, they are talking about a bag. For a bottle of whisky. One that 'pushes boundaries'. This may all make perfect sense to some people, but I admit to being perplexed by the whole thing. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -2℃, 2cm new snow, mild storm. Moiwa 800m: -6℃, NE4.9m/s, the wind picked up after 4am. Mikaeri 750m: -8.0℃, N1.0m/s, poor visibility. Annupuri 1100m: -7.8℃, NNE4.0m/s, drifting snow over 1000m elevation, trace new snow. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -7.4℃, NNW5.5m/s, trace new snow, weak drifting snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NNE5m/s, Kamui Cape ESE3m/s, 1001hPa, wave 1.5m. Relieved to see some new snow for the first time in a while. General avalanche risk will increase through tomorrow as NNE wind and snow strengthen from mid day. Slabs (snowdrifts) developing during storms are unstable and easily break and cause avalanches. Today’s avalanche risk is relatively low, however it will increase tomorrow. Gates opening is yet to be decided due to the strong NE wind over 1000m elevation. Please listen to the patrols’ instructions. NIED (National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience) is conducting an avalanche experiment at Mizuno no Sawa with ski patrol’s help. Please stay away from the experiment as it is dangerous. Groomers are slightly easier to ski today thanks to some new snow. Sunlight is weak and the slope undulations are hard to see. Beware of speeding and collision. Have a good day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Wednesday 29th January 2025 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 5cm Base: 5cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 210cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 160cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: The Hanazono Number 1 lift will is not opening as planned this morning The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 3cm Base: 3cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 250cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 105cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 175cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 135cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 200cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025 Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Wednesday 29th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 490cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 snowfall 141cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 487cm Posted on Monday 27th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. It's clear and sunny. It appears that it is windy up on the mountain and as of 8:30am the Annupuri Gondola is on hold. Other lifts showing as opening as planned. (That might change at any time, of course). I had a fun few hours on the snow yesterday morning, starting and ending at Hirafu and mostly riding the top bits. Lovely sunny weather and beautiful scenery. Current snow conditions are, of course, far from the famous Niseko powder we are promised. In that respect, I felt it was (sort of) a bit like comparing the Big Mac you are actually served with how the one in the advert looks. Having said that, I really enjoyed myself, as seemingly did the people around me. That seemed important. Back to uncomfortable truths, though, I have only been able to report 3cm of snowfall across my last 9 reports, and the total observed snowfall in January 2025 is stuck at 138cm. I took a quick look back at previous data, which confirmed my feeling that we haven’t quite had such a similar prolonged period in January before. Fresh snow is still due to be with us from sometime on Wednesday, so realistically, there might only be a few more reports this month that include any new cm of snow. I really hope those last couple of days of the month bring us all some happy news. We need another 14cm to equal January 2017, which is currently the worst-performing January (in terms of observed snowfall numbers) since these reports began recording data in 2013. That is one record we certainly don’t want to be breaking. As usual, once the monthly numbers are in, I'll be doing my season recap with further thoughts. I plan to post that at the beginning of February. Come on, snow! ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -8℃, no new snow, good visibility. Moiwa 800m: -7.0℃, NE6.4m/s, no new snow. Mikaeri 750m: -11℃, ENE1.6m/s, no new snow, good visibility. Annupuri 1100m: -8.9℃. Hirafu Hanazono: -9.2℃, NNE5.7m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape SE4m/s, Kamui Cape SW2m/s, 1027hPa, wave 0.5m. The sea and the mountain are calm, stronger NE winds toward the peaks. No new snow yesterday and the skies are clear at dawn. You can see as far as Karibayama to the southwest. From observations, data, and snowfall trends the overall avalanche risk is low. All gates are expected to open. When you go outside the gates, you are not in the ski area, you are in the backcountry. Be careful following unknown tracks and getting lost. There are no buses back from Goshiki Onsen. In Chisenupuri and Naganuma areas, the steep summer slopes are covered with bamboo grass so full-depth avalanches can occur even in mid-winter. Be careful on slopes with cracks. Caution in Kozan no Sawa(BackBowl) around 1200m, the hard crust can crack and cause magic carpet-type avalanches. This information is provided to reduce off-course accidents. There is no safety on the mountain. Most accidents can be prevented by taking precautions. Snow is coming soon. Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Monday 27th January 2025 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 0cm Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 210cm (-5cm change since yesterday) Base: 160cm (-5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are scheduled to be operating The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 0cm Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 250cm (-7cm change since yesterday) Base: 110cm (-2cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 180cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are operating The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 200cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025 Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Monday 27th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 487cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 487cm Posted on Saturday 25th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. It has been an overcast shades-of-grey kind of early morning, but there are some signs of the sun and some blue sky away from the mountain. But at the same time, here at 8:30am, it is actually trying to snow. It's pretty weak though. All lifts appear to be opening as normal. Forecasts still point to mid-week (Tuesday at the earliest) for our fresh snow. Don't expect any/much before then. We will probably get more clearer skies over the next few days, so at least we might get lots of fab scenery! Wherever you are, I hope you have a fun Saturday. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -2℃, no snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -3.5℃, NNE2.0m/s, no snowfall. Mikaeri 750m: ENE1.4m/s, light dust. Annupuri 1100m: -5.3℃, N2.4m/s. Hirafu Hanazono: -4.3℃, NNE3.6m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape SE2m/s, Kamui cape E3m/s, 1023hPa, 1.2m waves. The isobars are spread out and the weather is calm. No snowfall and no development of cornice/snowdrifts. The Sea condition has also remained calm recently, allowing active squid fishing along the coast. Cracks are starting to open in Higashi-One area. Beware not to fall. They are hard to notice when skiing down. Avalanches are not the only hazards in the winter mountains. Always stay vigilant. All gates are scheduled to open, please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. The snow will eventually come back. Have a nice day. Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Saturday 25th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 487cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 487cm Posted on Thursday 23rd January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have just over 1cm of snowfall to report to you this morning. (I'll keep the extra mm in hand for another future report when it's 'just under'). Hirafu and Hanazono are both reporting 3cm on upper areas. Right now the sun is shining through my window, there is some blue sky and there is also a fair amount of cloud around. At time of opening, visibility seems somewhat limited in some places, but that may well be just early morning cloud that will quickly clear up. I almost don't dare mention this, but taking a look at various forecasts seems to indicate that it might be Tuesday next week before we get to enjoy our next significant snowfall. That would be a nice way to celebrate Chinese New Year. (But how about an early celebration, Nature?) ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -2℃, 1cm overnight snowfall, calm and good visibility. Moiwa 800m: -4.8℃, NNW2.3m/s, light dusting. Mikaeri 750m: -5.0℃, WNW1.2m/s, light dust, good visibility. Annupuri 1100m: -6.5℃, WNW0m light dust. Hirafu Hanazono* -6.1℃, S2.5m/s, light dust. Coastal data: Benkei cape N2m/s, Kamui cape W4m/s, 1022hPa, 0.7m waves. Observation results and weather data shows that the avalanche risk is low today. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Thursday 23rd January 2025 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 3cm Base: 2cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 220cm (-5cm change since yesterday) Base: 170cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are scheduled to be operating The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 3cm Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 260cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 120cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 180cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are operating The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 200cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025 Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Thursday 23rd January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 487cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 486cm Posted on Monday 20th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I'm a bit early today and we have some general limited visibility in places early on. That's what I am seeing outside and on webcams as I write this report, anyway, despite the 'good visibility' shown on the Avalanche Report. (We can both be correct, of course!) Some forecasts predict some spells of sun during the day today. As you can see below, both Hirafu and Hanazono ski areas are reporting up to 15cm of snow on upper areas (and 0-5cm at base). I have seen just under 2cm since the snow started up yesterday morning, I am being a little generous. Head up high for more fresh snow would seem to be the advice of the morning. The Avalanche Report is also mentioning that 'wet' word, and and we did indeed get some of the never welcome (December through spring) wet stuff overnight and it is a mild morning. I just thought I would mention a few upcoming interesting dates that are sort of relevant to Niseko and people visiting: Chinese New Year Wednesday 29th January 2025 Public holidays: Tuesday 28th January (Spring Festival Eve) through Tuesday 4th February 2025 Many people visit during these holidays and it is usually a very busy period Sapporo Snow Festival Tuesday 4th February to Tuesday 11th February 2025 ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -0℃, 5cm wet snow, light winds, good visibility. Moiwa 800m: -2.0℃, NW3.7m/s, 10cm wet snow, from tests fracturing at 50cm. Mikaeri 750m: -4.0℃,NW1.0m/s, 10cm wet snow. Annupuri 1100m: -3.5℃, WSW1.7m/s. Hirafu Hanazono: -3.3℃, NNE1.3m/s, 15cm wet snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NW7m/s, Kamui Cape NW5m/s(15m/s@10pm), 1012hPa, wave 0.8m. Avalanches are predicted to fracture on Jan 18th layer at 50cm. Natural fracture unlikely, only rider induced. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Monday 20th January 2025 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 15cm Base: 5cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 237cm (-3cm change since yesterday) Base: 180cm (-10cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are scheduled to be operating The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 15cm Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 285cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 135cm (-5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 175cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are operating The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 190cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Monday 20th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 486cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 snowfall 137cm 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 19cm Snowfall at base this season 484cm Posted on Saturday 18th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. I was out having a stroll with some friends near the base of Hanazono yesterday evening around 5pm. For a short while, some big snowflakes were coming down at a really good rate. The 'evening ski' floodlights were on, and the gondola was moving. That moment in time didn't last long, but while it did, it all felt very special and magical. Beautiful. 19cm of fresh to add to the report on this cold morning, with Hirafu and Hanazono ski areas reporting up to 35cm on the slopes. Very nice. Even Niseko Annupuri and Niseko Village are reporting snowfall this morning! (20cm and 10cm respectively). The morning is starting largely cloudy but bright, with some snow falling in places and also some light blue sky to see in places too. It's a mixed bag of weather at the moment at lift opening, but it feels like the weather might clear up. Whatever, snow conditions out on the slopes should be very pleasing indeed this morning. ------------------------------------ I had a fun chat with the Hakuba Now reporter yesterday. Always good to catch up. We shared some stories and chuckled over a few things. One interesting thing was how, in previous seasons, they had been accused of 'under-reporting' snowfall. That was in season(s) when Hakuba wasn't getting so much snowfall, particularly down at the village/base level (where all the Now reports come from). This season, Hakuba is getting some very good and consistent snowfall. Curiously, rather than being told they are 'under-reporting', this time round they have been told they have sometimes done some 'over-reporting'. The thing is: Same person. Same location. Same methods. It has just snowed more this season! Simple as that. Just my own observation, but I'm guessing there's a good chance the people talking about 'under-reporting' are different people from those talking about 'over-reporting'. I will refrain from sharing the exact details of my daily routine and location near Hirafu base. I will also not show the world my big stick. (I'm not one to boast, but it is rather large). It seems too grand to call it such, but my 'method' is straightforward, with a view to simply keeping an honest record of how much snow has fallen since the previous report every day. And just like Hakuba... same person (me), same location, same methods for many years. Someone else's observations, even at nearby locations, may differ. If you ask five different people, 'How much snow has fallen in the last 24 hours, in units of 1cm', you will likely get five different answers. Particularly if they are not paying close attention. (After all, most people are wisely out there enjoying it rather than nerding out over cm of snow!) But among people paying close attention, and if they are being truthful, they can all be 'correct', even with different observations. What we know as Niseko is, after all, a large area, and obviously, there is no all-encompassing exact/correct answer. Of course, if I lived at the top of the mountain, the snowfall numbers would undoubtedly be larger. (People often say 'at least 1.5 times more'). But I don't live up there, no-one does, and anyway, all the Now reports come to you from base areas as a rule. In addition to my own observations, I also try to include the snowfall data reported by ski areas as well as the Avalanche Report every day. Hopefully, with all that information, readers can get a pretty good, balanced idea of what is going on. Please be assured that I take my daily responsibility seriously and put a lot of care and thought into what I post. (Even the silly stuff!) As with yesterday's comment about quantity and quality, though, I recommend not overthinking it all. Let's enjoying. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -10℃, 15cm snowfall in 12h, calm. Moiwa 800m: -11.1℃, NNW5.3m/s, cornices have grown and 30cm thick slabs are present. Mikaeri 750m: -12℃, E1.0m/s, good visibility. Annupuri 1100m: -13.5℃, WNW3.0m/s, 20cm snowfall, good visibility. Hirafu Hanazono: -13.0℃, NNW3.5m/s, 20cm snowfall. The slopes have mostly been reset above 1000m and calm weather this morning. Coastal data: Benkei cape N15m/s, Kamui cape N10m/s, 1012hPa, 0.9m waves. The isobars have spread out and the Sea of Japan and the mountain range is calm. There are no notable slab developments in the past 12h, test results show that the snowpack seems to be stable. The avalanche risk is relatively low. Good snow has blanketed the slopes above 700m and the slopes have been reset. All gates are scheduled to open. Carrying an avalanche transceiver is not mandatory in Niseko, however it is highly recommended to do so. Carrying a transceiver and rescue equipment will drastically improve your and your friends’ chances to survive in an avalanche. This information started out of necessity as Niseko experienced consecutive fatal avalanche accidents 40 years ago, and were issued in hopes to prevent these accidents. The basic theory in Niseko to evaluate the cause of avalanches focuses on the structural vulnerability of the slabs created during high wind and heavy snowfall. It seems that this theory is starting to be accepted as common sense throughout the world now, and the role of the Niseko Avalanche Information has been fulfilled. In any case, avalanches can occur naturally and will only be an accident if a person is in its way. Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Saturday 18th January 2025 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 35cm Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 250cm (+20cm change since yesterday) Base: 198cm (+3cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are scheduled to be operating The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 35cm Base: 35cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 290cm Base: 150cm Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 175cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Base: 145cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are operating The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 190cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025 Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Saturday 18th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 484cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 snowfall 135cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 465cm Posted on Friday 17th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a cold and snowy morning here - nice big flakes again at the moment - with generally limited visibility. Hopefully we will get continued snow through the day. Some sunshine is generally forecast for tomorrow, maybe after a cloudy start. Hirafu haven't updated their data yet, so that is a ? for today. The line of folks waiting for the first gondola at Hirafu (at 8:15am) is looking particularly long this morning (see the third image below). If it gets any longer, the people at the back might be hiking up to the top of t'gondola. Good exercise, for sure, affording an extra piece of toast! 10cm of fresh snow to add to my report this morning. And on that note... We are now in the second half of January, and I thought it might be interesting to take a look at where we stood with snowfall after the first half of the month (ie. not taking into account today’s report). As of yesterday, I had observed snowfall on 12 days in January with a total of 106cm. The most in one report (21cm) was on 2nd January. And the total snowfall for the season was 455cm. If you recall in my recap on 1st January, I noted that we would normally hope to be getting 3m (or more, of course) of snow. Here’s previous January data as a reminder: January 2025: 106cm (* 1st-16th January) January 2024: 298cm January 2023: 332cm January 2022: 325cm January 2021: 387cm January 2020: 224cm January 2019: 285cm January 2018: 305cm January 2017: 152cm January 2016: 303cm January 2015: 257cm January 2014: 461cm January 2013: 443cm Hmmm. It feels like the pace is going to have to step up somewhat in the second half of the month if we are going to hit 3m for the month. As always, it is important to emphasise that these numbers are the quantity of snowfall (at base), which is only part of the story of the season. Nothing to do with quality. Quantity is, however, one thing that can be measured and compared. In contrast, expectations and opinions about snow 'quality' vary greatly person to person, and that is a whole different and complicated matter (and not one that I force my personal opinion on). And that is one reason why simply comparing (and over-thinking) the snowfall data on the different Now reports on this site is... flawed. In any season. Obviously, quantity AND quality is the most super excite combination. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -7℃, 10cm snowfall in 12h (30cm in 24h). Moiwa 800m: -11.8℃, NNW11.1m/s (wind picked up from 2am). Annupuri1100m: -14.3℃, NW7.1m/s (15m/s after 4am). Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -14.0℃, NNW6.7m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape N15m/s, Kamui cape N10m/s, 1012hPa, 0.9m waves. The atmospheric pressure gradient got steeper and a northerly wind picked up after 2am. Cornices and snowdrifts are developing, windload snow are forming slabs in leeward slopes. The avalanche risk in 1200m Backbowl sidewalls, Annupuri cornice slopes and upper Higashi-One is HIGH. Soft slabs have reset the tracks in the treeruns under 800m elevation. Gates opening is yet to be determined, please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. The snowfall amount is small, but the groomers condition is excellent today. Avalanches are natural phenomena that can occur anytime when the conditions align. Do not stay put at the bottom of the bowl/gully. Be careful not to trigger a slide carelessly. Tour/group leaders are responsible for their party’s safety. Ducking ropes is strictly prohibited in Niseko. Always use the gates to go out of bounds. Please respect the Niseko Rules. Is your avalanche transceiver switched on? Beware of hitting trees and frostbites. Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Friday 17th January 2025 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 20cm Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 230cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Base: 195cm (+15cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are scheduled to be operating The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: ?cm Base: ?cm Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 165cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are operating The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 190cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 130cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025 Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Friday 17th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 465cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 49 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 snowfall 116cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 455cm Posted on Thursday 16th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I was not able to be up there myself yesterday, but the official site was showing the (non-Annupuri) top lifts moving late morning, but then back closed around lunchtime. Sounds like wind was being pesky. Happily, wind does not seem to be an issue this morning. And, also happily, I have some more fresh snow to report, just under 10cm. Both Hirafu, Hanazono and the Avalanche Report are reporting up to 15cm. It is snowing still (nice big flakes as I look out the window) and hopefully the snow clouds will be with us through tomorrow, and then clearer skies currently forecast for the weekend. Question answered: 'What other reports/information do you check or recommend?' Official Japanese sources (and various weather forecasts) aside, I do not concern myself with any other reports/information - Japanese or otherwise. It's kind of a SnowJapan policy in general. And I can't say that I recommend them, haha. I check them because I kind of have to. One of the things to enjoy when the ski season finishes is not having to look at those things every day! ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base: -10℃, 15cm snowfall in 12 hrs, pale moon, calm. Moiwa 800m: -12.4℃, WNW2.3m/s, 18m/s at 4am, cornice development. Annupuri 1100m: -14.7℃, WNW6.2m/s, cornice development, good visibility. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -13.7℃, SSW6.2m/s, 20-30 cm thick slow slab development. Mikaeri 750m: -11℃, WNW2.6m/s, snowing heavily. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NW13m/s. Kamui Cape WSW9m/s, 1014hPa, wave 1.7m. Though we are in a winter pressure system, isobars are wide, wind continues at 10-15m/s with slow cornice and wind-driven snow slab development on leeward slopes. Tests show that the cornices break widely at 100cm, however the fracture surface is marbled and consolidated. Avalanche risk on general slopes is low. Snow in the tree run is good. Each gate is expected to be open, depending on chair lift operation. Outside of the gates is not a ski resort. Be prepared before going out of the gates. Although it is not mandatory to have a beacon, it is strongly recommended that you do. Having one can save your life. Do not duck ropes. Never enter strictly off limits areas. The risks on severe winter slopes are unpredictable. Do not rely on luck. You may have been lucky but it doesn't mean that you won’t get caught in an avalanche today. Surface avalanches in winter are fast and travel long distances. Today’s mountain is pretty good. Have a good day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Thursday 16th January 2025 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 14cm Base: 11cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 220cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 180cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are scheduled to be operating The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 15cm Base: 5cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 260cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Base: 130cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 165cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 135cm (-5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are operating The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 190cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 130cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025 Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Thursday 16th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 455cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 snowfall 106cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 446cm Posted on Wednesday 15th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I am happy to be able to report 13cm of lovely fresh snowfall this cold morning, arriving during the daytime yesterday and some more overnight. Hirafu is reporting 20cm of fresh snowfall and the Avalanche Report is also reporting 20cm at Moiwa base. Needless to say, early morning tracks today should be excite fun! It has been snowing early morning, though there has also been some blue sky on view amongst all the cloud. Visibility seems variable, ranging from good (at times) at lower elevations to more limited higher up. Just before this report was posted it was sunny over at Hanazono for a while. As you can perhaps gather from this perhaps confusing description, conditions have been changing quite a lot already this morning, and by the minute. (I have actually been re-writing the report while still putting it together!) Unfortunately, wind seems to be an issue this morning. At the start of the day all the top lifts are on hold, as well as the Annupuri Gondola. Snow is generally forecast across the next several days, ranging from light to (some forecasts say) heavy at times. I particularly like the sound of the latter as a deeper layer would be most welcome. That snow is due to ease off in time for the weekend. ------------------------------------ After posting some thoughts yesterday (you can read them here if you missed them), well over 100 of you took the time to send in comments to me via the contact form. I was very surprised at that response. I even got a few comments from Japanese readers (in Japanese), which, I think, was a first. When I wrote those words, it was not with the view of trying to drum up supportive comments, honest! Like I said, I just wanted to get a few things off my chest. Having said that, I can’t deny that it was really lovely to read all the kind words of support. I would not want you to all think that we get inundated with negativity. Most people, when they do contact us, are friendly and show support. I suppose the grumbly and rude types stick out and always seem to be much louder. I totally generally agree with the comment some of you made that negative people and trolls are best ignored. (Indeed, they never get a response if they use the site contact form to send such comments). At the same time, perhaps like the comments I made on 'self-proclaimed influencers' the other day (link), I think it might sometimes be interesting (for normal decent people) to know some of the characters and shenanigans that can go on 'behind the scenes'. Thankfully, the only exposure I usually get to that kind of thing is when I speak to the person running this site and the comments that are sent to me. In my personal life, I actively try to avoid or block out all that kind of nonsense. I can't make individual replies to the comments, sorry, but I (and SnowJapan) sincerely thank everyone who did send messages. Arigatou gozaimashita. I wish I could take some of you up on your kind offers of lunch, beer or communal toast munching, but I do like to retain my anonymity. (I might talk about that again in another report.) Many of you asked how you can support these reports and SnowJapan. Well, sending me huge wads of cash in large unmarked envelopes aside, just letting other people know about this Niseko Now report and SnowJapan (sharing a link to the site or telling friends, etc) is always a very supportive and friendly thing to do. Oh no! That was the bit where I did the 'Hey you guys, please subscribe, click on the like button, and hit the bell' thing, wasn't it?! Shudder. Sorry. ;) And, oh yes, please continue reading the reports after your Niseko visit, too. It's very naughty to stop reading them once you have come here. I am still here through early May, trying - at times struggling! - to find things to write every morning, and it's nice to think that some people are still reading them! Thanks again, everyone. (I will try not to venture into this kind of topic again this season). ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base: -6℃, 20cm snowfall in 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: -10.5℃, NW5.3m/s, 15m/s gusts continued with 20cm snowfall overnight. Wind has come down after 6am. Cornice and snowdrift development. Annupuri 1100m: -12.8℃, WNW7.6m/s, cornice and snowdrift development. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -12.7℃, NNE1.7m/s, cornice development in Higashi One, 30cm snowdrift. Mikaeri 750m: -10℃, WNW4.1m/s, snowing. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NW15m/s, 21m/s at 23:25. Kamui Cape WNW4.1m/s, 1010hPa, wave 2.2m. Blizzards on the seas and mountains with a wintery pressure pattern. Sea waves are slightly higher at 2.2m, cornice and snowdrift development on the slopes over 800m elevation due to the 15m/s wind and snow from yesterday noon to this morning. Cornice development in Higashi One, Kozan no Sawa (backbowl), and Osawa. Although they may be only 30-40 cm thick, they are easily broken in test. Knolls and newly formed leeward side wind slabs are easily broken in the morning. All the gates will be open. Please listen to ski patrols’ instructions when you go out of the gates. Good snow in the valley, but you will still be hitting the rough bottom in places. Beware of avalanches on the newly formed wind slab slopes next to wind blown crusty slopes by stimulating them. It is dangerous when the slabs are formed with a lot and heavy new snow. The slab density and weight depend on the wind strength. It will continue to snow all day. Poor visibility. Beware of frost bites. Although it is not mandatory to have a beacon, it is strongly recommended that you do. Having one can increase the chances of survival and rescue. Have a good day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Wednesday 15th January 2025 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. *** TOP LIFTS AFFECTED BY WIND THIS MORNING *** Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 15cm Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 215cm (+15cm change since yesterday) Base: 180cm (+12cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are scheduled to be operating The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 20cm Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 250cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Base: 125cm (+15cm change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 165cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are operating The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 190cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 130cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All scheduled lifts are operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025 Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Wednesday 15th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 446cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 snowfall 97cm 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