Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 782cm Posted on Friday 24th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a few cm to report from Hirafu this morning so a thin layer of fresh. Light snow and overcast this morning but the forecast for the day is just cloudy. Keeping cold - overnight and early on anyway. It is forecast to warm up something this afternoon with a high of around +3 degrees likely in Kutchan town. It will be a relatively mild night as well and milder than usual conditions tomorrow. Just cloudy according to the forecast. By the beginning of next week though we should see a return to colder conditions. And of course hopefully that consistent large daily delivery of snow! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -7C, 3cm new snow in the last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: -8C, light winds. 5cm new crystal snow. Annupuri 1150m: -9C, wind W25m/s, no new snow, groomed runs firm. Hirafu 1000m: -12C. Annupuri peak 1308m: -10.9C, wind S2.7m/s, wind predicted to be W10m/s at noon. Cape Benkei: SSW5m/s, Cape Kamui: SSW16m/s, wave 1.6m, pressure 1016hPa. Gate opening times yet to be decided. Please listen the Patrols advice. The isobars are moving closer together and strong wind above 1100m, temperature will rise through the day. Snow pack above Jan 21st layer remains unstable and the risk of surface slab avalanches continues. Avoid knolls and cornice slopes. Avalanche risk is rising on open slopes and gladed trees. Accidents continue to occur off-piste. Avalanches are not the only danger in the mountains. Do not over estimate your skills or rely on technology. Fat skis are going to get you deep into the mountains but they are not going to save your life. The Jan 24 layer will become notable layer in the future snowpack. Snow pit check is not a ceremony, it is just one tool in assessing stability. Do not make decisions based solely on your snowpit assessment. There is not much new snowfall. Beware cracks, hitting trees. Have a safe day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 405cm Base - 190cm Niseko Village: Top - 330cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 290cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 24th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 782cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 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 384cm reported on 23 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 780cm Posted on Thursday 23rd January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from Hirafu and today we have, 20-25cm of new snowfall down here in the village. As you can see from the Avalanche Report below, up to 40cm being reported at higher elevations. It should be a very fine morning and there's already a lot of people out getting on those first lifts of the day. One thing for sure is that it's a very cold one. Minus double digits as the lifts prepare to open. A moderate wind this morning but that does not seem to be affecting lift operations around the resorts from the get go, but might need to keep an eye on that later on as it's forecast to get stronger. The other thing for sure is that it's a beautiful morning. Nice blue skies over the mountains, with just a few clouds remaining. In the other direction Mt Yotei is looking splendid wearing a cloud 'hat' with no other clouds around. In recent years Niseko has become very popular during the Chinese New Year period with more and more visitors from overseas coming to enjoy that holiday here. This year will be no different and while the actual Chinese New Year is on 31st January, some of those visitors have started to arrive. We are truly entering peak season now. Let's hope the regular snowfall continues so everyone can get to enjoy refreshed conditions. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -10C, 25cm broken crystal snow in the last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: -13C, wind W10m/s , 30cm new snow, major snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -16C, wind N13m/s, 30cm new snow, major snowdrift development. Annupuri peak 1308m: -17.4C, wind NNW12.5m/s, wind predicted to be W15m/s at noon. Hirafu 1000m: -15C, 40cm new snow, snowdrift development. Cape Benkei: N10m/s, Cape Kamui: NE4m/s, wave 1.7m, pressure 1018hPa. Wind and snow continue to flow in from the north. Above 800m, major cornice and snowdrift development. Even if the sun comes out this morning the avalanche risk remains high today. Gates 2 and 3 will be closed, others yet to be decided. Please follows the Patrols advice. Lately there have been a lot of accidents in out of bounds areas. Dont over estimate your abilities because you have fat skis, take care of falling into cracks. Yesterday both Hirafu and Annupuri patrols rescued people in out of bounds areas, Osawa and Fujuwara no Sawa. The snow in the trees is good, however there is wind slab around. Today its best to look for fresh lines within the resort boundaries. Yesterdays Report noted Chinpoko rock at F7, however the area discussed to be avoided was at E7. Have a safe day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 405cm Base - 200cm Niseko Village: Top - 330cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 280cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 23rd January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 780cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 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 382cm reported on 22 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 Sunday 30th November 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good afternoon from Hakuba. It's a lovely day. Mild, too. But I have some news! Tsugaike Mountain Resort is going to open from tomorrow, Monday 1st December. The Gondola and Tsuga Number 2 pair lift will be operating, with the upper Tsuganomori run ski-able. And, indeed, snowboard-able, too!. We're still looking at a good chance of decent snowfall around Wednesday/Thursday. Expect a flurry of activity along with the arrival of snow! Hakuba Now 2025-2026 season Data as Sunday 30th November 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 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 149cm Posted on Saturday 7th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Better news this morning as we have another 15cm of snow to report in Hirafu. It's colder too, so feeling much more winter-like than it has been this last week. Grand Hirafu has added 25cm to it's upper snow depth number this morning and as I mentioned last night there are opening the King Number 3 triple lift, Swinging Monkey lift and also the Gondola. With Hanazono opening this morning as well it means there's more choice for those getting out there - though still limited and remains upper areas only. That's all the resort news I can gather this morning. Expect more to gradually open as the snow arrives. Snow is forecast to continue today and into tomorrow - at the moment it is just snowing lightly. Little snowmen graphics are lined up on all of the forecasts for the coming week. Please do check the main page of the site and our Forums for news of the chance to win 10 Niseko Grand Hirafu / Hanazono lift tickets in the first SnowJapan Giveaway of the season. --- Lift operations (at time of writing): Grand Hirafu: Ace Family Pair Ace Number 3 Pair Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four (connecting only - can't ski to base) King Number 3 Triple Swinging Monkey Hirafu Gondola (connecting only - can't ski to base) Hanazono: Hanazono Number 1 lift (connecting only - can't ski to base) Hanazono Number 2 lift Hanazono Number 3 lift Niseko Village: Community Chair Banzai Chair Annupuri: Gondola Jumbo Number 3 --- Official snow depth numbers: Grand Hirafu: Top - 120cm Base - 55cm Hanazono: Top - 90cm Base - 50cm Niseko Village: Top - 60cm Base - 30cm Annupuri: Top - 70cm Base - 55cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 7th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 149cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (12th November) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 26cm 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 Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 54cm Posted on Saturday 29th November 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Quick update to report a few more cm of snow on the ground at base. Not enough for the ski area to open. Possibly heavy snow looks to be with us Wednesday onwards. Opening next weekend, perhaps? Geto Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Saturday 29th November 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 54cm Number of days snowfall observed 5 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 30cm (on 19th November) November 2025 snowfall 54cm observed 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 Geto Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 42cm Posted on Saturday 29th November 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Hello Campers, er, "Snow" Sports Enthusiasts! Well, they did it. Furano Ski Resort boldly opened on schedule with juuuuuuuuust enough snow to make it possible, and courageously facing a +10 C, yes +10 C high temp tomorrow with some r@!n thrown in for good measure. Nothing like that pressure from HQ in Tokyo to make sure you open on schedule, damn the conditions or the consequences. Of course, I'm just speculating. In their defense, they are reporting 25 cm of snow overnight at the summit, and a base depth on top of 55 cm. That seems like enough to work with, as long as it doesn't all melt on Sunday. From Monday onward, the temps look far more agreeable, with perhaps some "heavy snow" on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, it looks like will also be pretty windy thru the week. Anyway, enough whining about the imperfect weather. As per normal seasonal ops schedule, only the top section of the Furano side is open, meaning a Ropeway ride from the base (and down at end of day), then riding the pleasant throwback D lift, which meanders along at an enjoyable pace. TWO whole runs are open, but hey, if you gotta get on the snow ASAP for whatever reason, Furano is ready for you. And for at least a couple of days, Furano can claim bragging rights over Niseko and say that WE'RE OPEN, so sorry to hear that you're NOT!!! Such a shame. Really feel for you, man. All the best, etc., etc. Things are bound to get better from here. It's just the details of when and how much, and I stand ready to provide said data to you throughout the coming season. It's a La Nina this year, which "scientifically" means we should be above average. Good. Think snow. --- Ropeway and D lift *Cannot ski to bottom of mountain. Must use Ropeway to get down. Furano Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Saturday 29th November 2025 Total snowfall at base 42cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (18th November) November 2025 snowfall 42cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 43cm Posted on Friday 28th November 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Hello from... Nagano city. Yes, I'm away from Shiga Kogen right now and so going on what my friend just told me and webcam stuff. When I left yesterday it was mild, sunny and a bit windy too. We're back to more wintery like weather this morning with a bit of a dusting of snow on the ground. Two ski areas remain part open: Yokoteyama: Number 3 pair lift. Kumanoyu: Number 2 pair B lift. I'll be back in Shiga Kogen from next week. After that, I should be there for pretty much all winter. Forecast for next week are looking promising. Heavy snow Wednesday onwards? Yes, please. Let's have some of that! Shiga Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Friday 28th November 2025 Total snowfall at base 43cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 19cm (on 19th November) November 2025 snowfall 43cm 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 Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 2cm Posted on Friday 28th November 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Hello from Hakuba. I have to be quick this afternoon, but just to let you know that Tsugaike and Happo-one have announced delays but there are no announcements coming from 47/Goryu at the moment. I can't wait any longer to post this report today. Basically, we are waiting wait for snow. Forecasts are looking quite tasty (for snow) for Wednesday next week. Fingers crossed. I will be posting more substantial reports here starting from next week. Have a good weekend. Hakuba Now 2025-2026 season Data as Friday 28th November 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 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 27cm Good morning from Niseko. The official Niseko United website this morning shows that the Annupuri, Village and Hanazono ski areas have officially delayed opening... until there is enough snow. At 10am this morning, Hirafu is still showing 'planning to open on 29th November' and I can't find any more recent news or announcements. Their last excite Facebook update was on 25th November. It featured a whole lot of hashtags, but not much else of use. I would guess their announcement of a delay will come later on today, but I probably won't be able to update this report. I will be back tomorrow with whatever news there might be! Update at 11am: Hirafu has confirmed a delay. So no ski lifts moving tomorrow. We wait for snow! Niseko Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Friday 28th November 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 27cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 9cm (18th November) November 2025 snowfall 27cm 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 42cm Posted on Thursday 27th November 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning. Well, after some very nice snow falling yesterday post-report, we have clearer skies this morning and a bit of wind. We got 5-10cm of fresh across the region. If we are lucky we might get some more tomorrow. Two ski areas remain part open: Yokoteyama: Number 3 pair lift. Kumanoyu: Number 2 pair B lift. Shiga Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Thursday 27th November 2025 Total snowfall at base 42cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 19cm (on 19th November) November 2025 snowfall 42cm 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 Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 27cm Good morning from Niseko. It's a real beauty of a morning with clear blue skies and sunshine. That's all very nice, but we don't have a whole lot of snow. I can't find any official announcements from ski areas regarding their 'planned opening date' of Saturday 29th November -- the day after tomorrow. We might get some snow tomorrow. I will let you know when I have any news. Niseko Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Thursday 27th November 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 27cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 9cm (18th November) November 2025 snowfall 27cm 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 36cm Posted on Wednesday 26th November 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Hello from Shiga Kogen. Another dusting of snow on the ground now and maybe a few cm on trees here and there and on the ski slopes. Hopefully we will have some more, but clearer skies are due tomorrow. Two ski areas remain part open: Yokoteyama: Number 3 pair lift. Kumanoyu: Number 2 pair B lift. Other ski areas in Shiga Kogen are mostly aiming for a mid-December opening. ** Update: snow coming down nicely post original report Shiga Kogen Now 2025-2026 season Data as of Wednesday 26th November 2025 Total snowfall at base 36cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 19cm (on 19th November) November 2025 snowfall 36cm 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 Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com