Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 34cm Snowfall at base this season 194cm Posted on Wednesday 4th January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . I'm enjoying this. Shovelling required again this morning with another 30+cm of snow, most of that coming in overnight. Nozawa itself has reported over 50cm on the top Yamabiko area since yesterday too. Visibility is limited, but snow conditions should be excellent. I will surely be reporting some more snow numbers tomorrow too, though it might start easing off. The New Year holidays are probably over for most people now, but there sure seems like a lot of people lining up for the gondola this morning! Fresh snowfall since yesterday morning reported by the ski area (reported at 3pm yesterday in brackets): - Yamabiko: 51cm - Uenotaira: 45cm - Hikage: 35cm - Nagasaka: 35cm - Karasawa: 25cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko: 180cm - Uenotaira: 180cm - Hikage: 130cm - Nagasaka: 125cm - Karasawa: 80cm All lifts now normally operating except these lifts: - Challenge pair [usually closed on weekdays] - Utopia pair [usually closed on weekdays] - Hikage quad (due to maintenance) All courses are now open except the following: - Mukobayashi - Hachiman - Kandahar (restrictions) Planned night skiing (Nagasaka quad): - 8th January 2023 - Every Saturday until 25th March 2023 Nozawa Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Wednesday 4th January 2023 Total snowfall at base 194cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (26th December and 4th January) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 101cm reported on 13 days January 2023 snowfall 93cm reported on 3 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 196cm Posted on Wednesday 4th January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning to you all from Hakuba. There was some blue sky to enjoy yesterday in the early afternoon before it started snowing again. It is another cold morning with light snow falling. That's what is forecast for the day, on and off. The New Year holidays are over for lots of people, now going back to work. So it will probably be quieter this morning. Hakuba Now 2022-2023 season Data as Wednesday 4th January 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 196cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 29cm (24th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 164cm reported on 17 days January 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 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 133cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Light snow falling in some areas this morning. I am in the Ichinose area just now and it's quite bright, even feels like the sun might break through the clouds. Kumanoyu reporting just 5cm this morning. Not huge amounts but it's nice and cold and conditions seem good. More of the same forecast through at least tomorrow. Shiga Kogen Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 Total snowfall at base 133cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 7cm (11th and 18th December) November 2022 snowfall 6cm reported on 2 days December 2022 snowfall 109cm reported on 21 days January 2023 snowfall 18cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 403cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. It is another (very) cold morning here, and I have another 20cm of beautiful fresh snowfall to report. Wrap up to venture out for some very fine conditions out there. Though visibility is limited and that care I was talking about still needs to be taken. Annupuri continue their gradual march towards being fully open with the opening of the Fukayukirinkan (Deep Snow Forest) course. And I think that means that Annupuri is now, indeed, fully open (weather permitting). They were planning on having their 'first run' operations over New Year but that didn't happen due to windy conditions. They are planning on that happening on 7th, 8th and 9th January. I'll mention more in a few days. As of 8:30am, the Annupuri Gondola is on hold due to wind conditions. Other lifts are opening as planned, but there may be disruptions. If you are one of the naughty people who missed the report yesterday (with some thoughts on the season-so-far), I forgive you. You can find it here. --------------- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -11℃, 30cm of heavy wind-affected snowfall. Moiwa800m: -12.8℃, SW10.5m/s. Annupuri1100m: -16℃, WNW7.3m/s, large snowdrift development, difficult to groom. Mizuno no Sawa top: -14.5℃, NNW4.9m/s. Hanazono1000m: -15.4℃, SW3.5m/s, 30cm snowfall with snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW17m/s, Kamui cape W10m/s, 1012hPa, 3.3m waves. A strong westerly wind continues to blow up high, bringing in cold air. Heavy snowfall and snowdrifts are developing big. The avalanche risk remains high in all elevations. Avalanches of 120cm crown, 120km/h speed and running for 500m are expected in leeward slopes above 900m elevation. The new snowpack consists of high density wind-drifts of firm snow particles. This type of snow is likely to surface slab slide, not only at knolls and steep slopes, but in the tree-runs too. Caution is required when riding soft slabbed slopes below the ridge line or sidewalls. The wind is forecasted to calm down by noon and the gondola might start running, but please refrain from entering Yu no Sawa (strictly off-limits) and/or O-sawa (Annupuri bowl), or access Haru no Taki (strictly off-limits) area by ducking Mizuno no Sawa (controlled area) ropes. You may never come back. Gates opening is not decided at this stage. Please respect the ski patrol’s instructions. The slopes have been reset and in good shape. Have you switched your beacon on? Have a nice day. --------------- Ski area information for Tuesday 3rd January 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, weather permitting. Official snow depth numbers in brackets show the change since previous report. Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 25cm - Base: 25cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 275cm (+5cm since yesterday) - Base: 115cm (+5cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Ace Family quad [* open until for 7:00pm for night skiing] - Ace Number 2 quad (Center Four) [* open until for 7:00pm for night skiing] - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair - King Number 3 quad - King Number 4 - Swinging Monkey ------- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 30cm - Base: 30cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 210cm (+15cm since yesterday) - Base: 178cm (+13cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Hanazono Number 1 - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad - Hanazono Symphony Gondola [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing] ------- 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: 140cm (no change since yesterday) - Base: 120cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: - Annupuri Gondola ON HOLD - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad [* open until 7:30pm for night skiing] - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair [* open on weekends and holidays] - Jumbo Number 4 pair ------- Niseko Village Ski Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 0cm (huh?, again) - Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 125cm (no change since yesterday) - Base: 115cm (+5cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express - Community Chair [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing] - Banzai Chair [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing] - Wonderland Chair ------- Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: - Number 1 pair lift - Number 2 pair lift - Quad lift Niseko Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 403cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (2nd January) November 2022 snowfall 17cm reported on 5 days December 2022 snowfall 336cm reported on 27 days January 2023 snowfall 50cm reported on 3 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 14cm Snowfall at base this season 298cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is going to be another cold day. The temperature now is -13c and the high will reach only -9c. It is snowing very lightly and there has been 14cm of fresh snow since the last report. The cloud is forecast to stay through the day. Visibility looks to be limited, similar to yesterday. Around base the wind condition is calm. Kitanomine Zone open Furano Zone open Furano Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 Total snowfall at base 298cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 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 40cm reported on 3 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 176cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It snowed lightly throughout the day yesterday but the larger flakes this morning made up for most of the new layer. It is sunny in the valley with blue above the mountain but low cloud drifting over so the visibility comes and goes. Whether true sunny spells will be experienced to day remains to be seen as snow fall also comes and goes. It is definitely colder and winds will be variable. The most people on the slopes was yesterday and likely to be the same during the course of the morning. I understand that today's Shinkansen is going to be the most crowded despite yesterday being the end of the public holidays. Take care with your bus schedule if you're one of them. Zao Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 Total snowfall at base 176cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 24th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 162cm observed on 23 days January 2023 snowfall 14cm observed 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 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 28cm Snowfall at base this season 160cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . The snow has continued. At 3pm yesterday, the ski are was reporting 28-30cm on the upper areas and there's another 30cm to add to that this morning. I reckon that makes for about 60cm since yesterday. And this time we've had a fair amount at base too, 10-15cm yesterday and another 10-20cm overnight. I have measured 28cm to add to this report. What's even better is that there's more incoming over the next few days. This is turning out to be the most significant snow of the season so far and conditions should be great across the mountain. The next scheduled night skiing is at the weekend (7th/8th). Fresh snowfall since yesterday morning reported by the ski area (reported at 3pm yesterday in brackets): - Yamabiko: 58cm - Uenotaira: 60cm - Hikage: 33cm - Nagasaka: 33cm - Karasawa: 23cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko: 165cm - Uenotaira: 165cm - Hikage: 95cm - Nagasaka: 95cm - Karasawa: 65cm All lifts now normally operating except these lifts: - Hikage quad (due to maintenance) All courses are now open except the following: - Grand Prix - Hachiman - Kandahar (restrictions) Planned night skiing (Nagasaka quad): - 8th January 2023 - Every Saturday until 25th March 2023 Nozawa Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 Total snowfall at base 160cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (26th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 101cm reported on 13 days January 2023 snowfall 59cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 190cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Some fresh snow last night but not a whole lot. Cortina is reporting the most over the last 24 hours hours with 17cm at base. Otherwise it's a 5-15cm range with a few curious 0cms added in there to add to the numbers fun! It has been a nice chilly early morning. There's lots of cloud about and limited visibility at some ski areas, but some blue sky peeking through in places too. Feels like it could go either way, though the forecast is for the clouds with snow showers and maybe more snow tomorrow. In the meantime conditions should be good this morning. And I'm going to go and find out. --------------- Total snowfall accumulation this season so far (in upper areas) [The information below is manually checked with official sources and updated every morning.] ABLE Hakuba Goryu: 252cm Hakuba 47: 215cm Hakuba Happo-one: 197cm Hakuba Cortina: 188cm Tsugaike Mountain Resort: 216cm * There is often a delay of one day in new numbers being reported --------------- ABLE Hakuba Goryu Reported snowfall: Upper: 15cm (Alps Daira) Official snow depth: Upper: 230cm Toomi: 115cm Hakuba 47 Reported snowfall since last night: Upper: 5cm Base: 5cm Official snow depth: Top: 215cm Base: 110cm Hakuba Cortina Reported snowfall (24 hours): Base: 17cm Official snow depth: 195cm Hakuba Happo-one Reported snowfall: Kurobishi: 0cm Usagidaira: 0cm Top of Riesen quad: 0cm (social media) Nakiyama: 0cm Official snow depth: Kurobishi: 220cm Usagidaira: 133cm Nakiyama: 75cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Reported snowfall: Mountain Side: 0cm Village Side: 0cm Official snow depth: Mountain Side: 100cm Village Side: 30cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen Official snow depth: 175cm Hakuba Valley Kashimayari Official snow depth: 100cm Jigatake Official snow depth: 70cm Tsugaike Mountain Resort Reported snowfall: Upper: 0cm Official snow depth: Upper: 174cm Lower: 80cm White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka Official snow depth: 95cm Hakuba Now 2022-2023 season Data as Tuesday 3rd January 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 190cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 29cm (24th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 164cm reported on 17 days January 2023 snowfall 26cm reported on 3 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 383cm Posted on Monday 2nd January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a cold, snowy and windy morning. I have just measured 22cm of fresh snow, and it looks like Hirafu and Hanazono (and town areas) has been getting more than the southern areas of the mountain this time round. More is due to day and over the next several days. So yes, it is very cold and the wind is probably going to be an issue today. Niseko Annupuri is reporting 'extremely strong winds blowing in the mid to upper areas'. Indeed at the start of the day, their gondola and upper lifts are waiting it out. The Hanazono Gondola is shown as being on hold but I can see it moving on the webcam, so hopefully it will open soon. Hirafu Gondola has opened as planned and the Niseko Gondola at Village is also moving, as are base lifts. It is probably one of those days when extra care is required if you are venturing out, and keeping a check on the excitement levels is wise. Take care out there. Anyway, here's lots more words... ------------------------ A look back at the season so far: until end of December 2022 First of all, snowfall numbers! We didn’t get much snowfall in November 2022, just 17cm by my last report of the month. The snow properly started around that last day of November, with 14cm on 1st December and then snow on all but four days during December. And it has been pretty consistent too. Not massive amounts (the most snowfall recorded in one report so far was 21cm on 17th December), but on many days I observed 10-20cm at base. All of this data can of course be found on the detailed Season archive page here: 2022-2023 season (this season) 2021-2022 season (last season) How does that compare with previous seasons? This is how much snowfall I have measured during the month of December over the last ten seasons: December 2022: 336cm December 2021: 307cm December 2020: 348cm December 2019: 207cm December 2018: 333cm December 2017: 406cm December 2016: 181cm December 2015: 244cm December 2014: 519cm December 2013: 275cm December 2012: 418cm Here’s how much snow I have observed up until the end of December in each of the seasons: 2022/2023 season up to end of December 2022: 353cm 2021/2022 season up to end of December 2021: 392cm 2020/2021 season up to end of December 2020: 410cm 2019/2020 season up to end of December 2019: 292cm 2018/2019 season up to end of December 2018: 417cm 2017/2018 season up to end of December 2017: 594cm 2016/2017 season up to end of December 2016: 293cm 2015/2016 season up to end of December 2015: 308cm 2014/2015 season up to end of December 2014: 549cm 2013/2014 season up to end of December 2013: 398cm 2012/2013 season up to end of December 2012: 536cm So, more snowfall in December 2022 than in December 2021, but due to the low snowfall numbers in November, the season-so-far total number this year is less than last year. (As of the end of December). One noticeable difference is that while we missed out on the snow in late November, the snowfall during December this year was regular and consistent. That is in contrast to the fact that most of the snow in December 2021 came in the second half of the month. I’m very pleased with the first month of the season and have enjoyed some typical Niseko conditions. It has been great to see some friends who were able to visit for the first time in a while, too! And it is exciting to think that it’s still pretty early season. Here is how much of the total snowfall for the whole season we have already had fallen on us by the end of December in previous seasons: By the end of December 2021, as a % of the season total: about 34% By the end of December 2020, as a % of the season total: about 34% By the end of December 2019, as a % of the season total: about 40% By the end of December 2018, as a % of the season total: about 44% By the end of December 2017, as a % of the season total: about 47% By the end of December 2016, as a % of the season total: about 43% By the end of December 2015, as a % of the season total: about 31% By the end of December 2014, as a % of the season total: about 48% By the end of December 2013, as a % of the season total: about 34% By the end of December 2012, as a % of the season total: about 36% Looking forward to what we might expect in January, here’s how much snowfall I have recorded during previous seasons. (The numbers in brackets show the total observed snowfall up until the end of January in each of those respective seasons). January 2022: 325cm (717cm) January 2021: 387cm (797cm) January 2020: 224cm (516cm) January 2019: 285cm (702cm) January 2018: 305cm (899cm) January 2017: 152cm (445cm) January 2016: 303cm (611cm) January 2015: 257cm (806cm) January 2014: 461cm (859cm) January 2013: 443cm (979cm) Some thoughts: It was October 2022 when the Japanese government announced that restrictions on inbound tourism would be largely lifted. It was great news to hear. At long last! After a few years of relative peace, quiet, somewhat complicated feelings, uneasiness - and lack of revenues for many businesses - things could return to normal. The timing of the favourable exchange rates was great too! Excellent. (Let's not mention the backdrop of rising prices everywhere for the moment.) Everyone had been guessing about a possible lifting of travel restrictions, but no one was quite sure if and when it would happen. As a result, the October announcement was a bit late for a few things. Firstly, it was a bit late for some people to plan a Japan visit during the 2022-2023 season. It was also a bit late for many businesses, who didn't have much time to prepare. Even with the news of the border opening, business owners didn't know how many people to expect to turn up. There was clearly a pent-up demand, but how many would be able to get here? This situation presented some unique staffing issues: how many staff should be hired, and in such a short time? The question of how many people will turn up has been partly answered: Quite a lot! Which is fabulous news for the local economy. However, in the background, some services are currently struggling with staffing issues, and it can sometimes be apparent. For example, I was in a restaurant just before New Year. It was extremely busy, and the staff were running around looking somewhat flustered. (Though I must add that, in true Japanese style, they were still polite and friendly. Don't you just love that?) From what I hear and see, finding enough staff is a headache at the moment. I am guessing some of you (lots of you, perhaps) will be reading that and thinking, 'that's totally mad; where do I sign up?!' And it's an excellent point! All of this has meant that some workers enjoy pretty cool perks. I have heard rumours of some eye-popping 'finders fees' offered for certain skilled work positions. Great work if you can get it. Staffing and labour shortage issues are not a problem unique to Niseko but a Japan-wide phenomenon. Japan is a declining and ageing population, and (from what I hear) visa-related immigration is on the strict side. I am not privy to visitor numbers. Still, I am guessing that while there are obviously a lot more foreigners around this year, the numbers might not be as high as they perhaps sometimes look or feel. With some businesses having to scale back or cut certain services (due to the staffing issues), the remaining places will naturally be busier. I must add that the times I have been out there, the ski slopes themselves haven't been overly busy. I have certainly seen it busier in my years here. Instead, it has felt more like an 'associated services' thing. Other people may well have different impressions, and I'd be keen to hear them. Niseko has a reputation to live up to. First, of course, there are the famous snow conditions. But in modern-day Niseko, there's also the luxury aspect. People come here with high expectations and often pay a handsome price for the privilege. So it needs to deliver. Hopefully, by the time next season comes around (or even better, sooner than that), staffing will not be a major issue. Unless the world goes off on another adventure of unpredictable madness, everyone involved should have more time to be prepared. Please note that in writing the above, I am just highlighting a current issue and my take on it. I would like to think that my Niseko-loving credentials are intact and undisputed. :) And to people about to visit. Don't worry; there has not been a catastrophic decline in services! I'm sure you will have an excellent time. To avoid the busiest times, for example, I recommend having an early or late lunch. Things like that. I also wish the best to the businesses eager to serve their excited customers. --------------- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -11C, intermittent snowstorm, 30cm snowfall, windslabs forming and bad visibility. Moiwa800m: -14.1C, W9.6m/s, cornices and snowdrifts are very unstable. Annupuri1100m: -17.1C, WNW8.4m/s, strong storm, bad visibility and 40cm snowfall and large, up to 150cm, snowdrift development. Hanazono1000m: -16.1C, SSE2.6m/s, 30cm snowfall. Mizuno no Sawa: -15.6C, NNW4.4m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW17m/s, Kamui cape W16m/s, 1013hPa, 3.0m waves. The atmospheric pressure gradient is steep and it’s stormy from the coast to the mountain range. Cornices and snowdrifts are developing drastically and the avalanche risk is extreme. It is recommended to call it a day early and chill at the onsen today. Wind-affected snow is stacking up thick in the leeward tree runs. Surface slab avalanches are likely to occur in high elevation knolls and slopes with heavy snowdrift accumulation; stay away from the gully bottoms. The Niseko Rules are rules for riding the area outside the ski resorts. All resort users are expected to abide by the rules no matter their experience or knowledge level. One line across the rope will lead others to follow it. An accident that occurred at gate 8 area in the past was caused by a young snowboarder following an arrogant, over-confident skier’s track. That was Japan’s first snowboarder’s fatal avalanche accident. Keep in mind that leeward slopes under high-winds are extremely likely to avalanche. Today is not a safe day to venture out to risky slopes. Beware of frostbites and have a nice day. --------------- Ski area information for Monday 2nd January 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, weather permitting. Official snow depth numbers in brackets show the change since previous report. *** SOME LIFT OPERATIONS AFFECTED BY WIND THIS MORNING *** Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 30cm - Base: 30cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 270cm (+20cm since yesterday) - Base: 110cm (+10cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Ace Family quad [* open until for 7:00pm for night skiing] - Ace Number 2 quad (Center Four) [* open until for 7:00pm for night skiing] - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair - King Number 3 quad - King Number 4 - Swinging Monkey ------- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 23cm - Base: 28cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 195cm (+15cm since yesterday) - Base: 165cm (+15cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Hanazono Number 1 - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad - Hanazono Symphony Gondola [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing] ------- 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: 140cm (+10cm since yesterday) - Base: 120cm (+10cm change since yesterday) Lifts: - Annupuri Gondola ON HOLD - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad [* open until 7:30pm for night skiing] - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair ON HOLD - Jumbo Number 4 pair ON HOLD ------- Niseko Village Ski Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 0cm - Base: 0cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 125cm (+5cm since yesterday) (honto ni?!) - Base: 110cm (no change since yesterday) Lifts: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express - Community Chair [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing] - Banzai Chair [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing] - Wonderland Chair ------- Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: - Number 1 pair lift - Number 2 pair lift - Quad lift Niseko Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Monday 2nd January 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 383cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (2nd January) November 2022 snowfall 17cm reported on 5 days December 2022 snowfall 336cm reported on 27 days January 2023 snowfall 30cm 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 22cm Snowfall at base this season 284cm Posted on Monday 2nd January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The snow storm of yesterday has passed. Today will be mostly cloudy. At the moment there are breaks in the cloud revealing the blue sky behind. Some early morning cloud is sitting on the resort. Visibility is fair to good and should improve. Light to moderate winds are present around base, expect stronger at elevation. There is 22cm of fresh new snow since yesterday's report. Kitanomine Zone open Furano Zone open Furano Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Monday 2nd January 2023 Total snowfall at base 284cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 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 26cm 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 171cm Posted on Monday 2nd January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A nice fresh covering. 9cm doesn't sound a lot but it does the trick. It is snowing still although light and should be like this most of the day. Sunny patches may occur during the day though. However, at the moment it is foggy. There are fairly strong winds higher up today. Zao Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Monday 2nd January 2023 Total snowfall at base 171cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 24th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 162cm observed on 23 days January 2023 snowfall 9cm observed 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 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 31cm Snowfall at base this season 132cm Posted on Monday 2nd January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning, and a good one it is too (after fine weather during the day and then a wet start to the precipitation yesterday evening). I am happy to report lots of fresh snow around this morning. In fact, the ski area reports 60cm in the top area and 20-25cm around base areas. I just measured more than those official base numbers at just over 30cm. Excellent. Visibility is suitably limited this morning as it continues to snow... and there should be snow continuing over the next few days too. Taps set to 'full on', please! It's the last day of the New Year period night skiing tonight at Nagasaka, until 8pm. Ski lifts will also get back to the usual opening times from tomorrow morning. Fresh snowfall since yesterday morning (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko: 60cm - Uenotaira: 44cm - Hikage: 25cm - Nagasaka: 25cm - Karasawa: 20cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko: 150cm - Uenotaira: 140cm - Hikage: 80cm - Nagasaka: 70cm - Karasawa: 60cm All lifts now normally operating except these lifts: - Hikage quad (due to maintenance) All courses are now open except the following: - Grand Prix - Hachiman - Kandahar (restrictions) Planned night skiing (Nagasaka quad): - Daily from 29th December 2022 through 2nd January 2023 - 8th January 2023 - Every Saturday until 25th March 2023 Nozawa Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Monday 2nd January 2023 Total snowfall at base 132cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (26th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 101cm reported on 13 days January 2023 snowfall 31cm 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 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