Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 433cm Posted on Tuesday 14th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. Just under 2cm of fresh to report today, so just a thin layer over what will probably be some rather hard conditions. We have had nice blue sky and sun earlier this morning, but in the last hour it clouded over more and it is now snowing, yey! I am looking forward to being able to report some good snowfall along with more appropriate cold conditions once again. ------------------------------------ I have a few thoughts. About the timing of my reports I usually aim to have my reports ready to post soon after the lifts open at the start of the day (8:30am), and on most days, that is when they are published. It depends on the day, of course, but an 8:30am report involves starting to put it together around 8:00am. Being human and with things going on in my life outside of posting Niseko Now reports, sometimes things happen, and I am unavoidably delayed. Today is a good example. I had to attend an important meeting this morning, so I couldn't get my report ready at my normal time. (And, by the way, when I make comments like this, I always prepare them the previous day). It is worth repeating that I/we do not see these reports as primarily for people who are already at a location and heading out for first lifts. Instead, we see them as part of an ongoing commentary of the complete season. Reports posted too early in the morning would often mean inevitable missing information, and that is not what we are going for. I try to bring you any good information I can find each morning as of opening time. It's weird and annoying, given they are the companies offering the services and taking the money from visitors, but official sources do not always reliably update info each morning (or hardly ever in some cases!) The lack of priority put on those things is forever baffling. Obviously, there's nothing I can do about that. Perhaps those operating companies could afford the necessary staff if they charged more for their lift tickets? Just an idea. ;) About being nice Before I make my main point for the day, I would first like to say that many people who write in are good-mannered, supportive and friendly. Thank you. Every year, I feel increasingly humbled at how valuable these reports are to many people. Some people comment on suggested improvements and the like, and that's just fine. My reports are not 'perfect', and they never will be. But I try to do the best I can every morning for 6 months. About being not nice Some people, though, seem to enjoy being rude and impolite. And to those people in particular, I would like to say a few things. I'm sure you have noticed, but this entire website is free for you to use. When you use it, you are not confronted with annoying advertisements and promotions. Let's play a quick game. You are now reading a page that gets thousands of page views daily for 5-6 months every year. Try finding an advertisement/promotion on this page. You can't. Because there are none. These reports are 100% independent and are not affiliated with any ski areas or other business in any way, shape or form. The reports are not published on anyone's behalf. (Even though I certainly believe that many benefit from them). They are not sponsored. No one has any say or sway over content. SnowJapan has zero obligations to anyone/anything re: these Niseko Now reports. None. (The same applies to all other daily reports on this site). And believe it or not, this website does not owe you anything either! I hope that is all very clear. If the person in charge of SnowJapan decided he'd had enough and wanted to shut up shop tonight, this would be my last report. Thankfully, this whole project is very much a labour of love, and that is 100% why you are reading it. I can't adequately convey how much loving care and effort has been put into this website over the last 25+ years, and that is as true now as ever. If you do not like my reports, my mentioning toast occasionally, my being 'late' on some days, my making various observations that you might disagree with, or whatever... you can always choose to just not read them. If you dislike them enough to feel the need to send me/SnowJapan impolite or combative comments, I think I just kind of feel sorry for you. It’s a bit pathetic, no? Surely, there are better and/or more positive things to do with your time than sending your bad vibes to a group of people who are putting a sincere effort into providing a valuable and free service. And, indeed, a service that is wholly based on integrity and good intentions. I believe a simple 'thank you' (or perhaps 'thank you, but no thank you') would be much more appropriate. OK, so those are my thoughts. To all the reasonable and friendly people reading this, which I believe is most of you, please don't think I overly dwell on this sort of stuff. I really don't. It's just that, from time to time, I feel the need to say something. Being nice doesn’t cost anything, ne. Time for some toast. Which is always nice. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base: -6℃, 3cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -9.2℃, W1.5m/s, full moon, minor soft slab development. Annupuri 1100m: -8.8℃, W5.9m/s, light snowfall, minor cornice development, groomers in good condition. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -8.3℃, SSE6.8m/s, light snowfall, groomers in good condition. Mikaeri 750m: -9℃, SE1.2m/s, thin reset. Coastal data: Benkei Cape S6m/s, Kamui Cape SW15m/s, 1011hPa, wave 1.4m. This avalanche forecast for the Niseko Range is based on daily 5am mountain observations combined with data from meteorological instruments at four locations on the mountain, the Japan Coast Guard and various weather charts. Many accidents in Japan occur during bad weather. Niseko has been predicting avalanches for 30 years, on the basis that structural weaknesses in leeward slabs formed during wind and snow are the cause of avalanches. However, avalanches are a natural phenomenon, and if there are no people there, no accidents will occur. The avalanche risk today is low and all gates are expected to open. Although please remember that open gates do not mean everything is safe. Wind speed data from the ocean is important for predicting avalanches in the mountains along the Sea of ​​Japan. Ocean wind speed , free of obstacles, is always accurate in indicating changes in atmospheric pressure. We are grateful to the Japan Coast Guard for publishing this information. There is not much new snow, be careful of the old rough snow under it. Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Tuesday 14th 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: 2cm Base: 2cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 200cm (-5cm change since yesterday) Base: 168cm (-2cm 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: 240cm (no 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: 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 Tuesday 14th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 433cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 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 84cm reported on 10 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 431cm Posted on Friday 10th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have just several cm of snowfall to report this morning, with Hirafu (ski area) reporting up to 15cm on the mountain. It is snowing lightly at 8:30am but it has generally ben quite bright with fair to good visibility around bases. Visibility is more varied as you head up the mountain. Happily, wind is not causing any problems at the start of the day. Tomorrow is the start of the long weekend in Japan. To celebrate, Niseko Annupuri ski area is doing that early morning gondola operating thing again tomorrow through Monday, from 7:20am until 8:20am. Yours for 2,000 yens! I have never done that myself but presumably enough people enjoy it for them to continue with it on a few peak weekends. Sunshine and clear skies on Sunday and Monday perhaps? Just stay cold and we'll be happy! ------------------ Last year, I recall mentioning Windsor Snow Village. It is a small ski area located next to and operated by an imposing-looking posh hotel that overlooks Lake Toya. The hotel is famous for hosting the G8 summit in 2008. The location is about 45-50km south of the Niseko region. It started as Toyako Ski Area sometime around the 1970s (maybe), and, over the years, there has been a gondola and six lifts operating on either side of the mountain. The ski area has also been known by a bunch of different names. A new listing has been added to SnowJapanHistory, covering the story of how Toyako Ski Area became Windsor Snow Village. Even with all the research I know is done for that fab project, there are still a few unknowns in the timeline. This is indeed one mysterious ski area! Anyway, it is a fascinating look back and highly recommended read, as is the whole site if you are interested in Japanese ski areas. www.snowjapanhistory.com ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -8℃, 10cm snowfall in 12h, calm. Moiwa 800m: -9.3℃, N2.8m/s, 10cm snowfall, cornices have developed overnight but calm at the moment. Annupuri 1100m: -8.3℃, N2.0m/s, large cornice development. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -7.9℃, NNW6.2m/s, 20cm snowfall. Mikaeri 750m: -12℃, ENE1.4m/s, calm but large cornice have formed. Coastal data: Benkei cape SSW3m/s, Kamui capeSSW7m/s, 1003hPa, 1.8m waves. Peaked westerly 21m/s wind and 3.7m waves at midnight then gradually calming down. According to the report from the Annupuri Cat operator, cornices around 1200m elevation have grown massively and are collapsing largely and instantaneously with slight vibration. The wind peaked at midnight then calmed down. The wave height at the Sea of Japan went up to 3.7m then dropped to 1.8m by this morning. Looking at the test results and various data, the snowpack is relatively stable. The cornices are prone to collapse easily, however the avalanche risk in general slopes is relatively low. Gates are scheduled to open. Please listen to the ski patrol’s instructions. Cornices have grown hugely to the size of a bus and could trigger an avalanche as they fall. Do not stay put at the bottom of the gully; avalanches sweep down that path. Many tree-bombs from the day before yesterday’s strong NE wind are lurking under the surface. Beware. Please use an avalanche beacon; It may not be mandatory, but it could save not only yours but your friends lives. Beginners should not be taken to the Backbowl too easily. Gates are not open because it’s safe out there. We would like to emphasize once again that guides and group leaders are responsible for the safety of the whole party. Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Friday 10th 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: 222cm (-3cm change since yesterday) Base: 187cm (-8cm 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: 265cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (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: 165cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (+10cm 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 (+10cm 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 10th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 431cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 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 82cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 428cm Posted on Thursday 9th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Lifts were disrupted yesterday with some pesky strong winds blowing around, but some good snowfall too. So, yes, I have some a nice new layer of fresh snow to report to you this morning - 14cm of light and dry, quality snow. Accepted, with many thanks. It is still snowing this morning, with quite a lot forecast in particular for tonight into tomorrow. Looking forward to telling you about it. Lifts might well continue to be disrupted as this particular storm does its thing. (Early morning top lifts and the Annupuri gondola are on hold). Next Monday (13th) is a national holiday, 'Coming of Age Day'. That means that the upcoming weekend is a 3-day holiday in Japan and traditionally one of the busiest of the season for ski areas in Japan. So if plan to you venture outside of Niseko and visit some Japanese ski areas, be prepared. ;) ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -7℃, 15cm snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -10.6℃, ENE5.2m/s (20m at midnight), cornices are developing. Annupuri 1100m: -12.9℃, W8.8m/s (max 30m/s at 0am). Hirafu Hanazono: -12.4℃, ESE4.0m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW18m/s, Kamui cape WSW12m/s, 1002hPa, 2.2m waves. The Low Pressure on the Sea of Okhotsk is down to 977hPa and getting even stronger. The atmospheric pressure gradient is very steep. 30m/s westerly winds were recorded at 1200m elevation at midnight. The snowfall intensity was strong and slabs development was high. Avalanche risk is extremely high in the Backbowl (Kozan no sawa) all areas, Annupuri Bowl (O-sawa) cornice slopes, Higashi-One’s east to north aspects. Potential sliding layer would be Jan 7th’s, 80+cm thickness. The wind is forecasted to calm down after 10am, however the snowpack will remain very unstable in cornice slopes and knolls above 800m elevation. Stay away from the gully bottoms even if the wind drops and the chairlifts start running. Avalanches are natural phenomena and are only an accident if someone is caught in one. Be careful not to put your life at risk by placing too much confidence in your knowledge and/or experience. Wishful thinking might not work this time. All gates opening are undecided, please respect the ski patrol’s decisions. The snow is amazing. Is your beacon switched on? Don’t duck ropes!! Have a great day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Thursday 9th 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: 10cm Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 225cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 195cm (+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: 23cm Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 260cm (+15cm change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (+10cm 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: 155cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 130cm (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: 180cm (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 9th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 428cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 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 79cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 414cm Posted on Wednesday 8th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I don't think the top lifts got to open yesterday and all but the base lift at Annupuri were on hold, as were the gondolas at Annupuri and Village. That live web youtube-y feed from the Niseko Village gondola base looked like the region was experiencing a terrifying day-long powerful earthquake, so very wobbly it was. Kowai! Hirafu and Hanazono fared much better. This morning all lifts are scheduled to be operating as normal and wind is being much less pesky. It is snowing nicely as I write this, and as of 8:30am I have 5cm to report. Visibility is fine at lower elevations; less so as you get up top. A much deeper layer of fresh snow would be most welcome (it always is, of course, but hopefully you know what I mean), and perhaps we will get something that could be called 'deep' tomorrow night into Friday. As noted yesterday, the snow until then will probably better be described as being modest. It was definitely good to feel much colder when I went out for a walk earlier this morning. Mild conditions in winter... it just doesn't feel right. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -7℃, 5cm new snow, some slab accumulation. Moiwa 800m: -9.2℃, NW6.6m/s, 20m/s westerly wind at 10pm caused large slab development. Annupuri 1100m: -11.3℃, WNW5.2m/s, cornice development. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -10.9℃, SSE1.9m/s, trace new snow, slab development at 1200m. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NNW 16 m/s, Kamui Cape WSW10m/s, 1004hPa, 1.8m waves. The winterly pressure pattern has returned and wind slabs are formed on the leeward side in the western side of the mountains. In the upper part of Kozan-no-sawa (BackBowl), westerly wind till midnight developed slabs on the crusty surface which was formed due to the strong NE wind yesterday. Those slabs are unstable from the test, the general avalanche risk is high in the morning on the slab accumulated slopes above 1000m elevation. In the forest the snow is slightly heavy and catchy in some places, be careful. 15m/s wind and snow will continue above 800m elevation. All the gates are expected to be open. Poor visibility at times. Beware of crashing into trees. Niseko respects the freedom of the skiers and opens the gates as much as possible. But do remember there are always dangers outside of the gates. Do not venture out with children and beginners. Do not duck ropes. Has your beacon switched on? Have a good day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Wednesday 8th 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: 7cm Base: 6cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 220cm (-7cm change since yesterday) Base: 183cm (+1cm 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: 3cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 245cm (-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: 155cm (-5cm change since yesterday) Base: 130cm (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: 180cm (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 8th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 414cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 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 65cm reported on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 409cm Posted on Monday 6th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It may be relatively mild this morning, but it has started snowing again and there are some nice big flakes coming down at the moment. Visibility doesn't seem too limited out there, for the moment anyway. There might not be that much snowfall forecast over the coming several days, but it will be getting colder than today. One great thing about Hokkaido in general is how, even when we get some 'mild' spells in mid-season, it usually still keeps pretty cold and we rarely get temperatures rising into positive numbers that melt snow. (There have been times when there have been exceptions, of course). At the start of the day, some top lifts seem to be on hold. It doesn't seem windy today and I can't find any notices posted by the ski areas, so not sure what is going on there. Might well be a temporary start-of-the-day thing. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base 0℃, light snowfall, calm. Moiwa 800m: -3.3℃, SE3.4m/s, light snowfall. Mikaeri 750m: -6℃, SE1.7m/s, 20cm slab development from the south. Annupuri 1100m: -5.1℃, S2.0m/s. Coastal data: Kamui Cape E2m/s, 1015hPa, 0.6m waves. The isobars in front of the approaching low pressure system are wide, the weather at sea and on the mountains is calm. The base of the mountain is warm, at around 0℃, above 800m temps drop to -4℃. Yesterday's tracks remain but the snow is still good. From tests, the general avalanche risk is low. However, be careful of valleys over 40 degrees, like Mikaeri Sawa, as the snow temperature may rise and the snowpack may fracture at deeper layers. If you get buried at the bottom of one of these valleys, you will not be able to breathe due to chest compression. Cold air continues to flow in from higher levels and frost is forming in the forest. This is good. All gates are scheduled to be opened. Please listen to the opinions of the patrol. Once you go through the gates you are not in the ski resort anymore. The snow is piling up on the roofs and it's time to start clearing them off. Be careful not to fall and get buried, use ropes. Children shouldn't be playing around the house either. Is your beacon on? Be careful of a sudden change in the weather. Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Monday 6th 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: 8cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 230cm (-5cm change since yesterday) Base: 190cm (-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: 7cm Base: 5cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 260cm (-15cm change since yesterday) Base: 150cm (-20cm 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: 160cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 130cm (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: 180cm (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 Monday 6th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 409cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 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 60cm 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 405cm Posted on Sunday 5th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. Just about! I have 7cm to add to the report this morning. It's now 11:30am and up above we have a mix of cloud, blue sky, sun at times... and some light snow falling too in places. A real mixture out there, depending on where you find yourself on the mountain, but it is a very pleasant one. There should also be some very fine snow conditions to enjoy, too. All lifts are go! And it should be snowing again tomorrow. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -7℃, 10cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -11.3℃, NNW6.7m/s, 30cm wind slab. Mikaeri 750m: -9℃, NNW4.1m/s, snowpack increasing. Annupuri 1100m: -13.8℃, WNW7.7m/s, 100cm cornice development, 40cm wind slab. Hirafu Hanazono: -13.3℃, ESE3.3m/s, 10cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NNW12m/s, Kamui Cape W10m/s, 1021hPa, 1.9m waves. Yesterday's wind and snow subsided by midnight and new slab development has stabilized. There were no significant fractures during this morning's tests, the avalanche risk is low. On southeast slopes around 1100m, layers of varying density slabs have developed, which are prone to breakage in some areas. Take care on steep open slopes and valley side walls. Avalanches are natural phenomena, accidents only occur when people are involved. Stay out of the valley bottom, this is an avalanche path. Do not carelessly cause an avalanche around cornices or knolls. Avoid multiple riders at the same time. There will always be people in the valley below you. Although it is not mandatory to have a beacon, it is strongly recommended that you do. Having one can not only save your life, but also the lives of your friends. Never enter restricted areas Haru no Taki or Yu no Sawa. The forest has been reset with soft slabs. All gates are scheduled to be opened. Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Sunday 5th 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: 18cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 235cm (-3cm change since yesterday) Base: 195cm (-2cm 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: 25cm Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 275cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Base: 170cm (+10cm 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: 160cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 130cm (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: 180cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 130cm (+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 Sunday 5th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 405cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 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 56cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 398cm Posted on Saturday 4th January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have another 12cm to add to my reports on this cold morning, with the ski areas (that report) reporting 20-25cm of fresh snow on the mountain. (Curiously, Niseko Village is actually reporting some snowfall this morning - 5cm). It is still snowing nicely at the start of the day. Sounds good to me! Indeed, there are a lot of people lining up for the first lifts. All lifts appear to be operating as planned, apart from the Annupuri gondola and top lift over there. Not sure why. I thought I would just mention this here, but there is a chance that I might be late with my report tomorrow. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -9℃, 20cm snowfall in 12h. Moiwa 800m: -10.9℃, NW11.3m/s, slabs and cornices developing. Mikaeri 750m: NW3.2m/s, snowpack is growing and visibility is good. Annupuri 1100m: -13.6℃, WNW10.0m/s, cornices and slabs are developing. Hirafu Hanazono -13.1℃, SW5.2m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNE8m/s, Kamui cape N8m/s, 1010hPa, 1.1m waves. The wind is calming down, however soft windload snow has deposited in SE aspects above 750m elevation and the slopes are mostly reset. The snow in the forests is good. Relatively drastic development of slabs are present in high elevation slopes such as 1100m Kozan no Sawa (Backbowl) and the avalanche risk in these zones is higher than yesterday’s. Inexperienced skiers should not challenge these areas. Taking it too easily might end up learning the lesson the hard way. The snow in Niseko is amazing, but people should not forget that Niseko was the place that had the most avalanche accidents in Japan. Do not sneak into Haru no Taki area from Mizuno no Sawa. Haru no Taki area is highly affected by sun-exposure which creates unstable slabs that can easily let go with ski stimulation. One of the major causes of a surface slab avalanche is the formation of “Slabs” in the snowpack. Wind is not the only factor to form slabs. Niseko respects the visitors' freedom, but please don’t underestimate the risks. Be wise and think conservative. Is your beacon switched on? Gates opening is undecided. Please respect the ski patrol’s decisions. Low temperature warning, beware of frostbites. Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Saturday 4th 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: 25cm Base: 27cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 238cm (+8cm change since yesterday) Base: 197cm (+7 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: 25cm Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 265cm (-5cm change since yesterday) Base: 160cm (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: 160cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 130cm (+10cm 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: 180cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Base: 120cm (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 4th January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 398cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 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 49cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 11cm Snowfall at base this season 386cm Posted on Friday 3rd January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a cold and beautiful morning. Mt Yotei is looking very fetching with an early morning cloud cap, and no other clouds nearby. There is some thin cloud around our mountain, but it is largely blue sky and sunshine. Lovely! That might not last, though, with cloud and then snow due before the end of the day. Oh yes, some fresh snow to report since yesterday, too, arriving in the afternoon and evening; Hirafu and Hanazono are both reporting 20cm in upper areas this morning. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -9℃, 10cm snowfall, calm. Moiwa 800m: -11.9℃, NNW7.1m/s, 30cm soft slabs. Mikaeri 750m: -10℃, NNW2.8m/s, snowpack reached 300cm. Annupuri 1100m: -14.4℃, NNW3.8m/s, cornices and slabs are breaking easily. Hirafu Haanzono: -14.0℃, NNE8.8m/s, soft slabs are developing slowly. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNE8m/s, Kamui cape N8m/s, 1017hPa, 1.1m waves. The avalanche forecast in Niseko is mostly based on observing the transition of the wind direction, speed and wave height in the Sea of Japan which is generated by the transition of atmospheric pressure. The observation figures are simple facts. We also evaluate the data from 6 weather stations located at various aspects and elevation of the mountain and gather on-site observation information at 5am. Looking at all information from today, the overall avalanche risk is low. However, winter mountains will never be 100% safe. All gates are scheduled to open. Be warned that discontinued panes due to yesterday’s temperature elevation are present in the soft slabs of 1200m Backbowl side walls and could trigger a slide with skiing stimulation at anytime. Do not take guests or beginners there. A slides from that elevation could swipe down the whole valley, so it is not a good idea to be riding the bottom of it. Haru no Taki strictly off-limits area is closed for a good reason, please stay out of there. A large scale avalanche is likely to occur as the sun reflection is forming a thick slab. The sky is clear above 1000m and you can see a sea of clouds under. The snow is pretty good. Please be wise and use common sense. Beware of hitting trees, you can’t beat them. Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Friday 3rd 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 (no change since yesterday) Base: 190cm (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: 20cm Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 270cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 160cm (+20cm 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: 155cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 120cm (+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: 170cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 120cm (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 3rd January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 386cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 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 37cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 21cm Snowfall at base this season 375cm Posted on Thursday 2nd January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I love it when I can report over 20cm of snowfall. Like today. And great to see talk of 30-40cm on mountain too. There should be some very fine conditions out there this morning, and a lot of people are out and about early on waiting for those first lifts. We have had some bright periods this morning, but the snow clouds are around and it is currently snowing in places with snowfall due today, tomorrow and Saturday. And maybe some more spells of brighter weather too. For now, though, varied visibility conditions out there early morning. The Hanazono gondola seems delayed at the start of the morning. Let it be noted that once again this morning Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri are reporting 0cm of new snowfall on the official Niseko United site. That is clearly incorrect. Seriously, how difficult can it be to update that data in a morning? (Amusingly, Village have increased their base snow depth by 15cm since yesterday). Traditionally, fewer people visit the site and read reports on New Years Day. If you are one of those naughty people, you can read the monthly recap I posted yesterday here. One thing I intended to mention in my recap, but didn't: I feel that I haven't had to talk about strong winds affecting lift operations much this season so far. That is very good. Long may it continue. (9:00am update: some upper lifts appear to be affected by wind this morning. Doh!) ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base: -6℃, 20cm snowfall. Moiwa800m: -9.3℃, NW8.8m/s (15m/s @ 4am), 30cm snowfall with soft slabs formation. Annupuri 1100m: -11.7℃, WNW8.8m/s (20m/s @ 5am). Hirafu Hanazono 10000m: -11.4℃, NNE4.4m/s (15m/s @ 4am), 30cm snowfall with soft slabs. Mikaeri 750m: -8℃, NNW2.8m/s, 40cm soft slabs. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW15m/s, Kamui cape W9m/s, 1014hPa, 1.3m waves. A winter pressure distribution with relatively wide isobars separation have brought 30-40cm fresh snow forming soft slabs above 800m elevation. Looking at test results, there are no notable features in the snowpack around 800-1000m elevation and the avalanche risk is relatively low. However, there is unevenness under the newly formed slabs due to yesterday’s temperature rise and avalanches should still be expected especially in leeward slopes above 1100m. The mountain has been blanketed with good snow as a new year’s gift. Do not stay put under a slope, do not cut across knolls or under cornices. Many people are under you. All gates are scheduled to open. Listen carefully to the ski patrol’s advice. Don’t duck ropes!! Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Thursday 2nd 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: 32cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 230cm (+25cm change since yesterday) Base: 190cm (+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: 35cm Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 265cm (+25cm change since yesterday) Base: 140cm (+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: 155cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 115cm (+15cm 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: 170cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 120cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are scheduled to be operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All lifts are scheduled to be operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025. Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Thursday 2nd January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 375cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 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 26cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 354cm Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I wish you all a Happy New Year! Let us hope it will be a good one, in as many ways as possible. I have already enjoyed my traditional 'hatsu-toast' (first toast of the year) and some strong coffee, and now am ready to get going with 2025. We have started the year with some early morning sunshine. There is a fair amount of cloud around, but some blue sky and the sun shining through my window at the moment. Just to confuse matters, it is also snowing lightly in places (I can see snow falling on the Hanazono webcam as I write this). It feels like the sun part of that mix might not last. I have 5cm of lovely fresh snow to add to this first report of the year. We are expecting regular snow through the weekend. The Niseko Annupuri gondola did its early morning thing and all lifts on the mountain are opening as planned at the normal opening time this morning. ------------------------------------ A look back at the season so far: until end of December 2024 As is the tradition, at the beginning of each month (through May), I will take a look back at the season so far, along with a closer look at the snowfall data that I have recorded. For those unfamiliar with how this works, the numbers I am introducing below are all the snowfall measurements I observed near the base of Hirafu. The monthly and annual numbers in these reports are comparable. That is because they are coming to you from the same spot and being observed by the same person every day over the last 13 seasons. It is important to always keep in mind that 'snowfall numbers at base' is by no means the full story of how the season is going. That data does not take into account the fact that there is more snow at higher elevations or, indeed, snow quality. (More information on snowfall numbers here). While statistics may be interesting, and the numbers themselves may be comparable, as explained above, much more insight into the season can be followed in the commentary I write in the daily reports. Remember to look beyond the numbers. And on that note...on to the numbers! First up, November. This is how much snowfall I have measured during November since 2012. November 2024: 38cm November 2023: 120cm November 2022: 17cm November 2021: 85cm November 2020: 62cm November 2019: 85cm November 2018: 84cm November 2017: 188cm November 2016: 110cm November 2015: 61cm November 2014: 30cm November 2013: 123cm November 2012: 118cm I reported snowfall on 8 days in November 2024. This year, November was disappointing in terms of snowfall especially after the excite showing of 1.2m of snow in November 2023. I only reported reporting 38cm. The first base snowfall was recorded on 7th November 2024. That was actually earlier than in the previous season when I reported the first snowfall on 11th November 2023. But in November 2023, we got about 60cm of snowfall over the following several days, followed by more good numbers towards the end of the month. That seemed to make a big difference. Next up, December. Here's my observed snowfall numbers for December 2024: December 2024: 311cm December 2023: 247cm December 2022: 336cm December 2021: 307cm December 2020: 348cm December 2019: 207cm December 2018: 333cm December 2017: 406cm December 2016: 181cm December 2015: 244cm December 2014: 519cm December 2013: 275cm December 2012: 418cm That is more than last year, and about the average snowfall for December over the last 13 years. (The average of the above numbers is 318cm). Hirafu, Village, Annupuri and Moiwa ski areas all managed to open on 1st December, while Hanazono waited for more snow and opened on 4th December. I reported snowfall on 28 out of the 31 days in December 2024 and every day since 11th December. The most snowfall in one report was 23cm on 16th December. Snowfall has generally arrived in smaller numbers since then, but, importantly, it has been regular and consistent. (I’d prefer some larger numbers myself, but perhaps I’m just greedy). We enjoyed some particularly good conditions around that mid-month period; those few days are my pick of the season so far, anyway. I enjoyed some truly excellent conditions. As is expected, of course. Most people I have spoken with sharing lift rides over the last month or so have been delighted with their Niseko experience, which is always great to see/hear. OK, so here are the total snowfall numbers for the season so far (November + December): 2024/2025 season up to the end of December 2024: 349cm 2023/2024 season up to end of December 2023: 367cm 2022/2023 season up to end of December 2022: 353cm 2021/2022 season up to end of December 2021: 392cm 2020/2021 season up to end of December 2020: 410cm 2019/2020 season up to end of December 2019: 292cm 2018/2019 season up to end of December 2018: 417cm 2017/2018 season up to end of December 2017: 594cm 2016/2017 season up to end of December 2016: 291cm 2015/2016 season up to end of December 2015: 305cm 2014/2015 season up to end of December 2014: 549cm 2013/2014 season up to end of December 2013: 398cm 2012/2013 season up to end of December 2012: 536cm It might be surprising that 349cm is over 50cm less than the average snowfall I have observed here over the last 13 years. The average has been 404cm. 349cm is a respectable number, for sure, but it is certainly not record-breaking. Looking back at previous seasons, here is how much of the total snowfall for the whole season we have already received by the end of December. This might give us an idea of what to expect over the coming months: By the end of December 2023, as a % of the season total: about 42% By the end of December 2022, as a % of the season total: about 35% By the end of December 2021, as a % of the season total: about 34% By the end of December 2020, as a % of the season total: about 34% By the end of December 2019, as a % of the season total: about 40% By the end of December 2018, as a % of the season total: about 44% By the end of December 2017, as a % of the season total: about 47% By the end of December 2016, as a % of the season total: about 43% By the end of December 2015, as a % of the season total: about 31% By the end of December 2014, as a % of the season total: about 48% By the end of December 2013, as a % of the season total: about 34% By the end of December 2012, as a % of the season total: about 36% And here's how much snowfall I have recorded during previous seasons in the month of January: January 2024: 298cm (665cm) January 2023: 332cm (685cm) January 2022: 325cm (717cm) January 2021: 387cm (797cm) January 2020: 224cm (516cm) January 2019: 285cm (702cm) January 2018: 305cm (899cm) January 2017: 152cm (443cm) January 2016: 303cm (608cm) January 2015: 257cm (806cm) January 2014: 461cm (859cm) January 2013: 443cm (979cm) (The numbers in brackets show the total observed snowfall in each season until the end of January.) In January 2024, the 298cm of snowfall observed was reported on 24 days of the month. Remember, all this data is available to you at any time on the Snowfall Analysis and Seasonal archive pages of this report. See the tabs at the top of the report. January has come round so quick; it doesn’t seem that long ago when I was trying to get back into the daily report routine in November. We have over four months of the ski season ahead of us. My personal opinion is that it has been a good early season and I look forward to that continuing (and getting even better). There is tons of fun and excite(ment) to look forward to. Let's see if Nature will bless us with 3-4m of lovely snowfall this month. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -6℃, 5cm new snow, stormy at times. Moiwa 800m: -8.5℃, WNW9.8m/s, 20m/s at 4am. Mikaeri 750m: -8.0℃ NNW 2.3m/s, heavy snowfall, poor visibility. Annupuri 1100m: -10.6℃, WNW5.2m/s, stormy at times, poor visibility. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -10.1℃, NNE7.7m/s, 10cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NNW7m/s, Kamui Cape N10m/s, 1011hPa, wave 1.1m. The above data is from around 6am, and to predict avalanches it is important to understand the snowfall trends over the previous 12 hours. The sea data shows that the isobars are beginning to widen and the wave height is decreasing. Winds are also decreasing above 1500m elevation. From observations, shallow slabs caused by northerly winds are easily broken by the accumulation of hard wind-formed snow crystals. Even below 800 m elevation, be careful on slopes where the sidewalls exceed 40° such as Mikaeri Bowl. Do not stimulate knolls. Do not stay on the gully bottoms. Ski one person at a time. There are times when northerly winds are dominant, and 40 cm slabs are formed in a short amount of time on the upper part of the sidewalls of Kozan no Sawa at 1200m elevation. Better stay away from those areas even the gates are open today. For the past 30 years, Niseko has succeeded in preventing avalanche accidents by focusing on direct action avalanches, which are directly caused by snowstorm, as well as second action avalanches, which are caused by weak layers. I’m glad to see that this logic is becoming a global standard, particularly in Europe. Avalanches are a natural phenomenon and most accidents can be prevented if we all take precautions. There is no safety in winter mountains. And this sport is dangerous to begin with. Happy New Year. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Wednesday 1st 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: 7cm Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 205cm (-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: 10cm Base: 5cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 240cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 125cm (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: 150cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 100cm (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: 170cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 120cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: All lifts are scheduled to be operating The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: All lifts are scheduled to be operating ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025. Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 349cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 37 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 5cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Friday 1st November 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello, and welcome back to the Niseko Now reports! It has been a while. Just under 6 months, in fact. As always, it's one of those 'it seems so long ago, but the time went quickly' feelings. I was hibernating for most of the six months, of course, but that means I thankfully missed lots of the summer heat that we get even up here in Hokkaido. I'm really not a fan of hot weather. (I love me some - lots of - snow!) I am gradually getting back into a daily routine, which has been helped along by a healthy intake of toast. I'm doing my best to stock up on lots of words, too, that I can put to use in these reports throughout the winter! Over the last six months, quite a few people have sent comments to me via the site comments form. While I can't respond to them all, please know I read them and appreciate the support. Thank you very much. Getting feedback and knowing that so many people look forward to reading these reports is always really cool. While I don't think about those numbers and wide reach of my words as I write these reports, I do take that responsibility very seriously. This week SnowJapan informed me that site usage is already tracking significantly higher than last year. That means that some of you reading this will be new to SnowJapan. So, in this pre-season period, please allow me to make some very important points. * These reports are 100% independent. They are not sponsored. I'm not working on behalf of ski areas, etc. No-one has any say or influence on what is posted. * I write what I see happening. At times that might not be what you want to read (for example, when it's raining or conditions are clearly rubbish). * Exaggerations and marketing words/phrases, cheesy or otherwise, are not allowed (though may sometimes be used in jest). These reports are strictly a marketing/hype/promotional messaging-free zone. * Sometimes, I comment on non-skiing stuff (and sometimes I can be bit silly). * Whatever I write, I never try to be controversial. Simply not interested in all that kind of nonsense. * I am not trying to encourage you to visit Niseko. * I am not trying to discourage you from visiting Niseko. * I love toast. (Thought bubble: but seriously, doesn’t everyone?) Long-time readers will have heard all that before, but it is important. Hopefully, I won't feel the need to mention those things too often during the season! OK, so here we are at the beginning of November. All the ski areas around our mountain plan to open for the ski season on Saturday 30th November 2024. That is just over four weeks from now. The first signs of light snowfall on some mountain tops were spotted on 20th October. It is, of course, always exciting to see that. Over the next few weeks, I will occasionally post some reports/news/thoughts as, hopefully, the snow will arrive on time, and we will get a good base to allow lifts to start moving on 30th November. For my own sanity, I try to filter out all the marketing hype and 'politics' - all kinds of politics! - going on around me. Still, in my position, it is impossible to avoid it all. With more of it every year, I believe providing good, honest information people can trust is more important than ever. And that's what I will try to do again this year. I look forward to (hopefully) being able to tell you about large amounts of snow and fab conditions across the coming season. I truly love this place and doing these reports. It's good to be back. I hope you might stick around to read them. Yoroshiku! Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Friday 1st November 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2024 snowfall 0cm 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 884cm Posted on Friday 26th April 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's sunny! Hurray! It's a hazy kind of sunny looking over towards Mt Yotei. And it feels a bit windy too. The top Jumbo Number 4 pair lift and Champion Course are now closed for the season, leaving just two lifts running at Annupuri (and the three at Hirafu). Monday is a national holiday and so the weekend is a three day one. Some lucky people might also have all next week off to connect up with the second long weekend of 'Golden Week'. My days off start at the same time the ski lifts get to rest! ------------------ Individual ski area information for Friday 26th April 2024 The below snow depth and other information is manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing and subject to change. Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 145cm (-5cm since yesterday) - Base: 0cm Planned closing date (subject to conditions): - Monday 6th May 2024 Lifts (scheduled): - Hirafu Gondola - King Number 3 quad - King Number 4 - Last lift closes at 4:30pm Courses (scheduled): - Beginners access - Shirakaba (spring park) - Center - Large - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 140cm (-30cm since yesterday) - Base: 0cm (-10cm since yesterday) Planned closing date (subject to conditions): - Monday 6th May 2024 Lifts (scheduled): - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Last lift closes at 4:00pm Courses (scheduled): - Utopia - Shirakaba - Family - Paradise - Junior ------------------ Now closed Niseko HANAZONO Resort, Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort and Niseko Village Ski Resort are now closed for the season. ------------------ Night skiing has now finished for the 2023-2024 season. Niseko Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Friday 26th April 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 884cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 94 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 62cm (8th January) November 2023 snowfall 120cm reported on 11 days December 2023 snowfall 247cm reported on 24 days January 2024 snowfall 298cm reported on 24 days February 2024 snowfall 144cm reported on 20 days March 2024 snowfall 70cm reported on 13 days April 2024 snowfall 5cm 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