Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 23cm Snowfall at base this season 155cm Posted on Monday 16th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Like, wow. I can think of lots of words, but I just don't think I need them. (And I don't want to appear to go overboard!) So I'll let the numbers do most of the talking. Here's what ski areas around Hakuba are reporting (fresh snowfall) from upper areas this morning: Goryu... 50cm Hakuba 47... up to 40cm Happo-one... 37-40cm Tsugaike... 30cm 'in the morning' Numbers will vary in different places, but we have just had a lot more snow, again. I moved snow from my car late last night and again this morning. Result a total of 23cm. Thank you, wise snow gods! All this snow is all very exciting, of course, but remember to be careful out there folks. Perhaps especially so at the moment in these kind of conditions. Why aren't all the ski areas fully open? A bunch of reasons probably, but with more snow over the next few days (!), surely everywhere will be 'fully open' by Christmas? This coming weekend? ------------ ABLE Hakuba Goryu New snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Top: 50cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 190cm Top: 50cm Scheduled ski lift operations: Telecabin gondola Alps Number 1 pair Alps Number 3 pair Toomi Sky quad Toomi Number 1 pair Scheduled course openings: Panorama Grand Prix Super Technical Champion Dynamic Champion Expert Woody Toomi ------------ Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park New snowfall (reported as 'todays snowfall' by the ski area): Top: 40cm Base: 20cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 195cm Base: 80cm 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): 170cm 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): 40cm Usagidaira (1400m): 37cm Nakiyama (800m): - Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Kurobushi (1680m): 210cm Usagidaira (1400m): 170cm 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 Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field plans to open from Friday 20th December ------------ Hakuba Norikura Onsen Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): 75cm 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): 60cm Scheduled ski lift operations: 3 lifts operating ------------ Tsugaike Mountain Resort Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Upper: 177cm Base: 80cm 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 Monday 16th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 155cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (30th November) November 2024 snowfall 42cm reported on 3 days December 2024 snowfall 113cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 179cm Posted on Sunday 15th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have measured another 5cm to add to the ongoing reports this morning. It is snowing lightly at the start of the day and while visibility is ok down around base areas it looks like things are much less clear higher up. In ski lift news, the Jumbo Number 2 pair at Annupuri is now go! If I may, a quick note about the runs that are open/available at Hirafu. This season, on the official website, Hirafu is showing the 'live' status about what ski runs are open and which are closed. That's great in theory, but until 8:30am each morning they are all showing as being 'closed'. And they are closed before 8:30am, of course, so it is not actually incorrect. But that totally live thing kind of makes it difficult to know which runs are actually expected to open each morning. I think it would be helpful if they flagged such information. Anyway, the bottom line is that most runs at Hirafu are now open, except those top runs that are serviced by the top lifts (Ace Number 4 and King Number 4). Hope that all makes sense! I suppose such information is most relevant in the early and late season. Soon we will be at the stage where 'everywhere' is open. ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6am: -5°, 3cm new snow in last 12hrs, good visibility. Moiwa 800m:-7.7°,NW6.4m/s, light snowfall, wind ripples. Annupuri: groomers report good visibility. Hanazono 1000m: -9.5°, ESE3.1m/s. Hanazono 3 : -2.1°, NNW0.0m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW13m/s. Kamui Cape: SW13m/s, 1005hPa, wave1.8m. A winter pressure pattern continues, slightly wide isobar spacing and relatively calm at sea and on the mountain with good visibility. Winds below 15m/s have left wind ripples, but snowfall has been only light. From observations and data, the overall avalanche risk is low. Gates are still closed because the bamboo is still thick out of bounds, not ski-able and making rescue difficult from the ski resort in the event of an accident. Locals should follow the rules. If an experienced skier leaves a trail, many people will follow. The snow around the groomers is excellent. Snowdrifts at 800m are stable, but the avalanche risk is still high on 1500m leeward slopes where +20m/s winds continue. Please choose your route carefully in the surrounding mountains. Avalanches occur when the conditions are right and if there are people there, it can cause an accident. Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Sunday 15th 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: 15cm Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 140cm (-10cm change since yesterday) Base: 110cm (no change 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: 190cm (no change since yesterday) Base: 90cm (no change 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 Courses: Most courses apart from the top runs are now open ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 150cm (+20cm change since yesterday) Base: 100cm (+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: 125cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Base: 90cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Lifts: Annupuri Gondola Dream Number 1 quad Jumbo Number 1 quad (open until 7:30pm) Jumbo Number 2 pair Courses: Utopia Shirakaba Paradise Family Junior ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift Quad lift ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned from Saturday 14th December 2024 until Wednesday 23rd March 2025. Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Sunday 15th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 179cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (14th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 141cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 11cm Snowfall at base this season 193cm Posted on Sunday 15th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . This Sunday morning starts cloudy and it is fairly bright with some very faint shades of light blue in places. Still, we are not expecting clear and sun... rather, cloud and then potentially heavy snow into tomorrow. Around 25cm of snowfall on the mountain again so conditions should be gradually improving. 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): 147cm (top) 87cm (base) Cumulative snowfall this season (reported by the ski area): 426cm Other information: Night skiing is scheduled for weekends and holidays from 14th December 2024 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 Sunday 15th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 193cm Number of days snowfall observed 17 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 35cm (on 8th December) November 2024 snowfall 48cm observed on 5 days December 2024 snowfall 145cm 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 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 94cm Posted on Sunday 15th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. It has started snowing again this morning and we are expecting some potentially heavy snow later and into tomorrow. Limited visibility early morning higher up the mountain, with a dense fog from halfway up the mountain. Ski lifts operating (planned): Ropeways Onsen Number 1 pair Onsen Number 2 quad Mikaeri pair Chuo Number 1 pair Chuo Number 2 pair Katakai triple Shobunuma Number 2 pair Zao Paradise pair Ski runs open (planned): Paradise Paradise detour Takatori Uwanodai Chuo Renraku Utopia Official snow depth (reported by ski area): Yokokura area: 20cm Uwanodai area: 35cm Utopia area: 80cm Chuo area: 40cm Paradise area: 50cm Summit area: 60cm Zao Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Sunday 15th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 94cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (on 6th December) November 2024 snowfall 18cm observed on 4 days December 2024 snowfall 76cm observed 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 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 87cm Posted on Sunday 15th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . There is some low lying cloud early morning but higher up the sun is shining through the clouds in places. Not clear skies, but it looks like a fine start to the day up there. Is that heavy snow I see on forecasts for tonight into tomorrow? I think it is! And more decent snowfall a few days later? I think it is. Still no news on further expansion of operations but I can't see it being too long before more is open! As I said before though, we can enjoy some fine conditions while we wait. Fresh snowfall since yesterday morning (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 10cm Uenotaira: ?cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 110cm 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 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 Sunday 15th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 87cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (7th and 14th December) November 2024 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2024 snowfall 84cm 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 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 96cm Posted on Sunday 15th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from a sunny Shiga Kogen. I say sunny, but it feels like it won't last with some darker looking clouds hanging around in some directions perhaps waiting to move in. A fine early morning though, for sure. And definitely cold! A little snow since yesterday, hopefully more incoming by tomorrow. Still waiting for other ski areas to open up. Shiga Kogen Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Sunday 15th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 96cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (7th December) November 2024 snowfall 24cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 72cm 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 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 145cm Posted on Sunday 15th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Snow fell through the day yesterday; it’s almost sunny and nice out there today. Really good pre-Christmas conditions (I often tell people that they should really look at December 25 to be safe for snow here). So I am out today to get in my first turns.... Akakura Kanko: 110cm, -5° Myokokogen Sky Cable gondola and Hotel No. 3 Akakura Onsen: 110cm, -2° Yodel No. 1 triple, Yodel No. 4 pair Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick: 100cm, -9° Shirakaba Capsule, Ikenotaira Quad Myoko Suginohara: 100cm top, 40 cm base, -6° (no new report) They originally were going to open next week, but that gondola is running! Kyukamura RunRun: Planned opening December 21 Seki Onsen: Seki’s website has disappeared, and no listing with the city Planned opening late December Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort: 60cm, -2° (no new report) No. 3 quad and No. 5 quad Madarao Mountain Resort: 100cm, -3° No. 1, No. 2 quad, Super Quad Lotte Arai Resort: 172cm, 0° Gondola, Zendana and Okenashi lifts Kurohime Kogen Snow Park: Planned opening December 21 Myoko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Sunday 15th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 145cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th December) November 2024 snowfall 8cm reported on 1 day December 2024 snowfall 137cm 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 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 122cm Posted on Sunday 15th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . A beautiful sunny day here in Naeba with nicely groomed slopes. There was a crisp cold air in the morning, keeping this new layer of 9cm light and fluffy. There is no wind and great visibility. There might be some new snowfall coming again tonight. All good. Naeba Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Sunday 15th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 122cm Number of days snowfall observed 11 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 38cm (on 9th December) November 2024 snowfall 9cm observed on 2 days December 2024 snowfall 113cm observed on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 132cm Posted on Sunday 15th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Just a few words this morning. Nothing to do with the friendly gathering I attended last night, honest. ;) Cloudy conditions with light snow falling in places at the moment, with potentially more heavy snow before tomorrow morning. I look forward to telling you all about it tomorrow morning. Information below has been updated. -------------------------------- ABLE Hakuba Goryu New snowfall (as reported by the ski area): Top: 5cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 165cm Top: 40cm Scheduled ski lift operations: Telecabin gondola Alps Number 1 pair Alps Number 3 pair Toomi Sky quad Scheduled course openings: Panorama Grand Prix Super Technical Champion Dynamic Woody Toomi ------------ Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park New snowfall (reported as 'todays snowfall' by the ski area): Top: 5cm Base: 0cm Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 165cm Base: 70cm 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): 160cm 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): 0cm Usagidaira (1400m): 0cm Nakiyama (800m): - Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Kurobushi (1680m): 180cm Usagidaira (1400m): 145cm Nakiyama (800m): -cm Scheduled ski lift operations: Alpen quad Adam Gondola Panorama pair Kokusai Number 1 pair Kokusai Number 3 pair Kurobishi Number 2 quad ------------ Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field plans to open from Friday 20th December ------------ Hakuba Norikura Onsen Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): 75cm Scheduled ski lift operations:: 2 courses open 2 lifts operating ------------ Jigatake Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): 70cm Scheduled ski lift operations: Number 1 pair Number 3 pair ------------ Kashimayari Skijo Family Park Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): 40cm Scheduled ski lift operations: 3 lifts operating ------------ Tsugaike Mountain Resort Official snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Upper: 154cm Base: 45cm 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): ?cm Scheduled ski lift operations: 2 lifts operating Hakuba Now 2024-2025 season Data as Sunday 15th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 132cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (30th November) November 2024 snowfall 42cm reported on 3 days December 2024 snowfall 90cm 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 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 22cm Snowfall at base this season 173cm Posted on Saturday 14th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is obviously really great to be able to keep on reporting incoming snowfall, and today I have measured another 22cm to add to the totals (taking my observed total from base to 173cm for the season so far). Lovely. Obviously, conditions should be yummy out there and continuing to get better. As that snow keeps on coming, more runs are gradually opening up but important to note that the top lifts at Hirafu, Village and Annupuri are yet to get going. Niseko Moiwa seem to be starting up their quad lift this morning. Night skiing starts from today at the four Niseko United ski areas. Annupuri is partying all night until, er, 7:30pm, with the other three closing up at 7:00pm. That's more like 'evening skiing' rather than 'night skiing', isn't it?! Still, Hirafu plans to have both gondolas operating for 'evening skiing', as well as the Ace Family quad and King Holiday pair lifts. I have discussed this before in these reports, but long-timers will recall that night skiing used to be until much later into the actual night, hence the cunning name! I am pretty sure my memory is correct in recalling that Hirafu, for example, was open until 9:30pm in the 1990s. A close to hand guidebook from 2016 shows night skiing until 8:30pm, and a guidebook from 2021 shows night skiing until 8:00pm. So it seems to have gradually been cut back in recent years. I do find it curious that they are still closing so (relatively) early here in Niseko, though right now the people who make decisions clearly don't feel the need. Perhaps sometime in the future the night skiing thing might be extended again back to how it used to be. I would like that. (Side note: I don't think the cutting back on night skiing is a phenomenon unique to Niseko). Anyway, good times! :) ------------------------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base: -8℃, 25cm snowfall in 12h, and going up 5cm/h. Moiwa800m: -10.6℃, NNW5.4m/s, 150cm snowpack and growing. Hanazono 1000m: -12.2℃, NNE5.6m/s, snowpack growing. Coastal data: Kamui cape NNW9m/s, Kamui cape N6m/s, 1010hPa, 1.5m waves. The isobars have spread out, however the winter pressure distribution continues and cold air is flowing in. The snowdrifts development around 1000m elevation is mild and the overall avalanche risk is low. Bushes are mostly buried around 750m elevation and lines are open, but still thick in lower elevation and not suitable for skiing yet. The snow is fast today, flakes are crystalline without much wind influence. Avalanches can happen when the conditions align and do not depend on the amount of snow. It only becomes an accident if a person is caught in one. Highly wind-affected snow is dense, heavy and sticky, and is likely to form slabs. It is strongly recommended not to stimulate leeward slopes with heavy windload in a high-wind day (18+m/s) when cornices develop drastically. Whether there are notable weak layers or not, these quickly growing windloaded snowdrift slabs are extremely unstable and can slide into an avalanche. Weak sunlight today and the slopes undulations are hard to see. Have a nice day. ------------------------------------ Individual ski area information for Saturday 14th 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: 30cm Base: 25cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 150cm (+20cm change since yesterday) Base: 110cm (+15cm change 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: 40cm Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 190cm (+30cm change since yesterday) Base: 90cm (+15cm change 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 Courses: All courses now open apart from: Onsenzawa Large Konayuki Miharashi Dynamic ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): Peak: 130cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Base: 90cm (+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: 115cm (+20cm change since yesterday) Base: 80cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Lifts: Annupuri Gondola Dream Number 1 quad Jumbo Number 1 quad (open until 7:30pm) Courses: Utopia Shirakaba Paradise Family Junior ------------------ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift Quad lift ------------------------------------ Night skiing Floodlit night skiing is planned from Saturday 14th December 2024 until Wednesday 23rd March 2025. Niseko Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Saturday 14th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 173cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (14th December) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 135cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 182cm Posted on Saturday 14th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . 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): 147cm (top) 87cm (base) Other information: Night skiing is scheduled for weekends and holidays from 14th December 2024 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 Saturday 14th December 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 182cm Number of days snowfall observed 16 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 35cm (on 8th December) November 2024 snowfall 48cm observed on 5 days December 2024 snowfall 134cm observed 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 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 88cm Posted on Saturday 14th December 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao Onsen. With some more snow since yesterday it is a mostly cloudy morning as we start this weekend, which is sort of the first proper weekend of the ski season. Lift operations - as per official site at 8am - are as shown below. Subject to change, of course. More snow is due this weekend, particularly tomorrow it would seem. Ski lifts operating (planned): Ropeways Onsen Number 1 pair Onsen Number 2 quad Mikaeri pair Chuo Number 1 pair Chuo Number 2 pair Katakai triple Shobunuma Number 2 pair Ski runs open (planned): Paradise Paradise detour Takatori Chuo Renraku Uwanodai Official snow depth (reported by ski area): Yokokura area: 20cm Uwanodai area: 30cm Utopia area: 80cm Chuo area: 40cm Paradise area: 40cm Summit area: 60cm Zao Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Saturday 14th December 2024 Total snowfall at base 88cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (on 6th December) November 2024 snowfall 18cm observed on 4 days December 2024 snowfall 70cm observed on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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