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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 22cm Snowfall at base this season 745cm Posted on Sunday 3rd January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Hello. Dug myself out of that snow. A much more modest amount this morning but who is going to complain at over 20cm? The snow stopped last night and this morning things feel calmer. There might even be some skies on show if and when the clouds break. The forecast for tomorrow is cloud and snow at times. So we can catch a break today and perhaps enjoy the snow that's out there. Official non compacted snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 400cm Base: 230cm Planned operating lifts: Number 1 Gondola Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift Number 2 Gondola [weekends & holidays only] Quad lift Planned open courses (subject to change): Main courses: all now open Tree Run Courses closed early morning Geto Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 3rd January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 745cm Number of days snowfall observed 23 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 190cm 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 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 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 24cm Snowfall at base this season 452cm Posted on Saturday 2nd January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here The consistent snowfall has continued, allowing me to this morning add another 24cm to the report; good to see the Avalanche report mentioning up to 40cm at Moiwa. Lots! Right now the snow has eased off and there is actually breaks in the cloud starting to appear. There's even a bit of sun shining down on the base of Hanazono as I write this. We probably can't expect too many prolonged periods of sunshine and blue sky any time over the next week or so, so if you aren't into skiing as it falls perhaps this morning is a time to get out for some early lifts. The weather can change very quickly though, so always be prepared. There is not as much wind today and so all of the planned lifts should be operating. It remains very cold with Annupuri reporting -20C up top as of 6am; the thermometer outside my place just before was telling me -12C (and asking if it could come inside for a bit of a warm up!) Should be a very good day. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Sea of Japan Benkei cape: NNW10m/s, Kamui cape: W7m/s, 1014hPa, 1.5m waves. Hanazono1000m: -18.8℃. Hanazono720m: -14.6℃, N3.5m/s. Moiwa800m: -16.0°C, NW4.2m/s, 40cm snowfall. Annupuri1100m: -19.2℃, WNW3.5m/s. Mizuno no sawa: -17.6℃, WNW1.9m/s. Kutchan weather station: -12.1℃, SW0.5m/s, 122cm snowdepth, 1015hPa, Moiwa base: -14℃, 25cm snowfall in 12h, good visibility and calm. The isobars have spread out and the storm has calmed down. 40cm of lightly wind-affected snow can be found at 700m ridges and forests. The transmission of stimulation in the snowdrift slabs around 800m elevation was slower than yesterday. Evaluating from snowfall transition, weather data and coastal data, the avalanche risk under 1000m elevation is lowering. However the snowpack at high elevation steep slopes such as the Backbowl’s 1200m slopes is still very unstable as the snow has been highly influenced by the wind. Highly hazardous conditions continue in those aspects. Beware of sudden weather changes, low temperature; hypothermia and frostbites. The weather can quickly deteriorate as soon as the atmospheric pressure gradient gets steeper. All gates opening are to be confirmed. Please respect the ski patrol’s decisions. Do not enter strictly off-limits areas. Wear a helmet to avoid head injuries. Are you carrying an avalanche beacon, shovel and a probe? It is nearly impossible to dig out your buddy from the snow without those equipment. The snow is nicely deep. Have a good day. ----- Planned ski area operations: Saturday 2nd 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: 250cm (+10cm) - 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: 200cm (+5cm) - Base: 150cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating - No night skiing ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 170cm (+10cm) - Base: 130cm (+10cm) 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: 180cm (+10cm) - Base: 120cm (+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 Saturday 2nd January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 452cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 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 42cm reported on 2 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 167cm Posted on Saturday 2nd January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . First thing this morning it was nice and bright up to mid-levels, but, just as I write, it has started snowing again with the mist coming down. Quite a dry cold so the slopes are nice but it does mean that the toes are feeling it this morning. It has been a busy week with the New Year holiday leading into the weekend but one wouldn't notice once out on the slopes. New snow (again) - happy riding everyone. All lifts scheduled to be operating apart from: - Karamatsu pair - Paradise Number 3 pair - Yokokura Number 2 pair All areas open apart from: - Kotan Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area): - Summit area: 90cm - Paradise area: 100cm - Chuo area: 120cm - Utopia area: 120cm - Uwanodai area: 85cm - Omori area: 80cm - Kurohime: 110cm Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 2nd January 2021 Total snowfall at base 167cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 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 25cm observed on 2 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 333cm Posted on Saturday 2nd January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning from Nozawa. Since yesterday afternoon the resort is reporting 0-22cm of snow... one of those days when there's a real difference between base and up top. This morning it is snowing lightly and the forecast is for cloud/snow through the day and overnight. It's quite cold this morning, visibility is fair-limited. Shades of grey-silver-white. (Hints of bright green when you get close to Naski). Fresh snowfall recorded by the resort (since yesterday afternoon): - Yamabiko (1407m): 22cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 10cm - Hikage (660m): 3cm - Nagasaka (615m): 3cm - Karasawa (563m): 0cm (?) Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko (1407m): 275cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 220cm - Hikage (660m): 180cm - Nagasaka (615m): 175cm - Karasawa (563m): 150cm Most courses are now open: the following are open: - Grand Prix - Kamoshika - 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 Saturday 2nd January 2021 Total snowfall at base 333cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 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 43cm reported on 2 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 181cm Posted on Saturday 2nd January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. Some more snow this morning though not as much with the resorts reporting 10-15cm of fresh snow on upper areas. Excellent conditions out there yesterday and I would imagine more of the same today. ----- Hakuba Happo-one Reported snowfall: - Kurobishi: 10cm - Usagidaira: 3cm - Nakiyama: 5cm Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 265cm - Usagidaira: 191cm - Nakiyama: 75cm Hakuba 47 Reported snowfall: - Summit: 15cm - Base: 5cm Official snow depth: - Top: 260cm - Base: 145cm Hakuba Goryu Reported snowfall: - Iimori: 0cm Official snow depth: - Alps: ?cm - Toomi: ?cm - Iimori: 80cm Hakuba Cortina Reported snowfall: - Summit: 10cm - Base: 8cm Official snow depth: - Top: 260cm - Base: 175cm Tsugaike Kogen Official snow depth: - Top: 230cm - Base: 100cm Hakuba Iwatake Official snow depth: - Top: 160cm - Base: 70cm Kashimayari Official snow depth: - 225cm Sanosaka Official snow depth: - Top: 180cm - Base: 100cm Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 2nd January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 181cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 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 31cm reported on 2 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 300cm Posted on Saturday 2nd January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a beautiful Saturday morning in Furano. There is clear blue sky over the ski resort which will stay to around lunchtime and then expect the clouds to increase. The temperature is -17c in town and it will increase to a warm -11c as the high. Cold temperature wax is the order of the day. All main trails have been nicely groomed and with a nice 6cm of fresh powder overnight they will be silky smooth. Possibly some snow flurries will hit in the afternoon but nothing major is expected. All lifts operating except the Kitanomine Snow Escalator. Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 2nd January 2021 Total snowfall at base 300cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 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 11cm reported on 2 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 19cm Snowfall at base this season 537cm Posted on Saturday 2nd January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Nice, full parking lots, and fresh snow falling. Not as huge overnight, with the moon and some stars actually coming out for a while around 10 last night, and the snowfall coming to a stop. It's picked up this morning, so there will be a few more cms than the 19 of new recorded earlier. Looks like the snow will just keep on falling for the foreseeable future; nice to have the good old days back again! Akakura Kanko: 230cm, -5° Akakura Onsen: 270cm, -4°C Ikenotaira Onsen: 240cm, -6° Myoko Suginohara: 180cm at summit, 90cm at base; 2° Seki Onsen: 360cm, -11° Kyukamura RunRun: 220cm, -3° Tangram Ski Circus: 150cm, -3° Madarao Kogen: 210cm, -3.5° Lotte Arai Resort 297cm, -1.4° Kurohime Kogen Snow Park 130cm, -4° Myoko Ski Park: Closed this season Myoko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 2nd January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 537cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 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 58cm reported on 2 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 428cm Posted on Friday 1st January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning everyone and Happy New Year. We start 2020 with more fresh snow and limited visibility. The webcam images this morning are looking quite similar to yesterday. The snow doesn't look like it's going to quit any time soon. At the beginning of the day a bunch of lifts are on hold including all the top lifts and the gondolas at Annupuri and Village. And it is cold! Annupuri is reporting a temperature of -23C as their peak reading as of 8:30am. Going to need a few layers to keep warm and toasty in those conditions. Talking about toast, it's time for my first slice of the year. I might even treat myself to two. (That's how gnarly I am). ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data. Cape Benkei: NNW20m/s. Cape Kamui: WSW16m/s, 1008hPa, wave 2.6m. Hanazono 1000m: -19.3℃, SSE4.5m/s. Hanazono 720: -14.6℃, NNE3.5m/s. Mizuno no Sawa 900m: -17.9℃, NW5.3m/s. Moiwa 800m: -16.4℃, NNW10.5m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -19.4℃, WNW7.4m/s. Kutchan Town: -11.7℃, W4.0m/s, snow depth 114cm, 1009.4hPa. Moiwa base: -12, light winds, snowfall 20cm. The winter weather pattern continues with a snow bearing wind and snow drift development. On SE Annupuri aspects and Mikaeri Bowl, depending on elevation and slope, the build up has been large. From tests fracture propagation speed is high and with little stimulation travelling long distances. Fracture face 40-60cm. On leeward slopes above 800m, steep open slopes and creek sidewalls the avalanche risk is high. Avoid knolls and cornices, ride one by one. Do not hang around in the middle of slopes or in the creek bottoms. Snow drift and cornice development is continuing and stabilizing, however the wind has been inconsistent and development is not uniform. The upper 50cm deposited in the last 6hrs is easily fracturing. Peak gate opening is yet to be decided. Please respect the Patrols decisions. The snow is good. Be careful of frost bite, its cold. Is your beacon on? Happy New Year. ----- Planned ski area operations: Friday 1st 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: 240cm (+5cm) - Base: 150cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - 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: 195cm (+10cm) - Base: 145cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Top lift on hold at start of the day - No night skiing ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 160cm (+10cm) - Base: 120cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Gondola and top lift on hold at start of the day - Jumbo Number 1 quad opens for night skiing ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 170cm (+10cm) - Base: 115cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Gondola and top lift on hold at start of the day ----- 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 Friday 1st January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 428cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 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 18cm reported on 1 day 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 157cm Posted on Friday 1st January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A very Happy New Year everyone. To those following but were unable to join us, we hope that you will be able to visit next year and that conditions are just as good with no Murphy in sight. Everyone is enjoying another day of fresh snow. Although it looks murky out there, at mid-levels (e.g. top of Kurohime), visibility is fine, no wind and the snow light and fluffy - perfect. It continues to snow and forecasted to do so for quite a few days hence. It is quite cold though (reportedly -12 to -15c at the very top). No fireworks this year but it seems that everyone was a bed early anyway, no doubt due to the great conditions. Today's tip: Ryuzan is almost empty. Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Friday 1st January 2021 Total snowfall at base 157cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 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 15cm observed on 1 day 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 36cm Snowfall at base this season 326cm Posted on Friday 1st January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Hello from Nozawa Onsen. And... New Year greetings! It's still snowing this morning with most of the numbers posted coming overnight. The resort was reporting 5-8cm snowfall during the day yesterday but this morning the 24 hour numbers are 25-42cm. The ever cheerful Naski is starting the year with a big smile and a hat made of snow that seems to be getting bigger... looking quite lonely as of 8:30am but perhaps some friends will brave the conditions to venture out and come to say hello. There's limited visibility once again on the upper areas of the mountain in particular. Should be some very fine conditions out there though and some people making their way up there to play with the goods. Snow is forecast for today. And tomorrow. And perhaps Sunday. Maybe even beyond. One thing is for sure: we're certainly not starting 2021 worrying about snow! If you yearn for clearer and sunny skies, Monday might be your day. Or maybe not. ;) New Year message from SnowJapan The 2020-2021 winter season seems to have got off to a good start in many mountainous regions of Japan, with some areas enjoying some very heavy snowfalls. That is of course very encouraging to see. Even if you are having to look on from afar, we’re sure you will be glad to see a return to a more ‘normal’ pattern to the snowfall this winter. So 2020 is now behind us and we surely all hope that 2021 will be an all-round better year for everyone. If you are unable to be here... We miss you and are sorry that you can’t be here, but hope that you will be able to visit Japan in the not too distant future; and that 2021-2022 season will be open for everyone to enjoy. If you are here... Let’s all keep doing everything we can as individuals to try and keep the current situation under control. Ski areas around the country are doing their best to encourage visitors to wear face coverings, keep distance and minimise contact with guests outside their own group. Helping out in that way is surely a very small price to pay to get to enjoy the snow. One thing we have noticed this season is people mentioning how they are appreciating everything that extra bit more this year. Being thankful for the good things can’t be a bad thing. We will continue to do what we can to remain positive and genki as we cover this season. Wherever you are right now, stay safe, stay strong and take care. SnowJapan wishes you all the best for 2021. -------------------------------------- Fresh snowfall recorded by the resort (since yesterday morning): - Yamabiko (1407m): 28cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 40cm - Hikage (660m): 42cm - Nagasaka (615m): 42cm - Karasawa (563m): 25cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko (1407m): 250cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 205cm - Hikage (660m): 165cm - Nagasaka (615m): 160cm - Karasawa (563m): 140cm Most courses are now open: the following are open: - Grand Prix - Kamoshika - 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 Friday 1st January 2021 Total snowfall at base 326cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 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 36cm reported on 1 day 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