Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 16cm Snowfall at base this season 119cm Posted on Friday 20th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. We got some more fresh snow yesterday from around lunchtime onwards. Yakebitaiyama were reporting 20cm early morning. And this morning we are back to some clearer skies. It's a very fine morning and through tomorrow we might get some relatively mild conditions. OK, some ski area news at last! Nishidateyama is open from this morning (the lower section anyway), with the quad lift operating. And from tomorrow, more of Shiga Kogen will be opening up. Sun Valley, Maruike, Ichinose Diamond, Ichinose Yamanokami, Bunadaira, Higashidateyama and the Shiga Kogen Resort Gondola will all be open from Saturday morning. Hurray! It remains to be seen how 'connected' it all will be. But, essentially, that will only leave a few of the areas of Shiga Kogen left to open. With some heavy snow looking likely still from Saturday night and continuing for a few days, I'd say the chance of everywhere being open and connected for Christmas is pretty good. Fab! Shiga Kogen Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Friday 20th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 119cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (7th December) November 2024 snowfall 24cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 95cm 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 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 29cm Snowfall at base this season 227cm Posted on Friday 20th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . I got chided recently by some of my dear readers (hello D and C) about some late reports in this early, almost pre-season period. OK, I was up and out and at the computer before 7.... and there was very little new information on the resort websites. I can tell you in general: lots of soft new snow, nice cold temperatures overnight (and still cold at &;30, before the sun hits), we have a day off here with some sun before what looks like a crazy Sunday for snow, and all the resorts will be open tomorrow! Akakura Kanko: 145cm, -5° (no new report) Myokokogen Sky Cable gondola and Hotel No. 3 Akakura Onsen: 140cm, -4° (no new report) Yodel No. 1 triple, No. 3 triple, No. 4 pair, Kumado No.1 Quad and No. 4 triple Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick: 110cm, -° 6 (no new report for two days) Shirakaba Capsule, Ikenotaira Quad, Alpen Blick No. 1 pair Myoko Suginohara: 120cm top, 50cm base, -11° (no new report) Gondola and Mitahara No. 2 Kyukamura RunRun: Planned opening December 21 Seki Onsen: 120cm, -5° (no new report) Planned opening December 21 Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort: 65cm, -5° (no new report) No. 3 quad and No. 5 quad Madarao Mountain Resort: 100cm, -3° (no new report) No. 1, No. 2 quad, Super Quad Lotte Arai Resort: 225cm, no temp reading so maybe not new.... All lifts likely to be running Kurohime Kogen Snow Park: 100cm top, 30cm base; -2° Planned opening December 21 Myoko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Friday 20th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 227cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th December) November 2024 snowfall 8cm reported on 1 day December 2024 snowfall 219cm 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 Myoko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 132cm Posted on Friday 20th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Morning from Naeba. After last night's snowfall, we are reporting 5 cm of fresh snow at the base. It's sunny with some clouds, and there's a light breeze. The great visibility and well-groomed slopes are very inviting this morning. Tomorrow might be a bit mild and sunny but potentially heavy snow is looking likely from Saturday night and possibly for a few days. Sounds great. ---------------------------- Official snow depth: Summit: 80cm Base: 60cm Scheduled lift operations: Prince Number 2 Gondola Number 5 high speed lift Number 4 romance lift Takenokodaira pair lift Courses scheduled to be open: 6 of 24 runs available. You can ski/board back down from Takenokodaira to base! Naeba Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Friday 20th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 132cm Number of days snowfall observed 15 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 38cm (on 9th December) November 2024 snowfall 9cm observed on 2 days December 2024 snowfall 123cm observed 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 Naeba. 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 174cm Posted on Friday 20th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Yesterday the snow clouds moved in again and were rewarding us with another mini-delivery. Today, it is cold and one of those beautiful blue sky mornings with the mountains around Hakuba looking magnificent. They always do, of course, but on mornings like this... I know I have often said this, but I never tire of the totally awesome beauty on display. Hakuba Iwatake ski area has opened this morning, featuring a shiny new gondola. And with that, all of the ski areas in the 'Hakuba Valley' promotional grouping are now open. (I'll talk about why I worded it like that in a future report). The Milky Four and Number 6 pair lifts are up and running at Goryu from this morning. And it looks like a bunch more ski lifts are scheduled to open at Happo-one from tomorrow, though the top quad is scheduled to open on 28th December. No Grat for Santa! Some serious snowfall looks set to be gracing us starting tomorrow night, and probably continuing through Monday. If that happens, we really all should be set for 'fully open'. What a great early season we are enjoying. Long may it continue! By the way, yesterday in the list (below) I had not updated the new snowfall number for Happo-one and it was showing as 30cm. That was, of course, a mistake (and was subsequently fixed). I will apologise and be censed issue! (Some old-timers might recognise that joke). But seriously, I'll do my best to make sure everything is correct each and every morning. Gambarimasu! -------------------------------- ABLE Hakuba Goryu New snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Top: 1cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 200cm Top: 50cm Scheduled ski lift operations: Telecabin gondola Alps Number 1 pair Alps Number 3 pair Toomi Sky quad Toomi Number 1 pair Milky Four Number 6 pair Scheduled course openings: Panorama Grand Prix Super Technical Champion Dynamic Champion Expert Woody Toomi Soft Cream Powder Snow ------------ Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park New snowfall (reported as 'todays snowfall' by the ski area): Top: 0cm Base: 0cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 195cm Base: 85cm Scheduled ski lift operations: All lifts operating (apart from Line D which usually only operates when the gondola is closed) Scheduled course openings: All main courses open The Tree Riding Zones are not yet open ------------ Hakuba Cortina Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): 190cm Scheduled ski lift operations: 6 of 16 courses open 2 of 6 lifts operating ------------ Hakuba Happo-one New snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Kurobushi (1680m): 10cm Usagidaira (1400m): 10cm Nakiyama (800m): - Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Kurobushi (1680m): 190cm Usagidaira (1400m): 164cm Nakiyama (800m): -cm Scheduled ski lift operations: Alpen quad Adam Gondola Panorama pair Kokusai Number 3 pair Kurobishi Number 2 quad ------------ Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): 130cm Scheduled ski lift operations: Gondola View 2 4th Line East 5th Line South ------------ Hakuba Norikura Onsen Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): 130cm Scheduled ski lift operations:: 2 courses open 2 lifts operating ------------ Jigatake Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): 80cm Scheduled ski lift operations: Number 1 pair Number 3 pair ------------ Kashimayari Skijo Family Park Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): 80cm Scheduled ski lift operations: 3 lifts operating ------------ Tsugaike Mountain Resort Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Upper: 180cm Base: 63cm Scheduled ski lift operations: Eve Gondola Han-no-ki pair lift Tsuga Number 2 pair Han-no-ki Number 3 quad ------------ White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): 100cm Scheduled ski lift operations: 2 lifts operating Hakuba Now 2024-2025 season Data as Friday 20th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 174cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (30th November) November 2024 snowfall 42cm reported on 3 days December 2024 snowfall 132cm 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 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 247cm Posted on Thursday 19th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. And what a lovely morning it was yesterday with some bright blue skies and sunshine. Later in the day there was some light snow falling. We start this morning with a lot of cloud around. There's some light snow falling in places, and some blue sky on show in others. So a mixed bunch of weather going on at the start of the day. Modest snowfall is on forecasts today with a break currently showing for tomorrow and Saturday when it should be nice and sunny again; and then back to the snow early week. I generally try to avoid blurb and marketing stuff, but yesterday I noticed some blurb that Hanazono had posted: "Wrapped in fresh snow, night skiing is pure bliss". Indeed, night skiing can be amazing. So, hey, how about keeping the lights on and lifts moving beyond 7pm, so we can properly enjoy this bliss for longer? It sounds like the makings of a cunning plan to me! (OK I'll shut up about the night thing now). ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -6℃, 10cm snowfall in 12h, good visibility and calm weather. Moiwa 800m: -7.4℃, W1.5m/s, 10cm snowfall, no slab development or wind ripples. Mikaeri 750m: -8℃, S1.1m/s, 220cm snowpack, 500m visibility. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW11m/s, Kamui cape WSW9m/s, 1017hPa, 1.1m waves. There are no notable snow-clouds on the Sea of Japan and the waves are small. Slabs development has stopped for now. The snowpack has reached 250cm at cornice slopes around 900m elevation. There were also no notable fractures observed in the snowpack while pressure testing with the snow-cat. Assessing all data and snowfall transitions, the overall avalanche risk is small. The preparation of the upper slopes in the resorts are delayed. Please refrain from crossing boundary ropes to access out of bounds. Ducking ropes is strictly prohibited by the Niseko Rules. The mountain condition is improving daily, but bushes are still thick below 700m. Be well prepared if you’re planning to go backcountry touring. The snow in leeward slopes above 1000m is in good shape, but avoid dropping into the same slope simultaneously, traversing steep slopes and resting at the bottom of a gully to minimize the risk of accidents. The snow in Niseko contains a moderate amount of moisture even in cold temps due to the proximity of the Sea and provides good rebound, and that is what makes Niseko’s snow somewhat special. The snowpack condition is ever-changing. Many of the avalanche accidents are triggered when windload slabs are developing in a storm. Better not underestimate the risk by overestimating your knowledge and skills, always remain humble in the Nature and stay vigilant. Awesome conditions today. Enjoy. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Thursday 19th December 2024 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 14cm Base: 12cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 180cm (-10cm change since yesterday) Base: 148cm (-12cm since yesterday) Lifts: All four lifts scheduled to be operating Courses: All courses scheduled to be open Gondola open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 15cm Base: 5cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 220cm (-10cm since yesterday) Base: 120cm (-10cm since yesterday) Lifts: Ace Family quad (open until 7:00pm) Ace Gondola (open until 7:00pm) Ace Number 3 pair King Gondola (open until 7:00pm) King Holiday pair (open until 7:00pm) King Number 3 quad Swinging Monkey ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 160cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Base: 120cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Lifts: Niseko Gondola Upper Village Gondola (open until 7:00pm) Village Express (open until 7:30pm) Community Chair Banzai Chair (open for night skiing until 7:30pm) ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 110cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: Annupuri Gondola Dream Number 1 quad Jumbo Number 1 quad (open until 7:30pm) Jumbo Number 2 pair ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift Quad lift ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025. Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Thursday 19th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 247cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 209cm 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 101cm Posted on Thursday 19th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Just a little snow yesterday morning post-report, but no more since then. A fairly cloudy but bright start to the day with some blue sky too, and perhaps we'll get more of that before the snow clouds that are forecast to move in and bring us some fresh snow later today. Then there will probably be sun again tomorrow and Saturday, before snow on Sunday. That is still looking like the most potential for moderate to heavy snow. Naski alert! Our fave bright green skiing vegetable mascot character will be attending the Opening Festival event on Saturday. It is from 11am in front of Resthouse Yamabiko. I believe you will be able to some janken (rock paper scissors) with Naski. Sounds like a fine plan! Fresh snowfall since yesterday morning (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: ?cm Uenotaira: -cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 120cm Uenotaira: 115cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Lifts operating: Nagasaka Gondola (from 8:30am) Yamabiko Four quad lift Yamabiko Number 2 Four quad lift Uenotaira Four quad lift Yu Road (from 8:00am) Courses available: Yamabiko A-E courses Uenotaira (Family Lane) You need to get the gondola up to (and back down from) the open ski runs. All base areas are not yet available. The Uenotaira Cross Country course is also open. Nozawa Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Thursday 19th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 101cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (7th and 14th December) November 2024 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2024 snowfall 98cm 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 Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 19cm Snowfall at base this season 198cm Posted on Thursday 19th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Really nice snowfall through the day yesterday, ending around 7pm. Light, fluffy, and helped by pretty cold temperatures through the night. That in turn gave us some nice, sparkling snow this morning; very Christmas card-y in Myoko this year. Just a few more days until all resorts are operating, and everybody looks to have great conditions. We’ll probably have more lifts coming on this weekend, too, as more people get into year-end vacation mode. Akakura Kanko: 145cm, -5° Myokokogen Sky Cable gondola and Hotel No. 3 Akakura Onsen: 140cm, -4° Yodel No. 1 triple, No. 3 triple, No. 4 pair, Kumado No.1 Quad and No. 4 triple Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick: 110cm, -° 6 Shirakaba Capsule, Ikenotaira Quad, Alpen Blick No. 1 pair Myoko Suginohara: 120cm top, 50cm base, -11° Gondola and Mitahara No. 2 Kyukamura RunRun: Planned opening December 21 Seki Onsen: 120cm, -5° Planned opening December 21 Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort: 65cm, -5° No. 3 quad and No. 5 quad Madarao Mountain Resort: 100cm, -3° No. 1, No. 2 quad, Super Quad Lotte Arai Resort: 225cm, 1° All lifts likely to be running Kurohime Kogen Snow Park: 100cm top, 30cm base; -2° Planned opening December 21 Myoko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Thursday 19th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 198cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th December) November 2024 snowfall 8cm reported on 1 day December 2024 snowfall 190cm 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 Myoko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 127cm Posted on Thursday 19th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . It is a very pleasant morning here in Naeba. 1cm of snow to report from yesterday, but this morning it's mostly blue skies and a still relatively quiet Naeba. Even so we might get to see some fresh snow again before the day is over. Things will start to get busier starting from this weekend, and hopefully more of the ski area will be opening up too. Naeba Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Thursday 19th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 127cm Number of days snowfall observed 14 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 38cm (on 9th December) November 2024 snowfall 9cm observed on 2 days December 2024 snowfall 118cm observed 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 Naeba. 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 244cm Posted on Wednesday 18th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here At the risk of starting to sound repetitive, I have another 'about 20cm' of snowfall to report this morning. That is bringing my total observed snowfall for the season up to 244cm. By the way, in one of the first reports of January 2025, I will take a closer look at the snowfall numbers and offer my thoughts on the season so far in the first of my monthly roundups this season. (In the meantime, again, you can find archive information and data from previous seasons using the links at the top and bottom of this report). Talking about snowfall numbers, Hanazono have been posting some impressive numbers over the last few days. Another 35-40cm this morning. It's a lovely morning, by the way, which is a bit of a surprise. Quite a lot of blue sky, particularly away from the mountain, and some fine views of Mt Yotei (wearing a funny little cloud hat early on this morning). Very cool. It feels like it is going to be a really beautiful morning. Blocking out all the nonsense happening in the world for a moment, isn't life wonderful? On mornings like this, I always try to remind myself how lucky I am to be able to live surrounded by all this beauty, in my own peaceful world. Humbled. (PS Looks like there is going to be some action re: Moiwa gate 6 today. Check the avalanche report below). ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base: -9℃, 25cm new snow in the last 12hrs, minimal wind influence, moderate visibility. Moiwa800m: -11.8℃, NNW4.8m/s, 25cm new snow in the last 12hrs, 180cm snow slab with minor development. Hanazono 1000m: -13.6℃, N6.0m/s, difficult to groom as snow is too good. Benkei Cape NNW8m/s, Kamui Cape N8m/s, 1015hPa, 0.8m waves. Other locations to be set. The winterly pressure pattern in the Sea of Japan remains unchanged, and snow clouds continue to flow in intermittently. Snow is expected to intensify again around noon. Slab formation is weak around 800 m elevation, no significant breaks with a snowcat inspection. Based on morning observations and assessment of various data, the general avalanche risk is low below 1100 m altitude. Moiwa gate 6 will be opened today for a limited time. Beware that if you drop too far down you will not be able to return to the chair lifts. Beacon is essential. The bush is thick. Avoid skiing simultaneously on open slopes. Do not fall into gullies. Water is cold. Niseko trusts the sensible actions of its users. Respect the rules. There is no safety in the winter mountains. The terms ‘snowdrifts’ and ‘slabs’ used in this information will be standardised as ‘slabs’ in the future. This information is issued for the safety of winter mountain users and skiers and is not intended for academic research. Most accidents can be prevented if you think and are careful. Have a good day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Wednesday 18th December 2024 The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources. Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 35cm Base: 40cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 190cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Base: 160cm (+15cm since yesterday) Lifts: All four lifts scheduled to be operating Courses: All courses scheduled to be open Gondola open until 7:00pm ------------------ Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): Peak: 25cm Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 230cm (+20cm since yesterday) Base: 130cm (+20cm since yesterday) Lifts: Ace Family quad (open until 7:00pm) Ace Gondola (open until 7:00pm) Ace Number 3 pair King Gondola (open until 7:00pm) King Holiday pair (open until 7:00pm) King Number 3 quad Swinging Monkey ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 155cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 110cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: Niseko Gondola Upper Village Gondola (open until 7:00pm) Village Express (open until 7:30pm) Community Chair Banzai Chair (open for night skiing until 7:30pm) ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 140cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 110cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: Annupuri Gondola Dream Number 1 quad Jumbo Number 1 quad (open until 7:30pm) Jumbo Number 2 pair ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift Quad lift ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025. Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Wednesday 18th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 244cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (16th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 206cm 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 Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 19cm Snowfall at base this season 266cm Posted on Wednesday 18th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Geto Kogen. Another nice new fresh layer of snow and it is still coming down nicely early this morning. Fine flakes at the moment rather than big fluffy ones, though it is keeping nice and cold and so conditions should be pretty good if you want to brave the weather. Visibility limited at the start of the day today. The snow might stop this afternoon and there seems to be a good chance of clearer skies tomorrow. After that, more snow due from Sunday. Runs open (planned): All main courses now open, some with restrictions Tree run courses not yet open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): 200cm (top) 135cm (base) Cumulative snowfall this season (reported by the ski area): 581cm Other information: Night skiing is scheduled for weekends and holidays through 24th February 2025. The Number 2 Gondola is scheduled to normally only operate on weekends, holidays and over New Year (28th December through 5th January). Geto Kogen Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Wednesday 18th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 266cm Number of days snowfall observed 20 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 48cm (on 16th December) November 2024 snowfall 48cm observed on 5 days December 2024 snowfall 218cm observed 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 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 112cm Posted on Wednesday 18th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning. Nothing significant happening yesterday though the skies did a little clearer around lunch time. Snow is starting to fall early this morning and a little over 1cm has started to accumulate. The clouds are back and I can't see the top of the mountain. The most significan snowfall on forecasts appears to be due around Sunday. Those visiting in Saturday might get to enjoy some clearer skies. Ski lifts operating (planned): Ropeways Onsen Number 1 pair Onsen Number 2 quad Mikaeri pair Chuo Number 1 pair Chuo Number 2 pair Utopia Number 2 pair Ski runs open (planned): Zangezaka Juhyogen (top) Ohira Takatori Uwanodai Chuo Utopia Official snow depth (reported by ski area): Yokokura area: 40cm Uwanodai area: 40cm Utopia area: 100cm Chuo area: 50cm Paradise area: 50cm Summit area: 70cm Zao Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Wednesday 18th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 112cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (on 6th December) November 2024 snowfall 18cm observed on 4 days December 2024 snowfall 94cm observed 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 Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 99cm Posted on Wednesday 18th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . After some clearer and not-as-cold yesterday, we start this morning with a modest amount of fresh snow on the ground and the skijo is reporting 7cm overnight. Today should be a cold day and we do expect snow today and during the day tomorrow too. Let's see how much Nature decides to bless us with! Right now forecasts are saying clearer and sunny maybe Friday and Saturday with some moderate to heavy snow possibly going into Sunday and Monday. That looks like it has real potential! Fresh snowfall since yesterday morning (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 8cm (including 1cm from yesterday) Uenotaira: -cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 115cm Uenotaira: 110cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Lifts operating: Nagasaka Gondola (from 8:30am) Yamabiko Four quad lift Yamabiko Number 2 Four quad lift Uenotaira Four quad lift Courses available: Yamabiko A-E courses Uenotaira (Family Lane) You need to get the gondola up to (and back down from) the open ski runs. All base areas are not yet available. Nozawa Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Wednesday 18th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 99cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (7th and 14th December) November 2024 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2024 snowfall 96cm 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 Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com