Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 197cm Posted on Sunday 20th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The sky is mostly clear and it is looking like a very nice morning. The morning should be sunny and snow is not expected during the day. It is a true winter temperature today with -16c at base right now and the high will rise to -8c by midday. The slopes are in excellent condition with recent snow. Yesterday there was plenty of fresh powder on the trails to enjoy. This morning the main trails have all been groomed. Furano Zone open Kitanomine Zone closed Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 20th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 197cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 149cm 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 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 72cm Snowfall at base this season 324cm Posted on Sunday 20th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . The snow just keeps on coming, so it's powder on the slopes, with more lifts opening as well to get you up there. Pretty consistent reporting from the resort, too, on new snow depths, with the usual one or two being very generous with their figures—but with snow like this, it doen't matter. It's all good, especially after last year! The wind was gusting a bit just a short time ago, not enough to cause worries about some lifts slowing or stopping, but it could be pretty hard to see out there. Vision is overrated in skiing anyway, right? Feel that snow.... Akakura Kanko: 200cm, -7° Lifts: Myoko Sky Cable Gondola, Hotel No. 3, No. 5; Champion No. 1, No. 3 Akakura Onsen: 210cm, -2°C Lifts: Yodel No. 1, 4; Kumado No. 1 Quad, No. 4 Triple; Ginrei No. 3, 5 Ikenotaira Onsen: 150cm, -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, -2° Lifts: No. 1 Pair, No. 3 Quad, No. 5 Quad Madarao Kogen: 180cm, -6° Lifts: No. 1, No. 2 Quad Lotte Arai Resort 308cm, -1.3° All lifts operating; most "free" zones still closed Kurohime Kogen Snow Park Opening December 26 Myoko Ski Park: Closed this season Myoko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 20th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 324cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 72cm (17th and 20th December) November 2020 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2020 snowfall 323cm 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 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 21cm Snowfall at base this season 146cm Posted on Saturday 19th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . More snow to report this morning, though less in quantity. The resort yesterday was reporting 10cm of snow during the day on top areas, with an additional 10cm overnight... so 20cm cover up top. Conditions should be really excellent there this morning. It's so exciting to remember that it is still the middle of December. :) This morning the snow is easing off and there are some breaks in the cloud and visibility is much improved. Might we even get some sun? That's not going to last though, as more snow is due from tonight and over the weekend. Perhaps heavy snowfall too. The Nagasaka Gondola is still not up and running today but the top area of the resort is once again available... via the Hikage Gondola. So you get that Gondola up to Uenotaira area and from there can get to the top Yamabiko lifts and runs. Taking the Gondola back down is also necessary. The power supply issues at Uenotaira have been fixed. Down below at base, you can also get from Nagasaka to Hikage via the Nasuki-go service. (Ah, Nasuki. Not mentioned that word yet this season - everyone's favourite bright green coloured skiing vegetable hasn't made much of an appearance yet. Probably waiting until the weekend when things are a bit calmer. But looking forward to seeing Nasuki). Anyway, if you plan on being here over the weekend double check on transport situation. You might have noticed that there are some serious issues going on over in the Yuzawa area in Niigata now with the Kanetsu Expressway basically snowed in. The Yuzawa Now report has more on that. Mind boggling amounts of serious snowfall over there in the last few days. Fresh snowfall recorded by the resort (since yesterday morning): - Yamabiko (1407m): 20cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 20cm - Hikage (660m): -cm (not reporting yet) - Nagasaka (615m): -cm (not reporting yet) - Karasawa (563m): -cm (not reporting yet) Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko (1407m): 170cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 165cm - Hikage (660m): -cm (not reporting yet) - Nagasaka (615m): -cm (not reporting yet) - Karasawa (563m): -cm (not reporting yet) Planned operating lifts: - Hikage Gondola - Yamabiko Four lift - Yamabiko Number 2 Four lift - Uenotaira - Nagasaka Triple lift - Yu Road Courses currently open: - Yamabiko (A-E) - Uenotaira Nozawa Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 19th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 146cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 56cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 146cm reported on 6 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 29cm Snowfall at base this season 263cm Posted on Saturday 19th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A very good Saturday morning to you from here in Niseko. I am reporting around 30cm this morning. It was snowing until just earlier but right now there is a break in the clouds and even a little blue sky to be seen in some places. Again, this will likely be temporary as we are expecting snowfall through into tomorrow with a good chance of clearer skies early in the week; snow is due back soon after that. It is a very cold morning. The Hirafu Gondola starts up today, along with the Swinging Monkey and Holiday lift at Hirafu, as does night skiing. As far as I can tell, the Hirafu, Annupuri and Village areas should all be opening until 8:00am today. It's always great to see night operations start up. Feels like the season has got going properly when that happens. As you might expect, it is much quieter than what we are used to in Niseko. I have heard more than a few people say that they are very much enjoying that aspect of the season. The cheeky scoundrels! ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Sea of Japan Benkei cape: NNW19m/s, Kamui cape: W14m/s, 1011hPa, 4.1m waves. Hanazono 1000m: -16.5℃, E2.1m/s, Hanazono 750m: -13.3℃, NNW7.7m/s, (25m/s at 2am), Annupuri 1000m: -14℃, W15m/s, wind-affected snowdrifts 1.5m, 40cm new snowfall. Moiwa base: -11℃, 30cm snowfall. Moiwa 600m: -13℃, W15m/s, snow-affected snowdrifts 100cm, snowpack 120cm. Kutchan weather station: -9.3℃, WNW4.6m/s, snowpack 85cm. Cold air mass is flowing in. The storm picked up late night and snowdrifts developed rapidly above 850m elevation. The wind is calming down, however gusts and intermittent snowfall are continuing above 600m elevation. According to the snowfall transition, weather data and reports from patrollers and operators, the snowdrifts above 800m elevation are very unstable and the overall avalanche risk is high today. Better stay inbounds today even if the top chairs starts running. Large scale surface slab avalanches are highly likely to occur in Annupuri Osawa (first bowl) Mizuno no Sawa, Kozan no Sawa (Backbowl) and Haru no Taki. Do not stimulate steep slopes where cornices are developing. Do not remain in the bottom of the gullies. Cornice falls and avalanches occur instantaneously. The out of bounds area is kept closed for the moment. Preparations are delayed due to continuous dumps. Please refrain from ducking ropes. The avalanche risk will remain high for a while after the wind calms down and weather recovers. Similar hazardous conditions in Goshiki and the surrounding areas. Suddenly developed snowdrifts are forming thick slabs and their consolidation is being delayed. Better refrain from dropping into a slope even if the weather clears up. Wear a helmet and beacon. Snowpack studies will be done in Mikaeri area today. Have a great weekend. ----- Planned ski area operations: Saturday 19th 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 (+10cm) - Base: 120cm (+5cm) 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 (+10cm) - Base: 105cm (+9cm) 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 (+10cm) - Base: 100cm (+10cm) 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: 120cm (+5cm) - Base: 80cm (+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 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 Saturday 19th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 263cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November and 15th December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 201cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 28cm Snowfall at base this season 91cm Posted on Saturday 19th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. It is a great morning too. Ski areas around the valley this morning reporting up to 50cm of fresh snow on the upper areas, and I can report closing in on 30cm from base. Much of Happo-one is now open, pretty much all of Happo-one is open, more of Goryu opens this morning... Cortina is also open today and they already have a snow depth of 225cm on their upper areas, and reporting 40-50cm this morning). In fact from today I am happy to report that all of the ski areas in the region are now at least part open. That is excellent news. I have done what I can to check and update all of the info below. It's just so good to see all this snow falling. Apart from the obvious, I'm looking forward to just being able to say 'all open' for each ski area and not have to be checking so much information each morning. I couldn't do that once last year and apart from being time consuming for me personally (and disappointing and annoying), it just felt like an ongoing struggle. More snow and everywhere able to open, that's what we all want. People coming to enjoy themselves. Social distancing, wearing a mask and respecting all of those things. But just being able to take some time out from all that lot and having some responsible and honest fun. Let it be! ----- Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - Alpen quad - Happo Riesen quad - Nakiyama 3 - ADAM Gondola - Panorama - Kokusai 1 - Kokusai 3 - Kurobishi quad - Skyline 2 - Sakka Kitaone quad All courses now open apart from: - Riesen Grat - Tenbo - Urakuro - Omusubi - Kitaone New - Nakiyama Wall - Nakiyama North - Sakka South Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 190cm - Usagidaira: 164cm - Nakiyama: 62cm Hakuba 47 Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Line D (operates when Gondola is not open) Available runs: - All main courses open - Tree Riding Zones not open yet Official snow depth: - Top: 145cm - Base: 105cm Hakuba Goryu Operating lifts: - Goryu Telecabin (Gondola) - Alps Number 1 pair - Alps Number 3 pair - Toomi Sky Four quad - Milky Four - Number 6 pair Available runs: - Panorama - Grand Prix - Technical - Super - Champion Dynamic - Champion Expert - Woody - Toomi - Soft Cream - Powder Snow Official snow depth: - Alps: ?cm - Toomi: ?cm - Iimori: 50cm Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts: - Gondola - Hannoki high speed pair - Tsuga Number 2 pair - Shirakaba quad Available runs: - Tsuganomori - Hannoki - Shirakaba Official snow depth: - Top: 170cm - Base: 70cm Hakuba Cortina Operating lifts: - Number 1 pair - Number 2 quad - Number 4 pair Official snow depth: - Top: 225cm - Base: 140cm Hakuba Iwatake Operating lifts: - Gondola - 4 East - 5 South Available runs: - East - South - Sunny Valley course Official snow depth: - Top: 130cm - Base: 30cm Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 19th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 91cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 91cm reported on 6 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 Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 38cm Snowfall at base this season 349cm Posted on Saturday 19th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Apologies for the missed report. Adding snowfall for the day. Geto Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 19th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 349cm Number of days snowfall observed 12 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 96cm (on 16th December) November 2020 snowfall 73cm observed on 3 days December 2020 snowfall 276cm observed 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 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 24cm Snowfall at base this season 195cm Posted on Saturday 19th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . We were hit with a snow blast yesterday afternoon that lasted through until this morning and this has deposited 24cm of new snow at base level. The snow has stopped for now but more is expected tomorrow. Temperatures are pretty low with -11c at the moment and dipping down to -17c this evening. Furano Zone is in full action now with all lifts operating except the Snow Escalator. Unfortunately, even with all this snow, the resort has decided to stick with an opening date of 24 December for the Kitanomine Zone. Furano Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 19th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 195cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 27cm (8th December) November 2020 snowfall 48cm reported on 7 days December 2020 snowfall 147cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 54cm Snowfall at base this season 252cm Posted on Saturday 19th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . After a little break in the snowfall yesterday — nice for settling the snow, and clearing clinging snow off power lines, equipment and such — the snow is back again to welcome the opening of most area resorts with some genuine powder. An additional 54cm, to be exact.... It's still coming down hard, so it's going to be soft and nice out there on the hill. Which means I should be out there! But the first day of gathering lift info takes a bit of time and extra formatting. Easier from tomorrow, and all in ensuring you get the best, freshest, most precise information possible on Myoko. Akakura Kanko: 180cm, -6° Lifts: Myoko Sky Cable Gondola, Hotel No. 3, Champion No. 3 Akakura Onsen: 155cm, -2°C Lifts: Yodel No. 1, 4; Kumado No. 1 Quad, No. 4 Triple; Ginrei No. 3, 5 Ikenotaira Onsen: Opening December 19 Lifts: Shirakaba Capsule, Ikenotaira Quad, Alpen Blick No. 1 Pair Myoko Suginohara: Opening December 26 Seki Onsen: 220cm, -5° Kyukamura RunRun: 180cm, -2° Tangram Ski Circus: 100cm, 0° Lifts: No. 1 Pair, No. 3 Quad, No. 5 Quad Madarao Kogen: 150cm, -5° Lifts: No. 1, No. 2 Quad Lotte Arai Resort 288cm, -1° Lifts: Arai Gondola, Zendana Kurohime Kogen Snow Park Opening December 26 Myoko Ski Park: Closed this season Myoko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 19th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 252cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 72cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2020 snowfall 251cm reported on 7 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 14cm Snowfall at base this season 234cm Posted on Friday 18th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. And yes, the snow continues. The ski areas themselves are this morning reporting 21-25cm of snow around base areas and 18-30cm on upper areas. The Niseko Avalanche Report is also reporting 40cm. I have just measured 14cm in my spot. (Thought there would be more, but that's what it says, so that's the number). Still, good to hear that there's another up-to-40cm on the mountain and conditions should be really great again this morning. There is indeed a fair number of people lined up waiting for the lifts to start up. Visibility is variable across the mountain but we are expecting the snow clouds to remain over the region today and beyond. It is going to be around Tuesday before we can expect generally clearer skies. Yesterday the upper part of the Super course and the Furiko courses were opened at Niseko Grand Hirafu. So we are gradually seeing more opening up and it will be interesting to see what changes the weekend may bring. Night skiing starts for the season here in Niseko from tomorrow. The Grand Hirafu, Village and Annupuri areas all offer floodlit evening operations until 8:00pm (none at Hanazono). I'll add more details on night skiing to the reports when I have it all checked and gathered. ----- I don't know how many of you read the other Now daily reports on SnowJapan, but may I suggest you check the Yuzawa Now report over the last few days? The Yuzawa area of Niigata Prefecture is traditionally used to very large amounts of snow, but it has been getting an absolute pounding this week. They have gone from having 0cm of snow to over 2m of it! In town!!!! That's just crazy. As much as I love getting large amounts of snow, I'm not sure if I want that much in such a short period of time. Almost scary. It was on the national news yesterday that 1000 vehicles have been stranded on the Kanetsu Expressway in that area - for more than a day now - and gradually they have been getting more snowed in as it continues to snow. If you remember, Niigata had an uncharacteristically poor season last year. So at least it is good to hear that they are back to getting to the kind of snowfall they expect. Gambatte, everyone. And take care in all that deep snow. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base Moiwa, Annupuri Base: -7℃, moderate west wind, 30 - 40cm new snow. Annupuri 1000m:-12℃, W15m/s, 100cm snowdrift growth. Hanazono 1000m:-12.6℃, W15m/s(10min max). Coastal Data. Cape Benkei: NW16m/s. Cape Kamui:WNW10m/s, 1014hPa, wave 2.3m. Kutchan Town: -5.4℃, WSW1.9m/s, snow depth 77cm, 1014.3hPa. The cold air flowing in has slowed however the snow continues to fall. From 3am to 6am 15cm new snow fell. Above 1000m, winds over 15m.s continue with cornice and snow drift development. Snow drift consolidation continues. There possibility of avalanche from a deep layer on steep south facing slopes and cliffs, like Haru no Taki, with fracture face over 100cm.Do not duck ropes looking for fresh snow. Beware cornices suddenly collapsing. Avalanches occur when conditions are right. They are only accidents when people are involved. Avalanche forecasts should focus on how the snow falls rather than the amount of snowfall. When wind speed is over 25m/s in strong snowfall, the development speed of snowdrifts is greater than the consolidation speed on leeward slopes, so weak layers break and avalanches are likely to occur. In bad weather, it is better stay off leeward slopes and out of the creeks. Get your beacons and helmets ready. We will soon be able to ski off piste. Niseko Rules respects your freedom to ride , but always keeps safety in mind. The snow is great. Have a good day. ----- Ski resort operation information: Friday 18th 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: 190cm (+10cm) - Base: 115cm (+10cm) Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad - Ace Number 2 Center quad - King Number 3 quad Courses available: - Family - Sennoki - Alpen - Super (upper area) - Green - Furiko - Kokutai - Detour for Beginners - Center - Shirakaba - Rinkan (lower part) - Jumbo ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Part open Official snow depth (reported by the ski area): - Peak: 150cm (+5cm) - Base: 96cm (+6cm) 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: 120cm (+10cm) - Base: 90cm (+10cm) Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad 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: 115cm (+5cm) - Base: 80cm (+10cm) 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. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Niseko Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Friday 18th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 234cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November and 15th December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 172cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 125cm Posted on Friday 18th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . More snow to report this morning, though less in quantity. The resort yesterday was reporting 10cm of snow during the day on top areas, with an additional 10cm overnight... so 20cm cover up top. Conditions should be really excellent there this morning. It's so exciting to remember that it is still the middle of December. :) This morning the snow is easing off and there are some breaks in the cloud and visibility is much improved. Might we even get some sun? That's not going to last though, as more snow is due from tonight and over the weekend. Perhaps heavy snowfall too. The Nagasaka Gondola is still not up and running today but the top area of the resort is once again available... via the Hikage Gondola. So you get that Gondola up to Uenotaira area and from there can get to the top Yamabiko lifts and runs. Taking the Gondola back down is also necessary. The power supply issues at Uenotaira have been fixed. Down below at base, you can also get from Nagasaka to Hikage via the Nasuki-go service. (Ah, Nasuki. Not mentioned that word yet this season - everyone's favourite bright green coloured skiing vegetable hasn't made much of an appearance yet. Probably waiting until the weekend when things are a bit calmer. But looking forward to seeing Nasuki). Anyway, if you plan on being here over the weekend double check on transport situation. You might have noticed that there are some serious issues going on over in the Yuzawa area in Niigata now with the Kanetsu Expressway basically snowed in. The Yuzawa Now report has more on that. Mind boggling amounts of serious snowfall over there in the last few days. Fresh snowfall recorded by the resort (since yesterday morning): - Yamabiko (1407m): 20cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 20cm - Hikage (660m): -cm (not reporting yet) - Nagasaka (615m): -cm (not reporting yet) - Karasawa (563m): -cm (not reporting yet) Official snow depth numbers (reported by the ski area): - Yamabiko (1407m): 170cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 165cm - Hikage (660m): -cm (not reporting yet) - Nagasaka (615m): -cm (not reporting yet) - Karasawa (563m): -cm (not reporting yet) Planned operating lifts: - Hikage Gondola - Yamabiko Four lift - Yamabiko Number 2 Four lift - Uenotaira - Nagasaka Triple lift - Yu Road Courses currently open: - Yamabiko (A-E) - Uenotaira Nozawa Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Friday 18th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 125cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 56cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 125cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 63cm Posted on Friday 18th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . 6cm on the ground to report and we now have 5 ski areas open with Kashimayari and Hakuba Iwatake joining the party. Some strong winds affected lifts yesterday and I know for sure that Happo-one was closed in the afternoon, but we're back up and running today. We are forecast more snow later today through tonight and probably over the weekend. Heaviest due tonight, just in time for the weekend. Hakuba Cortina will be opening from tomorrow. If clearer weather is what you like, Monday onwards should see clearer skies. I wonder what it'll be doing for Santa's visit. Hakuba Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Friday 18th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 63cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 63cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 28cm Snowfall at base this season 311cm Posted on Friday 18th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from Geto Kogen. More snow this morning as it continues to pile up as Geto plans to get-o into full gear from tomorrow with 'regular' operations planned. (See what I did there?) Night skiing is due to begin from tomorrow too. A later than planned start to the season, for sure, but we're in very good shape. Official snow depth at top... 300cm! There seem to be delays in the update of some info as everyone deals with all the snow. Official non compacted snow depth (as reported by the ski area): Top: 300cm Base: 250cm Planned operating lifts: Number 1 Gondola Number 1 pair lift Number 2 pair lift Planned open courses (subject to change): A1-A5 Possibly more Geto Kogen Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Friday 18th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 311cm Number of days snowfall observed 11 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 96cm (on 16th December) November 2020 snowfall 73cm observed on 3 days December 2020 snowfall 238cm observed 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 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