Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 293cm Posted on Saturday 22nd December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Actually rather pleased to be able to report 9cm of fresh snowfall on the ground from overnight. The big news is that from this morning the top lifts at Niseko Annupuri and Niseko Village, as well as the top King Number 4 lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu, are open. (Ace Number 4 pair lift not yet). Hurray! And it looks to me like pretty much all courses are now open and available. It's always great to be able to say that. (Though please note that top gates are not). And once we get past this rather mild weekend, there's lots more snow lined up in the coming week. Still, like today, mild in Niseko sometimes means that it is snowing. Yes, I really love being here. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -1℃, 15cm snowfall in 12 hours, snowing. Moiwa 800m: -2℃, light breeze, 20cm snowfall, snowing and 500m visibility. Mikaeri junction 750m: -2℃, W5m/s, 20cm snowfall, 190cm snowpack, no snowdrift development and snowing. Coastal data Bekei cape: SW3m/s, Kamui cape: SSW7m/s, 1017hPa, 0.7m waves. Hirafu ridgeline 1250m: -3℃, 15cm snowfall, light wind. Annupuri 1000m: 180cm snowpack, light wind and calm. The isobars are spread out and the mountain/ocean weather is calm. A small low-pressure system delivered a bit of snowfall overnight. The mountain is blanketed in new snow and this layer will form a prominent Dec 22nd layer in the future snowpack. The general avalanche risk low for today. The peak chairs will start operating from today. The snowpack is still shallow. Some rocks are still to be expected on-piste above 1000m. Bushes are also still present in 900m elevation areas. Please use caution. Access gates and the peak is yet to open, but is in working process. Please allow a little more time. Remember that the Niseko Rules are key to keep the freedom and safety of Niseko’s out of bounds riding. Please refrain from ducking ropes to go out of bounds. The groomers’ condition is really good. Respect the Rules and have a great day. Pray for snow! --- Ski resort operation information: Saturday 22nd December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 200cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart from Ace Number 4 pair lift and King Number 2 quad lifts are operating Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 133cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - All Hanazono lifts are operating Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All courses ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 170cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts planned to be operating ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 170cm - Base: 95cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart from Morino Chair and Country Road Chair operating Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Saturday 22nd December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 293cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November and 14th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 209cm reported on 18 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 284cm Posted on Thursday 20th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning everyone from secret base here by Hirafu. It was rather windy yesterday - when I last checked the Annupuri Gondola was on hold as well as their top lift with the Niseko Gondola and top Hanazono lifts also running at reduced speed. And it looks like the Annupuri Gondola is on hold again at the start of the day today There's 8cm of fresh snowfall on the ground this morning and it looks nicer quality than what I reported yesterday. Just a quick word on that --- when I give an opinion about 'snow quality', I'm thinking purely of the Niseko scale. By that, I mean that I am not comparing the snow to the quality of snow you might expect in Australia or Canada or Austria or indeed anywhere else. I'm comparing it to what I have come to expect and experience here in Niseko. Often times I hear people say things along the lines of 'even relatively poor snow quality in Niseko is better than the best snow in *Insert other resort/country here*'. Which may well be true, BUT that's not my comparison. Hope that makes sense. It is colder this morning too and feels it. Fairly calm conditions are expected now through the weekend so we probably can't expect much in terms of fresh snowfall over the next few reports. It does seem that Japan is going to generally see some milder conditions, hopefully before taking a drop back down again early week. Busy becomes busier every day now it seems. Lots of people coming here for their Christmas holidays. And I hope that you all have a very jolly good one. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6.00am: -5°, 15cm new snowfall in the last 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: 5am -6°, NW10m/s, cornice and snowdrift development, 15cm new snowfall in the last 12 hrs. Mikaeri Ridge N10m/s, snow depth 120cm. Annupuri 1000m 2pm yesterday: -7°, S23m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NNW15m/s. Kamui Cape: W10m/s, 1012hPa, wave 3.5m. The atmospheric pressure gradient is starting to flatten and the blizzard is calming. Snow wind over the last 24hrs has caused snowdrift and cornice development. From 5am observation Moiwa peak, 800m, snowdrifts are fracturing on a definite layer and cornices are breaking easily. Kozan no sawa south face 1000m and Osawa 1000m, avalanche risk is high this morning. Although only a small amount of snow has fallen, cornices are breaking easily which could trigger an avalanche on steeper slopes below. Take care. The snow in the trees is good but still shallow. Be careful falling into creeks, the water is cold. Out of bounds area are still not ready for riding. Don't over estimate your skills, knowledge or equipment. This can cause accidents. Please respect Niseko Rules. --- Ski resort operation information: Thursday 20th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 200cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm) - Ace Number 2 Center Four (until 8:20pm) - Ace Number 3 pair (until 3:30pm) - Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) - Holiday Number 1 Pair (until 8:30pm) - King Number 3 quad (until 3:30pm) - Swinging Monkey (until 3:00pm) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 140cm - Base: 97cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 2 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 3 quad (until 3:00pm) Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All courses apart from the below courses are now open - Large - Dynamic ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 170cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola (until 3:15pm) ** ON HOLD AT START OF DAY ** - Dream Number 1 quad (until 5:30pm) - Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 8:30pm) - Jumbo Number 2 pair (until 3:15pm) - Jumbo Number 3 pair (until 3:15pm) Courses: - Utopia - Silver - Shirakaba - Paradise - Family - Junior - Dynamic ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 170cm - Base: 95cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola (until 3:00pm) - Upper Village Gondola (until 8:00pm) - Village Express (until 8:00pm) - Community Chair (until 4:30pm) - Banzai Chair (until 8:00pm) Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Thursday 20th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 284cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November and 14th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 200cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 276cm Posted on Wednesday 19th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some decent snowfall yesterday during the day, but it eased off overnight. Sounded like it was quite windy out there. The result - I am measuring 12cm of snow this morning. Again, not the best quality - bit on the wet side - but we're happy to have the snow continue coming in. It looks like Japan is going to be experiencing some warmer conditions as the weekend approaches. For us that means that temps might creep just over the zero level and hopefully not much more than that. There's still fairly regular snowfall lined up though. I have to post my report before the lifts open this morning; fairly strong westerly winds may be a factor today. Oh yes, the Miharashi course is open at Niseko Grand Hirafu from this morning - so just the top area remaining closed there now. --- Rudolph just got in touch to let me know that Santa-san will be on the slopes of Niseko Grand Hirafu on 23rd and 24th December. And he will even be giving out small presents to people he meets on the slopes. He is also going to be making time to be on the slopes over at Niseko Annupuri as well, on the 24th and 25th. Also complete with presents for children. Not exactly sure how he'll work out the split on the 24th, but... what a gent! Unconfirmed if he will also make an appearance at the other areas, but I suspect there is a chance that he might. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6.00am: -3°, 10cm wet heavy snow with a little hail and wind overnight. Moiwa 800m: -4°, E10m/s, 20cm new snowdrift development. Hirafu 1000m strong NE wind, 10cm new snow, some snowdrift development within the ski area. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: WNW17m/s. Kamui Cape: WSW14m/s, 1007hPa, wave 2.9m. The atmospheric pressure gradient is steep over the Sea of Japan, with a high pressure south and low pressure north of here. Coastal temperatures are high. A strong westerly snow wind, around 20m/s, persists above 1100m causing cornice and snow drift development on leeward slopes. The avalanche risk is high above 1200m under leeward knolls and ridge lines. Mikaeri 800m the snow depth is 120cm but bamboo and bushes are still showing through. Many avalanche accidents by stimulating thick, heavy wind slabs that have developed rapidly during blizzard conditions. Take care on steep slopes where your ski or board does not float. There is good but heavy snow in the forest. Be careful crashing into trees though. Don't duck the ropes. The out of bounds areas are still not ready to ride. Have a good day. --- Ski resort operation information: Wednesday 19th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 195cm - Base: 95cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm) - Ace Number 2 Center Four (until 8:20pm) - Ace Number 3 pair (until 3:30pm) - Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) - Holiday Number 1 Pair (until 8:30pm) - King Number 3 quad (until 3:30pm) - Swinging Monkey (until 3:00pm) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 135cm - Base: 95cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 2 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 3 quad (until 3:00pm) Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All courses apart from the below courses are now open - Large - Dynamic ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 160cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola (until 3:15pm) - Dream Number 1 quad (until 5:30pm) - Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 8:30pm) - Jumbo Number 2 pair (until 3:15pm) - Jumbo Number 3 pair (until 3:15pm) Courses: - Utopia - Silver - Shirakaba - Paradise - Family - Junior - Dynamic ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola (until 3:00pm) - Upper Village Gondola (until 8:00pm) - Village Express (until 8:00pm) - Community Chair (until 4:30pm) - Banzai Chair (until 8:00pm) Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Wednesday 19th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 276cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November and 14th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 192cm reported on 16 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 264cm Posted on Tuesday 18th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here 4cm of fresh snowfall at base since yesterday and it is feeling colder; this fresh snow looks somewhat better quality than what we got yesterday which is good but I wouldn't expect conditions to be top quality - we need a thicker fresh layer for that. (Remember, that kind of comment is not meant in any way as a downer - I just only tell you when I think things are 'top quality' when they really, really are! Otherwise, there's no comparison is there, and it makes the comments useless). As we approach 8:30am there is some blue sky up there (see images below) as well as cloud hanging on, but we can expect the snow clouds to not be far away during the next few days. Anyway, look out for windy conditions today that may well affect lift operations. Apart from the Annupuri Gondola moving at slower speed it looks like lifts are starting the day as planned as of 8:30am. I just realised, I haven't had to mention wind so much yet this season. Still, it's early! Oh yes, one bit of course news from Niseko Grand Hirafu - the Onsenzawa course is now open, so apart from the top area and Miharashi all areas of Hirafu are open during the daytime hours. --- It's good to see other parts of Japan getting some snow, though generally it does look like it has been a slow-ish start to the snow season country-wide. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6.00am: -3°, light snowfall over last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: -5°, W8m/s, 30cm new snowdrift growth, wind effected rippled snow surface, good visibility. Hirafu 1000m no data. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW14m/s. Kamui Cape: W10m/s, 1004hPa, wave 2.1m. We are currently under influence of a weak winter weather pattern with a NW snow wind blowing into the area causing a small amount of slow snowdrift growth, which when tested there is no obvious fracture. Around 1000m the avalanche risk is low. However, low elevation south facing off limits areas and under steep lift lines, shallow avalanches from the 15-16th layer are occurring easily. Bamboo and bushes are not buried yet, a little more time is needed before riding out of bounds will be ready. Don't duck the ropes. The snow conditions at low elevations is not so good but higher up, above 600m, the groomers are good. Be careful going fast and hitting a trees. This information is based on Niseko Rules and is published for the safety of all mountain users. The snow on the side of the runs is a bit catchy, beware unseen obstacles under the snow. Have a good day. --- Ski resort operation information: Tuesday 18th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 185cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm) - Ace Number 2 Center Four (until 8:20pm) - Ace Number 3 pair (until 3:30pm) - Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) - Holiday Number 1 Pair (until 8:30pm) - King Number 3 quad (until 3:30pm) - Swinging Monkey (until 3:00pm) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 140cm - Base: 95cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 2 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 3 quad (until 3:00pm) Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All courses apart from the below courses are now open - Large - Miharashi - Dynamic ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 160cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola (until 3:15pm) - Dream Number 1 quad (until 5:30pm) - Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 8:30pm) - Jumbo Number 2 pair (until 3:15pm) - Jumbo Number 3 pair (until 3:15pm) Courses: - Utopia - Silver - Shirakaba - Paradise - Family - Junior - Dynamic ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola (until 3:00pm) - Upper Village Gondola (until 8:00pm) - Village Express (until 8:00pm) - Community Chair (until 4:30pm) - Banzai Chair (until 8:00pm) Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Tuesday 18th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 264cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November and 14th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 180cm reported on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 260cm Posted on Monday 17th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I get no pleasure from having to report it, but report it I do - we had to endure some rain in the evening yesterday, down at base anyway. Booooo! Conditions remain relatively mild this morning but happily I can report 3cm of snow. It's very much on the wet side, but we'll take it! And not to fear, as the forecast is looking rather promising for the coming few days. Fingers crossed for lots of snow coming in. Here is a question often asked: Why, when pretty much all the other areas are open, are the top lifts not moving yet? Well, the official answer seems to be that there's not enough snow yet. That might seem understandably odd considering that more snow usually falls higher up on the mountain than base, and those base areas are already open. You'll notice the Avalanche Report below is also saying that there isn't enough snow yet to safely ride out of bounds. You need more snow to safely do that than on the groomed prepared courses. Once the good folk making those decisions decided that there is enough snow to safely get it all going, it most certainly will do and the gate system will kick into action. Hopefully that day will be quite soon. Perhaps after this storm that's due over the next few days. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6.00am: 0°, light winds, 5cm of wet snow in the last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: -2°, W8m/s, 10cm wet snowfall, no snowdrift development. Hirafu 1000m -3°, 20cm new snow in last 12 hrs, foggy. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NNW7m/s. Kamui Cape: NNW4m/s, 1007hPa, wave 0.7m. Wet snow has fallen with the passing of a low pressure system. The east side (Hirafu) has received more snow. Wet snow has started to cover the bamboo in forested areas. Surface avalanches can occur easily on 40 deg slopes when this type of low pressure snowfall reaches 30cm depth. Although the speed of these avalanches is slow, they carry significant destructive force. Expect 15-16 Dec layer in snowpack. Snow is good however visibility is poor. Take care riding. The snow blanketing the mountain is beautiful today. There still isn't enough snow to safely ride out of bounds. Accidents can easily happen in bad weather. Make cautious decisions. --- Ski resort operation information: Sunday 16th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 180cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm) - Ace Number 2 Center Four (until 8:20pm) - Ace Number 3 pair (until 3:30pm) - Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) - Holiday Number 1 Pair (until 8:30pm) - King Number 3 quad (until 3:30pm) - Swinging Monkey (until 3:00pm) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 140cm - Base: 88cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 2 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 3 quad (until 3:00pm) Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All courses apart from the below courses are now open - Onsenzawa - Large - Miharashi - Dynamic ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola (until 3:15pm) - Dream Number 1 quad (until 5:30pm) - Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 8:30pm) - Jumbo Number 2 pair (until 3:15pm) - Jumbo Number 3 pair (until 3:15pm) ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola (until 3:00pm) - Upper Village Gondola (until 8:00pm) - Village Express (until 8:00pm) - Community Chair (until 4:30pm) - Banzai Chair (until 8:00pm) Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Monday 17th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 260cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November and 14th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 176cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 258cm Posted on Sunday 16th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here When I got up there was some light snow falling but that has stopped and it is now just kind of cloudy and overcast and actually some blue sky to be seen as well. Might it even clear up? It is certainly feeling milder than it has been, though still it is happily under zero (but might inch above that later on). So yes, it's a calm morning. I should have more snow to report tomorrow morning though with regular refreshes likely over the coming days. How it should be. And we want things to be in tip top shape for Santa-san. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6.00am: -3°, light snowfall overnight. Moiwa 800m: -5°, light winds, 10cm new snow in the last 24hrs, no snowdrift development. Hirafu trace new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: WSW5m/s. Kamui Cape: SW19m/s, 1016hPa, wave 1.6m. Light winds at lower levels however at higher elevations a strong SW wind is blowing. From observation there is no new snow drift development around 800m level and drifts have stabilised. The general avalanche risk is low. From the snowfall transition expect 15-16 Dec layer to be significant in the future. There still is not enough snow to ride everywhere and the side of the runs are all tracked out. Take care in low light, the surface undulations are hard to see. This information is published to prevent accidents around the Niseko ski resorts. Accidents occur when you act carelessly or overconfident. Most accidents can be avoided with care. In recent years we hear of commercial training sessions undermining efforts made by ski patrol to maintain safety in the area. These attitudes don’t create any progress toward mountain safety. Local history and dangers are the first point of call for anyone wanting to learn more. There is no global standard for avalanche knowledge of rescue techniques. --- Ski resort operation information: Sunday 16th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 180cm - Base: 85cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm) - Ace Number 2 Center Four (until 8:20pm) - Ace Number 3 pair (until 3:30pm) - Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) - Holiday Number 1 Pair (until 8:30pm) - King Number 3 quad (until 3:30pm) - Swinging Monkey (until 3:00pm) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 145cm - Base: 105cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 2 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 3 quad (until 3:00pm) Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All courses apart from the below courses are now open - Onsenzawa - Large - Miharashi - Dynamic ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola (until 3:15pm) - Dream Number 1 quad (until 5:30pm) - Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 8:30pm) - Jumbo Number 2 pair (until 3:15pm) - Jumbo Number 3 pair (until 3:15pm) ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola (until 3:00pm) - Upper Village Gondola (until 8:00pm) - Village Express (until 8:00pm) - Community Chair (until 4:30pm) - Banzai Chair (until 8:00pm) Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Sunday 16th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 258cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November and 14th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 174cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 252cm Posted on Saturday 15th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here More good snowfall during the day yesterday with a bit more to add to that overnight; my total since last report is 17cm. Light snow is expected today. Yesterday the Konayuki course became available at Hirafu and from today the Hirafu Gondola and Holiday Number 1 lifts will join in the nighta fun at that area. We are not yet at 'fully open' - the most conspicuous area not yet open being the summit area - but we are getting there and it shouldn't be long now before that goodness becomes available. Hirafu are reporting this morning that there still isn't enough snow for them to open the top King Number 4 lift. (That might understandably be somewhat confusing to people and I'll get to that in a later report). Somewhat warmer conditions expected tomorrow, but nothing to worry about. Snow remains on the forecast. ----- Just to add to what I mentioned in my report yesterday regarding taxes and Kutchan town... The ski resorts and accommodations of what we all generally refer to as ‘Niseko’ are actually spread across Kutchan town and Niseko town. The base areas of Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Hanazono are within the boundaries of Kutchan and those of Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri are within the boundaries of Niseko town. That's why I was wondering about if Niseko town will do the same as Kutchan. And wonder still I do. Oh yes, just to further potentially confuse things -- as far as I can see, the peak of Mt Niseko Annupuri (the mountain, not the ski resort) is in... drumroll... Kutchan town. ----- It seems like some folk aren't keen on me mentioning anything other than powder in my reports and aren't excited by taxes or toast (like I am guessing most of you surely are). Look... if for whatever reason you don't like my reports to the point where you feel the need to write in to be rude – just don’t read 'em. Simples! Sadly, I don’t think I am ever going to anywhere near gnarly enough for you guys. Stay Calm & Eat Toast! (Regular readers will know that every now and again I like to show a little annoyance towards rude people, perhaps a few times each season - this one doesn’t count). ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6.00am: -7°, 30cm new snow in the last 24hrs, trace new snow overnight. Moiwa 800m: -9°, W12-15m/s, 50cm snowdrift development, good visibility. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NNW8m/s. Kamui Cape: NW4m/s, 1023hPa, wave 1.5m. Forested leeward slopes at 600m have received 40cm of heavy snow in the last 24hrs. Soft slabs have formed on ridges above 1000m tree line and the general snow pack has increased. However bushes and bamboo are not buried yet. Temperature and wind fluctuations have caused inconsistent snow drift development. On leeward slopes around 800m take care for 40cm fractures below knolls, avalanche risk is high in many areas. Snow in the trees is heavy but good. Take care getting hooked up on a bush or small tree. Avalanches will happen when conditions are right, it doesn't mater how much snow there is. Note the avalanche risk on steep open leeward slopes. Gates are not ready to be opened yet. Do not duck ropes to ride out of bounds. Even within the ski areas it is still difficult to make a rescue off-piste. Have a good weekend. --- Ski resort operation information: Saturday 15th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 190cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm) - Ace Number 2 Center Four (until 8:20pm) - Ace Number 3 pair (until 3:30pm) - Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) - Holiday Number 1 Pair (until 8:30pm) - King Number 3 quad (until 3:30pm) - Swinging Monkey (until 3:00pm) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 105cm - Base: 94cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 2 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 3 quad (until 3:00pm) Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All courses apart from the below courses are now open - Onsenzawa - Large - Miharashi - Dynamic ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 140cm - Base: 70cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola (until 3:15pm) - Dream Number 1 quad (until 5:30pm) - Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 8:30pm) - Jumbo Number 2 pair (until 3:15pm) - Jumbo Number 3 pair (until 3:15pm) Courses: - Utopia - Silver - Shirakaba - Paradise - Family - Junior ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 130cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola (until 3:00pm) - Upper Village Gondola (until 8:00pm) - Village Express (until 8:00pm) - Community Chair (until 4:30pm) - Banzai Chair (until 8:00pm) Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Saturday 15th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 252cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November and 14th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 168cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 235cm Posted on Friday 14th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I remember talking about blue skies and sunshine just yesterday morning. And indeed it was a lovely morning. But get this... there's another 25cm of fresh snow on the ground. There's no faffing about this morning. And while it is due to continue through the day, as you can see from the webcam images below taken at around 7:45am there is currently a spell of some thinner clouds and even a bit of sun shining through in places. But as I write this 10 minutes later it's clouded over once again and it is still snowing. So somewhat changeable right now but I suspect the snow clouds will win out. While this is all very exciting of course, let's never forget to take care out there. And congratulations to everyone who timed an early season trip just about now. The report is a bit early this morning as I, er, want to go and wash my hair or maybe read a book. ----- Hmm. With the snowy excitement this morning, I almost feel that I want to delay this bit of news... I heard some interesting news coming in yesterday from a Japanese friend. I thought it might be of interest to readers of this report. It seems that there was a town assembly meeting in Kutchan yesterday. In what was probably a very interesting and fun meeting, the wise assembly members decided that a 'lodging tax' is going to be introduced with a view to introducing it from November of next year. If I am understanding this correctly, what this means is that people staying in Kutchan accommodation will get taxed an additional 2% tax (ie. the tax rate will be 2% of the accommodation charges). Apparently, the other such lodging taxes that exist in Tokyo and Kyoto are a small fixed rate, rather than a percentage, so this will be the first fixed-rate lodging tax in Japan. Hurray! The revenue that this exciting new tax will generate will be used to ‘promote tourism and expand multi-lingual guidance services as well as barrier-free facilities’ and the town expects to raise over 300 million yen a year. Kutchan is a small town, but of course it is host to an extremely large number of international visitors – and more than a few of them have more than a few pennies to spend. There is definitely a struggle to keep up with services and staffing shortage issues going on, from the stories I hear. So, let’s just hope that if and when this new tax is introduced it really will be used for the things it is meant to and that facilities in general can continue to ‘level up’. I wonder if Niseko town will do the same? << That’s me just totally wondering to myself. Anyway, let’s new tax! ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6.00am: -6°, light winds, 20cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -7°, light winds, 30cm new snowfall, no snowdrift development. Hirafu 1000m , -7°、30cm new snow, no snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: N11m/s. Kamui Cape: W8m/s, 1018hPa, wave 1.9m. General avalanche risk is low and snow is fantastic today. Only a short report today, the avalanche crew would like to take a day off today to enjoy the snow before the real winter starts. --- Ski resort operation information: Friday 14th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 160cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm) - Ace Number 2 Center Four (until 8:20pm) - Ace Number 3 pair (until 3:30pm) - Hirafu Gondola (until 4:30pm) - Holiday Number 1 Pair (until 4:30pm) - King Number 3 quad (until 3:30pm) - Swinging Monkey (until 3:00pm) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Mostly open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 105cm - Base: 94cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 2 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 3 quad (until 3:00pm) Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All courses apart from the below courses are now open - Path to King - Onsenzawa - Large - Konayuki - Miharashi - Dynamic ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 120cm - Base: 60cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola (until 3:15pm) - Dream Number 1 quad (until 5:30pm) - Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 8:30pm) - Jumbo Number 3 pair (until 3:15pm) Courses: - Utopia - Silver - Shirakaba - Paradise - Family - Junior ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 130cm - Base: 90cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola (until 3:00pm) - Upper Village Gondola (until 8:00pm) - Village Express (until 8:00pm) - Community Chair (until 4:30pm) - Banzai Chair (until 8:00pm) Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Friday 14th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 235cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November and 14th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 151cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 210cm Posted on Thursday 13th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This morning I have 3cm of fresh snowfall to report to you. Don't be disappointed, because it is a beautiful morning here. There are just few tiny clouds here and there but for the most part it is blue skies and sunshine. And everywhere is looking really beautiful. Winter scenery on a morning like this is just something to behold. I never get tired of it and I hope that I never will. As areas continue to open up, specific news I have for you is that the HANAZONO Park course area is now open - the course, not items - meaning that pretty much all of Hanazono is now available. All of the Green Course at Niseko Grand Hirafu is also now open. Over at Niseko Annupuri, they now have six courses available - Utopia, Silver, Shirakaba, Paradise, Family and Junior. So we're getting there! It will be interesting to see when we will be able to be officially 'all open'. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6.00am: -6°, light winds, sunny, 10cm new snow in last 12 hours. Moiwa 700m: -6°, light winds, trace new snowfall, no snowdrift development, good visibility. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: E6m/s. Kamui Cape: NE3m/s, 1018hPa, wave 1.4m. The sea and mountains are calm again today and the atmospheric pressure gradient remains shallow. The east side of the niseko mountains has received a little more snow than the west side. Below 300m at Mt Yotei base a hoar frost layer has formed. This Dec 13th layer is expected to be notable in future snowpack. On south facing steep slopes around 700m and lift lines around 600m, fractures up to 30cm from Dec 11th-12th frost layer are easily occurring. Be careful on 40deg slopes. The general avalanche risk is low. Off the groomed runs trees and bushes are still uncovered making out of bounds areas unsuitable to ride. The gates will remain closed for a while longer. The groomers are in fantastic condition. Off the groomers - not so good. Beware falling and hitting trees, you can never win. A winter weather pattern will get stronger, sending wind and more into Niseko soon. Just have to wait a bit now. --- Ski resort operation information: Thursday 13th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 145cm - Base: 60cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm) - Ace Number 2 Center Four (until 8:20pm) - Ace Number 3 pair (until 3:30pm) - Hirafu Gondola (until 4:30pm) - Holiday Number 1 Pair (until 4:30pm) - King Number 3 quad (until 3:30pm) - Swinging Monkey (until 3:00pm) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Mostly open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 110cm - Base: 82cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 2 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 3 quad (until 3:00pm) Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All courses apart from the below courses are now open - Path to King - Onsenzawa - Large - Konayuki - Miharashi - Dynamic ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 120cm - Base: 60cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola (until 3:15pm) - Dream Number 1 quad (until 5:30pm) - Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 8:30pm) - Jumbo Number 3 pair (until 3:15pm) Courses: - Utopia - Silver - Shirakaba - Paradise - Family - Junior ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 120cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola (until 3:00pm) - Upper Village Gondola (until 8:00pm) - Village Express (until 8:00pm) - Community Chair (until 4:30pm) - Banzai Chair (until 8:00pm) ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resort areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO resort area. Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Thursday 13th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 210cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 126cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 207cm Posted on Wednesday 12th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There's just 5cm of fresh snow to add to the report this morning (from yesterday), and it is a rather overcast start to the day. It is not snowing now but should be later on with snow clouds above through Friday. I spent a few hours on the slopes yesterday after posting my report. Very nice snow conditions, it was a lot of fun. We are still waiting for the upper lifts and courses to open up as well as a few other areas here and there, but there's plenty open to enjoy now. With more and more expectant folk turning up daily now (including Santa), we want it all open. As there are now more courses open than closed at Niseko Grand Hirafu, I thought I'd swap the info round (below) so now the list is of courses that are not yet open. Nighta operations at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri started from yesterday evening. For the moment I have added the planned closing times for each of the ski lifts in the information below. I thought I'd add one more thing to check every morning! ;) ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6.00am: -8°, no new snow, calm. Moiwa 700m: -8°, light winds, no new snowfall, good visibility. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: S4m/s. Kamui Cape: NNW2m/s, 1021hPa, wave 0.7m. A shallow atmospheric pressure gradient is causing both sea and mountains to be calm. No new snowfall and no cornice or snowdrift development. General avalanche risk is low. The edges of the course are all cut up, take care. Today the groomers are in good shape, great for practising turns. If you cant do it on the groomers, you wont survive the backcountry. Don't duck ropes to ride out of bounds. Niseko Rules protects your safety and freedom to ride out of bounds. Please respect the Niseko Rules. Snow is coming soon, have a good day. --- Ski resort operation information: Wednesday 12th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 70cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm) - Ace Number 2 Center Four (until 8:20pm) - Ace Number 3 pair (until 3:30pm) - Hirafu Gondola (until 4:30pm) - Holiday Number 1 Pair (until 4:30pm) - King Number 3 quad (until 3:30pm) - Swinging Monkey (until 3:00pm) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Mostly open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 120cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 2 quad (until 3:30pm) - Hanazono Number 3 quad (until 3:00pm) Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All courses apart from the below courses are now open - Path to King - Onsenzawa - Large - Konayuki - Miharashi - Dynamic - Hanazono Park - Crystal Garden ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 110cm - Base: 60cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola (until 3:15pm) - Dream Number 1 quad (until 5:30pm) - Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 8:30pm) - Jumbo Number 3 pair (until 3:15pm) ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 120cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola (until 3:00pm) - Upper Village Gondola (until 8:00pm) - Village Express (until 8:00pm) - Community Chair (until 4:30pm) - Banzai Chair (until 8:00pm) ----- Night time operations until 8:30pm are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resort areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO resort area. Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Wednesday 12th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 207cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 202cm Posted on Tuesday 11th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here You want another 20cm of snow? Not quite, but nearly that much once again as I have measured another 18cm of fresh snowfall to add this morning. The last few days has been very good indeed. I have now measured and recorded a total of 202cm snowfall this season so far up until today, and I see that Niseko Grand Hirafu is now reporting an official snow depth of 160cm in the peak area. Of course, we want more - it's a never-ending need! - but happily the forecast tells us that we can expect more though perhaps not so much today. Right now we have pretty much all of Niseko HANAZONO open apart from the Park, with fairly large parts of Hirafu open - other than the peak area and both sides of the middle area. You can ski down to base at both. Today sees the start of night time or 'nighta' operations in Niseko. At Niseko Grand Hirafu the Ace Family Quad and the Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four lifts will be operating until 8:30pm. The Hirafu Gondola and Holiday Number 1 lifts are planned to join in the nighta fun from Saturday 15th December. At Niseko Annupuri the Jumbo Number 1 quad lift will be operating for nighta until 8:30am. And Niseko Village also has nighta (though I can't find any particular details). Note that there is no nighta over at the Niseko HANAZONO area. I think that's about it for this morning. The reports get a bit less time-consuming once we are 'all open'. I haven't had my toast yet! ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -7℃, mild wind and snowing. 20cm snowfall without snowdrift development. Moiwa700m: mild wind, 30cm snowfall, light snowdrift development. Sea of Japan Benkei cape: NW13m/s, Kamui cape: W11m/s, 1027hPa, 2.2m waves. The isobars are starting to spread and the storm is finally settling down. The snowdrifts that developed until last night have stabilized and, although the cornices are still prone to impacts, the general avalanche risk is low. The snowpack is still shallow and the out of bounds area is not suitable for riding yet. The gates will be kept closed. Please refrain from crossing boundary ropes. The snow is good, but the light is weak and the surface relief is hard to see. Beware of over-speeding and obstacles lurking under the surface. Wearing a helmet and a beacon may not be mandatory, but is strongly recommended as they may save your and others lives. ----- Ski resort operation information: Tuesday 11th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 160cm - Base: 70cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center Four - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 Pair - King Number 3 quad - Swinging Monkey Niseko HANAZONO Resort Mostly open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 115cm - Base: 103cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses open: - Family - Sen-no-ki - Alpen - Beginners Access - Green (part) - Shirakaba - Center - Kogen - Boyo Course - Dai-ni-no-kabe - Kokutai - Holiday - Rinkan - Jumbo Course - Parallel Course - Silver Dream - Stairway to Heaven - Setsuzoku - Legend of Shinya - Renkan - Yotei Sunset ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 100cm - Base: 60cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 3 pair Niseko Annupuri Courses open: - Utopia Course - Shirakaba Course - Paradise Course - Family Course - Junior Course ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 120cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Upper Village Gondola - Village Express - Community Chair - Banzai Chair ----- Night time operations until 8:30pm in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas (starting from today). There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Tuesday 11th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 202cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 118cm reported on 8 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 184cm Posted on Monday 10th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. It is a good start to the week. Those blue skies that we had as I was writing my report yesterday didn't last long and this morning I am measuring a further 19cm of fresh snowfall on the ground to add to my reports. It's really light and dry. Very nice. Currently it is generally cloudy. Light snow has been falling this morning and perhaps it will be another day of on-off snowfall. From this morning the Holiday Number 1 pair lift should be moving from 8:30am at Niseko Grand Hirafu. Hirafu is also opening up the Dai-ni-no-kabe, Kogen, Boyo and all of the Sen-no-ki courses. So there's another chunk of that area available from this morning and you can ride back down to base. Yey. Niseko Village also now have their gondola moving. A bit of an 'doh' to report: Annupuri are apparently needing to do some kind of maintenance work on their Jumbo Number 1 quad lift this morning. So keep that in mind if you want to be over in that area. I look forward to the day when I will be able to just say... everywhere is open. Hopefully it won't be too long before I can do that. The forecast continues to look good and 'snowy' through this coming week, so I should be seeing and reporting fresh snow every day. --- More people seem to be arriving in Niseko day by day now, both people coming to slide and the people working behind the scenes. And that will continue as we approach Christmas as things get gradually more lively. Blimey, Christmas is just over two weeks away. Santa is due to be on the slopes of Niseko around Christmas - he always seems to choose Niseko (he's clever) - so I hope he gets the bulk of his work sorted before then. Time - slow down please! ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 5am: -9℃, light storm, 20cm of wind-affected snow. Dense snowdrifts with wind-ripples are present in Moiwa 600m elevation. Sea of Japan Benkei cape: NW14m/s (21m/s @ 3am), Kamui cape: WNW13m/s, 1023hPa, 3.0m waves. A NW20m/s storm has persisted overnight above 1000m elevation and made snowdrifts heavily develop in leeward slopes. Observations showed signs of weak bonding within these snowdrifts. The avalanche risk is high at knoll aspects and heavy-loaded slopes just below the ridges. The wind will calm down as the isobars spread out and the new slabs will eventually stabilize. The snow in the trees have a slight drag, but good. The conditions are not uniform, so please use cautions. The overall snowpack is still quite shallow. This information is released for the safety of skiers and snowboarders. Precaution is key to avoid accidents. The access gates to the out of bounds area will remain closed for a while. Do not duck ropes to step out of bounds. Have a nice day. ----- Ski resort operation information: Monday 10th December 2018 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 150cm - Base: 65cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center Four - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 Pair - King Number 3 quad - Swinging Monkey Niseko HANAZONO Resort Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 100cm - Base: 70cm - Data as of yesterday (not updated at time of report) Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses open: - Family Course - Sen-no-ki - Shirakaba Course - Center Course - Beginners Access - Jumbo Course - Rinkan Course - Dai-ni-no-kabe - Kogen Course - Boyo Course - Yotei Sunset - Parallel Course - Silver Dream ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 100cm - Base: 60cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad (maintenance this morning - unclear if it might get moving) - Jumbo Number 3 pair Niseko Annupuri Courses open: - Utopia Course - Shirakaba Course - Paradise Course - Family Course - Junior Course ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 100cm - Base: 60cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Upper Village Gondola - Community Chair - Banzai Chair ----- Night time operations are planned to begin at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resort areas from Tuesday 11th December. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Monday 10th December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 184cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (23rd November) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 100cm reported on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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. 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