Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 34cm Snowfall at base this season 713cm Posted on Monday 18th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Remember those blue skies yesterday morning? Lovely. And this morning it's a mix of cloud and some blue sky with the sun breaking through in places as I write this. But guess what. In between we have been treated to some serious snowfall overnight. I am measuring 34cm of it and I see that Niseko Grand Hirafu is declaring 50cm of fresh snow (other areas showing less). But whatever the number... there's a lot across the mountain, so snow conditions should be really good this morning. There is hardly any wind and it is a cold start. In resort news, Niseko Grand Hirafu have announced that the Holiday Number 1 pair lift will be rested on weekdays (no planned re-opening date being said, so we should perhaps take that as being 'for the time being'). The Jumbo Number 2 and 3 pair lifts at Niseko Annupuri will also be rested on weekdays. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data. Cape Benkei:NW14m/s. Cape Kamui: WSW13m/s, 1013hPa, wave 1.5m. Hanazono 1000m: -13.5℃, NNE2.2m/s. Hanazono 720: -10.6℃, NNW2.2m/s. Moiwa 800m: -11.1℃, NW7.9m/s, 50cm new in last 12hrs. Annupuri 1100m: -13.7℃, W5.4m/s, 50cm new in last 12hrs. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -13.6℃, WSW3.4m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -12.9℃, WNW3.6m/s. Kutchan Town: -7.6℃, SSW4.1m/s, snow depth 155cm, 1014.6hPa. Moiwa base: -8, 50cm snowfall in last 12hrs, calm. The snow fall continues. 50cm at the base in the last 12hrs, 60cm at 1000m. A 12-15m/s westerly has blown overnight, stronger briefly around midnight though. From observation only a small amount of wind slab has formed, and avalanche risk below 1000m is low. Due to the amount of snow gate openings are yet undecided. Please respect the patrol's decisions. Do not enter strictly off limits area Haru no Taki looking for deep snow and steep slopes. There is the possibility of triggering an avalanche with large fracture face by rider stimulation. The snow is good, however avoid stimulating steep slopes, cornice slopes and knolls. Ride the fall line. The snow is deep today, boarders should carry poles so they can get back to the groomers. The weather will be variable, take care in times of heavy snowfall and poor visibility. Helmets are not a fashion accessory, they are worn to avoid head injuries - always wear one. Beacons on? Have a good day. ----- Planned ski area operations: Monday 18th 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 (+35cm) - Base: 200cm (+30cm) Ski lifts operating: - 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: 265cm (+27cm) - Base: 190cm (+20cm) Ski lifts operating: - All three lifts - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 240cm (+0cm) - Base: 160cm (+10cm) Ski lifts operating: - 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: - 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 Monday 18th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 713cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 49 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 303cm 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 228cm Posted on Monday 18th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The forecast says sunny spells and indeed it was - for the first hour of the day. I think that was it since there is no sign of blue skies anywhere on the horizon. At least it is clear. As to actual slope conditions, I think that there will be no change from yesterday i.e. not particularly enjoyable lower down but fine from the Diamond/Chuo areas upwards plus the Kurohime area. The Wall is not nice at all so avoid that. Being a weekday, the Yokokura No.2 (no. 25 top left of Yokokura) is not running which is a real shame, but, even more of a disappointment is that the Kokutai (n.32) is also not running which means using either the Onsen no.4 Quad (no.37) or Mikaeri lift (no. 33) to access the Hahnenkamm A & B slopes. It should start snowing later on and, thankfully, the (horrible) change in forecast last night to light snow from medium has been changed to heavy during the evening. An early start tomorrow hopefully. (Since writing the above, dandruff has started and the tops are becoming misty again.) Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 18th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 228cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 142cm observed on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 86cm 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 390cm Posted on Monday 18th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . A cracker of a morning weather wise. Nice and cold and sunny. In ski area news it appears that Terakoya and Ichinose Tannenomori are going to be open only on weekends through until 7th February. Due to the coronavirus state of emergency situation in urban areas and subsequent... lack of people. :( There are other lifts that are going to be rested, particularly on weekdays - mostly not affecting ski runs that are available. But it's a fluid, and sometimes confusing, kind of situation with patchy information out there. If you are here the best thing will be to check with accommodation or ski info counters before heading out in a morning. I'd say that at the moment most runs remain open, just some lifts being rested. It's really hard to know the best words to write, especially when I am writing a report each day. Just... take care and hope we can get ourselves out of this situation as soon as possible. Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 18th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 390cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 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 162cm 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 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 262cm Posted on Monday 18th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. Kind of a fine/overcast feel to proceedings this morning. Ski areas are reporting between 0cm and 10cm overnight. (Curiously, Nakiyama Snowland is saying 12cm, and that is by the base of Happo...) There is no snow falling early on but it should be snowing during the day today and through the night into tomorrow. ----- Floodlit night skiing at ski areas in the Hakuba area Hakuba Cortina 5:00pm until 9:00pm 9th-10th January Hakuba Goryu Daily apart from Wednesdays Toomi Sky Four quad lift 6:00pm until 9:30pm Tsugaike Kogen 6:00pm until 9:00pm 9th-10th, 16th, 23rd, 30th January 2021 13th, 20th, 27th February 2021 Karamatsu and Shirakaba areas Night skiing is not planned at other ski areas during the 2020-2021 season Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 18th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 262cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 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 112cm 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 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 540cm Weather overview Fine and sunny Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Excellent Posted on Monday 18th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Morning from Madarao. Forecasts say cloud... nature says No!! For now the sun is out and it's a beauty of a morning. By afternoon, same forecasts tell us to expect snow to be falling. So, perhaps things will get cloudy and change as the morning progresses. Snow due tomorrow too, so if it comes off we should have a fresh layer of snow to play soon... Madarao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 18th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 540cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 68cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 346cm reported on 12 days January 2021 snowfall 182cm 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 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 227cm Posted on Sunday 17th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Aargh, we need more snow! The ground is hard with nodules of ice strewn about with some ice burns . That's the lower slopes anyway. Higher, the snow is still ok and if a beginner, Diamond Valley is in very good form today. We even found a thin layer of powder in the Chuo area. Visibility is around 200m at worst but you can see the ground most of the time. Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 17th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 227cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 142cm observed on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 85cm 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 461cm Posted on Sunday 17th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . By early afternoon yesterday it had started to snow down to Hikage - Naski had a dusting of snow on his/her head - even though it was raining below that level. And this morning we have 5-20cm of snow being reported from base to top by the resort. So a modest layer of snow out there this morning. Right now it is just cloudy (and light snow being reported from the top Yamabiko area of the resort, by the resort, at 8:20am). We are just basically expecting a cloudy day today and perhaps an increased chance of sunny skies tomorrow. Next potentially decent snow around Tuesday, perhaps. Fresh snowfall recorded by the resort (since yesterday morning): - Yamabiko (1407m): 9cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 20cm - Hikage (660m): 12cm - Nagasaka (615m): 12cm - Karasawa (563m): 5cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko (1407m): 225cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 220cm - Hikage (660m): 170cm - Nagasaka (615m): 155cm - Karasawa (563m): 130cm All courses apart from the following plan to be open: - Challenge 39 (conflicting info out there about availability) - Yunomine A - Grand Prix Ski lift information: - The following lifts are normally rested on weekdays: - Utopia pair, Challenge pair, Yunomine pair and Mizunashi triple - The Shinyu pair lift will be closed for the remainder of the season due to obstruction by fallen tree Nozawa Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 17th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 461cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 56cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 290cm reported on 12 days January 2021 snowfall 171cm 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 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 389cm Posted on Sunday 17th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Some kinda odd weather yesterday with those heavy looking clouds yesterday morning moving in and rain turning to snow. This morning Yakebitaiyama are reporting 15cm of fresh snow and Kumanoyu are reporting 5cm. Varying amounts across the wide Shiga Kogen area, and I have measured 12cm. It does feel colder this morning and come Tuesday it should be colder still. Forecasts show some decent snow due around Monday night into Tuesday, though we might start tomorrow with clearer skies once again. Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 17th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 389cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 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 161cm reported on 10 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 259cm Posted on Sunday 17th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . A snowy morning and trees on the mountains are looking nice and white, though there's a misty cloudy feel going on. 40cm is being reported by Goryu on the upper areas (via official Hakuba Valley sources) and that is more than other areas are reporting. Happo are reporting up to 30cm on their upper areas with Cortina going with 10-15cm. So it looks like the ski areas to the south got more overnight. Sounds like it might be worth investigating! Some light snow forecast for today and the next heavier snowfall likely tomorrow night. We might get lucky and get some clear skies tomorrow morning before that snow. ----- Hakuba Happo-one Reported snowfall: - Kurobishi: 30cm - Usagidaira: 27cm - Nakiyama: 0cm (?) Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 280cm - Usagidaira: 235cm - Nakiyama: 95cm Hakuba 47 Reported snowfall: - Summit: 5cm - Base: 5cm Official snow depth: - Top: 300cm - Base: 130cm Hakuba Goryu Reported snowfall: - Upper: 40cm - Iimori: ?cm Official snow depth: - Upper: 315cm - Iimori: 120cm Hakuba Cortina Reported snowfall: - Summit: 15cm - Base: 10cm Official snow depth: - Top: 260cm - Base: 180cm Tsugaike Kogen Reported snowfall: - Summit: 13cm Official snow depth: - Top: 285cm - Base: 135cm Hakuba Iwatake Official snow depth: - Top: 170cm - Base: 70cm Kashimayari Official snow depth: - 275cm Sanosaka Official snow depth: - Top: 180cm - Base: 90cm ----- Floodlit night skiing at ski areas in the Hakuba area Hakuba Cortina 5:00pm until 9:00pm 9th-10th January Hakuba Goryu Daily apart from Wednesdays Toomi Sky Four quad lift 6:00pm until 9:30pm Tsugaike Kogen 6:00pm until 9:00pm 9th-10th, 16th, 23rd, 30th January 2021 13th, 20th, 27th February 2021 Karamatsu and Shirakaba areas Night skiing is not planned at other ski areas during the 2020-2021 season Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 17th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 259cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 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 109cm 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 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 536cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Sunday 17th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Good morning. A mix of wet kind of stuff going on yesterday that happily ended up with some nice snow falling and this morning there's 10+cm of snow to report to you, so the mountain has a layer of fresh to enjoy and the trees are all looking white again. It's a cloudy kind of morning with light snow trying to fall... though we probably can't expect much in terms of cm. Perhaps tomorrow night into Tuesday for the next decent delivery. (With sun likely in the day tomorrow). Definitely a bit colder this morning. For us, that is of course a good thing. Madarao info: - Official snow depth: 200cm - New snow reported by ski area (24 hours): 0cm - All lifts operating apart from Number 5 - All main runs open - Snow Park open - Kids Park open - Tree Run: all open - Night skiing plans have been cancelled Tangram info: - Official snow depth: 150cm - 5 of 5 lifts operating - Night skiing plans have been cancelled Madarao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 17th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 536cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 68cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 346cm reported on 12 days January 2021 snowfall 178cm 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 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 24cm Snowfall at base this season 750cm Posted on Sunday 17th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . We went from that sun shining through high clouds at the start to the day to rain, to some great big flakes falling around 3pm. It kept snowing, but not that much total accumulation. It's still trying to snow, but just a little bit and not consistently. Akakura Kanko: 280cm, -6° Myokokogen Sky Cable gondola is running today Akakura Onsen: 290cm, -3°C Ikenotaira Onsen: 210cm, -2° Myoko Suginohara: 180cm at summit, 100cm at base; -8° Seki Onsen: 420cm, -3° Kyukamura RunRun: 300cm, 7° (no new report today) Tangram Ski Circus: 150cm, -1° Madarao Kogen: 200cm, -4° Lotte Arai Resort 483cm, -1.6° Kurohime Kogen Snow Park 100cm, -3° Myoko Ski Park: Closed this season Myoko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 17th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 750cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 72cm (17th, 20th and 31st December) November 2020 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2020 snowfall 478cm reported on 12 days January 2021 snowfall 271cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 669cm Posted on Saturday 16th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So I do have snow to report to you this morning. Due to the mild conditions at the moment it's kind of heavy and wet. Unfortunately at the start of the day today all of the peak lifts are on hold due to persistent windy conditions, as is the gondola at Niseko Village. It looks like all of the peak gates are going to be closed today due to 'treacherous conditions'. Hopefully those conditions will be improved soon with fresh snow. I'm going to sit it out. And have some toast. Hope you have a good Saturday. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Benkei cape 6:25am: WSW8m/s. Kamui cape: SSW26m/s, 995hPa, 1.9m waves. Hanazono 1000m: -3.9℃, SSW13.2m/s, Hanazono 720m: -4.6℃, S6.0m/s, Moiwa800m: -1.4℃, SSW7.0m/s, Annupuri 1100m: -3.6℃, SSW7.4m/s, Yu no sawa 1100m: -3.4℃, SSW13.8m/s, Mizuno no Sawa: -2.5℃, SW9.7m/s, Kutchan: +2.6℃, SW6.9m/s, 141cm snow depth, 999.6hPa. Moiwa base: -1℃, 20cm wet snowfall in 12h, good visibility. The temperature went up as a low-pressure system passed. A strong southerly wind blew above 800m elevation with thick fog and storms. Wind and snow is forecasted to pick up again as the wind shifts westerly and temperature drops. Wet and heavy snowdrifts have developed dramatically above 800m elevation This heavy snowpack is extremely unstable and would break with the slightest stimulation. The avalanche risk in the north-facing 30+° slopes above 750m is extreme today. The chairlifts might start running as the wind shifts and settles, but better stay away from open steep slopes above 650m elevation today. It’s a good day to stay in the tree-runs. The snow around 600m elevation forests haven’t been too affected by the wind and is not in bad shape. Sunlight is weak and it’s difficult to see the surface undulations. Heavy snow is also likely to catch the skis/board, so be careful not hitting trees. All peak gates will be shut today. Please follow the ski patrol's instructions. Treacherous conditions today, please be careful. ----- Planned ski area operations: Saturday 16th 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: 300cm (+0cm) - Base: 170cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold - Ace Family Quad, Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 230cm (+2cm) - Base: 170cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold - There is no night skiing at Hanazono ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 240cm (+0cm) - Base: 150cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold - 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 - Village Express, 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 16th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 669cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 259 cm 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 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