Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 201cm Posted on Wednesday 21st December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is snowing lightly with a very slight breeze. Overnight there has been a further 6cm of new snow. The cloud is sitting high and visibility is reasonably good. It is -7c and the daytime high will reach -3c. Lift operations and open terrain remain unchanged. Operating lifts: Prince Romance Lift Downhill Romance chair 2 Furano Ropeway Furano Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Wednesday 21st December 2022 Total snowfall at base 201cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (15th and 18th December) November 2022 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day December 2022 snowfall 199cm reported on 17 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 86cm Posted on Wednesday 21st December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's a cloudy morning but quite bright in places and we might get to see some sun. It's set to be slightly milder as well (though still cold), before a return to colder temps and snow again as we approach the Christmas weekend. I think I mentioned it before, wind might also be an issue, especially on Friday and maybe Saturday. Zao Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Wednesday 21st December 2022 Total snowfall at base 86cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (on 8th and 16th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 86cm observed on 16 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 273cm Posted on Tuesday 20th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There is more fresh snow to report again this morning. I just measured 15cm. The (ungroomed) Challenge course at Annupuri is now open as the mountain continues to open up. We are still waiting for the top lifts (and all connections) to open, but the mountain is mostly open outside of those. It seems it will be getting milder and calm over the next few days. And then we'll get more snow again by the end of Thursday. It looks like it is going to be snowing over Christmas. As everyone knows, Santa loves Niseko*, so no doubt he'll be pumped to hear that. As you probably (and hopefully) know, I like to avoid the overuse of superlatives and over-excited comments. Still, we are currently enjoying some beautiful December conditions. It's exciting to remember that the season has really only just started. May the rest of the season continue this way! * The Santas that appear at other ski areas are all clearly fakes. ;) --------------- Following my comments about night skiing yesterday, some people wrote in with some interesting points. After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the Japanese government closed down nuclear plants around the country. The subsequent call for less electricity to be used may have been a factor in earlier closing times around 2012. Also, there did indeed used to be more terrain open for night skiing at Hirafu. The Rinkan course was available by the side of the King Number 3 quad lift. Unfortunately, after closing that, I believe they removed the lighting. So there's not much chance that might return. It seems I am not the only one to hope that the ski areas in Niseko might extend the night skiing times again in the future. Night skiing can be a fantastic experience when the snow is in top condition and the weather is good. (I'm not as keen otherwise). Due to these comments today, I will wait until tomorrow to post that other trivia I promised. By the way, it's always lovely to hear from folks. At the same time, though, I am sorry, but I really cannot reply to all Niseko-related questions sent in. You get about as much of me as I am able to give with these reports every morning! --------------- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base: -7℃, 10cm snowfall in 12h, calm and good visibility. Moiwa 800m: -10℃, NW10m/s, 20cm snowfall with snowdrift development. Annupuri 1000m: -12℃, westerly 8m/s, 20cm snowfall, snowdrift development, good visibility. Hanazono peak: -12℃, calm, 20cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW12m/s, Kamui cape W8m/s, 1016hPa, 1.8m waves. The isobars spread out and the wind has started to calm down. The wave height is stagnating within 2m and the wind around 10m/s. Intermittent snowfall continues dropping 10-20cm of new snow. Strong cold air mass remains. The general avalanche risk is low according to observations and weather data. The new snow is too light and dry due to the cold temperature, making it difficult to groom above 1000m elevation. The snow amount is plenty however the caterpillar digs to the ground in steep slopes. It will take some more time to open the peak chair lifts and gates. The snow quality is nice, but still insufficient. Bamboo and bushes are still thick below 800m elevation and creek lines are difficult to ride out. It is highly recommended to stick to the course side powder at the moment. Gate 7 (A-sawa) is scheduled to open today. Always use gates to go out of bounds. Do not duck ropes. The 25th annual Niseko Avalanche Meeting will be held at the Niseko Chomin Center at 4pm Dec 23rd. Details can be found at the Niseko Town Office website. The snow is good again today. --------------- Ski area information for Tuesday 20th December 2022 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. 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: 20cm - Base: 20cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 200cm (+10cm since yesterday) - Base: 90cm (-5cm since yesterday) Lifts: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 quad (Center Four) [* open until for 7:00pm for night skiing] - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair - King Number 3 quad Courses: - All courses are now open except Large, Konayuki, Miharashi and Dynamic ------- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 17cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 140cm (+5cm since yesterday) - Base: 105cm (no change 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: 15cm - Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 145cm (+10cm since yesterday) - Base: 110cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad [* open until 7:30pm for night skiing] - Jumbo Number 2 pair ------- Niseko Village Ski Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 115cm (+5cm since yesterday) - Base: 110cm (+10cm 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] ------- Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: - Number 1 pair lift - Number 2 pair lift - Quad lift Niseko Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 20th December 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 273cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (17th December) November 2022 snowfall 17cm reported on 5 days December 2022 snowfall 256cm reported on 19 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 63cm Snowfall at base this season 457cm Posted on Tuesday 20th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Geto Kogen. The snow has stopped. But only after snow throughout the day yesterday and another significant amount to report. 74cm reported by the ski area. Snowfall recorded by the ski area on upper slopes this season is now approaching 5.5m! And it's not even Christmas. This morning we are expecting just cloudy conditions and maybe some light snow, and then perhaps a break from the snow clouds tomorrow. Don't worry though, more snow is forecast for Thursday onwards. Snowfall statistics (as reported by the ski area): New snowfall (top): 60cm Current snow depth (top): 230cm Current snow depth (base): 160cm Total season snowfall so far at top: 542cm Lifts: - Number 1 Gondola - Number 1 pair lift - Quad lift Courses: - All normal courses now open (tree run courses to follow later) Geto Kogen Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 20th December 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 457cm Number of days snowfall observed 15 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 100cm (on 16th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 457cm observed on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Geto Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 195cm Posted on Tuesday 20th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is snowing lightly and forecast to keep snowing through until midday. It is -10c now and the high will go up to -5c. There is 6cm of new snow on the ground at village level. Visibility is good with plenty of light breaking through the clouds. There have been no updates from the resort on the opening of Kitanomine, but it must be close now. There are no changes to lift operations and open courses for today. Operating lifts: Prince Romance Lift Downhill Romance chair 2 Furano Ropeway Furano Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 20th December 2022 Total snowfall at base 195cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (15th and 18th December) November 2022 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day December 2022 snowfall 193cm reported on 16 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 84cm Posted on Tuesday 20th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's still snowing. Not a huge amount of snow since yesterday but it is gradually building up. Probably not much due over the next few days and some milder temps forecast too. But back to cold and snow from around Friday and Saturday... might have to watch out for the wind too. Lifts: - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair - Chuo Number 2 pair - Diamond Number 2 pair - Utopia Number 1 pair - Kurohime Number 1 quad - Onsen Number 1 pair - Onsen Number 2 quad - Sunrise pair - Nakamori Number 1 triple - Yokokura Number 1 pair - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable Courses: - Large sections of the ski area are now at least part open with most areas available - Still unavailable: Paradise, Shobunuma, Omori Official snow depth: - Summit: 75cm - Paradise: 60cm - Chuo: 60cm - Utopia: 90cm - Uwanodai: 50cm - Yokokura: 50cm Zao Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 20th December 2022 Total snowfall at base 84cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (on 8th and 16th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 84cm observed on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 39cm Posted on Tuesday 20th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Still no super-heavy snowfalls, although it looks like the highways and byways heading south from Niigata City are closed due to heavy snow. Hope that comes down to the southwest and to us. Don't mind road closures if they lead to open runs and operating lifts. Quiet and calm with a little bit of fresh snow in Myoko. Tangram and Madarao are both opening one lift, so things are heading in the right direction. Openings and operations Akakura Kanko: 70, -7 ° Myokokogen Sky Cable, Hotel No. 3, No. 5 lifts Akakura Onsen: 15cm, -2° Waiting for snow Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick 20, -4° Rescheduled opening to December 23 Myoko Suginohara: NO current data Saturday, December 24 Seki Onsen: 70, -4° Friday, December 23 Kyukamura RunRun: Waiting for snow Tangram Ski Circus: 10cm, -5° No. 3 lift Madarao Mountain Resort: 20cm, -5° No. 1 lift Lotte Arai Resort 148cm, 0.7° Arai Gondola and Zendana Lift only (I wish they would mark the lift and runs that are scheduled to open a little earlier; 8 am is late if you’re making a decision) Kurohime Kogen Snow Park 8cm. -6° Saturday, December 24 Myoko Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 20th December 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 39cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 8cm (15th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 39cm 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 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 11cm Posted on Tuesday 20th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . It is good to see a covering of snow on the ground outside the Nagasaka gondola and other base areas this morning. It's not a large amount, for sure, but there is something reassuring about the whiteness. The ski area is reporting 5-8cm of fresh snowfall on upper levels since yesterday. Seeing stories of heavy snow (and trouble caused by it) in some areas of Niigata not too far away and comparing that with the weather we got yesterday was just a bit too 'does not compute'! So we don't expect much today and tomorrow (maybe a sunny day tomorrow), but snow is back on the forecasts after that. Heavy snow for Christmas, please! Fresh snowfall since yesterday morning (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko: 10cm - Uenotaira: 6cm - Hikage: - - Nagasaka: - - Karasawa: - Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko: 45cm - Uenotaira: 45cm - Hikage: - - Nagasaka: - - Karasawa: - Lifts: - Nagasaka Gondola (8:30am open) - Hikage Gondola (8:30am open) - Yamabiko Number 2 Four quad - Yamabiko Four quad - Skyline pair - Uenotaira quad - Yu Road (8:00am open) Courses: - Yamabiko A - Yamabiko B - Yamabiko C - Yamabiko D - Uenotaira - Uenotaira Family Lane - Kokenashi AB The top section of the ski area is now open. You need to get a gondola back down to base. Nozawa Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 20th December 2022 Total snowfall at base 11cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 4cm (20th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 11cm 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 30cm Weather overview Cloud some blue sky Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Tuesday 20th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Hello from Madarao. Just a dusting/frosting really this morning and some bright conditions even though there is a lot of cloud still around. Madarao is reporting no new snowfall since yesterday. They remain open with the Paradise course open --- and ungroomed (due to there not being much snow yet). Tangram is now also part open and they have their Number 3 quad lift moving. The next snow we can expect is Thursday onwards. If the forecasts get it right (this time), things could be kicking off properly (or certainly in a bigger scale than now) by Christmas. Madarao Mountain Resort Small part open - Number 1 lift - Paradise course - Official snow depth: 20cm Tangram Ski Circus Closed - Number 3 quad lift - Official snow depth: 15cm Madarao Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Tuesday 20th December 2022 Total snowfall at base 30cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 7cm (on 12th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 30cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 7cm Snowfall at base this season 99cm Posted on Tuesday 20th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from snowy Hakuba. Well, while it was snowing lightly earlier on, it's not actually snowing at the moment (and there's a lot of it around!) 5+cm or so around base areas since yesterday, with Happo-one reporting up to 20cm higher. This is the new snowfall that is being reported by ski areas this morning: - Happo-one: 20cm at Kurobishi; 5cm at Nakmiyama; 5cm at the top of Riesen quad - Hakuba 47: 10cm at top, 5cm at base - Hakuba Iwatake: 10cm - Hakuba Cortina: 5cm There is a lot of cloud about now, but some blue sky too. It seems it's a bit windy, too, in higher areas, with a few lifts at Happo-one (Alpen, Kuribishi 2 and Skyline) affected at the start of the day. But more of Happo-one is now open, and you can ride back down to base areas. The top quad is not scheduled to move yet. Wind conditions aside, pretty much all of the main areas at Happo-one are now open. Two lifts in the Iimori part of Hakuba Goryu are also opening this morning, along with a few runs. I think that's all the main headlines for the morning. Potentially heavy snow is due from Thursday. Hopefully, if we get that, it won't be long before we can settle down in 'all open' mode. (I always really look forward to that). --------------- ABLE Hakuba Goryu Mostly open Lifts: - Telecabin gondola - Alps Number 1 pair - Alps Number 3 pair - Toomi quad - Milky Four - Number 6 pair Courses: - Panorama - Grand Prix - Technical - Super - Champion Dynamic - Woody - Toomi - Soft Cream - Powder Snow Official snow depth: - Upper: 160cm - Toomi: 65cm Notes: Two lifts in the Iimori section of the ski area are now open along with the delicious-sounding Soft Cream and Powder Snow courses. ------- Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park Mostly open Lifts: - All lifts (* Line D usually only opens when the Gondola is closed) Courses: - All main courses - Tree Riding Zones will open at a later date Official snow depth: - Upper: 150cm - Base: 70cm Notes: All of the regular ski runs are now available. Tree Run Zones will open at a later date. ------- Hakuba Happo-one Mostly open Lifts: - Alpen quad - Happo Riesen quad - Nakiyama Number 3 triple - Adam Gondola - Panorama pair - Kokusai Number 1 pair - Kokusai Number 3 pair - Kurobishi Number 2 quad - Skyline Number 2 pair Courses: - Kurobishi - Usagidaira - Skyline - Panorama Official snow depth: - Kurobushi (1680m): 160cm - Usagidaira (1400m): 135cm - Nakiyama (800m): 60cm Notes: Most of the main runs at Happo-one are now open and you can ride back down to base areas. The top lift and Riesen Grat Course arenot yet open. ------- Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Part open Lifts: - Noah Gondola - View 2 - 3 Sen North - 4 Sen East Courses: - View C - North - East Official snow depth: - Upper: 90cm - Base: 20cm Notes: Part of the Mountain Side is open. Access to and from the open area is via the Gondola. ------- Hakuba Cortina Part open Lifts: - Number 2 quad - Number 4 pair Courses: - Ikenoda - Hiedayama 1 - Hiedayama Rinkan - Itabira Official snow depth: - Upper: 130cm - Base: ?cm ------- Tsugaike Mountain Resort Part open Lifts: - Eve Gondola - Tsuga Number 2 pair - Han-no-ki pair lift Courses: - Han-no-ki - Course down to gondola base Official snow depth: - Upper: 145cm - Base: 55cm Notes: You can now ride back down to base without taking the gondola down. Hakuba Now 2022-2023 season Data as Tuesday 20th December 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 99cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (15th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 99cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Hakuba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 258cm Posted on Monday 19th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's cold out there! There's also another 15-20cm of fresh snow since yesterday around base as the regular deliveries continue. Marvellous. As I write this, light snow is falling outside my place. It doesn't feel too windy this morning, not down here anyway. Just cold. We might even get some periods of sun today in places. The only operational changes I can notice this morning since yesterday is that Onsenzawa at Hirafu is now open. And talking about Hirafu... --------------- A few days ago, I commented on the fact that night skiing in Niseko is now open until 7:00pm or 7:30pm, depending on the ski area. And I recalled the floodlit slopes in the past being open until later in the night. I wanted to check but didn't know how to confirm such information. Then, I remembered that a certain Mr Lea, who created this website, is a walking encyclopedia on anything related to Japanese ski areas and has guidebooks dating back over 30 years. It turns out that since he started his SnowJapanHistory website in 2020 covering old ski areas (definitely worth a visit, by the way), he has been gradually acquiring older ski area guidebooks, building his collection to over 200 (!). Anyway, after contacting Andrew and thanks to the information in his books, I have confirmed a few details. It turns out that, at one time, night skiing was indeed available at Niseko Grand Hirafu until 9:30pm. 1986 season: night skiing until 9:30pm 1987 season: night skiing until 9:00pm 1993 season: night skiing until 9:30pm 1996 season: night skiing until 9:30pm 2003 season: night skiing until 9:00pm 2012 season: night skiing until 8:30pm 2021 season: night skiing until 8:00pm 2022 season: night skiing until 7:00pm 2023 season: night skiing until 7:00pm The reasons for the changes are unclear. However, I am told that night skiing has been scaled back at many ski areas throughout Japan in recent decades. So such a change is not unusual. (Perhaps the last few years are explained by the covid situation?) I was treated to a few other bits of Hirafu trivia. I’ll post that in my report tomorrow. --------------- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base: -11℃, light storm, 20cm snowfall in 12h. Moiwa 800m: -13℃, stormy, 20cm snowfall in 12h with snowdrift development. Annupuri 1000m: -15℃, 20cm snowfall in 12h, strong westerly wind with snow and snowdrifts development. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW18m/s, Kamui cape W13m/s, 1009hPa, 2.3m waves. Hanazono 1000m: -16.3℃, ESE2m/s. Wintery pressure distribution continues and the isobars tightened momentarily generating typical winter storm conditions on the ocean and the mountains. Snowdrifts are developing in leeward slopes above treeline and the avalanche risk is high at Annupuri West ridge’s cornice 900m area, knoll slopes, O-sawa and East ridge’s cornice slopes. Risk is lower in the trees, however it is highly recommended to avoid riding the gully bottoms. The snow in the forests is wind-affected and slightly heavy. Many of the avalanche accidents occur in knolls, open slopes, gullies’ sidewalls and bottoms where unstable snowdrifts develop during storms. There are no unavoidable accidents. Always be prudent. Don’t casually duck ropes. This is a ski resort and many people are present. One track under a rope will lead others to follow it and be the cause of an accident. It’s very cold today, beware of frostbites and hypothermia. Skiing and snowboarding are inherently dangerous sports. Gates will need some more time to open. Have a nice day. --------------- Ski area information for Monday 19th December 2022 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. 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: 15cm - Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 190cm - Base: 95cm Lifts: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 quad (Center Four) [* open until for 7:00pm for night skiing] - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair - King Number 3 quad Courses: - All courses are now open except Large, Konayuki, Miharashi and Dynamic ------- 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: 135cm (no change since yesterday) - Base: 105cm (+8cm 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: 135cm (+5cm since yesterday) - Base: 105cm (+5cm change since yesterday) Lifts: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad [* open until 7:30pm for night skiing] - Jumbo Number 2 pair ------- Niseko Village Ski Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 10cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 110cm (no change since yesterday) - Base: 100cm (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] ------- Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort Lifts: - Number 1 pair lift - Number 2 pair lift - Quad lift Niseko Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Monday 19th December 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 258cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (17th December) November 2022 snowfall 17cm reported on 5 days December 2022 snowfall 241cm reported on 18 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 74cm Snowfall at base this season 394cm Posted on Monday 19th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Geto Kogen. The snow is just not letting up! This morning the ski area reports 88cm fresh snow since yesterday morning and there's not that much less than that down by base. More snow due. It's relentless. The Number 2 pair lift is closed until Wednesday for maintenance. Snowfall statistics (as reported by the ski area): New snowfall (top): 70cm Current snow depth (top): 210cm Current snow depth (base): 145cm Total season snowfall so far at top: 467cm Lifts: - Number 1 Gondola - Number 1 pair lift - Quad lift Courses: - All normal courses now open (tree run courses to follow later) Geto Kogen Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Monday 19th December 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 394cm Number of days snowfall observed 14 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 100cm (on 16th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 394cm observed 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 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