Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 7cm Snowfall at base this season 7cm Posted on Monday 13th November 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Welcome back! A quick report to record the 5-10cm of snowfall we have received at base since yesterday. Geto Kogen is/was hoping to open on Saturday 18th November. We will of course need a lot more snow for that to happen. While we might get some more today, clearer skies are possible for the following few days. So an opening on Saturday seems very unlikely. Anyhow, we'll see how things shape up! Geto Kogen Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Monday 13th November 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 7cm Number of days snowfall observed 1 day Most snowfall observed on 1 day 7cm (on 13th November) November 2023 snowfall 7cm observed on 1 day 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 4cm Weather overview Cloud with a bit of sun Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Monday 13th November 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Madarao. It's a good Monday morning as we have had some snowfall. :) The sun is even peeping through some clouds at the moment too, so everywhere looks lovely and white/silver-y and there's some (just a little) blue sky starting to appear as I write this. I wouldn't expect this current layer of snow to last. Think of it as a pre-season burst of excitement. Tomorrow and the day after are going to bring us more sun and milder temps with more precipitation due Friday. Might be rain (especially lower), might be snow if we are lucky. We are still more than a month away from the ski lifts opening at both Madarao and Tangram. Both plan to open on Saturday, 16th December. Plenty of time for the build-up. Madarao Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Monday 13th November 2023 Total snowfall at base 4cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 4cm (on 13th November) November 2023 snowfall 4cm Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Madarao. 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 5cm Posted on Monday 13th November 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. There's snow on the roads this morning and the slopes are white again. Perhaps 3-4cm in places around my place, and probably more higher up. Tomorrow through Friday is expected to be somewhat milder with a good chance of clearer skies and sunshine. Don't be too surprised if some slopes go green once again. Or maybe not. Let's see what nature brings us. No word yet from Yokoteyama on their plans for opening (basically as soon as they can) and Kumanoyu has a planned opening date of 18th November. That's this coming weekend, of course. I'll keep you posted on happenings before then. The section of Route 292 connecting Shiga Kogen with Kusatsu (Gunma Prefecture) officially closes for the winter from 1pm on 15th November. However, it may be closed at times before then depending on weather conditions. Various bits of information filtering through! The 'early season' is defined as 2nd December through 22nd December. Looks like the Shiga Kogen Powder Express (park and ride service) is scheduled as operating between 2nd December 2023 and 1st April 2024. Shiga Kogen Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Monday 13th November 2023 Total snowfall at base 5cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 4cm (13th November) November 2023 snowfall 5cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Monday 13th November 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . The snow made it all the way down to base level at Akakan this morning, and again in the afternoon, so it seems like a good time to give a little preview of the coming season. It’s always fun to see the first November snow. We don’t expect it to last, but it has that smell, that look…. The fun is coming soon. One thing we haven’t had in a few years are the November falls that come down heavy and wet and pretty deep, taking down a lot of tree branches and catching people off-guard and without snow tires. Which I guess I should miss, apart from the free tree trimming. Not a lot going on in pre-season Myoko, to be honest. Looks like a small increase in lift ticket prices (but, especially for people coming into the country with currency that’s much stronger this year against the yen, the price is probably the same or even lower than last year). Akakura Kanko has done a lot of cosmetic work around the gondola house, including a new artificial waterfall area just to the right of the lift entry, although I don’t know if the water will be flowing during winter. This being Myoko, it would probably be buried even if the water were flowing (please see most local streams and rivers). There has been a lot of talk about the new IC-card-based lift ticket system. Instead of rumors, I’ll report back after the area meeting on December 1, when the two Akakura resorts go over the coming season. Now, just for some practical information. I get a lot of mail from people who are coming in early-mid December; there are others who are looking to go for a backcountry trip before the start of the new year. Here’s my advice after, let’s just say, multiple decades here. I’m happy if we get a white Christmas; so many times it seems like the snow just won’t fall, but it almost always falls in time for the lifts to open just in time for that Yuletide joy. The resorts usually schedule the opening for mid-December, and they often make it, but be ready for a bit of a wait. Maybe do a little smelt fishing on Lake Nojiri. For backcountry, I wish everyone could visit during summer and see what a jungle we actually are here. There is no treeline here; the giant Ermon’s birches that grow at the higher altitudes reach all the way up to the peak of Mt. Myoko. Until enough snow falls to cover the vines and bend down the saplings, it’s almost impossible to ski through the forests. And it’s all forest. So that’s where we are now. I will write again once the official information about operations come out in a few weeks. So until then, wax the skis, watch some movies, get some exercise and get ready for the time when the snow actually comes in quantity. Myoko Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Monday 13th November 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2023 snowfall 0cm Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 18cm Snowfall at base this season 23cm Posted on Sunday 12th November 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I am very happy to be able to report a decent amount of fresh snow on the ground this morning. I have just measured a further 18cm since my report yesterday and it is still snowing. At 8am, the JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) was reporting 27cm of snow since yesterday at their measuring point in Kutchan. That is located east of the ski areas. The snow might ease off at times, but there should be more to come over the next few days before it starts to get a little warmer from around Wednesday. This is all very encouraging and exciting, of course. Yey! ---------- It is very curious how many ski areas wait so long to refresh their own information about the season that is about to start. The guys working on updating SnowJapan talk about (and get frustrated by) this every year. Apparently, well over half of the 450+ ski areas around Japan still have their websites in 2022-2023 mode with zero mention of the upcoming season. Even some quite big ski areas are still stuck in last season. They don't even post a quick message saying that info for the new season will be up soon! At the same time, some of those ski areas have already got printed leaflets made. (A fair amount of which will no doubt end up in a store room, not to be seen by any human eyes). It does seem very odd and I wonder why this situation hasn't changed much in recent years. (And, is it a Japan thing?) The ski area behind Kutchan Station, Asahigaoka, is a small local one, not an international giant, and is one example. At least they say that information for the new season is forthcoming. ---------- More information on the ski areas in Niseko and Kutchan Planned opening date:1st December 2023: Niseko Village Ski Resort Planned opening date: 2nd December 2023: Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Niseko HANAZONO Resort Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Planned opening date: unconfirmed (probably late December): Asahigaoka Niseko Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Sunday 12th November 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 23cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (12th November) November 2023 snowfall 23cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 14cm Posted on Sunday 12th November 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Just a quick update. After yesterday's report was posted the front continued to dump snow and a further 9cm fell during the day. Temperatures have remained cold throughout today and the ski area is a light coating of white from top to base. Tomorrow 's temperature is expected to be -2c/min and +1c/max. Furano Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Sunday 12th November 2023 Total snowfall at base 14cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 9cm (12th November) November 2023 snowfall 14cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 5cm Posted on Saturday 11th November 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hurray! First snow on the ground to report this morning... around 5cm of it too in places. Annupuri looks like it might have more than that. Exciting. Some webcams seem to be freaking out about this excite event and shut down (doh), so what I am showing you below is from Annupuri and from lower down than the ski areas (hence less snow). Hopefully there will be more snow to report over the next several days too. Niseko Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Saturday 11th November 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 5cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 5cm (11th November) November 2023 snowfall 5cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1cm Posted on Saturday 11th November 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Welcome back to the Shiga Kogen Now reports. Snow news this Saturday morning. Yes, there's just over 12cm of snow 'piled up' outside my place this morning. Just a sprinkling in some areas (Hasuike roads) and perhaps a bit more than that in others. Yokoteyama has turned on the snow machines too and busy making more. There is no news on a planned opening date for Yokoteyama just yet, but it's exciting to get this first snow on the ground. And the promise that there might be some more through Monday. I'll keep you posted. The section of Route 292 connecting Shiga Kogen with Gunma Prefecture will close for the winter at 1pm on Wednesday 15th November. The minor roads connecting Shiga Kogen with Nozawa Onsen and with Takayama Village have already closed. Shiga Kogen Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Saturday 11th November 2023 Total snowfall at base 1cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 1cm (11th November) November 2023 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 5cm Posted on Saturday 11th November 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Hello and welcome back. Suddenly it is all white across the region. This morning has brought the first proper winter blast of the season. It is currently -1c which is a total contrast to the +16c of yesterday. It is snowing moderately and there is 5cm of fresh snow on the ground at base level. Furano Ski Resort has a target opening date of 25 November 2023 subject to snow conditions. The week ahead has more snow forecast so the countdown to having the first runs of the season is on. Furano Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Saturday 11th November 2023 Total snowfall at base 5cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 5cm (11th November) November 2023 snowfall 5cm reported on 1 day Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Wednesday 8th November 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. After coming out of hibernation a few weeks ago, I have been gradually waking up and filling myself with lots of delicious toast. I now feel all (almost) ready for the season and am increasingly excited at the thought of getting back out there on the snow... and reporting on the season for you. With the ski areas in Niseko planning on opening on the first weekend of December, we are now just over 3 weeks away from the official start of the season. For that to happen, of course, we need our beautiful precious snow. There's not much to report just yet, but it looks like temperatures will drop over the weekend, and I might have something excite to report to you next week. Let it be so! I have a few things to talk about before the season starts. Today, let's take a look at ski lift ticket prices, which are more expensive across the board this year. And in some cases, eye-wateringly so! Let's check them out. Below are the charges for a 1-day ski lift ticket, bought from the ticket office, on the day. Most expensive first: Rusutsu: 11,500 yen (over 30% increase; last year 8,800 yen) Niseko United: 9,500 yen (about 12% increase; last year 8,500 yen) Niseko Moiwa: 8,800 yen (60% increase; last year 5,500 yen) Niseko Tokyu Hirafu: 7,800 yen (about 18% increase; 6,600 yen last year) Kiroro: 7,400 yen (about 14% increase; last year 6,500 yen) Yikes! Ski lift tickets are increasing across Japan this year, but some of these really stand out. (It's worth noting that cheaper tickets are usually available online, so if you are keen to save a few yens, that is probably a good idea). It perhaps just goes to show how much these big Hokkaido resorts are aiming for the 'inbound' market. I know some visitors may feel that Japanese ski areas have traditionally been relatively cheap compared with other countries. Still, some locals have a somewhat different perspective on the rapidly rising costs of skiing in their country. One example: I have a Japanese friend in Tokyo who has decided to concentrate on Nagano and Niigata this season and forfeit his annual trip to Niseko. (Due to costs). While I am sure he is not alone, I somehow doubt that the popularity of the ski areas here will stall. Actually, I expect it to be a very busy season indeed! I'll be back again with more next week. Niseko Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Wednesday 8th November 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2023 snowfall 0cm Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 444cm Posted on Friday 5th May 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. That's it, folks. Today is officially the last day of the season for ski lifts at the ski areas in the region. Nice weather for it too. We already knew Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 would close at the end of today, but yesterday evening Tsugaike also announced that today would be its last day for skiing and snowboarding. With the season officially ending today, this will be my last report of the season. The season started with a whole lot of excitement as the international borders opened, allowing people to actually get here once again. What a relief that was for so many people! Once it got going, we had a good start with fine, consistent snowfall starting from 14th December. A positive start to the season like that makes such a big difference. Aside from snow conditions themselves, obviously, it just makes everything feel right and creates its own buzz. Overall, we got less snowfall than last season, and spring arrived early. However, those phenomena seem to have been Japan-wide, not just in this region. Still, as you can see from this report, some ski areas have managed to remain open until 5th May. They did really well, and I thank them. I was determined to get out, enjoy this season as much as possible, and appreciate the fine things we are blessed with. And I did just that, enjoying many days of excellent conditions this season. I love this place. It has been great to see some old (but young, at least at heart) friends from overseas again, and places have definitely felt livelier this year. With the Japanese government finally dropping all remaining covid-related entry requirements in recent days, it feels like 2023-2024 will be a big one. Strap in, folks; a lot of people are going to be coming! I only cover the winter season, of course, but remember that Hakuba is a beautiful place throughout the year, with many things to enjoy. If this week is any indication, the green season will also be quite lively here this year. It has been a pleasure to share the Hakuba ski season with you. It has seemed very long... but also short. Such complicated feelings. So, thanks for reading. I'll return with Hakuba Now reports in November as the 2023-2024 winter season approaches. Hakuba Now 2022-2023 season Data as Friday 5th May 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 444cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (25th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 164cm reported on 17 days January 2023 snowfall 178cm reported on 17 days February 2023 snowfall 88cm reported on 13 days March 2023 snowfall 12cm reported on 2 days April 2023 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day May 2023 snowfall 0cm Previous 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 614cm Posted on Thursday 4th May 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Furano Ski Area is now closed for the season. As the ski season ends the green season begins, and the area is now abound in cherry blossoms. Overall it was a fairly good season in terms of snowfall with a total of 614cm of snow recorded by Furano Now in the Kitanomine ski village. The months of December, January and February performed very well. This season will be remembered as the first winter season post covid with the borders reopen. International skiers returned to Furano and brought the winter season back to life. We are now looking forward to the summer tourists arriving to see the splendor of the area's natural scenery and flower fields that the valley is famous for. Furano Now will be taking a break until the cooler weather returns in the build up to winter 2023/24. Have a good summer and see you back here in a few months time. Furano Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Thursday 4th May 2023 Total snowfall at base 614cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 77 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (15th and 18th December) November 2022 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day December 2022 snowfall 256cm reported on 23 days January 2023 snowfall 150cm reported on 22 days February 2023 snowfall 179cm reported on 24 days March 2023 snowfall 27cm reported on 7 days April 2023 snowfall 0cm May 2023 snowfall 0cm Previous report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com