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

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 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 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