Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 288cm Posted on Wednesday 30th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There was 8cm of fresh snow this morning and a further 4cm feel in the afternoon. The lower slopes have returned to a groomed powder condition and moved away from the firmness of the last few days. The day was mainly defined by the upper half of the mountain being shrouded in low cloud that led to foggy conditions at elevation - there were windows when this got better and then the cloud would return a short time later. It is currently -13c at base level and this will dip to around -22c by 7am tomorrow morning and then slowly warming. Kitanomine Zone open Furano Zone open Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 30th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 288cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 240cm reported on 22 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 173cm Posted on Wednesday 30th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Well, there's a lot of rain in the region this morning but it has quickly become snow here and right now it is snowing. It's been wet snow but as it sets in and gets colder, that should improve and over the next few days we should be getting a lot of more Shiga Kogen-like snow. Limited visibility in most areas right now and that is probably going to continue. I'll have snow to report tomorrow, you can be sure. Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 30th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 173cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 161cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 376cm Posted on Wednesday 30th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just two days left in 2020. So quick. Yet, so slow. And so... well, 2020. I will be reporting snow in these last two reports. Not a massive amount this morning, less than 10cm. It is another cold morning, but it is about to get even colder especially around 1st January. And the consistent snowfall is due to continue. Some people have asked about the official snow depth numbers in the list below. As you might have noticed, I am now noting any increases and decreases in those official numbers each morning. Example: Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 230cm (+10cm) - Base: 125cm (+0cm) Any actual fresh snowfall doesn't just get added to the snow depth data. So if 10cm falls, it doesn't automatically translate into 10cm being added. In the big picture, there are all sorts of factors going on - including snow compression and melting. As I said when I first started this... best not to dwell on it too much. It might only frustrate! Any further questions on that subject should be directed to the ski areas themselves. I'm sure they'd have a clear answer. ;) See below for planned gate action. Take care and see you on that last day of the year. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data. Cape Benkei: NNW6m/s. Cape Kamui: WNW3m/s, 1006hPa, wave 0.8m. Hanazono 1000m: -14.6℃, wind n/a. Hanazono 720: -11.9℃, N3m/s. Moiwa 800m: -12.1℃, NNW1.1m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -15.1℃, WNW2.4m/s. Kutchan Town: -8.3℃, WSW0.3m/s, snow depth 102cm, 1006.2hPa. Moiwa base: -10, 10cm light crystal snowfall, calm, good visibility. The seas and mountains are calm. Although only a little snow fell last night, snow drift growth in places has been 20cm,with the ridgeline at 1300m seeing strong winds. The general avalanche risk is low. Expect a northerly change in the weather this afternoon bringing wind and snow. Be careful. Gates 7,8 at Annupuri and Gates 4,5 at Hirafu are expected to be open today. Times yet to be determined. Please respect the patrols decisions. Do not traverse from Gate 8 to Osawa cornice face. From Gate 4 do not go past Fujiwara no Sawa. There is a higher risk of avalanche on the Higashi One cornice face. From Gate 5 beware unseen obstacles and hitting trees. Do not duck ropes to ride out of the resorts, you must use the gates. The 23 Dec low pressure snowfall has formed a significant layer in the snowpack. Todays snowfall(Dec 30) is also expected to form a significant layer, it will be on top of a structurally stable 60-100cm hard slab. On top of the Dec30 layer, if the snow bearing wind picks up with associated snowdrift development, the avalanche risk will rapidly increase. Pay attention to the snowfall transition. Wear your helmet and beacon. A beacon can save you or your friends life. Also don’t forget a shovel and probe. On and off piste is both good. Have a good day. ----- Planned ski area operations: Wednesday 30th December 2020 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: 230cm (+10cm) - Base: 125cm (+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: 180cm (+10cm) - Base: 135cm (+20cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating - No night skiing ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 150cm (+0cm) - Base: 110cm (+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: 150cm (+0cm) - Base: 100cm (+0cm) 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 Wednesday 30th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 376cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November and 15th December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 314cm reported on 24 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 276cm Posted on Tuesday 29th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a chilly -10c to start the day and it will warm to a high of -7c. There is 5cm of new snow since yesterday's report. It is not snowing at the moment but further snow is expected during the day and then daily through until Sunday. The day is clear with high cloud cover. It looked like a few more rolled into town for their winter ski holiday yesterday but don't expect any lift queues just yet. All lifts are expected to operate except for Kitanomine Snow Escalator - so if you are a true beginner you'll need to head to the Furano Zone. Kitanomine Zone open Furano Zone open Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 29th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 276cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 228cm reported on 21 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 368cm Posted on Tuesday 29th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It started snowing again early morning and so just a few cm to report to you this morning. Visibility has decreased since earlier and looks quite limited right now. Thursday and Friday - taking us out of this year and into the next one - should be particularly cold and we're generally due consistent snow clouds over our region into next week. I must admit that I am enjoying the relative lack of pesky winds so far this season so far. I haven't had to mention them too much so far. Hopefully I haven't spoken too early on that score. The Avalanche Report is saying that gates other than 6 might be opening tomorrow, though weather may intervene. We shall see. See you tomorrow. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data. Cape Benkei: NNW14m/s. Cape Kamui: W10m/s, 1020hPa, wave 1.9m. Hanazono 1000m: -12.2℃, wind n/a. Hanazono 720: data n/a. Moiwa 800m: -9.4℃, NNW7.0m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -12.5℃, WNW3.3m/s. Kutchan Town: -5.4℃, WNW3.6m/s, snow depth 88cm, 1020hPa. Moiwa base: -6, no new snow, calm, good visibility. We are in a west high/east low pressure system at the moment with snow wind bearing wind continuing. Cornices and snow drifts are slowly developing, 20 -30cm on the leeward slopes. From the snowfall transition and observation the general avalanche risk is low. Visibility is good currently however the weather can change quickly, take early action if it deteriorates. Cornices are fragile at the moment and could fracture over long distances with little stimulation. Although the avalanche risk is low today don't traverse steep slopes or knolls as it can trigger avalanches. This information is published for areas outside the ski resort to help prevent accidents. Do not overestimate your knowledge, skills and equipment. Always be cautious. Safety cannot be guaranteed while participating in winter mountain sports. Ducking ropes is strictly prohibited in Niseko. Always use gates to go out of the courses. Gate 6 is open and others are expected to open tomorrow. Please follow the patrols instructions. Be aware there are many dangers in the mountain, not only avalanches. Gates will be closed if the weather deteriorates. Please respect Niseko Rules. Helmets and beacons are strongly recommended. Have a good day. ----- Planned ski area operations: Tuesday 29th December 2020 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: 220cm (+0cm) - Base: 125cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - All planned lifts operating (see note below) Courses: - All courses open ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 170cm (+10cm) - Base: 115cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 150cm (+0cm) - Base: 110cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 150cm (+0cm) - Base: 100cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express [*] - Community Chair [*] - Banzai Chair [*] - Morino 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 29th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 368cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November and 15th December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 306cm reported on 23 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 271cm Posted on Monday 28th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a nice calm morning with nothing in the way of wind. The weather is high overcast and it is forecast to stay like that for the day with no snow expected again until midnight. We are starting the day at the lowest temperature of -11c and that will rise to a high of -6c around the middle of the day. The Kitanomine Quad Lift will be back in action today after yesterday's breakdown. Night skiing starts on the Kitanomine side tonight. Kitanomine Zone open Furano Zone open Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 28th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 271cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 223cm reported on 20 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 16cm Snowfall at base this season 364cm Posted on Monday 28th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning to you from Niseko. And this morning how much do I have to report to you. 16cm of it. And I must say, it is delightfully wonderful quality snow too. It often is, of course, but some days it just is a bit more than others. (A bit like toast, I suppose). And there's more good news... top lifts are set to be operating today. See, Mondays can be fab. All the lifts at Annupuri are now operating (though a few courses still not available on their slopes) but there are now fewer course areas that you can't venture to now. All of the lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu are moving too... that is, all of the lifts that plan to operate this season. Remember, five lifts are being rested for the season. I have added a note at the bottom of the report. Please note that while the planned top lifts will be moving, the gates are not open yet. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data. Cape Benkei: N6m/s. Cape Kamui: E2m/s, 1019hPa, wave 0.6m. Hanazono 1000m: -702℃, SE2m/s. Hanazono 720: -6.3℃, WSW3.4m/s. Moiwa 800m: -5.3℃, WNW0.6m/s. Annupuri 1000m: -7.4℃, WNW3.7m/s. Kutchan Town: -5.4℃, NNE0.7m/s, snow depth 89cm, 1019hPa. Currently there is a large high pressure over the Sea of Japan with very little pressure gradient. The seas and mountains are calm. Tests this morning at Moiwa peak showed cornices and snow drifts have settled, are hard and consolidated, snowdrifts formed until yesterday fracturing at 60-100cm. There is no weak layer in the slab from impact tests. From observation the general avalanche risk is low. 15cm snow fell overnight. Snow in the trees is shallow but fast. Mizuno no Sawa avalache control started yesterday. Do not enter this area, it is dangerous. Mizuno no Sawa can have large avalanches which have run down to the courses on the lower mountain and into the lift loading area. A schedule for opening the area has not been determined yet. Please respect The Village Patrol’s decisions. Peak lifts are all operating today. The gates are not open yet though. Do not duck ropes to enter Annupuri Osawa or Fujiwara no Sawa. Please listen to the patrol’s advice and respect Niseko Rules. Groomers are good today. Wear your Helmet and Beacon! have a good day. ----- Planned ski area operations: Monday 28th December 2020 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: 220cm (-10cm) - Base: 125cm (-5cm) Ski lifts operating: - All planned lifts operating (see note at bottom of report) All courses open except: - Large - Dynamic ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 160cm (-3cm) - Base: 110cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 150cm (+0cm) - Base: 110cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - All lifts operating ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 150cm (+0cm) - Base: 100cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express [*] - Community Chair [*] - Banzai Chair [*] - Morino 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 28th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 364cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November and 15th December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 302cm reported on 22 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 258cm Posted on Sunday 27th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Winds have been fairly significant since yesterday late afternoon and on mountain expect moderate to strong gusts. Another 12cm of fresh snow has fallen at base level. Visibility on the upper mountain is variable with some low cloud and snow falling, but okay on the lower mountain. All lifts are operating except Kitanomine Snow Escalator and Kitanomine Quad Lift - which has broken down - and this will channel the crowds to Kitanomine Gondola. Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 27th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 258cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 210cm reported on 19 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 125cm Posted on Sunday 27th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . There was some new snow during the night but more like adding to the ambience of a rotenburo (outdoor bath) - the slopes are not recording any new depths. The weather forecast is saying bright spells and that might well be the case during the day as currently it is bright out there with fog/mist coming and going. Snow is lovely and sparkly. All slopes are open bar the Ryuzan (far left) and adjoining Karamatsu lift from the bottom car park; Kotan slope next to Paradise (so still a sliding walk is needed if coming from the Chuo area). All lifts scheduled to be operating apart from: - Ryuzan pair - Karamatsu pair - Paradise Number 3 pair All areas open apart from: - Ryuzan - Kotan Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area): - Summit area: 85cm - Paradise area: 85cm - Chuo area: 100cm - Utopia area: 80cm - Uwanodai area: 70cm - Omori area: 60cm - Kurohime: 85cm Floodlit night skiing: Uwanodai area: - 26th December 2020 until 6th March 2021 (daily) - 13th, 19th, 20th March 2021 Yokokura area: - 26th December 2020 until 3rd January 2021 (daily) - 8th January until 6th March 2021 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays) Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 27th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 125cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 125cm 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 Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 24cm Snowfall at base this season 503cm Posted on Sunday 27th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Geto Kogen. With some more fresh snow during the day before yesterday, and just being cloudy last night, this morning the sun is out and it should be an excellent day on the mountain. Latest forecast has that for the day with just cloud tomorrow along with generally mild temperatures. Beyond that it's back to the cold and snow - perhaps Geto-like heavy snow - starting from Wednesday. Official non compacted snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 305cm Base: 205cm Planned operating lifts: Number 1 Gondola Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift Number 2 Gondola Quad lift Planned open courses (subject to change): Main courses: all now open Tree Run Courses: Heart, Rabbit, Garden (others remain closed) Geto Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 27th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 503cm Number of days snowfall observed 19 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 96cm (on 16th December) November 2020 snowfall 73cm observed on 3 days December 2020 snowfall 430cm observed 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 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 348cm Posted on Sunday 27th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another decent amount of fresh snow to report to you this morning. I am measuring 14cm. Right now it is generally overcast and no snow falling. A chance of light snow at times today and tomorrow with a chance of heavier snow over the last few days of the week. This morning wind doesn't appear to be affecting lift operations and all of the planned lifts are operating at the start of the day, with the Jumbo Number 3 at Annupuri and Morino Chair at Village starting up. The mountain is mostly open now, though those top lifts at Hirafu, Village and Annupuri and associated terrain are not yet available. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Benkei cape: NW14m/s, Kamui cape: W11m/s, 1021hPa, 2.4m waves. Hanazono1000m: -14.4℃, S4.1m/s, Hanazono720m: -11.3℃, NW8.8m/s. Moiwa800m: -11.1℃, strong wind, good visibility, large development of snowdrifts. Annnupuri1100m: -14.8℃, WNW7.5m/s. Kutchan weather station: -6.1℃, W3.5m/s, 89cm snowpack. Moiwa base: -10℃, 20cm new snowfall, strong wind but good visibility. The wind remains strong at the edge of the high-pressure. Cornices and snowdrifts have drastically developed during the storm that lasted until this morning. The wind is forecasted to calm down, however cornice slopes and snowdrift-loaded slopes above 800m elevation have high risk of avalanche throughout the day. The snowdrift slabs will start stabilizing after the wind drops down below 10m/s in the afternoon. Many of the avalanche accidents occur during and just after storms. Avalanche accidents frequently occurred in Niseko during the 1980s and were due to the extension of the chairlifts up to 1150m elevation. Higher chairlifts made it easier to access O-sawa and the Backbowl and the number of people skiing those bowls went up, and unlucky people were caught in an avalanche. Better stay away from those gullies today. When observing and testing the snowdrift slabs, they might look dense, firm and stable at first look, however looking at the snowfall transition and overnight weather data we can evaluate that the avalanche risk is very high today. ----- Planned ski area operations: Sunday 27th December 2020 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: 230cm (+20cm) - Base: 130cm (+10cm) Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad [*] - Ace Number 2 Center quad [*] - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair - King Number 3 quad - Swinging Monkey All courses open except: - Large - Dynamic ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 163cm (+3cm) - Base: 110cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 150cm (+10cm) - Base: 110cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad [*] - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 150cm (+15cm) - Base: 100cm (-5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express [*] - Community Chair [*] - Banzai Chair [*] - Morino 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. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 27th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 348cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November and 15th December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 286cm reported on 21 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 246cm Posted on Saturday 26th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There has been a good dump of 20cm of new snow since yesterday. It is snowing moderately but visibility is still fine. With warm temperatures a couple of days ago and wetter snow than usual, the snow on the lower half of the mountain is a bit frosty. All lifts are operating except the Snow Escalator on Kitanomine. Night skiing is on the Prince Romance beginner chairlift until 7:30pm. Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 26th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 246cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 198cm 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 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