Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 302cm Posted on Tuesday 22nd December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It doesn't feel as cold this morning and we are indeed told to expect a few days of milder weather. It is a cloudy morning. The top section of Mt Yotei is covered in some thick grey cloud. Not much wind to speak of. And, oh yes, just under 10cm of snow to add to my report from yesterday, pretty much all of that being delivered during the daytime. Look to the next snow around Thursday through Saturday. I feel somewhat short on words this morning and there's not much to report, so... I'll see you tomorrow! ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data. Cape Benkei: NW10m/s. Cape Kamui: WSW9m/s, 1018hPa, wave n/a. Hanazono 1000m: -7.8℃, ESE5m/s. Hanazono 720: -4.4℃, N5m/s. Moiwa 800m: -4.8℃, NW5m/s. Kutchan Town: -2.2℃, light WSW winds, snow depth 88cm, 1018.7hPa. Moiwa Base : -4℃, 5cm new snow, snow depth 120cm, calm good visibility. The winter type pressure pattern has weakened and the weather has improved. There is no obvious snow drift or cornice development. From observation, data, patrol and grooming operator reports, avalanche risk has eased. Inflow of warm below 600m bring warmer temps, however above 1000m cold air is still flowing in. Wind eased after 3am and snowdrifts have consolidated and stabilised. The snow surface lightly wind effected making riding faster. The sustained snowfall has caused major snowdrift growth, leeward slopes around 800m have over 300cm cornice growth in some locations. Steep slopes around 1000m, like Kozan no Sawa side wall, the risk of large scale surface avalanches continues. Sun slabs are forming on steep south facing slopes like Haru no Taki causing instability, similar conditions to the 28 Jan 1998 avalanche accident. Be careful of snow bridges collapsing easily above creeks, the water is cold. Bushes are still thick around 600m and the snow is deep. If you are going off piste take snow shoes or skins. Be careful of snow falling off buildings around the village. Beacons and helmets strongly recommended. Have a good day. ----- Planned ski area operations: Tuesday 22nd December 2020 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 210cm (+0cm) - Base: 130cm (+0cm) 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: - Onsenzawa - Large - Konayuki - Miharashi - Dynamic ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 162cm (not updated yet at time of report) - Base: 115cm (not updated yet at time of report) Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 140cm (+10cm) - Base: 110cm (+10cm) Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 2 pair Courses available: - Utopia - Silver - Shirakaba - Family - Paradise - Dynamic - Junior - Challenge ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 130cm (+0cm) - Base: 100cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express - Community Chair - Banzai Chair ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 22nd December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 302cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November and 15th December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 240cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 212cm Posted on Tuesday 22nd December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . So the snow eased off during the day yesterday and we got to actually see some of the mountain! Since yesterday the ski area reports 7-8cm of snow on their upper Yamabiko and Uenotaira areas. This morning there is a lot of cloud around but we might just get some sun today and the clouds might clearing somewhat, with sunshine forecast for tomorrow. (I note that over in Madarao there are blue skies already). It is chilly this morning bit going to be milder as well over the next few days - let's hope not too much. We should be back to snow and colder conditions from Thursday onwards. As we approach Christmas and the New Year holidays, things are quieter than usual... as you might expect, given all the circumstances. It will be interesting to see how the holiday period turns out with increasing requests from authorities for restraint (especially in Tokyo and other populated regions) as the coronavirus numbers stubbornly don't go down. I have been out a few times so far and have been pleased to see many (most?) people wearing face coverings and there are measures to try and promote the social distancing thing. If you are able to be here, let's all do what we can to try and get this thing gone. Someone asked about the 'fresh snowfall recorded by the resort' numbers I list below. The ski resort publishes a number twice a day... usually early morning (for snowfall since the previous afternoon) and mid afternoon (for snowfall since the morning). The number in my list below is those two numbers added together. I try to do that second check each day. Apologies if I miss it some days - in which case I will specifically mention it. Fresh snowfall recorded by the resort (since yesterday morning): - Yamabiko (1407m): 7cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 8cm - Hikage (660m): 2cm - Nagasaka (615m): 2cm - Karasawa (563m): 0cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko (1407m): 200cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 200cm - Hikage (660m): 190cm - Nagasaka (615m): 175cm - Karasawa (563m): 160cm Planned operating lifts: - Nagasaka Gondola - Hikage Gondola - Yamabiko Four lift - Yamabiko Number 2 Four lift - Uenotaira Four - Paradise Four - Hikage Four lift - Hikage Triple lift - Nagasaka Triple lift - Nagasaka Gondola connecting pair - Yu Road Most courses open: the following are NOT open: - Kogenashi - Kandahar - Skyline - Grand Prix - Jumping - Karasawa - Rinkan - Kamoshika - Tanuki - Usagi Nozawa Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 22nd December 2020 Total snowfall at base 212cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 56cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 212cm reported on 9 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 23cm Snowfall at base this season 429cm Posted on Tuesday 22nd December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Geto Kogen. This morning we have 4 lifts operating - the Number two gondola, two pair lifts and quad lift. All of the main courses apart from A4 and A6 are open, and the tree run course action has started - with Rabbit and Garden shown as open on the official site. Official non compacted snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 330cm Base: 200cm Planned operating lifts: Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift Number 2 Gondola Quad lift Planned open courses (subject to change): Main courses: all apart from A4 and A6 are open Tree Run Courses: Rabbit, Garden Geto Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 22nd December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 429cm Number of days snowfall observed 15 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 96cm (on 16th December) November 2020 snowfall 73cm observed on 3 days December 2020 snowfall 356cm observed on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 16cm Snowfall at base this season 213cm Posted on Tuesday 22nd December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There has been 16cm of new snow at village level overnight. Current temperature is -5c and today will be significantly warmer than it has been recently with the high rising to -2c. It is snowing lightly with a light breeze. The snow is expected to stop and the next significant snow front is Thursday. With clear sky above and plenty of fresh snow it will be a great ski day. All lifts on Furano Zone are operating except the snow escalator. Furano Zone open Kitanomine Zone closed Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 22nd December 2020 Total snowfall at base 213cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 165cm reported on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 19cm Snowfall at base this season 293cm Posted on Monday 21st December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another morning and there's another decent amount of fresh snow on the ground here in Hirafu and the Niseko region. The ski areas are reporting 10-20cm at base and 10-20cm on upper areas this morning (as their 24hrs snowfall numbers). I have just myself measured 19cm. Lovely quality snow too, very light. Excellent. There doesn't seem to be much of a wind this morning but visibility is very limited early morning. It is still very cold though not quite as much as yesterday. I think we might get to enjoy some sunshine tomorrow along with milder temperatures and maybe on Wednesday too but snow is due back late week and over the weekend. As far as I can tell lift operations remain the same this morning as we wait for those top lifts to open up and the mountain get fully connected. Niseko Grand Hirafu now has only five courses that are not available. It's always good to be able to write that list rather than the list of areas that are open, below, if you see what I mean. (It being shorter and meaning that more is open). Large parts of the mountain are open and there's plenty of fresh snow for everyone to get to enjoy. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Coastal Data. Cape Benkei: NNW16m/s. Cape Kamui: NW11m/s, 1015hPa, wave 2.0m. Kutchan Town: -6.4℃, W4.5m/s, snow depth 87cm, 1015.9hPa. Hanazono 1000m: -13.2℃, ESE17m/s. Hanazono 720: -10.1℃, NNW17m/s. Annupuri 1000m: -13℃, 15cm new snow, snow drift development, poor visibility. Moiwa Mountain Base: -8℃, 20cm new snow, snow depth 110cm. The winter type pressure pattern continues with light westerly snow bearing wind on the seas and mountains. Snow is a bit wind packed and heavy. On the west side above 800m cornices and snowdrifts are slowly developing. Avalanche risk is low on 30 degree slopes below the tree line, however around 1000m areas like Kozan no Sawa sidewall where snow depth is increasing on steep slopes there is the risk of deep fracture surface avalanches. Do not hang around in the valley bottoms. The avalanche risk at Higash One 1000m cornice face, Haru no Taki, Mizuno no Sawa is increasing. Do not duck ropes to enter these areas. The bushes are still thick around 600m and hard to get through. The snow is heavier than yesterday and hard to get moving in. Yesterday Gate 6 Moiwa had a test opening and is expected to open today. The Mikaeri forest road is not open yet though, so you will not be able to get back from Goshiki/ Mikaeri areas. Until the weather settles down better not to venture too far off piste. Wear a beacon and helmet. Be aware of a sudden change in weather. Always be cautious. ----- Planned ski area operations: Monday 21st December 2020 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 210cm (+10cm) - 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: - Onsenzawa - Large - Konayuki - Miharashi - Dynamic ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 162cm (+2cm) - Base: 115cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 130cm (+0cm) - Base: 100cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 2 pair Courses available: - Utopia - Silver - Shirakaba - Family - Paradise - Dynamic - Junior - Challenge ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 130cm (+0cm) - Base: 100cm (+15cm) Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express - Community Chair - Banzai Chair ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 21st December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 293cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November and 15th December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 231cm reported on 16 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 210cm Posted on Monday 21st December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Hello on this Monday morning from Nozawa. There's more snow to report. Not as much as there has been in the previous few days, but another 22-30cm is being reported on the top areas and a more modest amount down at base. The Nagasaka Gondola is back up and running now so you can get that straight to the Yamabiko area. It still seems to be snowing on those upper areas but has just eased off down here and there's even some blue sky showing. We'll see if that is just a temporary break and the snow will be back or not. We are due some clearer skies over the next few days along with some milder temperatures as well. Beyond that, snow back by Christmas. Calling all Naski fans (ie. everyone): Naski has appeared on the Hikage area. Fresh snowfall recorded by the resort (since yesterday morning): - Yamabiko (1407m): 22cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 30cm - Hikage (660m): 5cm - Nagasaka (615m): 7cm - Karasawa (563m): 5cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko (1407m): 220cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 205cm - Hikage (660m): 190cm - Nagasaka (615m): 180cm - Karasawa (563m): 150cm Planned operating lifts: - Nagasaka Gondola - Hikage Gondola - Yamabiko Four lift - Yamabiko Number 2 Four lift - Uenotaira Four - Paradise Four - Hikage Four lift - Hikage Triple lift - Nagasaka Triple lift - Nagasaka Gondola connecting pair - Yu Road Most courses open: the following are NOT open: - Kogenashi - Kandahar - Skyline - Grand Prix - Jumping - Karasawa - Rinkan - Kamoshika - Tanuki - Usagi Nozawa Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 21st December 2020 Total snowfall at base 210cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 56cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 210cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 148cm Posted on Monday 21st December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Greetings from Shiga Kogen. If the official site is up to date this morning, it would appear that all of the ski areas in Shiga Kogen apart from the following are now at least part open: - Nishitateyama - Giant - Ichinose Yamanokami - Tannenomori Okojo - Hasuike - Terakoya - Higashitateyama Once they get sorted I would expect that list to get shorter in the coming few days. More snow overnight, but it looks like from today we are going to be having calmer weather and maybe some clear skies and sunshine. The snow has eased off and in some places the sun seems to be trying to break through the clouds. Shiga Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 21st December 2020 Total snowfall at base 148cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 136cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 108cm Posted on Monday 21st December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. Smaller numbers being reported this morning as the snow clouds ease off and we get to see some blue sky above Hakuba. We can probably expect more of that as the day goes on and it should remain cold. Clearer skies are expected for the next few days. Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 21st December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 108cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 108cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Hakuba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 11cm Snowfall at base this season 257cm Weather overview Cloud some sun Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Monday 21st December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Madarao. There's some sun shining down on the mountain as I look out on it now. With the 'fresh snow' look thing going on and the sun, it looks beautiful. Madarao is reporting 10cm of fresh this morning and I have measured around that amount, as the official snow depth nudges up towards 2m. We can expect a few days of these clearer skies before the next snow moving in late week. We should be seeing more lifts and runs opening up soon, though I don't have any confirmed info to share with you just yet. Madarao info: - Official snow depth: 190cm - New snow reported by ski area (24 hours): 40cm - Number 1 and Number 2 quad lifts operating Tangram info: - Official snow depth: 150cm - Number 1 pair and Number 3 and 5 quad lifts operating Madarao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 21st December 2020 Total snowfall at base 257cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 68cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2020 snowfall 245cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 24cm Snowfall at base this season 406cm Posted on Monday 21st December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Geto Kogen. Another 20-30cm on the ground this morning as the snow continues. Snow yesterday. Snow this morning. When is it going to ease off? Perhaps tomorrow and Wednesday but late week snow is due once again. In the meantime, super care needed in all this deep. Number 1 Gondola remains closed today but most courses are open, tree run ones aside. Official non compacted snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 325cm Base: 200cm Planned operating lifts: Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift Number 2 Gondola Planned open courses (subject to change): All main courses apart from part of A1, A4 and A6 are open Tree run courses not yet open Geto Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 21st December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 406cm Number of days snowfall observed 14 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 96cm (on 16th December) November 2020 snowfall 73cm observed on 3 days December 2020 snowfall 333cm observed on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 21cm Snowfall at base this season 345cm Posted on Monday 21st December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . I thought we were going to have a day with a little sun today, let all that new snow settle a bit, clear the snow of windows and cars (it's great what one day of sun can do to get roofs to finally drop that snow, and to get all the snow off of vehicles). But the blue skies of an hour or so ago — although with some thin cloud cover — have pretty much disappeared, as snow is coming over the mountains again. It's pretty gentle at the moment, the kind of snowfall that might not result in much accumulation. The plows stand ready, though, as snow definitely is on the forecast ahead! Akakura Kanko: 200cm, -6° Lifts: Myoko Sky Cable Gondola, Hotel No. 3, No. 5; Champion No. 1, No. 3 Akakura Onsen: 230cm, -2°C Lifts: Yodel No. 1, 4; Kumado No. 1 Quad, No. 4 Triple; Ginrei No. 3, 5 Ikenotaira Onsen: 160cm, -4° Lifts: Shirakaba Capsule, Ikenotaira Quad, Alpen Blick No. 1 Pair Myoko Suginohara: Opening December 26 Seki Onsen: 270cm, -5° Kyukamura RunRun: 200cm, -3° Tangram Ski Circus: 150cm, -1° Lifts: No. 1 Pair, No. 3 Quad, No. 5 Quad Madarao Kogen: 180cm, -6° Lifts: No. 1, No. 2 Quad Lotte Arai Resort 308cm, -2.6° All lifts operating except Zendana Kurohime Kogen Snow Park Opening December 26 Myoko Ski Park: Closed this season Myoko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 21st December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 345cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 72cm (17th and 20th December) November 2020 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2020 snowfall 344cm reported on 9 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 274cm Posted on Sunday 20th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yikes, it's jolly cold this morning. Like, really, really (really) cold. When I got up the thermometer outside was saying nearly -18C (it has moved a bit since then). Niseko Annupuri this morning are reporting a temperature of -21C on their peak. There's 10+cm of lovely fresh snow on the ground. Some cloud around, but a lot of blue sky. It is a beautiful morning and conditions should be very good. This cold should ease off a bit with some much milder conditions due early week. ----- Someone wrote in regarding my comment yesterday about Niseko being quiet and people enjoying that fact, and seemingly making light of it. I really did not mean for that comment to be insensitive in any way, but if it came across that way… please accept my apologies. I realise that many of you reading this report were wanting to visit Niseko this season and are unfortunately unable to be here. And of course, I totally feel for you and can only imagine the disappointment. The point I was trying to make was that Niseko is uncharacteristically quiet for the time of year – for obvious reasons – and because of that, people who are able to actually be here and enjoy the good snow and quieter slopes are getting to enjoy something of a rare experience. Some of those people are locals whose businesses have been adversely affected this year, so it is a good thing that they can get a few hours of happiness in while they can. Perhaps I should have chosen more careful words yesterday. The current situation we all find ourselves in with the coronavirus is without doubt an all-round disappointing, frustrating, and annoying one. SnowJapan posted a general message on this subject about a week ago and it was posted on all the daily Now reports on the site as well as the Blog. We all thought that the best thing to do this season was to try and go ahead with reports as normally as is possible. We are certainly not intentionally trying to avoid the subject of coronavirus but feel that many of you very probably do not want to be reading about it every day in our snow reports. The general idea is to mention the subject when relevant from time to time, but not make the reports all about it. I try to keep my reports friendly as well as being informative, and at times also try for a bit of humo(u)r. (That bit might not always work!) In my everyday life I am generally trying to keep myself in a positive state of mind and not get too caught up in the worries of 2020. Just the process of writing these reports to share with the world cheers me up. I think we all need some of that. I hope that perhaps the reports can be a bit of brightness for other people as well, amongst the gloom. I would like to think that even if you are not able to be here with us this year, you might be following the snow season in Niseko from afar and looking forward to getting here next season. I will try to keep a good balance with what I write each day, but ask for understanding that I can't feel like I'm treading on eggshells as I write every report. I hope that seems reasonable to everyone. For those of you who are here this season... Let’s make sure we all do the right thing and protect ourselves as well as everyone around us… following advice, keeping distance, face masks, etc. The sooner we get through all this, the sooner we should all be able to get back to ‘normal’. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Benkei cape: NW11m/s, Kamui cape: W5m/s, 1015hPa, 1.3m waves. Kutchan Weather station: -18.6℃, snowpack 88cm, 1017hPa. Hanazono 1000m: -16.2℃, NW8m/s, Hanazono 720m: -12.5℃, WNW5.1m/s, Annupuri1000m: -15℃, 15cm snowfall, good visibility. Goshiki onsen: -16℃, 36cm snowfall, 160cm snowpack, good visibility. Moiwa base: -15℃, 15cm snowfall, 90cm snowpack. The isobars spaced out and the ocean and mountain conditions are calming down. Looking at the weather transition, observations and data, the snowpack above 800m elevation is now stable and the overall avalanche risk is low. Newly formed cornices are still prone to collapse with small stimulation and could trigger 30cm or shallower surface slab slides. Falling cornices and avalanches can happen suddenly. The snow in the tree under 600m elevation is deep and difficult to stand back up after falling, potentially causing suffocation. Bushes are still thick in lower elevations. Better not go down too far into the gullies. Do not cross boundary ropes to seek fresh snow and keep out of strictly off limits areas. One track under the rope can make many others follow it and eventually end up in an accident. Please respect the Niseko Rules. Good snow and weather conditions today, but always keep an eye to sudden weather changes. Have a nice day. ----- Planned ski area operations: Sunday 20th December 2020 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 200cm (not updated today yet) - Base: 120cm (not updated today yet) Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center quad - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair - King Number 3 quad - Swinging Monkey Courses available: - Family - Sennoki - Alpen - Super (upper area) - Green - Furiko - Kokutai - Detour for Beginners - Center - Shirakaba - Rinkan (lower part) - Jumbo ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 160cm (+0cm) - Base: 110cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 130cm (+0cm) - Base: 100cm (+0cm) Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 2 pair Courses available: - Utopia Course - Shirakaba Course - Family Course - Paradise Course - Dynamic Course - Junior Course ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 130cm (+10cm) - Base: 85cm (+5cm) Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Village Express - Community Chair - Banzai Chair ----- Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas from Saturday 19th December 2020 until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 20th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 274cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November and 15th December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 212cm reported on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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. 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