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

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 3rd May 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. Annupuri has announced that today (Friday) is going to be the last day of the season over there. Hirafu still seems intent on continuing beyond today, and warning of possibly windy conditions this morning (that might affect lift operations). Mt Yotei is looking very fetching this morning, wearing a wide-rimmed cloud hat. Perhaps to celeblate the start of the second four-day chunk of Golden Week. Note: It seems like I had left a mistake in info list (below), labelling the lift still open at Annupuri as the 'Dream' instead of 'Jumbo'. My mistake, my apologies. ------------------ Individual ski area information for Friday 3rd May 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: 100cm (-5cm since yesterday) - Base: 0cm Planned closing date (subject to conditions): - Monday 6th May 2024 Lifts (scheduled): - Hirafu Gondola; opens at 8:25am - King Number 3 quad - Last gondola up at 3:45pm; last gondola down at 4:30pm Courses (scheduled): - Beginner access - Shirakaba (spring park) - Center - Rinkan Notes: - You need to get the gondola back to base ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 100cm (-10cm since yesterday) - Base: 0cm (no change since yesterday) Planned closing date (subject to conditions): - Today is the last day of the season at Annupuri Lifts (scheduled): - Jumbo Number 1 quad ------------------ 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 3rd May 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 May 2024 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 884cm Posted on Saturday 4th May 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Wind disrupted lifts yesterday. Pesky. And so, here we are, the last weekend of the ski season. And with Annupuri finishing up yesterday afternoon, only Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu remains open. Or at least, they plan to! With me having to post a really early report today, there's no official word yet, but they are scheduled to be open with the Gondola and King Number 3 quad lift operating. It is another fine morning, just with more cloud around. It should be a pleasantly warm day, perhaps getting up to around 20C in town. Currently, weather for tomorrow is due to be cloudy with rain likely on Monday, the final day. Not the best way to end on. Let's see... ------------------ Individual ski area information for Saturday 4th May 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: 95cm (-5cm since yesterday) - Base: 0cm Planned closing date (subject to conditions): - Monday 6th May 2024 Lifts (scheduled): - Hirafu Gondola; opens at 8:25am - King Number 3 quad - Last gondola up at 3:45pm; last gondola down at 4:30pm Courses (scheduled): - Beginner access - Shirakaba (spring park) - Center - Rinkan Notes: - You need to get the gondola back to base ------------------ Now closed Niseko Annupuri Kokusai, 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 Saturday 4th May 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 May 2024 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 884cm Posted on Sunday 5th May 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning from Niseko. We have a mostly cloudy kind of early morning and there's a bit of wind around too. Hopefully the lifts will not be affected: both the Hirafu gondola and King Number 3 quad seem to have started up for the day. Tomorrow is officially the last day of the ski season in the wider Niseko region. Unfortunately, it is still looking like we will get rained on. I'll post my end of season message tomorrow. And then on Tuesday, I'm going to sleep as long as possible and not touch my computer all day! :) ------------------ Individual ski area information for Sunday 5th May 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: 75cm (-20cm since yesterday) - Base: 0cm Planned closing date (subject to conditions): - TOMORROW Lifts (scheduled): - Hirafu Gondola; opens at 8:25am - King Number 3 quad - Last gondola up at 3:45pm; last gondola down at 4:30pm Courses (scheduled): - Beginner access - Shirakaba (spring park) - Center - Rinkan Notes: - You need to get the gondola back to base ------------------ Now closed Niseko Annupuri Kokusai, 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 Sunday 5th May 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 May 2024 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 884cm Posted on Monday 6th May 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko on this official last day of the 2023-2024 ski season. The two ski lifts at Hirafu will be finishing up the season later today. Unfortunately for people wanting to enjoy this last day of the season, it's raining and a bit windy too. Doh! From tomorrow, all the ski lifts will be taking a well-earned rest. Here are the final snowfall numbers for the 2023-2024 season and previous seasons, so we can all lets comparing. Observed by me at base, here in Hirafu: 2023-2024 season: 884cm 2022-2023 season: 1006cm 2021-2022 season: 1137cm 2020-2021 season: 1210cm 2019-2020 season: 728cm 2018-2019 season: 951cm 2017-2018 season: 1260cm 2016-2017 season: 686cm 2015-2016 season: 989cm 2014-2015 season: 1144cm 2013-2014 season: 1163cm 2012-2013 season: 1491cm 884cm is less than the previous three seasons and 170cm less than the average of 1054cm over the last 12 seasons. The first ski lifts started the season on 1st December 2023, and it is now 6th May 2024. I believe that means that the season was 158 days. I set out to write an entire season review to finish the season, but looking back at my monthly recaps, I realise there's not much more I can say that I haven't already said. So, I'll point you in the direction of those monthly recaps. Along with the daily reports throughout the season, they give a good idea of how the season developed along the way with some added personal observations (sometimes featuring toast, bubbles, and posh bags). Here are those main recaps: 2nd January 2024 (a look back at the season so far: up to the end of December 2023) 1st February 2024 (a look back at the season so far: up to the end of January 2024) 1st March 2024 (a look back at the season so far: up to the end of February 2024) 1st April 2024 (a look back at the season so far: up to the end of March 2024) I said this last year, but after thinking about the weather and snow for such a long time, I don't want to start thinking about what next year might bring. Bottom line, though, let's have tons of snow, please. 'More than average' would be great! For now, I plan to take a much-needed rest from all this stuff. I will start paying attention again when I come out of hibernation and get ready to go in late October. I hope you enjoyed following the Niseko Now reports this year, and perhaps some or all of the other regional reports on SnowJapan too. It has been a pleasure. Hopefully, that comes across. Even the little frustrations along the way make the whole more interesting. (Sort of). If you so wish, you can send me a message using the SnowJapan contact form. All Niseko Now-related comments are sent to me. It might not be possible to reply to them personally, but I do read them and appreciate any comments. Thank you to everyone who has been in touch during the season. A big shout out and respect to the folks who work throughout the year to bring us the unique, excellent, independent resource that is SnowJapan.com. I truly believe we are fortunate that such a thing exists in 2024. One last funny story. This season, after discovering I was a 'local', one visiting person I shared a ski lift ride with asked me if I liked toast. Firstly, ridiculous question, right? Everyone likes toast. But I think it might have been a ruse to try and expose my identity, so I was careful in how I responded. (I later had a bit of a chuckle imagining them asking the same question to other people.) I know some people wonder, 'Why the anonymity?' These reports are high-profile and are read by thousands of people every day. Basically, I feel more comfortable being anonymous and I really do not wish to be known as 'the Niseko Now reporter'. (Also, I'm really shy). In time-hono(u)red tradition, it's time to fill myself up on toast and prepare for a prolonged summer hibernation. I hope it doesn't get too hot for you non-hibernating types. (But it probably will). Thank you, take care, peace to all, and see you again in November. Niseko Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Monday 6th May 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 May 2024 snowfall 0cm Previous report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 50cm Posted on Tuesday 9th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Quick one to report a bit of snow. The ski area will need more to open on Saturday but some good snowfall is currently forecast going into Friday. Fingers crossed. Planned opening dates: Madarao: Saturday 13th December Tangram Ski Circus: Saturday 20th December Madarao Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Tuesday 9th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 50cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 26cm (on 19th November) November 2025 snowfall 26cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 24cm 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 Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 191cm Posted on Tuesday 9th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Just a few cm of (wet) snow this morning and maybe up to around 5cm on top. After rain yesterday the change to snow is welcome, but of course not being good for the snow. Looks like none of the runs are groomed this morning (not enough snow layer). So, not great. But still part open if you need to get out there. We kind of need more decent snow to get things going again. --------------------------- Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): 90cm (top) 37cm (base) Geto Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Tuesday 9th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 191cm Number of days snowfall observed 9 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 77cm (on 5th December) November 2025 snowfall 54cm observed on 5 days December 2025 snowfall 137cm observed 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 Geto Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 140cm Posted on Tuesday 9th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Hello Skiers & Boarders, We are a-Rockin' & a-Rollin'. Mucho snow fell throughout the day yesterday. The final tally was 25 cm at the base and 30 cm on top. It's a good heavy, somewhat wet, snow that packs like a dream and establishes a good base. No complaints from me. Speaking of bases, the resort reports a base at the base of 55 cm, and a healthy 140 cm on top. Lift-wise, the big news today is the opening of the Prince Romance lift, aka Lift C. This is the beginner lift at the New Prince Hotel. Snow escalator not open yet. Things are shaping up fairly well. The weather looks nice and chilly for the coming week. A little more snow today. Think snow. --- Ropeway + Lifts C & D 8:30 -- 15:00 *The A2 run is open all the way to the base. **The infamous Furano Quad has been repaired and will open per normal schedule later this month.** Furano Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Tuesday 9th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 140cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (6th December) November 2025 snowfall 45cm reported on 5 days December 2025 snowfall 95cm 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 Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 85cm Good morning to you all from Niseko. There was a powerful earthquake late last night off the eastern coast of Aomori. A reminder that these things happen without warning and are very scary. Thoughts with everyone coping with that situation this morning. OK, on to our situation here in Niseko. I am happy to report over 10cm of fresh snow on the ground this morning and 20cm or so being reported by ski areas from higher elevations. It is definitely colder as well. It was actually snowing lightly when I started putting this report together, but all of a sudden much of the cloud has cleared and we have quite a lot of blue sky and sunshine now. Lovely. Hopefully with more snow due over the coming days ski areas will be able to expand operations further. They are, I'm sure, eager to do so. (As are we all!) ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base: -1℃, WSW2m/s, 10cm snowfall in the last 12hrs, 20cm in 24hrs. Moiwa Mikaeri 800m: -7℃, WNW3.8m/s, bad visibility. Hanazono 800m: -6.2℃, NNW6.3m/s. Coastal weather: Benkei cape NW16m/s, Kamui cape W12m/s, 1018hPa, 2.1m waves. Earthquake in Tohoku area at midnight: Intensity 7, Tsunami Peak 40cm. Winter-type pressure pattern. Snowstorms with winds below 20m/s over 800m elevation. Though snowfall amounts are low, snowdrifts have developed on the leeward side of ridgelines. Snow has formed a slab layer with yesterday’s 20cm of low-pressure snowfall, making shallow surface avalanches likely on open steep slopes. Ski slopes are covered with a thin layer of fresh snow, but skiing is unsuitable except on lower courses. Getting injured now could ruin your entire season. Monitor weather changes and beware of frostbite. Have a good day. ------------------------------------ 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: 100cm (+15cm change since yesterday) Base: 35cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Planned lift operations: All four lifts Planned open courses: Mango Salad Silver Dream Juicy Fruit Parallel Yotei Sunset ------------------ 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: 120cm (+15cm since yesterday) Base: 40cm (+15cm since yesterday) Planned lift operations: Ace Gondola Ace Number 3 pair King Gondola King Number 3 six Swinging Monkey Planned open courses: Center Jumbo Beginners access ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Planned lift operations: Upper Village Gondola Village Express Community Chair Banzai Chair ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 50cm (+30cm change since yesterday) Base: 30cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Planned lift operations: Dream Number 1 quad Jumbo Number 1 quad Planned open courses: Paradise Junior ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Planned lift operations: Number 1 pair Number 2 pair Niseko Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Tuesday 9th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 85cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (4th December) November 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 7 days December 2025 snowfall 56cm 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