Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 77cm Posted on Friday 22nd December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Yesterday we got a further light dusting of snow. This morning we start with sunshine. Lots of blue sky and just some cloud. Lovely. The clouds are there but seem to be quickly moving on so perhaps it will be a bluebird day. The snow is starting to glisten. Hopefully, we'll get a top-up before tomorrow. Zao Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Friday 22nd December 2023 Total snowfall at base 77cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (on 30th November) November 2023 snowfall 32cm observed on 4 days December 2023 snowfall 45cm observed 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 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 91cm Posted on Friday 22nd December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Cold and some light snow this morning. Unfortunately, light in volume as well as weight; we only got 17cm at the base of Akakan, not enough to change things for the resorts. Seems like the winds are following the coast; I went to Joetsu City, just to the north of us, low and flat and right next to the sea. Much more snow falling there in the afternoon and early evening. It really only started falling seriously here around midnight. Lotte Arai remains the only area with lifts running. I reported yesterday that the base Sanroku No. 1 lift was reported as "being prepared" yesterday, but it did not actually run yesterday. Still marked as junbichu today, although they did get snow at the base level so the lift might open. That would help local ski schools, who have no other place to go and the upper runs at Lotte Arai are not the best place for a beginner lesson. And the word just in on the town radio info system: the trains from Myokokogen to the north (Arai, Takada, Naoetsu) are not running. Guess they did get some more snow overnight. Myoko Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Friday 22nd December 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 91cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (25th November) November 2023 snowfall 42cm reported on 1 day December 2023 snowfall 49cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 44cm Posted on Friday 22nd December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . We were all excited about the prospect of heavy snow. We do have snow, though perhaps not as much as we thought we might, certainly now down at base anyway. Having said that, the ski area is reporting up to 30cm up top and that is allowing more of the mountain to open this morning. The Hikage gondola is moving, all Yamabiko runs are open and so is Kokenashi and Uenotaira. We're still promised heavy snow later today. Early morning it is cloudy but quite bright at times. Cold too. Fresh snowfall since yesterday morning (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 30cm Uenotaira: 23cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 50cm Uenotaira: 45cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Lifts operating: Nagasaka Gondola (from 8:30am) Hikage Gondola (from 8:30am) Yamabiko Four lift Yamabiko Number 2 Four quad lift Skyline connecting pair lift Uenotaira quad lift Yu Road (from 8:00am) Courses available: Yamabiko A-E Kokenashi A/B Uenotaira (some restrictions) Top areas of the ski area are open. You need to get the gondola back down to base. All base areas are closed. Nozawa Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Friday 22nd December 2023 Total snowfall at base 44cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 13cm (25th November) November 2023 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2023 snowfall 23cm 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 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 267cm Posted on Thursday 21st December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I bring you more good news and another very respectable amount of snowfall. 25cm this morning. It has been a good week so far... and there's more to come. It looks like all the main runs at Hanazono are now open, and there's a few more appearing on the list for Hirafu too. (Hirafu reporting 45cm of fresh snowfall on the mountain this morning, by the way). It is a cold morning, but we actually have some sunshine in places at the start of the day. There is some light snow falling in place. So some varied weather conditions going on just at the moment. Looking over to the east from town, Mt Yotei is looking stunning with a lot of blue sky and some clouds around the upper section. Beautiful. Anyway, here's some words I prepared yesterday. ------------------ Today, please allow me to have some fun responding to feedback sent over the last week or two. I want to emphasise that I'm writing this with a smile on my face. (After all, I just had some toast). OK, here goes. You reported (insert Niseko Now number) cm of new snowfall yesterday. I am in Niseko, and there was (insert different number) cm. You were wrong! (It's an outrage, etc). Perhaps we were both right? The complexities of nature and snowfall and stuff. For what it's worth, I know I was right, and I have absolutely no reason to try and mislead anyone. My measurements (place, time, person) have been consistent for many years now. And I accept that perhaps your number was also correct. Why are you reporting 242cm (*as of 20th December) of total snowfall this season? There's nowhere near that amount! The number is 242cm because that's how much snow I have measured since the beginning of the season. Lots of it has indeed melted. But it still fell. Please take a look at the Show snowfall and Show accumulated snowfall buttons on the graph below. Also, check the Snowfall analysis tab at the top of the page. I'm not sure what more I can say about that one. You have been a bit negative on some days. When you say 'negative', do you mean 'honest'? Guilty! It's important to realise that I am not here to be a tour guide, cheerleader, or marketing messenger proclaiming everything to be wonderful all the time. I am aware that thousands of people read these reports every day, and I take my responsibilities seriously. I try to comment (carefully) on how I see things, and it's as simple as that. Sometimes, I may cover topics or say things that someone with something to sell you might avoid. On a few occasions, businesses have actually voiced their displeasure at my writing. (Personally, I think people should value that defiantly independent stance). I sincerely hope that everyone who visits Niseko has a great time. Please don't take my day-to-day commentary of the season personally. The same applies to the other daily reports on this site, of course. I certainly don't try to be controversial, and I will be suitably excite when conditions are indeed excite. You keep on misspelling the name Niseko Tokyo Grand Hirafu! I discussed this last year. Tokyu is part of the name of the company that operates the ski area. It's not Niseko Tokyo Grand Hirafu. (That would be a bit weird!). I am happy to be made aware of any factual mistakes I might make from time to time, and I will always correct them as quickly as possible. I'll even admit to them. (Like my 570cm snow depth typo for Annupuri yesterday, doh!) Stop all the toast talk; it's silly. Well, sometimes I like being a bit silly. And I love toast. I do try to keep it to a minimum, honest. (Moaning about something). If you are dissatisfied with my reports or the SnowJapan website in general, you can cancel your 'subscription' at any time. You will receive an instant refund of all monies paid, and no further payments will be made. It can't be much fairer than that, right? ;) I really love this website. How can I help support it? Thank you for taking the time to send me/us your kind comments. Of course, it's fun reading comments from anonymous people who appear to enjoy using a free service they dislike, but it's always lovely to hear supportive comments, too! But, seriously, the best way you can help and support SnowJapan is to tell your friends and spread the word. Thank you! ------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base: -9C, light snow, 25cm snowfall in 12h, light wind with slightly poor visibility. Mikaeri 764m: -12C, light wind, 40cm snowfall. Hirafu Hanazono: -14.1C, SSW 3.7m/s. Hanazono#3: -10.6C, WNW2.4m/s, 30cm snowfall. Amazing powder snow. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW8m/s, Kamui cape SW12m/s, 1009hPa, 2.1m waves. Small low pressure system east of the Shakotan peninsula caused snowfall both at the sea and in the mountains overnight. Snow is light crystal snow and progresses the snow consolidation. From the observation and the weather data, the general avalanche risk is low. Not enough snow on the slopes under the 800m elevation, bamboos and other bushes are still sticking out and not suitable to ski. Bamboos can be like snare traps, so be careful. Out of bounds area is still closed but the snow around the piste is in an excellent condition. The light is weak to see the undulations. Beware of crashing into the trees. Most accidents occur under bad weather such as snowstorms. Snowdrifts can be an avalanche nest. Beware of how the snow falls. Accidents can be prevented if we are careful and not overconfident. Have a good day. ------------------ Individual ski area information for Thursday 21st December 2023 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 and subject to change. Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 45cm woohoo! Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 210cm (+35cm since yesterday) - Base: 85cm (+20cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Ace Family quad * - Ace Number 2 quad (Center Four) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola - King Number 3 quad Courses: - Center - Family - Sennoki - Alpen - Beginners - Kokutai - Holiday - Boyo - Green - Jumbo - Rinkan - Shirakaba ------------------ Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 30cm - Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 120cm (no change since yesterday) - Base: 90cm (+5cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Hanazono Number 1 - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad - Hanazono Symphony Gondola * Courses: - All open apart from Legend of Shinya ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 20cm - Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 120cm (+20cm since yesterday) - Base: 90cm (-) Lifts: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo quad * Courses: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior - Possibly more? ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 135cm - Base: 84cm Lifts: - Niseko Gondola - Upper Village Gondola * - Village Express * - Community Chair - Banzai Chair * ------------------ Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 20th March 2024. Night skiing is usually until 7:00pm at Hirafu, Hanazono, Village and until 7:30pm at Annupuri. Lifts marked with an asterix (*) are normally scheduled to operate for night skiing. Niseko Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Thursday 21st December 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 267cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (18th December) November 2023 snowfall 120cm reported on 11 days December 2023 snowfall 147cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 7cm Snowfall at base this season 74cm Posted on Thursday 21st December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Light flurry episodes throughout the day yesterday with another 7cm to add to the report this morning. The temperature has dropped and hardened the snow. There were lift closures yesterday due to lack of snow. Light snow has literally stopped as I was about to hit send but we might get some more during the day and tomorrow too. The Onsen Number 1 pair is also moving this morning with part of Uwanodai area open. Zao Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Thursday 21st December 2023 Total snowfall at base 74cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (on 30th November) November 2023 snowfall 32cm observed on 4 days December 2023 snowfall 42cm observed 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 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 74cm Posted on Thursday 21st December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . The national forecasts gave the likelihood of heavy snow today, but it hasn't hit yet. Another dusting overnight, and it's snowing but bright at the moment. The only change at the resorts is that Lotte Arai looks like it will open the Sanroku No. 1 lift, down at the bottom of the hill. A place to conduct beginners' lessons (and I know lots of area ski schools are going to Lotte Arai because, well, there's nowhere else to ski). Myoko Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Thursday 21st December 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 74cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (25th November) November 2023 snowfall 42cm reported on 1 day December 2023 snowfall 32cm 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 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 58cm Posted on Thursday 21st December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good news. It's snowing and quite windy. Visibility is generally limited. The snow is not coming down in massive amounts on the ground, but all being well it will settle in tonight and there'll be something more significant tonight. And tomorrow. Shiga Kogen Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Thursday 21st December 2023 Total snowfall at base 58cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 11cm (30th November) November 2023 snowfall 32cm reported on 8 days December 2023 snowfall 26cm 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 32cm Posted on Thursday 21st December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . The snow has started. There is a few cm on the ground and we are very much hoping that the next few days will bring some Nozawa-like numbers. The ski area is already reporting 15cm overnight in top areas. Exciting. For now, lift and course openings remains the same. See you tomorrow! Fresh snowfall since yesterday morning (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 15cm Uenotaira: 10cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): Yamabiko: 35cm Uenotaira: 20cm Hikage: - Nagasaka: - Karasawa: - Lifts operating: Nagasaka Gondola (from 8:30am) Yamabiko Number 2 Four quad lift Yu Road (from 8:00am) Courses available: Yamabiko D (1,250m) Only part of the top area is open. You need to get the gondola back down to base. All base areas are closed. Nozawa Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Thursday 21st December 2023 Total snowfall at base 32cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 13cm (25th November) November 2023 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2023 snowfall 11cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 26cm Snowfall at base this season 242cm Posted on Wednesday 20th December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. Following on from the good news yesterday, I have more to report this morning. In terms of cm of fresh snowfall, another 26cm. Excellent. Gradually more of the mountain opens with a few runs added to what is available at Hirafu and now all but Legend of Shinya open at Hanazono. Yey! Oh yes, the weather. As I put the report together it is snowing in a kind of light to moderate manner. Come on now, keep on coming! (Forecasts suggest it will). ------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base 7am: -8C, 30cm snowfall in 12h, calm morning. No data from Moiwa, Annupuri and Village. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -12.4C, ESE1.9m/s. Hanazono#3: -10.5C, WSW3.5m/s, 20cm snowfall. Mikaeri 764m: -10C, WSW5m/s, 40cm snowfall, moderate visibility. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW9m/s, Kamui cape WNW10m/s, 1015hPa, 1.5m waves. The isobars are spread out and the weather is calm on the sea and the mountains. No notable snowdrift development is present and the general avalanche risk is low. However, caution is required on slopes with visible wind-ripples, as the recent snowfall layer may not be fully bonded and could let go. Surface slabs could also form in south-facing slopes as the sun comes out. The snow is excellent on and off piste. “Japow” condition, as named by Colin. Out of bounds area is still closed, but please enjoy your day. ------------------ Individual ski area information for Wednesday 20th December 2023 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 and subject to change. Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 40cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 175cm (+25cm since yesterday) - Base: 65cm (+10cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Ace Family quad * - Ace Number 2 quad (Center Four) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola - King Number 3 quad Courses: - Center - Family - Sennoki - Alpen - Beginners - Kokutai - Holiday - Green - Jumbo - Shirakaba ------------------ Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 20cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 120cm (+10cm since yesterday) - Base: 85cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: - Hanazono Number 1 - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad - Hanazono Symphony Gondola * Courses: - All open apart from Legend of Shinya ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 30cm - Base: 30cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 100cm (+20cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo quad * Courses: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 110cm - Base: 75cm Lifts: - Niseko Gondola - Upper Village Gondola * - Village Express * - Community Chair - Banzai Chair * ------------------ Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 20th March 2024. Night skiing is usually until 7:00pm at Hirafu, Hanazono, Village and until 7:30pm at Annupuri. Lifts marked with an asterix (*) are normally scheduled to operate for night skiing. Niseko Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Wednesday 20th December 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 242cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (18th December) November 2023 snowfall 120cm reported on 11 days December 2023 snowfall 122cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 216cm Posted on Tuesday 19th December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A good morning to you all from Niseko. I have another 13cm of measured snowfall since yesterday to add to the report this morning. The day is starting with snow falling - light at times, moderate at times and the wind is behaving. More lifts are operating now, including all the gondolas. Check out the list below for the latest. We still could do with more snow and need it for the mountain to fully open, but forecasts are still looking good for regular snow that will be heavy at times. Most significant upcoming snowfall currently due on Friday. Santa and his entourage should be very pleased on their upcoming visit. By the way, be wary of people pretending to be Santa at other ski areas in Japan and other countries. In department stores, too. The real Santa chooses Niseko, of course. ;) (He might have difficulty finding mince pies and eggnog, though. There's no Kentucky Fried Chicken in Niseko either. Hmmm. Anyway, the snow should be great!) ------------------ Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -10C, 10cm snowfall in 12h, calm morning. Mikaeri 764m: -10C, NE wind calming down, 150cm snowpack. No data from Moiwa and Annupuri. Hirafu Hanazono: -13.7C, ESE3.9m/s, Hanazono#3 chair: -13.3C, N7.9m/s (15m/s max). Coastal data: Benkei cape NW11m/s, Kamui cape WSW8m/s, 1025hPa, 1.6m waves. The pressure distribution is shifting and the wind is calming down. Wave height on the sea of Japan is lowering. The snowpack at 1000m elevation has reached 150cm on the ridge, 200cm in leeward slopes. Cornices and snowdrifts are stabilising and the avalanche hazard level is lowering. The ungroomed slopes of the resorts are in epic condition. Beware of hiding tree stumps and Sasa-bamboo. Bamboo leaves can cut your face. Out of bounds skiing is not permitted for now, please be patient until the access gates open. Cold temps again today. Have a good one. ------------------ Individual ski area information for Tuesday 19th December 2023 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 and subject to change. Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 30cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 150cm (+20cm since yesterday) - Base: 55cm (+10cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Ace Family quad * - Ace Number 2 quad (Center Four) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola - King Number 3 quad Courses: - Center - Family - Sennoki - Alpen - Beginners - Green - Jumbo - Shirakaba ------------------ Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 15cm - Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 110cm (+10cm since yesterday) - Base: 85cm (+5cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Hanazono Number 1 - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad - Hanazono Symphony Gondola * Courses: - Juicy Fruit - Yotei Sunset - Parallel - Mango Salad - Silver Dream - Crystal Garden - Stairway to Heaven - Renraku ------------------ Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 80cm (+10cm since yesterday) - Base: 50cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo quad * Courses: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior ------------------ Niseko Village Ski Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 75cm - Base: 57cm Lifts: - Niseko Gondola - Upper Village Gondola * - Village Express * - Community Chair - Banzai Chair * ------------------ Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 20th March 2024. Night skiing is usually until 7:00pm at Hirafu, Hanazono, Village and until 7:30pm at Annupuri. Lifts marked with an asterix (*) are normally scheduled to operate for night skiing. Niseko Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Tuesday 19th December 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 216cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (18th December) November 2023 snowfall 120cm reported on 11 days December 2023 snowfall 96cm 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 35cm Snowfall at base this season 304cm Posted on Tuesday 19th December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from Geto Kogen. Ski area this morning is reporting 0.5m of snow and there's a good 30-40cm down at base too since yesterday, much of that coming during the day yesterday. It's a cold and cloudy morning and we're expecting a mostly cloudy day today. All courses are set to be open. Heavier snow is due again from Thursday. It feels like 'this is it' now after the few bumps earlier on. Lifts operating (planned): All lifts operating. Runs open (planned): All main runs should be open. Tree run courses will open at a later date. Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): 145cm (top) 100cm (base) Cumulative snowfall this season (reported by the ski area; data may be delayed): 585cm Geto Kogen Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Tuesday 19th December 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 304cm Number of days snowfall observed 13 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 73cm (on 30th November) November 2023 snowfall 138cm observed on 5 days December 2023 snowfall 166cm observed 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 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 67cm Posted on Tuesday 19th December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The snow has continued through the night and it is a cloudy morning. The snow on the ground is very light and fluffy and crumbles easily after being packed into a ball. Diamond Valley is open though early on the Utopia area is showing as closed. So the ski area opening is still limited as we wait for more snow. The best chance of upcoming good snowfall is around Friday, but it should be keeping cold until then. Zao Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Tuesday 19th December 2023 Total snowfall at base 67cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (on 30th November) November 2023 snowfall 32cm observed on 4 days December 2023 snowfall 35cm observed 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 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