Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 256cm Posted on Friday 29th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Snowy and windy conditions this morning. There is a modest layer of snow on the ground this morning and more in places due to the wind. The wind is also affecting the top section of the Zao Ropeway which is on hold at the start of the day. The lower section is operating. It should be snowing through the day and tomorrow as well. Wee will all be happy to welcome that new layer. (Less so the winds!) All lifts scheduled to be operating apart from: - Ryuzan pair - Kokutai pair - Karamatsu pair - Paradise Number 3 pair All areas open apart from: - Ryuzan - Kotan Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area): - Summit area: 115cm - Paradise area: 130cm - Chuo area: 130cm - Utopia area: 120cm - Uwanodai area: 120cm - Omori area: 95cm - Kurohime: 135cm Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Friday 29th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 256cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (on 19th January) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 142cm observed on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 114cm observed 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 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 428cm Posted on Friday 29th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. It is noticeably colder this morning with light snow falling in some areas... just cloudy at the moment in others; even some brighter areas. Kumanoyu are actually reporting 10cm of fresh snow down there; I can't report that much but good to know. Remains to be seen exactly what we get today. Areas expecting more snow this morning haven't got it yet and the winds haven't whipped up yet. But we are still expecting some of that, to some degree. Hopefully a good new layer of snow across the area. So I'll let you know how that goes tomorrow morning. Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Friday 29th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 428cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 55cm (31st December) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 216cm reported on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 200cm 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 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 301cm Posted on Friday 29th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. Fresh snow! As you can see from the numbers noted in the lists below, ski areas this morning are reporting up to 15cm of fresh snowfall this morning on upper areas with 5-10cm in lower areas. It is snowing right now - and quite nicely too. I just measured 8cm. Yes, come on. More! More! More! And yes, we should be getting more through the day today and through tomorrow too; perhaps heaviest today. So I look forward to bringing you more snowy news tomorrow. ----- Hakuba Happo-one Reported snowfall: - Kurobishi: 5cm - Usagidaira: 1cm - Nakiyama: 10cm Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 245cm - Usagidaira: 195cm - Nakiyama: 85cm Hakuba 47 Reported snowfall: - Summit: 15cm - Base: 5cm Official snow depth: - Top: 280cm - Base: 120cm Hakuba Goryu Reported snowfall: - Upper: 5cm - Iimori: 5cm Official snow depth: - Upper: 270cm - Iimori: 120cm Hakuba Cortina Reported snowfall: - Summit: 10cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth: - Top: 250cm - Base: 145cm Tsugaike Kogen Reported snowfall: - Summit: 9cm Official snow depth: - Top: 279cm - Base: 85cm Hakuba Iwatake Official snow depth: - Top: 170cm - Base: 60cm Kashimayari Official snow depth: - 250cm Sanosaka Official snow depth: - Top: 160cm - Base: 80cm Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Friday 29th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 301cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 150cm reported on 12 days January 2021 snowfall 151cm 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 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 769cm Posted on Wednesday 27th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It feels milder once again this morning. There is some very light snow falling at the moment. It's just a dusting+ really and there does seem to be a thin layer of snow on the mountain with 3-5cm being reported by the ski areas. That's certainly not enough to cover what we had yesterday, of course, but I'd say good for some thigh workouts. There is a moderate south westerly wind this morning and indeed at the start of the morning the top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri are on hold. As of 8:30am the top lift at Village is planning to open, as are all three Hanazono lifts. That may well change, of course. I think we will all be good and ready for a return to consistent snowfall and that still looks likely to be starting from tomorrow night. So we should be ending the month with new layers of fresh snow. It might get stormy, particularly around Friday. ----- I didn't pick up on this comment in the Avalanche Report yesterday: "Yesterday members of the 2030 Sapporo Olympic Bid Alpine Events Team were on the mountain to investigate possible course routes. To minimise any environmental impact of the events, plans are to use existing runs as much as possible." Interesting to see that. So perhaps they're not going to re-construct the Sapporo Olympic downhill courses on Mt Eniwa then? ;) www.snowjapanhistory.com ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:S9m/s. Cape Kamui: light winds, 1005hPa, wave 0.6m. Hanazono 1000m: -4.8℃, S12.8m/s. Hanazono 720:-2.2℃, SSW5.0m/s. Moiwa 800m: -2.1℃, SSE4.6m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -4.4℃, SSE5.7m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: SSW6.0m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -3.3℃, SSE7.0m/s. Kutchan Town:+1.5℃, ESE5.4, snow depth 138cm, 1006.8hPa. Moiwa base: -1, 10cm wet new snow, light winds, good visibility. Above 1000m there is a southerly wind and wet snow at over 25m/s, especially on the Hanazono side, preceding the approaching low pressure system, with snow drift development on the north side of the range. After the low pressure system passes around 9am a westerly wind and snow will pick up and snow drift development will shift to the SE side of the range. From the 5am Moiwa observation snow drift development from the southerly wind was 40cm, rapidly formed with cornices fracture with little stimulation. At elevations below 800m, up to 30cm deep avalanches will easily occur, fracturing on jan 26 layer, on 40 deg creek side walls and under lift lines on the east side of the mountain (Hirafu/Hanazono side).The snow is wet and heavy, be careful. After the low pressure system has passed, dry surface avalanches will easily occur this afternoon with the new colder snowdrift growth expected to start around 10am. The avalanche risk will rise to high in the Niseko range from noon through at least tomorrow morning. Peak gate opening yet to be decided. Be aware of the snowfall transition. Make your actions match the conditions. Do not duck ropes. ----- Planned ski area operations: Wednesday 27th January 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 315cm (-5cm) - Base: 175cm (-15cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4 - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 240cm (+0cm) - Base: 175cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All three lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 260cm (+0cm) - Base: 190cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - Planned: All lifts apart from Jumbo Number 3 - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 240cm (+0cm) - Base: 160cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair - Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. There may be other lift operation changes at the moment due to coronavirus situation. Do be sure to check for details with ski areas. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 27th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 769cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 359cm reported on 24 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 768cm Posted on Sunday 24th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. And as expected things have cleared up at last and it is a lovely morning. There are mostly clear blue skies and the sun is shining. Beautiful. Very cold too. Ski areas are reporting 0-5cm of snowfall over the last 24 hours. And I don't do this often but if you don't mind, I am going to get out for some early tracks this morning. In the name of research, of course. :) I feel it would be somehow negligent to not make the most of it... ----- Niseko Avalanche Report 6:25am Benkei cape: SSW4m/s, Kamiu cape: S5m/s, 1026hPa, 0.7m waves. Hanazono 1000m: -7.2℃, WSW5.7m/s. Hanazono 720m: -8.3℃, SSE2.2m/s. Moiwa 800m: -8.7℃, N1.0m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -10℃, WNW3.0m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: WNW4.4m/s. Mizuno no Sawa top: -9.9℃, WSW2.0m/s. Kutchan town: -18.1℃, WNW0.3m/s, 146cm snow depth, 1029.5hPa. Moiwa base: -12℃, 5cm of crystal snow in the past 12h, calm and clear. The mountain and the ocean weather is calm and clear under a high-pressure system. The snowdrifts are stable and the general avalanche risk is low. All gates will open from the morning. Nice & sunny day today, perfect for family ski excursions. Have a great day. ----- Planned ski area operations: Sunday 24th January 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 330cm (-10cm) - Base: 190cm (-10cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4, Swinging Monkey - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 260cm (-3cm) - Base: 185cm (-5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All three lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 260cm (+0cm) - Base: 190cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All lifts - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 240cm (+0cm) - Base: 160cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair - Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 24th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 768cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 358cm reported on 23 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 425cm Posted on Sunday 24th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. It's snowing. Not light powder; more wet. But better than rain which is what other lower areas seem to be getting this morning. Visibility is improved on this time yesterday, though still limited. Tomorrow sun is forecast and we are going to have a run of milder days before the next snowfall which is due from around Friday. Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 24th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 425cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 55cm (31st December) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 216cm reported on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 197cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 293cm Posted on Sunday 24th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. Light (wet) snow is falling outside my window (it's rain/sleet further down) and there has been a slight dusting of snow... ski areas are reporting up to 10cm of fresh snow on the upper areas of the mountains. So head up high! Sunshine expected tomorrow and a few days of mild conditions. Next decent snow delivery due Friday. ----- Hakuba Happo-one Reported snowfall: - Kurobishi: 10cm - Usagidaira: 9cm - Nakiyama: 0cm Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 250cm - Usagidaira: 208cm - Nakiyama: 90cm Hakuba 47 Reported snowfall: - Summit: 10cm - Base: 5cm Official snow depth: - Top: 285cm - Base: 130cm Hakuba Goryu Reported snowfall: - Upper: 10cm - Iimori: 0cm Official snow depth: - Upper: 300cm - Iimori: 125cm Hakuba Cortina Reported snowfall: - Summit: 3cm - Base: 0cm Official snow depth: - Top: 260cm - Base: 165cm Tsugaike Kogen Reported snowfall: - Summit: 10cm Official snow depth: - Top: 283cm - Base: 80cm Hakuba Iwatake Official snow depth: - Top: 190cm - Base: 70cm Kashimayari Official snow depth: - 275cm Sanosaka Official snow depth: - Top: 180cm - Base: 70cm Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 24th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 293cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 150cm reported on 12 days January 2021 snowfall 143cm 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 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 766cm Posted on Saturday 23rd January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It feels colder this morning once again and snow is falling. I can report to you another 9cm. Ski areas themselves are reporting around 10-15cm over the 24 hours and the Avalanche Report notes 10cm in 12 hours. All scheduled lifts should be running this morning and it looks like the gates will be opening. Somewhat limited visibility out there at the start of the day by the looks of the webcam images, but some forecasts tell us to expect improving clearer skies from this morning. And tomorrow should be nice and sunny from the start. After today a return to snowfall is forecast for around mid week. I have a bit of a headache this morning so I am going to lay low with some coffee and, of course, toast. And get ready for sun tomorrow! ----- Niseko Avalanche Report 6:25am Benkei cape: N7m/s, Kamui cape N3m/s, 1025hPa, 1.1m waves. Hanazono 1000m: -12.2℃, NNW4.5m/s, Hanazono 720m: -9.8℃, NNW1.2m/s. Moiwa 800m: -9.5℃, NNW3.8m/s. Annupuri: -12.5℃, WNW3.3m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -12.0℃, NNW1.5m/s. Mizuno no Sawa top: -11.0℃, NNW3.6m/s. Kutchan town: -7.5℃, NNW0.9m/s, 152cm snow depth, 1025.5hPa. Moiwa base: -9℃, 10cm of clean crystal snowfall in 12h, calm. The Snowdrifts that developed up to 200cm thick above 800m elevation have now stabilized, however cornices remain unstable and are highly likely to largely break with skiing stimulation. According to observations and weather data transitions, the avalanche risk is low today. All gates will open from the morning. Cracks are starting to open in various places and the ones just under knolls cannot be seen from above. Please be very careful as if falling head-first, you probably won’t be able to come out by yourself. The snow condition is fantastic, however the weather is likely to suddenly change. Snow and wind will quickly pick up as soon as the isobars move back close to each other. It is not recommended to ride the Backbowl today, but if you do, ski down the fall line, don’t go across the slope. Scott Schmidt rode this slope in 3 turns back in the days. Avalanches sweep through the valley bottom, do not remain in there. It is highly recommended to wear a helmet and carry a beacon, shovel and probe. These equipment can save your and others’ lives. Have a great weekend. ----- Planned ski area operations: Saturday 23rd January 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 340cm (-5cm) - Base: 200cm (-10cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4, Swinging Monkey - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 263cm (+8cm) - Base: 190cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All three lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 260cm (+10cm) - Base: 190cm (+10cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All lifts - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 240cm (+0cm) - Base: 160cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair - Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 23rd January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 766cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 356cm reported on 22 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 757cm Posted on Thursday 21st January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is noticeably not as cold this morning. We are starting the day with cloudy skies and what looks like somewhat limited visibility on the mountain, though we may well see things clearing up before the end of the day. The forecast looking ahead shows a few days of calmer and generally clearer skies coming up. Perhaps some extended periods of sunshine. After all this snowfall in the last few weeks, I think everyone here will be enjoying some of that for a change. Even so, it should be keeping quite cold so snow conditions should remain really good. There is still a bit of a westerly wind around still this morning but hopefully lift operations will not be affected. They are all scheduled to be operating from the beginning of the day. Actually, no, scratch that. Since I started writing this, I see that the top lifts at Village and Hirafu are now on hold. Doh. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:WNW15m/s. Cape Kamui: SW17m/s, 1016hPa, wave 1.4m. Hanazono 1000m: -5.8℃, SSW5.4m/s. Hanazono 720: na. Moiwa 800m: -4.7℃, W1.6m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -6.5℃, W5.6m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -6.1℃, WSW3.8m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -5.8℃, WSW3.8m/s. Kutchan Town: -3.6℃,SSW4.4m/s, snow depth 164cm, 1020.2hPa. Moiwa base: -6, lightwinds, 20cm of new snow in the last 12hrs. There is a moderate south westerly wind coming off the edge of a high pressure system, thick fog, wind and snow from the sea of japan are coming in at 1000m on the Hanazono face of HigashiOne. Yesterday's snowdrifts have consolidated and stabilised, however at 6am the winds picked up again and 20cm of light crystal snow fell to dawn. From data, observation and tests, the general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates are expected to be open. Please be prepared and listen to the patrol's opinion before going out of bounds. Niseko respects your freedom to ride out of bounds, while at the same time paying serious attention to your safety. Out of bounds areas are not managed terrain or part of the ski resort. You can get rescued, but charges will apply. Please respect and follow Niseko Rules. Wear a helmet to protect your head. Also carry a beacon, probe and shovel. They are not only looks, they can save your life. The snow is good again today. Avalanche Information will not be issued tomorrow. ----- Planned ski area operations: Thursday 21st January 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 350cm (+0cm) - Base: 210cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4, Swinging Monkey - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 270cm (-10cm) - Base: 203cm (-7cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: All three lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 250cm (+0cm) - Base: 180cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Annupuri Gondola, Dream Quad, Jumbo Quad Number 1, Jumbo Pair Number 4 - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 230cm (+0cm) - Base: 150cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair - Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Thursday 21st January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 757cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 347cm reported on 21 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 27cm Snowfall at base this season 745cm Posted on Wednesday 20th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Lots and lots of fresh snow once again this morning. This morning Hirafu and Hanazono are both reporting over 30cm of fresh snowfall; Annupuri and Village are reporting 10-15cm; the Avalanche Report (below) is reporting a whopping 50cm from Moiwa base. I have just measured 27cm for my report. Summary: lots. It remains cold, it remains a bit windy on the mountain and top lifts (other than the Hanazono one) are all on hold at 8:30am. After today the forecasts do seem to be showing us a run of days without snow, or at least without much snow. There may even be some sunshine come the weekend. ----- Some people have asked about those official snow depth numbers and how they don't seem to reflect new snowfall and sometimes even go down when there is fresh snow being reported. I have said this before but I would suggest that you basically just don't over think them. Hirafu usually move their numbers more than Annupuri and Village, who often don't seem to move them at all. They are what they are. Just another data point, but certainly not the most important one. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:NW18m/s. Cape Kamui: WNW12m/s, 1024hPa, wave 2.2m. Hanazono 1000m: -15.5℃, SW4.5m/s. Hanazono 720: -11.2℃, NNW8.3m/s. Moiwa 800m: -12.6℃, NNW10.7m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -15.7℃, W6.5m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -15.3℃, W2.9m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -14.4℃, NW3.1m/s. Kutchan Town: -8.1℃,NW3.3m/s, snow depth 164cm, 1024.0hPa. Moiwa base: -12, lightwinds, 50cm of new snow in the last 24hrs. The atmospheric pressure gradient is starting to flatten, however strong winds continue above 800m. At 1000m on the west side of the mountain the wind peaked 3 times overnight. Over 25m/s at midnight, 2am and 6am. Snowdrift development is drastic at 200+cm and continuing to grow. Cornice growth is also massive. 5am impact tests at Moiwa 800m, showed a 70cm fracture with high speed propagation. The wind is expected to weaken and snow drifts start to stabilise. However from observation and data the avalanche risk is high this morning. When the lifts start running it is best not to ride out of bounds. Below 800m on knolls and cornice slopes the avalanche risk is also high. Traversing under cornices and knolls will trigger avalanches. Do not duck ropes to enter strictly off limits areas like Haru no Taki. Gate openings yet to be decided. Please respect the patrol's decisions. Snowdrift stabilisation will generally be delayed, dependent on aspect and elevation, due to the variable wind and snow conditions. The snow is good in the trees but heavy and deep, snowboarders should carry poles. Is your beacon on? Helmets are strongly recommended. There is no guarantee of safety in the winter mountains, be very careful. Anyway the snow keeps coming. ----- Planned ski area operations: Wednesday 20th January 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 350cm (+20cm) - Base: 210cm (+20cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at 8:30am - Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4, Swinging Monkey - Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 280cm (+20cm) - Base: 210cm (+25cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at 8:30am - Planned: All three lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 250cm (+0cm) - Base: 180cm (+10cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift and gondola on hold at 8:30am - Planned: Annupuri Gondola, Dream Quad, Jumbo Quad Number 1, Jumbo Pair Number 4 - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 230cm (+0cm) - Base: 150cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift and gondola on hold at 8:30am - Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair - Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 20th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 745cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 335cm reported on 20 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 252cm Posted on Wednesday 20th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The forecast says sunny spells and the sun is indeed battling to break through the cloud cover. Lower down is clear but higher up the glare is such that low light/yellow lenses are recommended. The mist and vis of the ground comes and goes higher up. It is very cold but the snow is lovely. Big Wings are out in force - see photo below. They do disperse, however, so no lift issues. Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 20th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 252cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (on 19th January) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 142cm observed on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 110cm observed 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 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 421cm Posted on Wednesday 20th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. After the wilder conditions yesterday and overnight, with the wind blowing snow around, is turning out to be a much calmer morning. The sun is out! As I write this there is sunshine here in the Maruike/Hasuike area, but it is snowing over in Okushiga Kogen. I imagine that snow will ease off leaving us with a day of fine weather across the Shiga Kogen region. We are forecast fine weather conditions again tomorrow too. Very fine conditions. Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 20th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 421cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 55cm (31st December) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 216cm reported on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 193cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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