Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 975cm Posted on Tuesday 16th February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning. Though, that doesn't feel particularly appropriate this morning. It isn't very nice outside right now. How should I describe this morning... It's windy and due to get even more windy. After the rain we have had to put up with, it was kind of rainy sleet earlier on but at least that has turned to snow outside my window right now. It's relatively mild. And most of the lifts are not opening at the start of the day. Lifts that are open are basically lower lifts close to base: the Ace Family quad lift at Hirafu, the lower Hanazono lift, the Community and Banzai lifts at Village, and the Dream quad at Annupuri. So there are just 5 lifts starting the day. The good to take from all this is that the snow is back from today, it is going to get colder as the day progresses, and snow should be consistently coming down on us over the coming days. Let's just hope the wind calms down... ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:NW20m/s. Cape Kamui: WNW9m/s, 971hPa, wave0.7m. Hanazono 1000m: -1.9℃, ESE3.4m/s(5:45am N20m/s). Hanazono 720: 0.9℃, SSE3.2m/s(5:45am N20m/s). Moiwa 800m: -0.3℃, NNW4.7m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -2.3℃, W9.5m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -2.0℃, WSW7.2m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -1.3℃, wind n/a. Kutchan Town: 2.3℃, WSW3.2m/s, snow depth 160cm, 970.3hPa. Moiwa base: +1, heavy rain, snow melt. Warm air is flowing in with the passing of a 945hPa low pressure system, melting the snow due to heavy rain. Wind and wet snow will start around 7am at the mountain base, breaking out into a full blown blizzard by noon. Snow drifts on leeward slopes will exceed 3m this afternoon, new cornices are expected to reach 10m by tomorrow. Most avalanche accidents are triggered by people, however natural factors like cornice collapse also cause avalanches. March 14, 1965, Satsunai River No 10, Hidaka Mountains, a 20-30m cornice overhanged the ridgeline collapsed due to a similar low pressure system, and caused an avalanche that ran 3km, dropping 800m. 6 people were found deceased sheltering in a buried snow cave at 400m elev. An avalanche is a natural phenomenon and is not an accident if no one is involved. Best to stay out of the valleys until the weather has settled down. Take care on the roads and be careful of snow falling from roofs. ----- Planned ski area operations: Tuesday 16th February 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning from official sources. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 5cm - Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 410cm (+5cm) - Base: 200cm (-15cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 3cm - Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 280cm (-18cm) - Base: 190cm (-20cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 0cm - Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 290cm (+0cm) - Base: 200cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Gondola, Dream Number 1 and Jumbo Number 1 - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 0cm - Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 234cm (+0cm) - Base: 200cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair and Banzai Chair - Community Chair lift operates for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. There may be other lift operation changes at the moment due to coronavirus situation. Do be sure to check for details with ski areas. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 16th February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 975cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 71 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 387cm reported on 27 days February 2021 snowfall 178cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 974cm Posted on Friday 12th February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here What's this!? Beautiful blue skies and calm conditions. Yes, indeedy. We haven't seen much sunshine of late, but we sure have it this morning. Yesterday, rather than the sun I mentioned might happen, we actually got some light snow starting to fall once again along with limited visibility in places and Mt Yotei again smothered with clouds. It was clearer by the evening, though some very light snow still falling in places. Very pretty. And so here we are this morning with the sun shining down on us. Sun is forecast for today and for tomorrow too as all of Japan experiences something of a warm weekend. Let us enjoy these clearer skies while they last - we can enjoy it all the more knowing that snow and cold is due back with us from Tuesday. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:E4m/s. Cape Kamui: ENE2m/s, 1028hPa, wave0.7m. Hanazono 1000m: -8.6℃, NNW7.5m/s. Hanazono 720: -7.3℃, NNW2.8m/s. Moiwa 800m: -7.2℃, ESE4.7m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -10.3℃, NNE7.2m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -10.2℃, NNE7.9m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -8.8℃, NNE7.5m/s. Kutchan Town:-14.2℃, NW0.8m/s, snow depth 186cm, 1029.6hPa. Moiwa base: -8, sunny, calm, light frost. General avalanche risk is low. All gates are expected to be open. Do not duck ropes to enter strictly off limits areas. Wear a helmet and beacon. There was a tragic accident when clearing snow off a roof in Kutchan yesterday. Pay very close attention where you attach your rope, its length and direction of the fall. Adjust the length with a prusik knot or jumar. When a roof slides it is like an avalanche, it moves instantly and you can not get away. Our deepest condolences to all those involved in the accident. Nature does not choose people. ----- Planned ski area operations: Friday 12th February 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning from official sources. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 450cm (+10cm) - Base: 255cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4 - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 7cm - Base: 2cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 320cm (+0cm) - Base: 233cm (-7cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 0cm - Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 270cm (+0cm) - Base: 200cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All lifts apart from Jumbo 3 - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 3cm - Base: 2cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 340cm (+0cm) - Base: 232cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair - Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. There may be other lift operation changes at the moment due to coronavirus situation. Do be sure to check for details with ski areas. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Friday 12th February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 974cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 70 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 387cm reported on 27 days February 2021 snowfall 177cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 972cm Posted on Thursday 11th February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's a national holiday today - National Foundation Day - and so we can (perhaps) expect more people around today than a usual weekday. The Swinging Monkey lift at Hirafu is operating this morning, as are all of the lifts at Annupuri. This morning we have a break from the snow falling and while there is still a lot of cloud around there is actually some blue skies in places. There may be some sunshine today and there is a high chance of sunny blue skies tomorrow and on Saturday too. Is that rain I see on the forecast for late Sunday. Yuck! So expect a warmer spell to be followed by a dip in temps again along with fresh snow around Tuesday. Let's hope it doesn't warm up too much in the next few days. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:NW12m/s. Cape Kamui: E2m/s, 1014hPa, wave0.7m. Hanazono 1000m: -10.3℃, WNW7.6m/s. Hanazono 720: -7.8℃, NW6.1m/s(10min avg). Moiwa 800m: -8.1℃, NNW5.8m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -11.7℃, WNW5.3m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -11.2℃, NNW2.3m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -10.2℃, WNW5.2m/s. Kutchan Town:-7.7℃, SSE0.9m/s, snow depth 197cm, 1014.7hPa. Moiwa base: -7, good visibility, trace new snow in last 12hrs, calm. From observation and data the general avalanche risk is low. Gates are expected to be open depending on lift operation. Please listen to the patrols advice and prepare before going out of bounds. Do not duck ropes. Although there is only a little new snow, above 800m is reset. The snow is good today. The Niseko Rules were established to prevent off piste accidents. In the 80’s when the lifts were extended to 1150m accidents became more common. Then unfortunately in the 90’s Niseko became No1 for avalanche accidents in Japan. As a result Niseko was forced to address accident prevention. Even on gentle mountains like Niseko avalanches sometimes happen and with so much powder riding going on good luck wasn't going to cut it anymore. This is why the Niseko Rules were created. Strictly off limits areas Haru no Taki and Yu no Sawa are not off limits just because they are dangerous. Events conspired at that time that to install the gate system, giving access to the peak and most other areas on the mountain, required blocking access to several valleys lower on the mountain. Over time, access to Mizu no Sawa was opened again following an avalanche control program by the ski resorts. Please take time to understand why and what the Niseko Rules are. ----- Planned ski area operations: Thursday 11th February 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning from official sources. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 15cm - Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 440cm (+10cm) - Base: 255cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4, Swinging Monkey - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 20cm - Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 320cm (+0cm) - Base: 240cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 20cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 270cm (+0cm) - Base: 200cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All lifts - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 2cm - Base: 2cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 340cm (+2cm) - Base: 232cm (+2cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair - Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. There may be other lift operation changes at the moment due to coronavirus situation. Do be sure to check for details with ski areas. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Thursday 11th February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 972cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 69 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 387cm reported on 27 days February 2021 snowfall 175cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 966cm Posted on Wednesday 10th February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is snowing lightly at the start of the day today (though in the last short while started coming down a bit more). There's more fresh snow on the ground but not as much as yesterday and this snow might well be easing off this morning leaving us with just cloudy skies. Wind isn't an issue and all lifts are starting the day as per schedule. From tomorrow we are expecting a fairly calm and dry period with an increasing chance of the sun making some headline appearances. That will probably last into next week. I imagine conditions should be pretty great today. In the name of research, I think I should go and check. The things I do for you. ;) ----- The official snow depth number at Niseko Village peak this morning increases by... 63cm. I can only imagine that it is playing catch up after not being updated much in recent days. Especially as they only report 20cm of fresh snow at peak. Again, large giant-hands sized pinch of salt. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:WNW14m/s. Cape Kamui: WSW12m/s, 1011hPa, wave2.0m. Hanazono 1000m: -10.2℃, NNE3.1m/s. Hanazono 720: -8.9℃, N3.6m/s. Moiwa 800m: -9.5℃, N8.7m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -12.2℃, W10.3m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -11.6℃, W4.4m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -10.8℃, WNW6.4m/s. Kutchan Town:-5.2℃, SW2.3m/s, snow depth 198cm, 1012.6hPa. Moiwa base: -6, calm, good visibility, 10cm new snow in last 12hrs. From observation and data the general avalanche risk is low. This information is based on morning observations, data from the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Japan Coast Guard and snowfall trends. Wind direction and temperature data are from six locations on the Niseko Mountains. Niseko is working to prevent accidents by communicating the off-course conditions widely and fairly to all mountain users. Winter mountains are never 100% safe. Only common sense behavior and caution prevent accidents. Wear a helmet and beacon. Peak gates are expected to be open (dependant on lift operation). Outside the gates are not part of the ski area. Always be cautious and aware of conditions. Today's snow is good. ----- Planned ski area operations: Wednesday 10th February 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning from official sources. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 30cm - Base: 30cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 430cm (+25cm) - Base: 250cm (+25cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4 - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 15cm - Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 320cm (-2cm) - Base: 240cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 15cm - Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 270cm (+0cm) - Base: 200cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All lifts apart from Jumbo Number 2 and 3 - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village 24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area): - Peak: 20cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 338cm (+63cm) - Base: 230cm (+30cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair - Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. There may be other lift operation changes at the moment due to coronavirus situation. Do be sure to check for details with ski areas. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 10th February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 966cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 68 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 387cm reported on 27 days February 2021 snowfall 169cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 679cm Posted on Sunday 17th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here What a contrast! (Was this forecast? If it was, I sure missed it!) Yes, it is a beautiful morning here. There is blue skies and sunshine all around at the start of the day. I see 30cm of snow is being reported in the below report from over in Moiwa, but I am not able to report anywhere near that much myself. I have measured 10cm since yesterday and the United ski areas themselves appear to be reporting 10-15cm. It's back to being cold, there's some fresh snow, and the sun is shining down on us. I think it is time to get out and enjoy a few hours. If the forecast is correct these clear skies won't be lasting long... got to make the most of it. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report 6:25am Benkei cape: E9m/s, Kamui cape: E3m/s, 1012hPa, 1.7m waves. Hanazono 1000m: -13.0℃, NNW4.0m/s. Hanazono 720m: -10.7℃, NNW1.8m/s. Moiwa 800m: -10.4℃, NE6.1m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -13.7℃, NNE5.4m/s. Yu no sawa 1100m: -13.3℃, N5.9m/s. Kutchan -7.0℃, NNW2.0m/s, 139cm snow depth, 1012.5hPa. Moiwa base: -8℃, 30cm snowfall in 12h. The passing low-pressure generated east to northeast wind with snowfall during the night. Snowdrifts and windblown patches arepresent in western aspects above 500m elevation. The avalanche risk in western aspects, where most snowdrifts have developed, is high. Potential trigger layer is Jan 16th (hoar layer from changing temperature) with 50cm thick slabs on top. The Sea of Japan is relatively calm with an offshore wind. Peak gates are scheduled to open as the wind settles down and top chairs start running. Pay attention to the ski patrol’s advice before stepping out of bounds. Better not drop into powder slopes until 10am. The slopes around 1000m in Mikaeri and Backbowl area might have been good yesterday but are dangerous today. According to the morning test with the snow cat, the transmission of stimulation is fast and the slabs fractured with a slight stimulation. Slopes that were exposed to the wind are firm, uneven and crusty. Be careful not to fall and hit obstacles. It is strongly recommended to wear a helmet. Have you switched your beacon on? The snow condition is ever changing. ----- Planned ski area operations: Sunday 17th January 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 305cm (+5cm) - Base: 170cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts that are planned to be open should be operating - Ace Family Quad, Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 238cm (+8cm) - Base: 170cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - All three lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 240cm (+0cm) - Base: 150cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts that are planned to be open should be operating - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 230cm (+0cm) - Base: 150cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts that are planned to be open should be operating - Village Express, Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 17th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 679cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 269cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 728cm Posted on Saturday 11th April 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. It is a kind of hazy looking morning. A bit overcast but some blue sky to just about see and it is quite bright. As I write this anyway. The Hirafu Gondola is operating for the weekend (it will be closed again from Monday). Tomorrow might be a clearer type of fine weather with quite a lot of sun on the forecast in the coming week. ----- Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 300cm - Base: 50cm The following lifts are scheduled to be operating: - Ace Number 2 quad center four - Hirafu Gondola - King Number 3 quad - King Number 4 - The following courses are now closed: - Family - King-Ace connecting - Onsenzawa - Miharashi ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 40cm The following lifts are scheduled to be operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 4 pair - 9 courses open ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 170cm - Base: 40cm The following lifts are scheduled to be operating: - Niseko Gondola - Wonderland Chair - The top area is open, take the gondola back down to base ----- - The Niseko HANAZONO area is now closed for the season. - Night time floodlit operations have closed for the season. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 11th April 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 728cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 85 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 33cm (21st January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 224cm reported on 20 days February 2020 snowfall 143cm reported on 19 days March 2020 snowfall 59cm reported on 12 days April 2020 snowfall 10cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 728cm Posted on Tuesday 14th April 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is another beautiful, clear morning. There will probably be more cloud around tomorrow, but the sun should remain with us. At Niseko Grand Hirafu, you need to get the Ace Number 2 center four quad (or the Gondola when that is open on weekends). 6 lifts remain operating and they appear to be opening up as planned. ----- Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 290cm - Base: 40cm The following lifts are scheduled to be operating: - Ace Number 2 quad center four - King Number 3 quad - King Number 4 - The following upper courses remain open: - Detour for Beginners - Shirakaba - Center - Large - Holiday - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 35cm The following lifts are scheduled to be operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 3 pair - 8 courses open ----- - The Niseko HANAZONO and Niseko Village areas are now closed for the season. - Night time floodlit operations have closed for the season. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Tuesday 14th April 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 728cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 85 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 33cm (21st January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 224cm reported on 20 days February 2020 snowfall 143cm reported on 19 days March 2020 snowfall 59cm reported on 12 days April 2020 snowfall 10cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 728cm Posted on Thursday 16th April 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. And it is another morning of cloud and blue sky. It is rather windy on mountain - at the start of the day the top lift at Hirafu is on hold, as is the Gondola and upper Jumbo 3 lift. So rather limited. Other than that, I'm not finding that many words just at the moment. It's just very quiet and very spring. So I think it is time for some toast! ----- Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 290cm - Base: 40cm The following lifts are scheduled to be operating: - Ace Number 2 quad center four - King Number 3 quad - King Number 4 - The following upper courses are scheduled to be open: - Detour for Beginners - Shirakaba - Center - Large - Holiday - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 35cm The following lifts are scheduled to be operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 3 pair - 8 courses scheduled to be open ----- - The Niseko HANAZONO and Niseko Village areas are now closed for the season. - Night time floodlit operations have closed for the season. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Thursday 16th April 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 728cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 85 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 33cm (21st January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 224cm reported on 20 days February 2020 snowfall 143cm reported on 19 days March 2020 snowfall 59cm reported on 12 days April 2020 snowfall 10cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 728cm Posted on Friday 17th April 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here UPDATE AT 2PM: Niseko Annupuri have made an announcement... Today (Friday 17th April) is going to be the last day of the season for Niseko Annupuri. ----- UPDATE AT 6PM: And now Niseko Grand Hirafu have also made an announcement... Sunday (19th April) is going to be the last day of the season for Niseko Grand Hirafu. And therefore the last day of the season. I will post a report tomorrow and my last report on Sunday. ----- ORIGINAL EARLY MORNING REPORT @ 8:12AM: Good morning from Niseko. The sun is out. Blue skies. The mountains are looking beautiful. It is a lovely spring day and we can probably expect fine weather over the weekend too with mild conditions... perhaps wind will be an issue tomorrow. ----- Bit of an announcement from me. I have been wrestling with this for a while now. With everything going on at the moment - since yesterday, there is now a nationwide 'state of emergency' in Japan - it is just feeling increasingly inappropriate posting a report each morning. Various ski areas in Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Yuzawa, etc have all cut their seasons short due to the situation we are in. The Japanese government is asking people to drastically decrease the amount of people contact they have (by 80%), and to cut back on all non-essential outings. Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri remain part open, and for the moment they seem intent on continuing. While I totally realise that it is not for me to instruct anyone else how to go about their daily life or run their business, for me personally it just does not feel right to continue as normal. So regretfully I am going to pull back on my Niseko Now reports. While those two areas remain open, I intend to post a fresh update on Mondays and Fridays. Luckily we are in that last stage of the season when we are settling into spring and so there isn't much to report anyway - so I am thankful for that. I will not miss recording any snowfall and if there are any announcements I will bring them to you. (I will check each morning). If you are disappointed by my decision, I am sorry. I just need to do what I feel is right. Thanks. ----- Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 290cm - Base: 35cm The following lifts are scheduled to be operating: - Hirafu Gondola (* weekends only) - Ace Number 2 quad center four - King Number 3 quad - King Number 4 - The following upper courses are scheduled to be open: - Detour for Beginners - Shirakaba - Center - Large - Holiday - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 35cm The following lifts are scheduled to be operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 3 pair - 8 courses scheduled to be open ----- - The Niseko HANAZONO and Niseko Village areas are now closed for the season. - Night time floodlit operations have closed for the season. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Friday 17th April 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 728cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 85 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 33cm (21st January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 224cm reported on 20 days February 2020 snowfall 143cm reported on 19 days March 2020 snowfall 59cm reported on 12 days April 2020 snowfall 10cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 728cm Posted on Saturday 18th April 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. If you saw my updates yesterday you will know that first up Niseko Annupuri announced that yesterday would be their last day of the season. And then in the evening Niseko Grand Hirafu said that they would be closing at the end of the day on Sunday (19th April). So here I am. This morning we have more blue skies and we will likely have more tomorrow. Wind might be an issue during the day today but Hirafu plans to have their four lifts operating. I will post my final report of the season tomorrow, probably later than usual. See you then. ----- Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 280cm - Base: 35cm The following lifts are scheduled to be operating: - Hirafu Gondola - Ace Number 2 quad center four - King Number 3 quad - King Number 4 - The following upper courses are scheduled to be open: - Detour for Beginners - Shirakaba - Center - Large - Holiday - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic ----- - The Niseko HANAZONO, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas are now closed for the season. - Night time floodlit operations have closed for the season. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 18th April 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 728cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 85 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 33cm (21st January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 224cm reported on 20 days February 2020 snowfall 143cm reported on 19 days March 2020 snowfall 59cm reported on 12 days April 2020 snowfall 10cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 728cm Posted on Sunday 19th April 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. Today is the last day of operations at Niseko Grand Hirafu and therefore all of the ski lifts here in Niseko. Particularly gnarly folk may well continue their adventures, but the official ski season at the ski areas ends at 4:30pm today. It has been a rather sad and sudden - or perhaps not so sudden? - end to the 2019-2020 season. This is the first time I can remember the season not finishing at the end of Golden Week in early May. All for good reason, of course. We end the season with Niseko Grand Hirafu still officially reporting a snow depth of 275cm on their upper slopes. (It’s a different discussion but worth noting that Niseko Annupuri were reporting 150cm on their upper slopes as of last Friday). I find myself with little else to add to what I wrote a few weeks ago in my last monthly wrap up (here) and what I have been posting since then. I suppose to sum up this season, in my humble opinion: - Kind of odd - Flashes of excellence - ...but far from being a classic - Below average (for Niseko) - ...but good compared to lots of Japan - Coronavirus - 728cm of snowfall observed at base - Toast While that final snowfall number might be low for us, I am guessing that many ski areas in the world would love to be able to get that much snow at base. Here’s my final observed snowfall totals for each of the last 8 seasons, for your let’s comparing pleasure. 2019-2020 season: 728cm 2018-2019 season: 951cm 2017-2018 season: 1,260cm 2016-2017 season: 688cm 2015-2016 season: 992cm 2014-2015 season: 1,144cm 2013-2014 season: 1,163cm 2012-2013 season: 1,491cm Remember, my observed numbers are from base – there is more snow up there on the mountain. All of these numbers can be found in the archives. A big otsukaresama deshita to all the good people involved in helping everyone enjoy the winter here in Niseko. There are a lot of them. To the many fine people I met on lifts and chatted with through the season: it was a pleasure. (Even if you didn’t know it was me!) And a big shout-out and respect for my friends at SnowJapan.com for providing this truly wonderful and unique platform. I am not here without them. You can say 'thank you' to them simply by letting other people know about SnowJapan.com. With my decision last Friday I thought that I was going to unfortunately be missing some reports if the ski areas had continued operating. In the end they made their decisions and I have been able to keep to my record of posting every day - a (very) small personal pleasure. I love writing these reports. I love Niseko and Japan. It is disappointing to be finishing the season like this. It is now time for me to fill up on toast and then go into hibernation for about six months. I hope that when I return, there will be much brighter news around the world. That we will all be here and safe and healthy. And that we will be starting to get excited about the prospect of winter 2020-2021. I thank you for reading the Niseko Now reports. See you in November. Bai-bai. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Sunday 19th April 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 728cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 85 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 33cm (21st January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 224cm reported on 20 days February 2020 snowfall 143cm reported on 19 days March 2020 snowfall 59cm reported on 12 days April 2020 snowfall 10cm reported on 3 days Previous report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 439cm Posted on Monday 20th January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Well, I was hoping for (expecting?) more, but we will just have to make do with just about 2cm of fresh snowfall at base this morning. That ain't going to fill in tracks from a busy weekend, so we will have to look forward to upcoming deliveries to do that which will be... heck, I don't know! But hopefully later today so I can bring you a fun report tomorrow. Stronger winds are expected too. Right now it is mostly just cloudy. There is some very light snow still falling in some places (but it is very light indeed). There even seems to be some light blue sky trying to show through the thin cloud in places. All lifts that plan to be 'go', are go. I hope you have a good day. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6.00am: -3°, 2cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: 3.1m/s92 deg ENE, -4.7°. Hirafu 1000m: 1.4m/s 339deg NNW, -7.1°. Hanazono 720m: 0.8m/s 313 deg NW, -4.9°. Niseko Village Mizuno no Sawa 900m: 1.5m/s 7 deg N, -5.9° Coastal data: Benkei Cape:SSE3m/s. Kamui Cape NE2m/s, 1009hPa, wave 0.7m. Warm pre-low pressure snowfall has begun. As the volume increases, a "flow-type" avalanche with an unclear fracture surface is likely to occur, even on a forested 30-degree slope. Be careful around 1000m Osawa and Kozan no Sawa left side forested areas. Following the low pressure, wind will pick up and expect a hard wind slab to develop on leeward slopes. The avalanche risk around 1000m will increase. Accidents are more likely to occur during snowfall. A major avalanche disaster has also occurred in Annapurna Mountains in the Nepal Himalaya. Always be aware of future snowfall trends. Hanazono gate 9 is expected to open today. The left side is a better course to take due to lack of snow. Please use the gate to go to out off bounds areas and listen to the patrols advice. With the low light the snow surface is hard to read. Helmets and beacons are not mandatory but are recommended. Gate openings are yet undecided. Beware of a sudden change in weather. Best to not go too far today. ----- Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 220cm - Base: 85cm All lifts are normally operating EXCEPT: - King Number 2 quad lift (this lift is normally rested) All courses normally open Lifts scheduled for late operations: - Ace Family quad until 8:30pm - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad until 8:20pm - Hirafu Gondola until 8:10pm - Holiday Number 1 pair until 8:30pm ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 145cm - Base: 93cm All lifts are normally operating ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 155cm - Base: 95cm All lifts are normally operating Lift scheduled for late operations: - Jumbo Number 1 quad until 8:30pm ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 165cm - Base: 100cm All lifts normally operating EXCEPT: - Country Road (this lift is normally rested) Lifts scheduled for late operations: - Annupuri Village Gondola until 8:00pm - Village Express until 8:00pm - Banzai Chair until 8:00pm Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Monday 20th January 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 439cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 147cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com