Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 18cm Snowfall at base this season 26cm Posted on Wednesday 25th November 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning from Hirafu and I am happy to report another 18cm of snow measured since my report yesterday morning. It carried on snowing most of the day yesterday and there was some more during the night. The snow has eased off now though and the sun has actually been making an appearance. It is generally a more grey-tinted clear kind of sky at the moment with some low cloud remaining here and there. The temperature is currently around 0C and shouldn't be rising much above that during the day. We're expecting current conditions to continue for the next day or so, with snowfall returning tomorrow - and it's looking rather promising as well. Hopefully it might bring enough for things at Grand Hirafu to open this weekend. Please note though that there is no word just yet on the planned opening of ski lifts - as it stands we need more snow for that - but I will be posting regular reports from now to keep you updated. --- Planned opening dates for the Niseko resorts: Niseko Grand Hirafu: as soon as there's enough snow Niseko Annupuri: Saturday 28th November Niseko Village: Tuesday 1st December Niseko HANAZONO: Saturday 5th December 'Nighta' should be starting on Saturday 12th December Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 25th November 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 26cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (25th November) November 2015 snowfall 26cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 8cm Posted on Tuesday 24th November 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and I have good news to report this morning... it's snowing. Yes, it is feeling suitably winter-like this morning and I have measured 8cm of snow outside my place. There's going to be more than that higher up on the mountain of course, and fingers crossed it will continue snowing through the day today. The forecast has the snowfall easing off by early tomorrow morning and then just cloudy conditions tomorrow - though it should remain cold with temperatures not rising much if any above zero. Rain is due at lower elevations around Thursday with slightly milder conditions, though it should be snowing higher up and back to snow down to base by Saturday. Hopefully! The resorts need a decent enough base to open up and get lifts moving of course so we are not there yet... --- As we wait for the snow to arrive and for the season to get going I thought it might be a good time to re-cap on how things went last season. You can of course read through the reports via the archive links at the bottom of the page (on the main website), but below are the headline numbers for each of the months last season and the season before. 'My observed numbers' is what I actually observe here in the Hirafu base area with my own eyes. 'JMA Kutchan numbers' are the official snowfall numbers reported by Japan Meteorological Agency for the nearby Kutchan town area. As you might expect, more snow falls higher up on the mountain than both of these lower locations - the 'general wisdom' (which seems reasonable to me) estimating about 1.5 times base numbers up top. The numbers in brackets are the monthly numbers added up giving us a total snowfall number. November 2014 My observed numbers: November 2014: 30cm November 2013: 123cm JMA Kutchan numbers: November 2014: 41cm November 2013: 99cm December 2014 My observed numbers: December 2014: 519cm (549cm) December 2013: 275m (398cm) JMA Kutchan numbers: December 2014: 387cm (428cm) December 2013: 258cm (357cm) January 2015 My observed numbers: January 2015: 257cm (806cm) January 2014: 461cm (859cm) JMA numbers: January 2015: 230cm (658cm) January 2014: 317cm (674cm) February 2015 My observed numbers: February 2015: 196cm (1002cm) February 2014: 178cm (1037cm) JMA Kutchan numbers: February 2015: 167cm (825cm) February 2014: 130cm (804cm) March 2015 My observed numbers: March 2015: 139cm (1141cm) March 2014: 113cm (1150cm) JMA Kutchan numbers: March 2015: 141cm (966cm) March 2014: 118cm (922cm) April 2015 My observed numbers: April 2015: 3cm (1144cm) April 2014: 13cm (1163cm) JMA Kutchan numbers: April 2015: 3cm (969cm) April 2014: 24m (946cm) --- Planned opening dates for the Niseko resorts: Niseko Grand Hirafu: as soon as there's enough snow Niseko Annupuri: Saturday 28th November Niseko Village: Tuesday 1st December Niseko HANAZONO: Saturday 5th December 'Nighta' should be starting on Saturday 12th December Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 24th November 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 8cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 8cm (24th November) November 2015 snowfall 8cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Friday 6th November 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Hirafu and welcome back to the Niseko Now reports. We have had some fine and rather warm weather conditions over the last few days here, but this morning it is a cloudy start to the day. Hopefully we might get to see sunnier conditions later on in the day today and tomorrow as well, though it looks like it should remain fairly chilly. Looks like rain is due as we enter next week but some snowfall likely mixed in there as well at least in higher elevations. Fingers crossed! Winter season preparations continue apace. Sometimes with all the seemingly last minute panic before things open for winter, you wonder if folk somehow forget when winter is due to start and they are somehow surprised when it starts creeping up on them! Then again, there's always things to do that pop up though... good luck everyone - we need everything to be ready when those lifts start! Have a good weekend and see you soon. Planned opening dates for the Niseko resorts: Niseko Grand Hirafu: Saturday 21st November Niseko Annupuri: Saturday 28th November Niseko Village: Tuesday 1st December Niseko HANAZONO: Saturday 5th December Nighta should be starting on Saturday 12th December Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 6th November 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2015 snowfall 0cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 46cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Hola Skiers & Boarders, No good news to report, but then again no real bad news either. Same-O, same-O: Top two runs are open. Ropeway up, ride D lift, enjoy, ride Ropeway back down to base at end of day. But hey, the restaurant at the top of mountain is open, along with the Ramen Corner at the base, along with Baristart coffee in the Ropeway building ("Best coffee this side of Tokyo!") Maybe 10 cm of snow tonight, and then again tomorrow, and it will be properly cold, but most will be for naught as it's forecast to get up to +6 C on Sunday. For those needing a refresher course on the weather, this is NOT conducive to good skiing. Here's a news tidbit: assuming suitable conditions, the Kitanomine side of the mountain is scheduled to open on Dec 22. At this point in the season, I am not worried at all. Even though we don't really have any snow, winter always takes her sweet time to get going in Hokkaido. So be patient, bide your time, tune up your skis, and for pete's sake, get going on that exercise program! You're gonna need it. Think (harder) snow. --- Ropeway and D Lift 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM Furano Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd December 2025 Total snowfall at base 46cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (18th November) November 2025 snowfall 45cm reported on 5 days December 2025 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 29cm Niseko greetings to you all. The wait for snow continues. But the wait should be over quite soon, hopefully, with snowfall still due over the next several days. Let's see what Nature brings us! With a good winter storm, things can change very quickly - and often do. The ski areas will open as soon as there is enough snow. Niseko Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 29cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 9cm (18th November) November 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 7 days December 2025 snowfall 29cm 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. 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 45cm Snowfall at base this season 917cm Posted on Wednesday 11th February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Now this is the kind of morning that I like to report on! Conditions yesterday were really great with lots of fresh snow on the mountain, surprising even given the relatively small amount that I had to report from base. I did mention in the report yesterday how much more was being reported from up there - and so it was. What's more, there's lots and lots of lovely fresh snow this morning to help celebrate the national holiday. There's some uncharacteristically whopping great big increases to the official snow depth numbers at Niseko Grand Hirafu as well this morning, going from 400cm to 460cm up top and the base seeing a similarly large increase. There's a good 45cm of fresh snow outside my place this morning and snow is continuing to fall and should be for most of the day. What's more, wind isn't messing with us today and fingers crossed it won't be an issue over the coming days. (Thank you.) Anyway. What a fine, fine day today should be. With more snow (at least at times) over the next few days and into the weekend, I'd say we're probably back to what we expect! --- Resort specific news as of 8:30am - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 30cm of snowfall in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m:-10C, SW10m/s, 40cm snowfall. Annupuri 1000m :-10C, snowpack 310cm. Annupuri 1150m: SW10m/s, 50cm snowfall. Hirafu 1000m:-12C, W10m/s, 50-60cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape W7m/s, Kamui cape WSW9m/s, 1007hPa, 2.2m waves. The current strong cold air mass has generated heavy snowfall. Average 12m/s westerly wind is making snowdrifts develop up to 120cm in leeward slopes. The snowpack is stabilizing, however is still likely to fail in knoll terrains. The cornices have grown massively and are extremely unstable. The weather will turn better and the gates are scheduled to open from the lower altitude. Peak gates 2 & 3 are still undecided. Please respect the ski patrol’s decision. The avalanche risk will remain high in Higashi-One, Osawa & Backbowl cornice slopes. The sun will affect the surface and turn the whole slope into a giant slab in Haru no Taki strictly off-limits areas. Chances of a massive slide, up to 120cm crown, are present in there. The current condition is similar to that of the 1998 accident. A slight stimulation to the upper section of the slope could trigger a large slab to let go. Better not overestimate your experience and skills, and never make light of the Rules. Winter mountains are hazardous, but accidents can be avoided with precautions. Cracks are hidden under new snow, always be alert and prudent. Have you switched your beacon on? Have a nice day. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 460cm Base - 180cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 190cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 320cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 11th February 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 917cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 61 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 111cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 30cm Posted on Saturday 22nd November 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This morning was of course supposed to be the first of the season, but lets not dwell on that! I get the feeling that there's more than a few people happy to have the extra time to get ready for the big rush. Hopefully people didn't come here from afar specifically for the opening. For the record, Niseko Grand Hirafu as of yesterday were reporting 20cm of snow at base and 50cm at the peak. As you can see on the photos below, there's less snow there at the base than there was yesterday with more ground clearly showing through... so the conditions yesterday didn't do us any favours. I am actually over in the Sapporo area this morning where it's cloudy with a bit of rain at times, and that's what I am hearing it is like back over in Niseko. Cloud and rain is forecast for the day with a high temperature approaching 10 degrees this afternoon. Things are expected to clear up and cool down from tomorrow with sun forecast and a slightly more winter-like high of around 4 degrees. Still, there's not a whole lot of encouragement snow-wise on the weekly forecast as it stands right now. Planned opening dates for the different resort areas on the mountain: Niseko Grand Hirafu - looking to 29th November for opening Niseko Annupuri Kokusai - will open as soon as possible Niseko Village - Monday 1st December Niseko Hanazono - Saturday 6th December Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 22nd November 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 30cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 15cm (15th November) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 2cm Posted on Monday 1st December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. It is officially the first day of the ski season. Hurray! We have a some cloud but generally nice blue sky at the moment. Lower parts of the mountains are still green/brown, but there's enough snow up top for Tsugaike to get going from this morning. That ski area is reporting a snow depth of 50cm up on the top area and yesterday were saying that the Gondola and Tsuga No 2 pair lift would be operating today. As of 10:30am, I'm looking at the official site and it shows only the gondola moving. Not sure what's going on there, as I can definitely see skiers on the webcam (below; I'm jealous). Hardly the most promising start in terms of timely information being released to the public, but enough of that ---- it's time to celebrate the start of the winter season! Good snowfall is expected on Wednesday and Thursday... down to village level. -------------------------------- Ski area information for Monday 1st December 2025 The information below is manually checked with official sources and updated for every report. Please note that details can change quickly, especially at the beginning of the season, and official information may take a bit longer to update. All information is subject to change. Tsugaike Mountain Resort Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Upper: 50cm Base: 0cm Ski lifts: Eve Gondola Tsuga Number 2 lift Courses: Tsuganomori Notes: Take the gondola up to (and down from) the ski run that is open Hakuba Now 2025-2026 season Data as Monday 1st December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 2cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 2cm (on 19th November) November 2025 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day December 2025 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1163cm Posted on Friday 18th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some thin cloud up there this morning but generally another fine start to the day here. It was rather chilly overnight actually - I'm seeing it was down to around -5 degrees - though a high of around 7 is expected. We have had one or two people ask about the snow depth numbers posted below. I have explained this in a previous report before in that they are the 'official' snow depth numbers that the resort publish each day. Is there a uniform 75cm at the base of the resort? Well, no. There's still very good cover of snow on the slopes, but as you can see from the images we post each day, there's places here and there where the snow has dried up and there's ground showing through. So just take the numbers with a pinch of finest salt, but we think it is interesting to have a record of the numbers throughout the season. Oh yes, someone else asked why we continue to post reports at this late stage of the season. The easy answer to that one is that we simply want to cover the entire Niseko season. Just because it's not peak season and it isn't snowing regularly now doesn't mean that Niseko is closed. There might not be much to report these days, but we'll be updating Niseko Now from time to time right through until the last day of the season. (I'll very much enjoy those first few lie-ins once the reports finish though!) --- Official snow depth numbers and planned operating lifts at time of writing: Grand Hirafu: Top - 300cm Base - 75cm Ace Number 2 Center Four lift King Number 3 Triple King Number 4 (* Hirafu Gondola will open only on 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, 29th April and 3-6th May) Annupuri: Top - 310cm Base - 100cm Annupuri Gondola Jumbo No1 quad Jumbo No4 pair --- Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May. Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May. -- Niseko Hanazono Resort is now closed for the season. Niseko Village is closed at the moment but plans to re-open between 26th April and 6th May (Golden Week). Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 18th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1163cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 101 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 13cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 1113cm Posted on Saturday 8th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Nearly another 20cm of snow this morning in Hirafu as this storm continues. If only there was less wind... yesterday the wind caused lots of lift disruption and this morning strong winds persist and top lifts are once again now open. The good news is that the wind should hopefully ease off during the day today, so fingers crossed that will be sooner than later. It remains cold and visibility is very limited in places this morning. If you brave the weather though you're likely to be rewarded by some great snow. Avalanche report advising people to stay on the slopes today and not take risks in these conditions. This snowfall is forecast to continue a while longer so I'll give you an update on that tomorrow. This first part of March is looking good indeed! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 30cm of fresh, developing snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: -12C, stormy, bad visibility, large development of unstable snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: W16m/s, -13C, developing snowdrifts. Hirafu 1000m: -12C, snowdrifts and knolls growing big in Higashi-one. Peak 1308m: W17.6m/s, -16.3C. Coastal data: cape Benkei NW12m/s, cape Kamui W16m/s, 3.2m waves, 1005hPa. According to coastal data and present status, the wind is starting to calm down, however still strong and snowdrifts are continuing to grow. The avalanche risk in the Niseko range and the surrounding mountains is extreme. Snow-crystal needles brake under strong wind and forms heavy slabs of broken crystal snow. Characteristic of this snow is that it’s slow, catchy and not much spray. They are also very unstable, especially in steep slopes and can easily trigger a slide. Most accidents occur during and just after storms. Do not traverse across to the other side of the valley from gate 8 (located next to Annupuri gondola exit). Very hazardous today. Same for gate 4, do not traverse across to access backside Higashi-One. Let the storm pass and the snow stabilize before accessing the out of bounds areas. Accidents can be avoided by acknowledging the risks. Better stay inbounds today. All gates above 800m will be closed; do not duck ropes. This information is being written for the sake of all resort users. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 420cm Base - 210cm Niseko Village: Top - 390cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 390cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 8th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1113cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 86 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 76cm reported on 6 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 859cm Posted on Friday 31st January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Ah good, we are back to something colder this morning. Another 10cm of fresh snow to report this morning from the Hirafu village area and it's of a better (drier) quality than the snow I reported yesterday. As you can see in the Avalanche Report below, up to 20cm is being reported at higher elevations. Strong winds again spoiling the fun a bit this morning and it's blizzard conditions up on the mountain by the looks. For those braving conditions, make sure you know where you're going - visibility is low out there. The top lifts at each resort not opening as scheduled this morning due to the wind conditions.... winds of up to 21m/s reported by Annupuri, where the Gondola isn't moving either; the Gondola at Niseko Village is also on hold. Happy Chinese New Year to those celebrating! It's going to be a busy weekend. Tomorrow we'll look at the numbers for the season and the month of January and also see how they compare with last year. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6, 15cm new snow in last 12 hrs, snow drift development. Moiwa 800m: -9C, wind W16m/s , 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -11C, wind W20m/s, 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Hirafu 1000m: -7C, 20cm new snow, snow drift development. Annupuri peak 1308m: -12.8℃, wind NW15.4m/s. Cape Benkei: NW20m/s, Cape Kamui: W14m/s, wave 2.1m, pressure 1001hPa. Isobars have moved closer together and the mountain is experiencing blizzard conditions. There has been major snow drift development and the avalanche risk is high on steep wind influenced slopes. From current observations it is expected the 28-29 layer will fracture easily generating slabs 80-120cm thick. Dont ride the valleys today. The forest is reset and good. Beware of cracks in the middle of slopes due to bad visibility, they are hard to see from above. Peak gates will be closed. Do not duck ropes to get fresh lines. Niseko Rules are here to protect all skiers safety and freedom. We strongly demand all riders read and understand the rules. Do not enter Haru no Taki, and Yu no Sawa Strictly Off Limits area, or Mizuno no sawa Special Control Area. Mountain is in good condition. Have a safe day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 395cm Base - 190cm Niseko Village: Top - 335cm Base - 225cm Annupuri: Top - 280cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 31st January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 859cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 849cm Posted on Thursday 30th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There's another 10cm to report this morning at Hirafu base, but that's not the headline this morning. It's windy and warm. Well, warm for Niseko mid winter - currently just hanging around just under zero but due to warm up beyond that. As you might expect, that will affect snow conditions this morning. The south westerly winds are preventing the top Jumbo 4 lift at Annupuri, the Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair at Niseko Village and the King 3 and 4, Ace 4, Hanazono 3 lifts at Hirafu and Hanazono from moving early on. Wind is expected to play with the lifts for the day, so that may well change. Snow showers expected through the day with more snow due overnight. Hopefully tomorrow will be colder and that's what the forecasts promise. Oh yes, looks like poor visibility today on the mountain with a foggy start to the day. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -4C, 15cm low pressure snowfall in the last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: -6C, wind , 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -7C, wind WSW15m/s, 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Hirafu 1000m: no data. Annupuri peak 1308m: -6.1C, wind WNW8.6m/s. Cape Benkei: SSE6m/s, Cape Kamui: SSW24m/s, wave 2.1m, pressure 1004hPa. Temperature and SW wind rose with the passing of low pressure system. From observations this morning, till about 9am, the avalanche risk is low, but as the temperature rises today, the risk becomes HIGH from warm temp surface slabs. Below 1000m, steep slopes, under steep lift lines, narrow gullies should be avoided. Dont remain in the valley bottoms. Snow will be good this morning. Gate openings are yet to be decided. Please respect the Patrols decisions. Yesterday in Mizuno no sawa, there was large avalanche travelling approx 1000m. When conditions are right an avalanche will happen, if people are there it becomes an accident. You always need to make wise decisions in the mountains. This information is to help minimise accidents in uncontrolled areas out of the ski areas. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 380cm Base - 185cm Niseko Village: Top - 335cm Base - 225cm Annupuri: Top - 280cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 30th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 849cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 451cm reported on 28 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