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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 189cm Posted on Monday 19th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is snowing moderately and the overall weather today will be snow. The forecast is for the snow to ease around midday for a few hours then resume late afternoon. There is no wind and visibility is okay. Since yesterday there is 10cm of new snow on the ground in the village. It is -13c at the moment and the day high will reach -7c. Lots of great snow on the mountain so expectations are the resort will open up more terrain soon. Operating lifts: Prince Romance Lift Downhill Romance chair 2 Furano Ropeway Furano Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Monday 19th December 2022 Total snowfall at base 189cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (15th and 18th December) November 2022 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day December 2022 snowfall 187cm reported 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 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 79cm Posted on Monday 19th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A cold morning with snow still falling early on. It was light earlier on but coming down at a faster rate as this is being written. Not expected to be windy today though visibility is limited. Tomorrow and Wednesday might see an easing off with the snow before more comes in later in the week. Zao Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Monday 19th December 2022 Total snowfall at base 79cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (on 8th and 16th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 79cm 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 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 37cm Posted on Monday 19th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . The snow is really being reluctant this year; another dusting that maybe gives us 1cm of fresh. Hmmmm. Strange weather ahead, too, with snow still forecast, but possibly rain on Thursday (blech) as a big storm center over the Pacific sends southerly winds across a lot of Honshu and Hokkaido. At least we're not alone in our snow=less misery. But we're still positive, and hopeful for a white Christmas and a very merry slide on the snow in the near future. And on to the daily, almost unchanged, report; Openings and operations Akakura Kanko: 60, -6° Myokokogen Sky Cable, Hotel No. 3, No. 5 lifts Akakura Onsen: 15cm, -1° Waiting for snow Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick 20, -4° Rescheduled opening to December 23 Myoko Suginohara: No snow figure, -1° Saturday, December 24 Seki Onsen: 70, -4° Friday, December 23 Kyukamura RunRun: Waiting for snow Tangram Ski Circus: 5cm, -3° Waiting for snow Madarao Mountain Resort: 20cm, -4° Waiting for snow Lotte Arai Resort 139cm, 0° Arai Gondola and Zendana Lift only (it seems; the website, again, hasn’t been updated this morning) Kurohime Kogen Snow Park 8cm. -6° Saturday, December 24 Myoko Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Monday 19th December 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 37cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 8cm (15th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 37cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 55cm Posted on Monday 19th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . It's really cold this morning! In the end, not a huge amount of snow since yesterday as it moved around and delivered in curious places these last few days. Some forecasts are being made to look a bit silly. Just cloudy at the moment along with that cold that I mentioned. It's quite bright too with the sun trying to break through in places. Shiga Kogen Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Monday 19th December 2022 Total snowfall at base 55cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 7cm (11th and 18th December) November 2022 snowfall 6cm reported on 2 days December 2022 snowfall 49cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 16cm Snowfall at base this season 92cm Posted on Monday 19th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . We have had more snow. More of Happo-one now open, and the run back down to base at Tsugaike also now available. It is still snowing. Tomorrow we might see a break in the snowfall and maybe even some sun. Should be a great day to be out there. Beyond that, more snow is forecast later in the week. It sounds like a good pattern to settle into. Santa will be pleased. --------------- ABLE Hakuba Goryu Part open Lifts: - Telecabin gondola - Alps Number 1 pair - Alps Number 3 pair - Toomi quad Courses: - Panorama - Grand Prix - Technical - Super - Champion Dynamic - Woody - Toomi Official snow depth: - Upper: 150cm - Toomi: 60cm Notes: You can now ski down from the top area to Toomi base. ------- Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park Mostly open Lifts: - All lifts (* Line D usually only opens when the Gondola is closed) Courses: - All courses apart from the lower area of R-1, R-4 - Tree Riding Zones are not open yet Official snow depth: - Upper: 150cm - Base: 70cm Notes: Most of the regular ski runs are now available. Tree Run Zones will open at a later date. ------- Hakuba Happo-one Part open Lifts: - Happo gondola - Alpen quad - Happo Riesen quad - Nakiyama 3 - 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): 142cm - Usagidaira (1400m): 140cm - Nakiyama (800m): 55cm Notes: Access to and from the open area is via the Gondola. (Though people skiing back to gondola base can be seen on webcams. Perhaps official info has not been updated). ------- 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: 143cm - Base: 52cm Notes: You can now ride back to base without taking the gondola down. Hakuba Now 2022-2023 season Data as Monday 19th December 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 92cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (15th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 92cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Hakuba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 241cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This morning there's another good 15cm of fresh snowfall to add to the report, bringing my total observed snowfall here at base to 241cm for the season so far. As I write this, it is snowing lightly in places but it's actually fairly bright and there is even some blue sky in places. As noted in the Avalanche Report, the snow we have is still not deemed enough for everywhere to be open. A few more days of this and surely the 'fully open' bell will be ringing. It was great to see the floodlights on last night... always feels like the season is open proper when that happens. I hope you have a fine day, wherever you may be. --------------- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base 6am: -6℃, 20cm since dawn, 7am visibility improved. Moiwa 800m: -8℃, heavy snowfall, 30cm snow in last 12hrs. Annupuri 1000m: -10℃, strong W wind snow, 30cm snow in last 12hrs, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: N15 m/s. Kamui Cape: W11m/s, 1003 hPa, wave 1.9m. The winter weather pattern has temporarily strengthened with soft slab snowdrifts forming above 800m. 30cm of good quality variable crushed crystal snow has accumulated in the trees. Although the amount of rideable off-piste terrain is increasing, there is still not enough snow and plenty of bamboo and holes to catch you out. Beware. Out of bounds areas are not ready to ride yet and gates are still closed. Do not duck the ropes to access. From data and observation the avalanche risk is low below 900m. Avalanche risk remains high at 1100m on cornice slopes and knolls due to the wind and low temperatures. Best not to enter Back Bowl, Mikaeri Bowl, Osawa cornice slope or Higashi One around 1000m until the weather improves and snowdrifts can consolidate. Watch out for sudden weather changes, poor visibility and frostbite. Most accidents can be prevented with care. Have a good day. --------------- Ski area information for Sunday 18th 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: ?cm [official sources not updated yet] - Base: ?cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 160cm (not updated since yesterday) - Base: 80cm (not updated 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 Onsenzawa, Large, Konayuki, Miharashi and Dynamic ------- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 12cm - Base: 15cm Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 135cm (+7cm change since yesterday) - Base: 97cm (+2cm 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: 130cm (no change since yesterday) - Base: 100cm (no 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 (+10cm since yesterday) - Base: 100cm (+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 Sunday 18th December 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 241cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (17th December) November 2022 snowfall 17cm reported on 5 days December 2022 snowfall 224cm 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 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 22cm Snowfall at base this season 320cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from Geto Kogen. Another impressive amount of fresh snow this morning. The ski area reports 73cm since yesterday on upper areas. Most of that was during the day yesterday. This morning there is some breaks in the cloud, though more snow is due later in the day. It should be a very good morning out there. First Tracks and night skiing from this weekend. Things are falling into place very nicely. Snowfall statistics (as reported by the ski area): New snowfall (top): 74cm Current snow depth (top): 210cm Current snow depth (base): 145cm Total season snowfall so far at top: 336cm Lifts: - Number 1 Gondola - Number 1 pair lift - Number 2 pair lift - Quad lift Courses: - All courses open Geto Kogen Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Sunday 18th December 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 320cm Number of days snowfall observed 13 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 100cm (on 16th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 320cm observed on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 31cm Snowfall at base this season 179cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a calm morning with no wind. There has been a significant dump of snow overnight and there has been 31cm since the last report was posted. There is no snow coming down and the day is forecast to be clear with high cloud. Lift operations remain the same but there are now two courses open from the top of the Ropeway back to base. It is -10c and the high will be -5. Today is Sunday and lift queues for the Ropeway are likely to be significant. Furano Ski Area is open Kitanomine Zone: closed Furano Zone: open Operating lifts: Prince Romance Lift Downhill Romance chair 2 Furano Ropeway Furano Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Sunday 18th December 2022 Total snowfall at base 179cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (15th and 18th December) November 2022 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day December 2022 snowfall 177cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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