Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 81cm Posted on Saturday 6th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Lovely weather this morning across the region, with more (and milder-still) conditions expected tomorrow. Colder weather is due again around Monday, but doesn't look like it will being much snow with it. We have five ski areas part open this morning, details below. It's very limited still, but enough to get out and enjoy - especially on a morning like this morning. --------------------------------- The below information is checked at the time of report using official sources Currently open ski areas in Shiga Kogen (subject to change): Ichinose Family: Number 2 pair lift A Number 2 pair lift B Official snow depth 40cm Kumanoyu: Number 2 pair lift B Official snow depth 40cm Takamagahara Mammoth: Number 2 triple lift Official snow depth 40cm Yakebitaiyama: Number 2 gondola Official snow depth: 50cm Yokoteyama: Number 1 Sky B lift Number 2 Sky lift Number 4 pair lift Official snow depth 40cm Shiga Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Saturday 6th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 81cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 19cm (on 19th November) November 2025 snowfall 43cm reported on 8 days December 2025 snowfall 38cm 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 Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 189cm Posted on Saturday 6th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Another 10cm to add from base with the ski area reporting 20cm higher up. Light snow was falling yesterday for those lucky enough to get to enjoy the first day. It is a little milder this morning with cloud but we might see some breaks in the cloud today. From what I can find, the ski area appears to be opening all of the main courses and lifts as normal. Quite a feat given how quickly all this snow has appeared. Impressive. Update: looks like the quad lift might be opening late. --------------------------- Scheduled ski area operations: All regular runs open? Tree run courses are not open yet Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): 130cm (top) 100cm (base) Geto Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Saturday 6th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 189cm Number of days snowfall observed 8 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 77cm (on 5th December) November 2025 snowfall 54cm observed on 5 days December 2025 snowfall 135cm observed 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 42cm Posted on Saturday 6th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . What a stunning morning it is. Beautiful. OK so how about some proper info?! Hakuba 47 are going to be 'fully open' today. You can ride top to bottom. Very impressive. You can also now ski from top to bottom at Tsugaike, though not all courses are open over there yet. Goryu has two Alps pair lifts moving today as well as the gondola, but you need to get the gondola back down to base. Happo-one is still limited to just the Panorama area. It's great that I am saying all this and it is still the early part of December. Tomorrow might also bring us fine (and mild) conditions and there is a chance of fresh snow on the mountains on Monday. Later in the week looking good for snow too. All feeling good and positive - may that feeling continue continue! -------------------------------- Ski area information for Saturday 6th December 2025 The information below is manually checked with official sources and updated for every report. All information is subject to change. Check before heading out. ------------ ABLE Hakuba Goryu New snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Top: 1cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 60cm Top: 10cm Planned operations: Gondola Alps Number 1 pair lift Alps Number 3 pair lift Panorama course Grand Prix course ------------ Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park New snowfall (reported as 'todays snowfall' by the ski area): Top: 1cm Base: 0cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 70cm Base: 40cm Planned operations: All of the main runs are available Tree run courses not yet open ------------ Hakuba Happo-one New snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Kurobushi (1680m): 0cm Usagidaira (1400m): 0cm Nakiyama (800m): 0cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Kurobushi (1680m): -cm Usagidaira (1400m): 80cm Nakiyama (800m): -cm Planned operations: Gondola Panorama pair lift Kokusai Number 3 pair lift Panorama course ------------ Tsugaike Mountain Resort Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Upper: 89cm Base: 40cm Planned operations: Gondola Tsuga Number 2 pair lift Han-no-ki pair lift Limited opening but you can ski from top to base Hakuba Now 2025-2026 season Data as Saturday 6th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 42cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 5th December) November 2025 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 40cm 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 Hakuba. 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 30cm Snowfall at base this season 113cm Posted on Saturday 6th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Hello Skiers & Boarders, Well, well, well. Looks like we're starting to have a winter on our hands. Very enjoyable snow falling yesterday, wind blowing it around, cars off the road. All very wintery. For the nitty gritty, it's a fairly heavy snow, so very packable. Perfect for a good base layer, and for snowballs and making snowmen. And the BIG NEWS for today, is that TWO hours after opening today, the resort announced that the A2 run is now open, so skiing/riding down to the base is now possible. Properly long run. Lots of fun. It's supposed to be +5 C tomorrow, so there will be a little damage to the white gold, but I'm guessing it'll hold pretty well. Think snow. --- Ropeway & Lift D 8:30 -- 15:00 *Starting today, you can ski down to the base on run A2. Furano Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Saturday 6th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 113cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (6th December) November 2025 snowfall 45cm reported on 5 days December 2025 snowfall 68cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 71cm Good morning. It's the first weekend of the ski season. We have a lot of cloud around this morning but some glimpses of blue sky in places too. Hopefully a fresh dose of snow will be with us from Monday. There's some more lifts moving this morning along with more course areas available. Please see the list below. (I'll do my best to keep that update and correct each report, using official sources). In particular, today sees the debut of the new 'six pack' gondola at Niseko Grand Hirafu as they open that lift as well as the King Gondola. I hope to go and check it out myself soon. I'm keeping the Niseko Village data off the info list below this morning. They have an upper mountain snow depth of 0cm and new snowfall of 30cm this morning. So, yeah, they aren't in the groove yet. It's early season, I'll give them some slack. (And, is 'WE' wind a thing?! That's what Hirafu is reporting this morning). I'm really hopeful that the ski areas will put some importance on the updating of their info each morning. Not just for me and what I do every morning, but for all of their customers. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base +2℃, cloudy with no new snowfall, snowpack 30cm. Coastal weather: Benkei cape WNW14m/s, Kamui cape SW17m/s. Niseko Hanazono 1000m: SSE12.3m/s, -3.6℃. Dec 6th layer recorded. The upper sky wind is blowing strong, however it hasn’t brought much snow as anticipated. We’ll have to wait for the next Low-pressure to come. The wind speed remains high above 1000m elevation, developing cornices and snowdrifts in some areas. These cornices are highly likely to break. Surface slab avalanches of up to 40cm thickness are to be expected in leeward slopes just under ridgelines. Beware of the groomers’ terrain undulation. The light is flat and the unevenness is hard to see. Be careful not to overspeed and crash. One injury now can ruin your whole season. Have a nice day. ------------------ Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 0cm Base: 3cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 90cm Base: 45cm Lifts: Hanazono Number 1 Hanazono Number 2 quad Hanazono Gondola [to mid-point] Courses: Mango Salad Silver Dream Juicy Fruit Parallel ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 3cm Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 100cm Base: -cm Lifts: Ace Gondola Ace Number 3 pair King Gondola King Number 3 six Courses: Center Junbo Rinkan (lower) ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Lifts: Upper Village Gondola Village Express Community Chair Banzai Chair ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 30cm Base: 20cm Lifts: Dream Number 1 quad Jumbo Number 1 quad Courses: Paradise Junior ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: Number 1 pair Number 2 pair Niseko Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Saturday 6th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 71cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (4th December) November 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 7 days December 2025 snowfall 42cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 19cm Snowfall at base this season 85cm Posted on Saturday 30th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Now this is more like it! Numbers in double digits... I like them better than single digits. (Temperatures are a different matter of course). I have just measured 19cm of lovely fresh snow. As I updated yesterday, Niseko Annupuri is re-opening this morning from 9:00am. As per last week, it is just that bottom course and the Dream quad lift: - 9:00am to 4:00pm - Beginner course only - Dream quad lift operating - 2,500 yen for adult; 1,500 yen for child No word from Niseko Grand Hirafu just yet, though you can imagine that plans of real cunning are currently being thought up! Niseko Village were planning to be able to open from tomorrow, so they are also now on standby. We still have this weekend of somewhat milder conditions expected - we might get some sunshine today and possibly some rain tomorrow - but the forecast for next week is currently looking good for snow. I think it is all going to start happening soon. --- Planned opening dates: Niseko Annupuri The lower beginner course re-opening this morning Niseko Grand Hirafu As soon as there is enough snow Niseko Village Sunday 1st December 2019 Niseko HANAZONO Resort Saturday 7th December 2019 ---- Night time operations will be available at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resorts. That is planned daily between Wednesday 11th December 2019 and Sunday 22nd March 2020. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 30th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 85cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (16th November) November 2019 snowfall 85cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1cm Posted on Friday 8th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello all and good afternoon and welcome back to the Niseko Now reports. Just a quick note today to make note of snowfall down to the village areas here in Niseko. Hurray! It is always exciting to see it arrive, even if it is just a little bit... though we may well see more overnight tonight. I will keep you posted over the coming few weeks as the planned opening dates approach. And here they are... Niseko Annupuri Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Grand Hirafu Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Village Sunday 1st December 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko HANAZONO Resort Saturday 7th December 2019 until early April 2020 ---- Night time operations will be available at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resorts. That is planned daily between Wednesday 11th December 2019 and Sunday 22nd March 2020. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Friday 8th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 1cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 1cm (8th November) November 2019 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day 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 6cm Posted on Friday 15th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hokkaido has been on the receiving end of a very wintery storm and we have some fresh snow. Hurray! We had a bit during the day yesterday and this morning I am measuring 5cm. So while not huge amounts, we once again we have a white covering on the ground. The forecast is still looking good too with snow and winds lined up over the next few days and right now there's some very foggy looking clouds covering the mountain. So I'm feeling very positive about an 'on-time' start to the season next Saturday and can't wait to get out there. That first slide of the season is always special. Niseko Annupuri Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Grand Hirafu Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Village Sunday 1st December 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko HANAZONO Resort Saturday 7th December 2019 until early April 2020 ---- Night time operations will be available at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resorts. That is planned daily between Wednesday 11th December 2019 and Sunday 22nd March 2020. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Friday 15th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 6cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 5cm (15th November) November 2019 snowfall 6cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 951cm Posted on Saturday 27th April 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. And.... it has been snowing! Sort of. It got cold last night and I noticed on the TV reports of snow in places around Hokkaido. The rain here turned into wet snow. This morning down at base there is a (wet) dusting (if you can call it that), and I while there isn't quite 1cm of snow on my measuring point, I think I can just about justify adding 1cm to my reporting this morning. I do think this deserves getting a nod on the records. Executive decisions! This is interesting though - Hirafu have added 15cm to their upper snow depth. I think that requires some investigation! Annupuri have not added any to their official snow depth info. All lifts appear to be opening as planned this morning, including the Hirafu Gondola. Sunshine forecast for tomorrow. --- It's Golden Week and this 10-day holiday this year goes through until the last day of the ski season on Monday 6th May. What's today? >> Today is a normal Saturday. --- Ski resort operation information: Saturday 27th April 2019 Planned resort operations - subject to change due to weather conditions Niseko Grand Hirafu Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be open until Monday 6th May 2019 Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 230cm - Base: 0cm Planned ski lift operations: - Hirafu quad [8:30am - 4:30pm] - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad [8:30am - 4:30pm] - King Number 3 quad [8:40am - 4:30pm] - King Number 4 [8:50am - 4:30pm] Courses that remain open: - Detour for Beginners - Shirakaba - Center - Large - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic * All other courses are closed * You can no longer ride back down to base * Take the Ace Number 2 Center Four quad back to base ----- Niseko Annupuri Niseko Annupuri plans to be open until Monday 6th May 2019 Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 190cm - Base: 30cm Planned ski lift operations: - Annupuri Gondola [8:30am - 4:30pm] - Jumbo Number 1 quad [8:30am - 4:30pm] - Jumbo Number 4 pair [8:45am - 4:30pm] Courses that remain open: - Champion - Utopia - Silver - Shirakaba - S-ji - Paradise - Family - Junior * You can still ride back down to base * The Gondola is also open for 'sightseeing' (ie. without skis or boards) ----- Niseko Village and Niseko HANAZONO areas are now closed for the 2018-2019 season Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Saturday 27th April 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 951cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 94 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (29th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 333cm reported on 26 days January 2019 snowfall 285cm reported on 25 days February 2019 snowfall 198cm reported on 20 days March 2019 snowfall 45cm reported on 12 days April 2019 snowfall 6cm 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 951cm Posted on Saturday 4th May 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. Fine weather for the day yesterday with mostly blue skies, some white clouds at times. More of the same is due today and indeed tomorrow as well, and temperatures at base may reach 20C. Not much wind is forecast so lifts should be moving as planned. Niseko Annupuri couldn't quite keep that lower course open until the end of Golden Week. There's not enough snow left now and so that base course is now closed. Just the Utopia course now remains open and you need to get the Gondola back down to base. Operations at Hirafu appear to be unchanged. Have a good Saturday. --- It is currently 'Golden Week' in Japan. This year GW is a 10 day period until the last day of the ski season on Monday 6th May. What's today? >> Today is Greenery Day (midori no hi) - it is a day to 'commune with nature and to be thankful for blessings'. --- Ski resort operation information: Saturday 4th May 2019 Planned resort operations - subject to change due to weather conditions Niseko Grand Hirafu Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be open until Monday 6th May 2019 Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 185cm - Base: 0cm Planned ski lift operations: - Hirafu quad [8:30am - 4:30pm] - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad [8:30am - 4:30pm] - King Number 3 quad [8:40am - 4:30pm] - King Number 4 [8:50am - 4:30pm] Courses that remain open: - Detour for Beginners - Shirakaba - Center - Large - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic * All other courses are closed * You can no longer ride back down to base, take the lift ----- Niseko Annupuri Niseko Annupuri plans to be open until Monday 6th May 2019 Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 120cm - Base: 20cm Planned ski lift operations: - Annupuri Gondola [8:30am - 4:30pm] - Jumbo Number 3 pair [8:45am - 4:15pm] Courses that remain open: - Utopia * You can no longer ride back down to base, take the Gondola * The Gondola is also open for 'sightseeing' (ie. without skis or boards) ----- Niseko Village and Niseko HANAZONO areas are now closed for the 2018-2019 season Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Saturday 4th May 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 951cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 94 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (29th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 333cm reported on 26 days January 2019 snowfall 285cm reported on 25 days February 2019 snowfall 198cm reported on 20 days March 2019 snowfall 45cm reported on 12 days April 2019 snowfall 6cm reported on 3 days May 2019 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 951cm Posted on Monday 6th May 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. It's Monday 6th May and today is the last day of the official ski season here in the Niseko area - Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri remain part open until this afternoon. It is an overcast kind of morning with some sunshine and a bit of a southerly wind - at the start of the day the top King lift at Hirafu is on hold. We are forecast some rain later in the day but it might only start after the last lifts close for the day. A look back at the 2018-2019 season: Regular readers will know that during the winter season I add a ‘monthly review’ post at the beginning of each month. I will keep this final wrap up relatively short because those monthly reports pretty much cover the story of the season. As the 2018-2019 season closes, here is the snowfall that I have measured near the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu over the last six seasons over the month of April: April 2019: 6cm April 2018: 13cm April 2017: 0cm April 2016: 6cm April 2015: 3cm April 2014: 13cm April 2013: 32cm Fresh snow in the month of April always feels like a surprise bonus and this season was no different. It’s always fun to see fresh snow but in such small amounts it doesn’t really make much of a difference. On the last day of the season last year, the official snow depth on the upper slopes of Niseko Grand Hirafu was 255cm. Today it is 160cm. Observed snowfall at base for the 2018-2019 season (total): 18/19 season total: 951cm 17/18 season total: 1260cm 16/17 season total: 688cm 15/16 season total: 992cm 14/15 season total: 1144cm 13/14 season total: 1163cm 12/13 season total: 1493cm So, we end the 2018/2019 season with me observing about 9.5m of snowfall nearby Hirafu base. That is about 3m less than I observed over the 2017/2018 season; about 3m more than I observed over the 2016/2017 season and similar to what I observed over the 2015/2016 season. Remember, all numbers coming to you from the same spot. While that number is of course very interesting, what is more important than just the number is how and when all that snow fell over the season. The tap seemingly being turned off around mid-February this year springs to mind as being one of the big talking points, and that may well provide food-for-thought for people thinking about a spring trip next year. But of course, you really never know; there's every chance we could enjoy really good consistent snowfall next year through March. Muzukashii desu ne! So again, please do check out my monthly reviews and the Snowfall Analysis page and archive reports to dig deeper into the season and past seasons. As another bit of data, here is what the Japan Meteorological Agency reported from their observation station in Kutchan town: April 2019: 16cm April 2018: 25cm April 2017: 4cm April 2016: 18cm April 2015: 3cm April 2014: 24cm April 2013: 27cm 18/19 season total: 883cm 17/18 season total: 1038cm 16/17 season total: 835cm 15/16 season total: 841cm 14/15 season total: 969cm 13/14 season total: 946cm 12/13 season total: 1051cm --- Anyway, that’s it from me for now. As much as I love my Niseko Now duties, it has been a very long season and I am looking forward to a bit of a rest. I will soon be entering my summer hibernation mode but I plan to be back here in November, hopefully totally refreshed and hungry for more. And I promise you that next year I will once again keep my reporting real and honest, and the Niseko Now reports will be a strictly 'no cheese' zone. (As much as I like cheese, I'll keep it firmly out of the reports and either put it on my toast or make a sandwich or something). I sincerely hope that you enjoyed reading my reports this season. I did my best - cue determined look and clenched fist to convey said determination! - and I am once again happy that I was able to manage a report every day since the lifts started moving right through until today. Please note that unfortunately I will not be able to answer any specific questions (whether they are about Niseko or toast-related); but I really do appreciate reading any feedback and I thank anyone in advance for sending in comments. Take care. Thank you. And see you in November. Bai-bai. Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Monday 6th May 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 951cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 94 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (29th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 333cm reported on 26 days January 2019 snowfall 285cm reported on 25 days February 2019 snowfall 198cm reported on 20 days March 2019 snowfall 45cm reported on 12 days April 2019 snowfall 6cm reported on 3 days May 2019 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 950cm Posted on Saturday 6th April 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have some fresh snow to report this morning. Just a bit, but enough to whiten over some of the more 'used-looking' snow close to base. Lots of cloud around at the moment but we may get some sunshine later on in the day. Mostly cloudy conditions yesterday and this morning there is still a lot of cloud around the mountain but some blue sky and the sun shining through too off to the east. We might enjoy some periods of sunshine over the next few days. Can I just mention that I did actually go back to update that report that I made on 3rd when I was over in Hakodate (nice place). Niseko Grand Hirafu was reporting an impressive 20cm of fresh snow on the upper slopes that morning and I must admit to being a bit miffed that I missed that and couldn't get to enjoy it. It will be interesting to see how much there might be on higher slopes this morning... --- Last two days of the season for Hanazono and Village! --- Ski resort operation information: Saturday 6th April 2019 Subject to change due to weather conditions Niseko Grand Hirafu Plans to be open until Monday 6th May 2019 Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 330cm - Base: 100cm Ski lifts operation news: - Plans to be open until Monday 6th May ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Plans to be open until Sunday 7th April 2019 Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 230cm - Base: 145cm Ski lifts operation news: - Plans to be open until Sunday 7th April ----- Niseko Annupuri Plans to be open until Monday 6th May 2019 Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 250cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operation news: - Plans to be open until Monday 6th May ----- Niseko Village Plans to be open until Sunday 7th April 2019 Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 250cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operation news: - Plans to be open until Sunday 7th April Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Saturday 6th April 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 950cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 93 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (29th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 333cm reported on 26 days January 2019 snowfall 285cm reported on 25 days February 2019 snowfall 198cm reported on 20 days March 2019 snowfall 45cm reported on 12 days April 2019 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