Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 496cm Posted on Tuesday 5th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here At the risk of sounding like I am repeating myself, I have another 12cm of snow measured up this morning for the report with news of continued snowfall. Just very light snow falling right at this moment with a lot of cloud around, though over towards Mt Yotei there are some places where the sun seems to be struggling to make a special appearance. All planned lifts appear to be starting up for the day as planned. ----- I'd just like to make one comment about the coronavirus situation. While the numbers in Japan are still increasing (to over 3000 a day) and there is talk of a 'state of emergency' being declared for Tokyo and surrounding prefectures later this week, it seems that the numbers of cases being confirmed here in Hokkaido have been steadily going down over the last few weeks after various efforts being made. That is one little bit of brighter news amongst all the rest of it. Let us hope that other areas will follow that trend soon. All we can do is our bit... ----- I posted my summary of the season so far in the report yesterday. So if you missed that: first of all - naughty; and secondly, use the link below to find it. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data. Cape Benkei: NNW14m/s. Cape Kamui: W8m/s, 1021hPa, wave 2.0m. Hanazono 1000m: -14.2℃. Hanazono 720: -12.0℃, NNW4.7m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -15.3, NNW3.7m/s. Mizuno no Sawa 900m: -14.3℃, WNW4.0m/s. Moiwa 800m: -12.9℃, NNW9.4m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -15.8℃, WNW7.6m/s. Kutchan Town: -8.4℃, SW4.5m/s, snow depth 127cm, 1022.2hPa. Moiwa base: -10, 20cm snowfall in last 12hrs, light winds, good visibility. Although the winter pressure pattern has weakened, cold air is still flowing into the area, The snow wind has weakened and snowdrifts above 1000m are starting to stabilise. From data and snowfall transition the general avalanche risk is falling, peak gates are expected to be open. On the ridgeline around 1200m of Kozan no sawa side wall, cornice and snowdrift development stabilisation is delayed and avalanche risk will continue. If an avalanche occurs here it will be of large scale, so don't hang around in the valley below. Also cornices have grown very big and large pieces can easily break off. Don't rest under them to avoid the wind. This information is published to prevent accidents in the out of bounds areas. Out of bounds areas are not managed and your safety is your own responsibility. In Niseko we are always paying attention to rider safety, when the gates are closed do not go out of bounds. Ducking the ropes is prohibited. Be careful falling into cracks or hitting trees. Wear your helmet and beacon. Also a probe and shovel is recommended. Keep on eye out for a sudden change in weather. Have a good day. ----- Planned ski area operations: Tuesday 5th January 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 270cm (-15cm) - Base: 160cm (+10cm) Ski lifts operating: - All planned lifts operating (see note below) - Ace Family Quad, Ace Number 2 Center Four open for night skiing Courses: - All courses open ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 203cm (+3cm) - Base: 152cm (+2cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating - No night skiing ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 190cm (+15cm) - Base: 140cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating during the daytime - Jumbo Number 1 quad opens for night skiing ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 190cm (+5cm) - Base: 130cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express [*] - Community Chair [*] - Banzai Chair [*] - Wonderland Chair ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. Lifts marked [*] are scheduled to be operating during night skiing, until 8:00pm. 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 Tuesday 5th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 496cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 36 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 86cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 301cm Posted on Monday 4th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There are some light snow flurries falling at the moment that has left a dusting of 1cm on new snow on the ground at base and 7cm at the top of the mountain. It is a mostly clear day with high overcast conditions. Visibility is good and there is nothing in the way of wind at town level. The temperature is -12c and will head up to -9c by midday. Snow conditions on mountain are excellent with groomed powder on most trails. Just a reminder that night skiing is operating on both sides of the resort until 7:30pm daily. Kitanomine Zone open Furano Zone open Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 4th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 301cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 241cm reported on 23 days January 2021 snowfall 12cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 174cm Posted on Monday 4th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Not too different to yesterday except much quieter. Very moderate snow continues to fall but it seems that we can look forward to a blue-sky day on Wednesday and then back to snowfall. There are ice-burn patches on the Mikaeri, Onari and Hahnenkamm slopes so watch your speed there. Ryuzan is particularly pleasant to ride with some of the unwary coming a cropper in the thick patches. All lifts scheduled to be operating apart from: - Ryuzan pair - Karamatsu pair - Yokokura Number 2 pair - Paradise Number 3 pair All areas open apart from: - Kotan - Ryuzan Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area): - Summit area: 90cm - Paradise area: 100cm - Chuo area: 120cm - Utopia area: 115cm - Uwanodai area: 90cm - Omori area: 90cm - Kurohime: 115cm Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 4th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 174cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 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 32cm observed on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 580cm Posted on Monday 4th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A quiet snow day; not a lot of new to add to the pack today, but nobody's complaining about the conditions in Myoko this year! Nice and cold overnight to keep things light, and pretty nice snow crystals (not really pretty stars, but still with plenty of air in there to keep things powdery). There's a funny weather front extending out from the Koreas to about Sado Island that is changing the wind direction — no northwest blasting Siberian winds coming over the Sea of Japan for a few days. So maybe lighter snowfalls for a few days, but looking pretty good for Friday and on! Akakura Kanko: 230cm, -5° Akakura Onsen: 280cm, -4°C Ikenotaira Onsen: 250cm, -5° Myoko Suginohara: 185cm at summit, 90cm at base; -6° Seki Onsen: 380cm, -11° (same as yesterday) Kyukamura RunRun: 310cm, -2° Tangram Ski Circus: 150cm, -4° (no info for today yet) Madarao Kogen: 220cm, -3° Lotte Arai Resort 426cm, -1.1° Kurohime Kogen Snow Park 110cm, -6° Myoko Ski Park: Closed this season Myoko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 4th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 580cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 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 101cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 266cm Posted on Monday 4th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning. The snow clouds remain over the region, though they haven't been giving us much in terms of cm of snow. What is normally the New Year busy-busy period is now finishing up and we will be getting back into weekday mode. Will be interesting to see how many folk will be around this week and moving forward, especially as Tokyo and surrounding prefectures are asking people to 'stay home' and not travel. Anguish for locals and people who want to be here; fine conditions for the lucky folk who can be here. It's a complicated feeling, but one that I suppose we are all getting used to... We're not expecting much snow over the next few days and maybe appearances by the sun. More snow due later week. Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 4th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 266cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 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 38cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 362cm Posted on Monday 4th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Just around 10cm or so snow since yesterday with light snow falling this morning and perhaps it might just ease off and leave us with cloudy skies... maybe even some clearer conditions. It does seem like tomorrow there is a higher chance of a clearer day and we might get to enjoy some extended periods of sunshine. I think everyone would enjoy some of that now after all the snow. Doesn't look like it will last long though with snow due back. Looks like Kamoshika course might now be now open looking at official sources. That leaves us with just Grand Prix and Challenge 39 unavailable. (I need to find out more about the plans for the Kandahar area this season...) Fresh snowfall recorded by the resort (since yesterday morning): - Yamabiko (1407m): 9cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 9cm - Hikage (660m): 9cm - Nagasaka (615m): 9cm - Karasawa (563m): 5cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko (1407m): 250cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 225cm - Hikage (660m): 170cm - Nagasaka (615m): 165cm - Karasawa (563m): 140cm Most courses are now open: the following are open: - Grand Prix - Challenge 39 Ski lift information: - Most lifts are now operating - The following lifts are normally rested on weekdays: - Utopia pair, Challenge pair, Yunomine pair and Mizunashi triple Nozawa Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 4th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 362cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 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 72cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 40cm Snowfall at base this season 785cm Posted on Monday 4th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning. Another morning, another 40+cm of fresh snowfall since yesterday (about 15cm or so of that overnight). Just another day here in Geto. It was snowing yesterday and this morning it has been snowing. I'm running out of words to use! :) But it's a good situation to be in. The snow is plentiful. The conditions are excellent. Some of the tree run courses back open. Geto Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 4th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 785cm Number of days snowfall observed 24 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 105cm (on 2nd January) November 2020 snowfall 73cm observed on 3 days December 2020 snowfall 482cm observed on 17 days January 2021 snowfall 230cm observed on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 188cm Posted on Monday 4th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Hello from... Matsumoto. Doh! But I have friends in Hakuba and with the help of one of those along with webcams, here's the report. The most snow being reported this morning is 10cm from the upper areas of Hakuba 47. Just a little snow down below and light snow falling this morning. Forecasts seem to be showing more of the same the next few days with perhaps some special appearances by The Sun, with a return to some decent snowfall coming from around Thursday. The encouraging pattern to the weather this season continues. ----- Hakuba Happo-one Reported snowfall: - Kurobishi: 5cm - Usagidaira: 10cm - Nakiyama: 0cm Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 270cm - Usagidaira: 210cm - Nakiyama: 80cm Hakuba 47 Reported snowfall: - Summit: 10cm - Base: 5cm Official snow depth: - Top: 275cm - Base: 155cm Hakuba Goryu Reported snowfall: - Iimori: 0cm Official snow depth: - Alps: ?cm - Toomi: ?cm - Iimori: 85cm Hakuba Cortina Reported snowfall: - Summit: 3cm - Base: 3cm Official snow depth: - Top: 260cm - Base: 185cm Tsugaike Kogen Official snow depth: - Top: 270cm - Base: 120cm Hakuba Iwatake Official snow depth: - Top: 160cm - Base: 70cm Kashimayari Official snow depth: - 240cm Sanosaka Official snow depth: - Top: 180cm - Base: 100cm Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 4th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 188cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 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 38cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Hakuba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 484cm Posted on Monday 4th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So what have we got this morning. Oh yes, some more snow. It is interesting to see the range of snow being reported by the ski areas this morning... 10-45cm across the areas (both base and top), and the Avalanche Report has some larger numbers too. While varying numbers are common - and not necessarily 'mistakes' - I'm wondering if there might be some typo stuff going on there or not. 45cm does sound nice though! Perhaps an investigation is required. It's very cold again though, so pre-ski toast is a must. I am reporting 14cm. And now here's something I prepared earlier. ----- The 2020-2021 season so far: until the end December 2020 As we start on the journey that is 2021 it is the time for me to take a bit of a look back at the season so far and make a few observations. As always, I’d like to start by reminding everyone that I take my measurements from close to the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu. And while base elevations vary at different resorts around Japan, that is the same concept for all the Now reports this website. Here in Niseko, there is usually more snow at higher elevations, but it is impossible for me to take measurements from the top of the mountain every morning for all sorts of practical reasons. My numbers on these Niseko Now reports over the years can be compared like-for-like, because they are my observations and are coming from the same place each season. This is how much snowfall I have measured during the month of December over the last nine years: December 2020: 348cm December 2019: 207cm December 2018: 333cm December 2017: 406cm December 2016: 181cm December 2015: 244cm December 2014: 519cm December 2013: 275cm December 2012: 418cm I make the average number over those 9 years to be 326cm. So that means this season the December snowfall was just over average – for Niseko – and certainly an improvement on last season. (Average seems a poor choice of word, as ‘average’ in Niseko is usually rather good!) Here are my season-to-date numbers, from the beginning of this season to the end of December 2020: 2020/2021 season up to end of December 2020: 410cm 2019/2020 season up to end of December 2019: 292cm 2018/2019 season up to end of December 2018: 417cm 2017/2018 season up to end of December 2017: 594cm 2016/2017 season up to end of December 2016: 293cm 2015/2016 season up to end of December 2015: 308cm 2014/2015 season up to end of December 2014: 549cm 2013/2014 season up to end of December 2013: 398cm 2012/2013 season up to end of December 2012: 536cm The average of those numbers is 422cm, so we are actually falling a little behind the average there due to less snow recorded in the month of November. Since 13th December there has only been one report when I have not been able to report any cm of fresh snowfall here at base in Niseko (23rd December) and snowfall has been consistent since that last day of November. There have been some excellent conditions to enjoy with a steady supply of snow to fill in tracks. While some lucky people have been able to enjoy this snow, snow is just one of the main stories of the season. In some ways, it is the secondary story. Because 2020-2021 is, of course, like no other normal season. Many of you reading this were probably planning on being here to enjoy Niseko this season… but unfortunately are unable to. Over the last few decades Niseko has grown to increasingly enjoy a very healthy ‘inbound’ international market. Having that big chunk of business effectively cut off at short notice is something of a shock to the system. With the coronavirus situation in Hokkaido meaning that there are also fewer Japanese people travelling as well, it all adds up to a uniquely (relatively) quiet Niseko. I have heard more than a few locals and regular Japan-residing visitors comment on how this season in some ways feels like a ‘time travel’ trip back a decade or two. There are considerably fewer people around than normal and I would say a more generally relaxed kind of vibe going on. The unique circumstances this season have certainly given it a different feel and atmosphere. Some are really soaking that up and making the most of it; others are impatiently praying for things to get back on track. I have no doubt that when international travel opens back up, Niseko will quickly get back to its usual bustling and supremely confident self. And while some people might bemoan some of the modern changes to Niseko of late, I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t want for life to return to some kind of ‘normal’. Back to snow numbers... Here is how much of the total snowfall for a season we have already had fall on by the end of December in previous seasons: By the end of December 2019, as a % of the season total: about 40% By the end of December 2018, as a % of the season total: about 44% By the end of December 2017, as a % of the season total: about 47% By the end of December 2016, as a % of the season total: about 43% By the end of December 2015, as a % of the season total: about 31% By the end of December 2014, as a % of the season total: about 48% By the end of December 2013, as a % of the season total: about 34% By the end of December 2012, as a % of the season total: about 36% January 2020 has started well with 60cm already recorded and what looks like consistent snowfall on the horizon as well. Here’s how much snowfall I have recorded during the month of January in the last seven winter seasons. (The numbers in brackets show the total observed snowfall up until the end of January in each of those respective seasons). January 2020: 224cm (516cm) January 2019: 285cm (702cm) January 2018: 305cm (899cm) January 2017: 152cm (445cm) January 2016: 303cm (611cm) January 2015: 257cm (806cm) January 2014: 461cm (859cm) January 2013: 443cm (979cm) Looking at those numbers in recent Januarys we have seen a minimum of 152cm and a maximum of 461cm. That’s some range. I prefer the latter! The other piece of data that I always look at is the snowfall numbers that the Japan Meteorological Agency report from their observation station in Kutchan town. Here is what they have reported for the month of December over recent years. December 2020: 303cm December 2019: 217cm December 2018: 310cm December 2017: 324cm December 2016: 235cm December 2015: 195cm December 2014: 387cm December 2013: 258cm December 2012: 306cm These are the JMA numbers for the season so far up until the end of December 2020: 2020/2021 season up to end of December 2020: 364cm 2019/2020 season up to end of December 2019: 303cm 2018/2019 season up to end of December 2018: 414cm 2017/2018 season up to end of December 2017: 493cm 2016/2017 season up to end of December 2016: 408cm 2015/2016 season up to end of December 2015: 230cm 2014/2015 season up to end of December 2014: 428cm 2013/2014 season up to end of December 2013: 357cm 2012/2013 season up to end of December 2012: 404cm Remember, all the numbers I post in my reports – as well as archive reports - can be found on this page and via the 'Snowfall Analysis' tab at the top. Next monthly recap in early February. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data. Cape Benkei: NNW14m/s. Cape Kamui: WSW12m/s, 1020hPa, wave 1.8m. Hanazono 1000m: -13.5℃. Hanazono 720: -11.1℃, NNW3.3m/s. Mizuno no Sawa 900m: -13.4℃, WNW2.1m/s. Moiwa 800m: -11.8℃, NNW6.8m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -14.9℃, WNW4.2m/s. Kutchan Town: -7.4℃, WSW3.2m/s, snow depth 123cm, 1020.6hPa. Moiwa base: -9, snowfall 30cm in last 12hrs, light winds, good visibility. Currently we are in a weak west high/east low pressure system, with lots of snowfall. Below 1100m, with winds under 15m/s, the amount of slab formation has been small. Light crystal snow has fallen, 40cm on the west side in 6hrs, 50cm on the east. Below 1100m the avalanche risk is low. Above 1250m with exposure to strong winds and low temperatures avalanche risk due to slabs collapsing continues. Slabs are fracturing on 30 Dec layer. Do not traverse cornice slopes. South facing steep slopes around 900m, like Haru no Taki, have had heavy accumulations of snow over the last 10 days the danger of large avalanches continues as entire areas have formed single slabs. Predicted fracture layer 23 Dec or ground level. Do not duck rope and stimulate knolls in off limits areas. Peak gates and Mizuno no Sawa gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols instructions. To go out of bounds you must use the gates. Out of Bounds areas are not managed, to prevent accidents always be cautious, there is no guarantee of safety in the mountains. Although the snow is deep, it is light and good. Expect changing weather and poor visibility at times today. Don't forget helmet beacon, probe and shovel. Your beacon can save someone else's life too. Have a good day. ----- Planned ski area operations: Monday 4th January 2021 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 285cm (+30cm) - Base: 150cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - All planned lifts operating (see note below) - Ace Family Quad, Ace Number 2 Center Four open for night skiing Courses: - All courses open ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 205cm (+5cm) - Base: 150cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating - No night skiing ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 175cm (+0cm) - Base: 135cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating during the daytime - Jumbo Number 1 quad opens for night skiing ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 185cm (+5cm) - Base: 125cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express [*] - Community Chair [*] - Banzai Chair [*] - Wonderland Chair ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. Lifts marked [*] are scheduled to be operating during night skiing, until 8:00pm. 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 4th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 484cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 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 74cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 172cm Posted on Sunday 3rd January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Not much new snow overnight but it continues to snow and more is expected over the next few days. The sun was actually in and out yesterday with blue-sky spells and the tops becoming visible. Likely to be so again today, although higher up it is still shrouded in mist but the sun can be seen like an ambient orb behind the clouds. The onsens were on a winner yesterday as cold folk sought to warm up again after a good bash on the slopes. Cold again today so wrap up. It should be getting substantially quieter from mid-afternoon after this longish holiday period. Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 3rd January 2021 Total snowfall at base 172cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 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 30cm observed on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 34cm Snowfall at base this season 571cm Posted on Sunday 3rd January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Still a bit of snow falling, nice cold temperatures. I wish there weren't so much plowing to do, and more skiing (we work so you don't have to). Happy to see that in fact the parking lots were pretty full yesterday, and that there was a big line for the Suginohara gondola (not happy for you guys who had to wait, but that there was some early-morning passion for getting up on the hill). More snow to come.... Akakura Kanko: 230cm, -7° Akakura Onsen: 280cm, -5°C Ikenotaira Onsen: 250cm, -6° Myoko Suginohara: 185cm at summit, 90cm at base; -9° Seki Onsen: 380cm, -11° Kyukamura RunRun: 300cm, -1° Tangram Ski Circus: 150cm, -4° Madarao Kogen: 220cm, -4.5° Lotte Arai Resort 440cm, -3.2° Kurohime Kogen Snow Park 120cm, -6° Myoko Ski Park: Closed this season Myoko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 3rd January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 571cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 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 92cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 262cm Posted on Sunday 3rd January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. I can't think of too many words this morning as the situation remains... snowy. Not a huge amount of snow to report to you, but another layer since yesterday and it is continuing to snow. Probably going to ease sometime today and is that sun I see on some forecasts for tomorrow? I think it might be! Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 3rd January 2021 Total snowfall at base 262cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 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 34cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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