Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 47cm Posted on Friday 5th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Quick one to keep track of the snowfall... Sunshine is forecast for the weekend. And the next snow beyond that due around Tuesday. Come on! Planned opening dates: Madarao: Saturday 13th December Tangram Ski Circus: Saturday 20th December Madarao Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Friday 5th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 47cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 26cm (on 19th November) November 2025 snowfall 26cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 21cm 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 Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 76cm Posted on Friday 5th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good snowy news once again this morning as the early season shapes up nicely - for now, anyway. (Don't want to jinx it!) Today the Takamagahara Mammoth and Ichinose Family ski areas are going to be part open and join in the fun. With Yokoteyama and Kumanoyu both also part open, there are now 4 different ski areas in Shiga Kogen part open. Yakebitaiyama is also planning on being part open from tomorrow. And the Opening Festival will be held at Ichinose Family tomorrow. A whirlwind of activity! Full details of what is open tomorrow once things calm down... we expect clearer skies and sunshine over the weekend. Shiga Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Friday 5th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 76cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 19cm (on 19th November) November 2025 snowfall 43cm reported on 8 days December 2025 snowfall 33cm 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 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 77cm Snowfall at base this season 179cm Posted on Friday 5th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Wow. Good morning from an extremely snowy Geto Kogen. The last few days have been a bit mad. We've gone from hardly any snow at all, to over 2cm of snow being reported by the ski area up top (on their social media; the website says 100cm, but maybe that is not updated yet). Whatever, a lot of snow all of a sudden. And it is due to continue until this evening. And today is the start of the ski season here. Limited to start off, but with all this snow I would imagine other areas opening up pretty quickly. Very nice. --------------------------- Scheduled ski area operations: Number 1 Gondola A1 course Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): 100cm (top) 80cm (base) Geto Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Friday 5th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 179cm Number of days snowfall observed 7 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 77cm (on 5th December) November 2025 snowfall 54cm observed on 5 days December 2025 snowfall 125cm observed 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 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 70cm Good morning from Niseko. All sorts going on at the moment now that snow has arrived, but the main thing is that all five of the ski areas on the mountain are now part open from this morning. By that I mean all four of the Niseko United ski-jo plus Niseko Moiwa over to the west. I will be checking details every morning from now on, and adjusting the list below as necessary. Operations are very limited at this stage, so keep that in mind. A curious set of numbers from the ski areas as of 8:30am. Hirafu is claiming 120cm snow depth up top (nice!), but Annupuri a paltry 30cm. Let's give them time to bed in and get used to operations again. (I know the feeling). It is snowing lightly at the moment, but visibility seems fairly decent. Where I am anyway. It looks like there are rather a lot of people lining up for the base lift at Hanazono. The next snowfall of any significance seems to be due early week. Yesterday I shared some stats regarding how much snow had fallen by 4th December over the last decade or so. I thought it was nerdy stuff that might only interest me and a few other people, but it seems to have been interesting to quite a few of you. I'm glad I put it together. This season I will again be doing a monthly round-up again at the beginning of each month to keep an eye on how the season is developing. Anyway, if you were naughty and missed my report yesterday, you can find it here. ------------------------------------ Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 14cm Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 95cm Base: 55cm Lifts: Hanazono Number 1 Hanazono Number 2 quad Hanazono Gondola [to mid-point] Courses: Mango Salad Silver Dream Juicy Fruit ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 20cm Base: - Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 120cm Base: -cm Lifts: Ace Gondola Ace Number 3 pair Courses: Ace Gondola Ace Number 3 pair ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: ?cm Base: 15cm Lifts: Upper Village Gondola Village Express Community Chair ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 30cm Base: 40cm Lifts: Dream Number 1 quad ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: Number 2 pair lift Niseko Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Friday 5th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 70cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (4th December) November 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 7 days December 2025 snowfall 41cm 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 72cm Posted on Friday 5th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Just a quick pre-season note to keep our snow depths ongoing. It did snow through the day, and very lightly now, but we only got about 17cm of new. Good start to the month, though! Everyone got to try out their snowthrower (“Peter”, in the local slang, although I have no reason why). Mine started the year with a broken tensioning spring, so no hydraulics for a bit until the repairman came. Brand new last year (there’s always something to repair in snow country). Not going to belabor it much more, but I leave you with a much better photo of dog loving the snow (well, throwing some branch while running madly in the snow). It is fun to see; she goes just crazy running around in the snow. Like us. --- Resort opening schedule: Akakura Kanko: December 19 Akakura Onsen: December 13 Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick December 13 Myoko Suginohara: December 13 Kyukamura RunRun: December 20 Seki Onsen: December 23 Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort: December 20 Madarao Mountain Resort: December 13 Lotte Arai Resort: December 13 Kurohime Kogen Snow Park: December 24 (? Not entirely clear from website) Myoko Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Friday 5th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 72cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (on 21st November) November 2025 snowfall 35cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 37cm 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 Myoko. 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 36cm Posted on Friday 5th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Hello from Nozawa Onsen. We still have snowy skies over the region, but not a huge amount of fresh to report since yesterday. The ski area itself is reporting 12cm of fresh to give a snow depth of 60cm up at Yamabiko. All being well, we will get some more during the day today. Over the weekend we are expecting sunny skies and a return to milder conditions, with the next snow due by Tuesday. Fingers crossed it won't warm up too much. Anyway, the ski area is planning on opening up Uenotaira today so operations are gradually expanding. ------------------------------ Fresh snowfall since yesterday morning (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 12cm Uenotaira: -cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 60cm Uenotaira: -cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Lifts operating: Nagasaka Gondola (8:30am-3:30pm; last one down at 4:00pm) Yamabiko Four quad lift Yamabiko Number 2 Four quad lift Uenotaira Four quad lift Courses available: Yamabiko A Yamabiko B Yamabiko C Yamabiko D Yamabiko E Uenotaira (open once prepared) Notes: You need to get the gondola up to (and back down from) the open ski runs. All base areas are closed. Information on the ski area: Nozawa Onsen Nozawa Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Friday 5th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 36cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 4th December) November 2025 snowfall 15cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 21cm 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 Nozawa Onsen. 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 39cm Posted on Friday 5th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Hello from Hakuba. It's all go here today! In a good way. Snow is coming down nicely now and we should have it for the day. Sun is forecast over the weekend. Should be fun! Tsugaike reporting 40cm of snowfall since yesterday and has of course been open for a few days already. After suddenly opening yesterday mid-morning, ABLE Hakuba Goryu opened from 8:15am this morning. Hakuba Happo-one plans to open from 11am this morning. Hakuba 47 will also open from around noon today - and offering a fair amount of terrain, as well. Official information is still rather scattered, and so I've decided not to post a list (it might be out of date / incorrect as soon as it is posted). The full details of operations will be in the report very soon. Anyway, exciting times, once again. Let's hope we have another great start to the ski season. For the moment, though, I have a few personal thoughts that are a bit less exciting... -------------------------------- Yesterday morning, Hakuba Goryu ski area suddenly announced that it would open at 10:30am (yesterday morning). The top Panorama course did indeed open, via the gondola and serviced by the Alps Number 1 lift. Great and exciting news, of course! Traditionally, ski areas have offered some cheap tickets early on when operations are limited. They often pitch it as a 'thank you', to celebrate opening. But to ‘celebrate’ what the ski area is calling a ‘special season’ (55th anniversary), rather than making some kind of attractive price for a very limited opening, they are actually asking people to pay 8,500 yen. *** checking details *** • One 850m long ski run (and with natural snow) • Open from 10:30am until 3:45pm • For 8,500 yen I can’t not comment on this. When I first saw it, I thought it was a joke. Sadly, it’s not. I am still struggling for words (that I can say in public), but this just seems so very... out of touch. I’m confident that any Japanese person seeing that price will be surprised and shocked - and perhaps have a few other feelings, too. I know all the arguments about foreign visitors thinking Japanese ski areas are relatively cheap, but it’s as if some popular ski areas are now completely ignoring the local domestic market - and slapping them in the face if they turn up. I can’t help but think that is not a good/wise idea. And don’t get me started on their charge for night skiing this season - 6,500 yen. As a quick comparison, I have just had a look back at my guidebook from the 2022-2023 season. A full 1-day lift ticket in peak season at Hakuba Goryu three years ago was 5,500 yen, and a night skiing ticket was 2,700 yen. It’s really no wonder there are increasingly loud disgruntled voices within Japan about how everything ‘inbound’ is pushing up prices and making life more difficult for locals. While the political rhetoric that has surfaced this year saddens and disappoints me on many levels, I can sometimes see where the feelings are coming from. I spent much of yesterday wondering if I’m over-reacting, but some chats with some Japanese friends (here in Hakuba and beyond), suggested I’m not. Sorry for the early season rant, but it felt necessary. Back to being excited. (I should mention that a 500 yen deposit is apparently included in the charges). Hakuba Now 2025-2026 season Data as Friday 5th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 39cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 5th December) November 2025 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 37cm 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 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 83cm Posted on Friday 5th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Good morning skiers and boarders, Nice and cold and a bit of new snow, what more could you ask for? Well, more snow obviously, but we'll take this. Building up the base. It's supposed to snow most of the day here, so that's even better news. **Just to make sure everybody knows, the Furano Quad lift that was down most of last season and wreaked havoc has been fully repaired and is scheduled to open in late December, as per usual. Think snow. --- Ropeway, Lift D 8:30 -- 15:00 * Cannot ski to base. Ride Ropeway down. Furano Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Friday 5th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 83cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (18th November) November 2025 snowfall 45cm reported on 5 days December 2025 snowfall 38cm 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 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 417cm Posted on Monday 31st December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So here we are on the last day of 2018 and a further 11cm of fresh snowfall to add to my report - I suspect there will be considerably more than that up on the mountain today. Some lifts were closed yesterday due to the blizzardy weather conditions but things look much calmer this morning. What a lovely morning to end the year. The sun is out and there are blue skies with just a few small clouds hanging around here and there. There are lots of people lining up to get the first lift of the day... come on, give us a wave! I predict that you are going to have a very good day. As this is the last report of 2018, I see that my total observed snowfall for the month is 333cm and the total observed snowfall for the season so far is 417cm. I'll be sitting down with some toast and coffee over the next few days and will post my thoughts and in-depth scientific expert analysis on the season so far in a report later this week. ;) There will be all sorts of events going on today and tonight to celebrate the new year. Don't forget, the bars all close at 9:30pm tonight. . . . . . . . (I'm just kidding!!) Look out for some 'torchlight skiing' at 11:30pm - close to the King Number 1 pair lift at Hirafu. You can maybe practice counting down numbers in Japanese. Or, I wonder if they do it in English? I have not been to that for a while! Answers on a postcard please. Anyway, fireworks at 20 past midnight. Similar events are happening at Niseko Annupuri (fireworks and torchlit skiing) and Niseko Village (fireworks) - if you are here, please ask your accommodation folks and they will surely give you the details. For those without a screaming headache tomorrow morning, how about getting the Gondola at Niseko Annupuri at 7:20am? It's open from then until 8:20am - a special lift ticket costing 1,500 yen is necessary to use that service. The Niseko Gondola (at Niseko Village) will also be running on 1st January from 6:30am - that costs 1,400 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children. I hope you all have a good day today and I will see you on the other side. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -3.5℃, 40cm snowfall in 24 hours, 5cm in the last 12 hours. Moiwa800m: -6℃, good visibility, 60cm of wind-affected snow and 180cm cornices have developed in the past 24hours. Notable snowdrifts developments are present in Mikaeri. Visibility is good. 170cm snow depth at Annupuri1120m. Niseko Village1000m: -8.61℃, light breeze, clear sky, 16cm snowfall in 24hours. Hirafu peak1250m: -7℃, light wind, good visibility, 100cm snowdrifts in 24hours. Coastal data Benkei cape: N9m/s, Kamui cape: E2m/s, 1027hPa, 3.1m waves. Kutchan Weather Station: snow depth 120cm. The isobars are spreading out, warm air is flowing into the sea of Japan and mountain weather is calm. The past storm have left very large development of snowdrifts and cornices, up to 100cm thickness in some places. The snow at 800m elevation is starting to stabilize, however 80cm slab avalanches are still likely to occur. Prominent weak layer is Dec 30th depth hoar layer. The avalanche hazard level is still high in 900m south facing slopes, 1000m O-sawa & Backbowl cornice slopes. Better not drop into steep faces carelessly. Collapsing large cornices’ weight is equivalent to a fully-loaded bus. The snow in the tree runs are amazing, however creeks are yet to be buried. Beware of holes. Listen to the ski patrol’s instructions at the gates and be prepared for the backcountry. Prudency is key to live and enjoy another day. Have a great day. --- Ski resort operation information: Monday 31st December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Subject to change! Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 260cm - Base: 115cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart from Ace Number 4 pair lift are normally operating - The Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm), Ace Center 4 quad (8:20pm), Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) and Holiday Number 1 pair (until 8:30pm) lifts are normally open during the evening - The Center Four lift will be open early between 7th-31st January 2019 (more details soon - when I can find them!) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 195cm - Base: 137cm Ski lifts operating: - All Hanazono lifts are normally operating - The Hanazono lifts are normally open until 3:30pm Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All official courses are now available ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 220cm - Base: 110cm Ski lifts operating: - All Annupuri lifts are normally operating - The Jumbo 1 lift is normally open until 8:30pm during the evening - Annupuri First run from 7:20am until 8:20am on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 12th, 13th, 14th January. (1,500 yen charge) ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 230cm - Base: 130cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart from the Country Road Chair are normally operating - The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are normally open until 8:00pm during the evening Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Monday 31st December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 417cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 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 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 17cm Snowfall at base this season 406cm Posted on Sunday 30th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There are just two more days left in 2018 - they're really flying by aren't they. I hope I'm not boring you with news of fresh snowfall every day - today I am measuring 17cm. Right now the snow seems to be easing off and there are even signs that there might be a few breaks in the cloud. Or maybe not. The forecasts show snow clouds generally remaining over the region. As you might notice below it looks like Gate 6 is going to be opening along with gates 2 and 3 from 1st January. I'm not feeling particularly wordy this morning, so let's leave it at that for today and enjoy the excellent conditions that we have right now. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Mountain Base 6.00am: -7°, 10cm new snow in the last 12 hrs, calm. Moiwa 800m: -10°, NW8m/s, 40cm new snow in last 24hrs, snowdrift development. Mikaeri Weather Station: snow depth 210cm. Niseko Village Mizuno no Sawa 1000m: -10.12°, 21cm new snow in last 12 hrs. Hirafu Ridgeline: -12°, NW10m/s, snow drift development. Kutchan Weather Station: snow depth 103cm. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW13m/s. Kamui Cape: NNE9m/s, 1003hPa, wave 3.0m. The atmospheric pressure gradient is shallow and the snow wind is calming down. The western Mikaeri area has received quite a lot of snow and snowdrift development. Yesterdays tracks are mostly buried. From observation the avalanche risk is dropping, however be careful around knolls and on cornice slopes. The risk of avalanche from a deep layer continues. Please do not enter strictly off limits areas like Haru no Taki. Gate 6 is expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice and prepare before entering out of bounds areas. Preparations are being made to open peak gates 2 & 3 on New Years Day. Do not duck ropes to enter Kozan no sawa, Osawa or Fujiwara no sawa. Niseko protects your freedom to ride out of bounds, but at the same time is seriously concerned with your safety, please respect and follow Niseko Rules. The snow in the trees is good. Watch for a sudden change in the weather. Have a good day. --- Ski resort operation information: Sunday 30th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Subject to change! Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 260cm - Base: 130cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart from Ace Number 4 pair lift are normally operating - The Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm), Ace Center 4 quad (8:20pm), Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) and Holiday Number 1 pair (until 8:30pm) lifts are normally open during the evening Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 186cm - Base: 137cm Ski lifts operating: - All Hanazono lifts are normally operating - The Hanazono lifts are normally open until 3:30pm Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All official courses are now available ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 200cm - Base: 110cm Ski lifts operating: - All Annupuri lifts are normally operating - The Jumbo 1 lift is normally open until 8:30pm during the evening ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 220cm - Base: 120cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart from the Country Road Chair are normally operating - The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are normally open until 8:00pm during the evening Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Sunday 30th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 406cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (29th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 322cm reported on 25 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 32cm Snowfall at base this season 389cm Posted on Saturday 29th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here My oh my! It has been snowing pretty much since I last wrote my report yesterday and I have 32cm of fresh snowfall on the ground to report to you - with more on the way. The Avalanche Report is reporting 50cm. Loads of lovely fresh snow. Wind affected some lifts during the day yesterday - including the Niseko Gondola at Niseko Village at times - and today wind may well play a part in proceedings. We are starting the day with all planned lifts moving though. I have also noticed that Niseko Grand Hirafu have their King Number 2 quad moving... probably to cope with the busy New Year period. Without wanting to sound like a cheesy marketing brochure, it really is going to be deep out - and real care is needed. (Both on and off the slopes!) This kind of snowfall can get somewhat overwhelming and it is of course natural to get super excited about it all, but it brings its own dangers. So please do take care whilst enjoying it all. --- Even knowing all of the reasons why official snow depths don't reflect exact how much snow has fallen (compression, grooming, etc), the official base snow depth numbers do seem rather low. But hey, they're just numbers again! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Mountain Base 6.00am: -7°, 50cm new snow in the last 24 hrs, fine. Moiwa 800m: -12°, NNW10m/s, 50cm new snow, snowdrift and cornice development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NNW14m/s. Kamui Cape: WSW10m/s, 1006hPa, wave 3.4m. Niseko Village Mizuno no Sawa 1000m: -11.32°, WNW10.8m/s(max). Hirafu Peak inaccessible due to deep snow, -14°, N10m/s. Annupuri 1120m: snow depth 160cm. Kutchan Weather Station: snow depth 103cm. The isobars are moving further apart and lots of snow has fallen. Due to the strong wind the snow deposition has been inconsistent and is fracturing in the upper 40cm. There is about 100cm of new snow over the Dec 27th layer which is slowly compacting to form slabs. Avalanche risk on steep south facing slopes and knolls is especially high due to solar radiation. Do not enter strictly off limits areas like Yuno Sawa and Haru no Taki. Please respect Niseko Rules. The snow in the trees is good but it is very deep. Don't go too far from the resorts, you might not be able to get back. Do not stand on cornices, if the falls it will be big. Have a good day. --- Ski resort operation information: Saturday 29th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Subject to change! Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 255cm - Base: 125cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart from Ace Number 4 pair lift are normally operating - The Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm), Ace Center 4 quad (8:20pm), Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) and Holiday Number 1 pair (until 8:30pm) lifts are normally open during the evening Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 165cm - Base: 135cm Ski lifts operating: - All Hanazono lifts are normally operating - The Hanazono lifts are normally open until 3:30pm Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All official courses are now available ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 200cm - Base: 110cm Ski lifts operating: - All Annupuri lifts are normally operating - The Jumbo 1 lift is normally open until 8:30pm during the evening ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 210cm - Base: 110cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart from the Country Road Chair are normally operating - The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are normally open until 8:00pm during the evening Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Saturday 29th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 389cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (29th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 305cm reported on 24 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 26cm Snowfall at base this season 357cm Posted on Friday 28th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here And a very good morning to you all from here in Niseko. Not wanting to lose out to areas of Honshu that finally seem to be getting dumped on - very pleased to see that - I can add another 26cm of fresh snow from here by my Hirafu base. And to think, there'll be more than that higher up on the mountain. Snow conditions should be excellent this morning. It is also very cold and rather windy - be prepared - and with limited visibility, know where you're going. Now that Christmas is over and Santa has enjoyed his last piece of toast before moving on, New Year is the next big holiday. In Japan, of course, New Year is a much bigger event than Christmas and with the many visitors from overseas it is going to be very busy. With regular fresh top-ups of snow on the forecast into next week, we are going to end the year in style. With the 26cm from today, my total observed snowfall for the month of December 2018 goes up to 273cm and the total for the season so far up to 357cm. Last season by the end of December I had observed a Niseko-tastic 594cm for the season so far. While that is out of reach, perhaps we can beat my observed December 2017 snowfall of 406cm. 49cm in the last three reports of the year? Very possible. I know, I know, it's just a number - but I like looking at the numbers. So let me have my fun! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Mountain Base 6.00am: -10°, 20cm new snow in the last 12 hrs, snowdrift development, mild blizzard. Moiwa 800m: -13°, 50cm snowdrift and cornice development. Hirafu Peak -16°, N16m/s, 30cm wind packed snow. Niseko Village Mizuno no Sawa -14°, NW16.9m/s, cornice and snow drift development. Kutchan Weather Station snow depth 94cm, -8.4°. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: N17m/s. Kamui Cape: NW13m/s, 1003hPa, wave 3.1m. A snow wind continues above 800m with unstable cornice and snowdrift development. Knolls under ridgelines and open 40deg slopes, the avalanche risk is high. From observation at 800m Moiwa Bowl, there is major cornice growth fracturing at up to 100cm depth. Do not stimulate cornices or knolls or ride and wait in the valley bottom. Snow is good in the trees, deep and heavy. Always be aware of risks when riding. Avalanches hit you from behind. Gate openings are not yet decided. Please listen to the patrols advice. With care you can avoid accidents. Do not enter Haru no Taki, even by mistake. Beware frostbite. Have a good day. --- Ski resort operation information: Friday 28th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Subject to change! ** SOME LIFTS AFFECTED BY WIND EARLY THIS MORNING - SEE ABOVE ** Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 230cm - Base: 160cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart from Ace Number 4 pair lift and King Number 2 quad lifts are normally operating - The Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm), Ace Center 4 quad (8:20pm), Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) and Holiday Number 1 pair (until 8:30pm) lifts are normally open during the evening Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 96cm Ski lifts operating: - All Hanazono lifts are normally operating - The Hanazono lifts are normally open until 3:30pm Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All official courses are now available ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 180cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - All Annupuri lifts are normally operating - The Jumbo 1 lift is normally open until 8:30pm during the evening ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 190cm - Base: 100cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart from Morino Chair and Country Road Chair are normally operating - The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are normally open until 8:00pm during the evening Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Friday 28th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 357cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 26cm (28th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 273cm reported on 23 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