Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 303cm Weather overview Light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Limited Posted on Tuesday 4th February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Madarao and it has started snowing again this morning. I wouldn't expect too much out of it with clearer skies due later on. The forecasts still show some exciting snowfall due later tomorrow/Thursday and then around Saturday - we could be on for a really decent amount and some very cold conditions. Don't know about you but I like the sound of that. Back to this morning, and visibility is quite limited for the moment. If the forecast is right and it does clear up by afternoon we should expect visibility to improve. Quite cold. Wrap up well and take care out there. --- I am seeing that the Kamoshika tree run course at Madarao is scheduled to be open; that would make 5 of those open. Madarao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Tuesday 4th February 2020 Total snowfall at base 303cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (on 28th December) November 2019 snowfall 15cm reported on 4 days December 2019 snowfall 73cm reported on 9 days January 2020 snowfall 188cm reported on 14 days February 2020 snowfall 27cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 534cm Posted on Tuesday 4th February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from here near Hirafu base. Good news this morning with a decent amount of fresh snowfall on the ground. I have measured 15cm of it and it is light, dry and fluffy.... lovely. With probably a bit more than that higher up the mountain I would expect that it will be a good morning. For what its worth, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko HANAZONO are both adding 20cm to their upper snow depth this morning. The other two seem less reluctant to make changes to those numbers. Varied visibility as of 8:15am with a rather grey palette here in Hirafu and light snow falling, but there's actually some blue sky and sunshine out over in the direction of Mt Yotei. It doesn't feel too windy down here at base though the resorts are reporting moderate NW on the mountain; lifts are starting the day as planned. It does feel cold (and Annupuri are reporting -16C at their summit) so I'm going to wrap myself up well before heading out. Regular snow top-ups remain likely though until the weekend. Yey! ----- It's 4th February and that means that the Sapporo Snow Festival official begins today. No doubt lots of people will be scheduling in a visit to the famous festival with their time in Niseko. Hope you have fun. ----- If you were naughty and missed my report and recap yesterday: I do forgive you, but please check it out (link below). ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa Base: -8°, 20cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: NNW 329deg 10.8m/s(max 4am 20m/s), -11.6°. Yu no Sawa 1000m: NNW 316deg 5.7m/s(max 4am 18m/s). Niseko Village 900m:NW 316deg 5.7m/s(max 12am 15m/s). Hirafu : NNW, (speed:no data) , -14.5°. Hanazono: NNW 321deg 7.1m/s(max 4am 18m/s), -11.9°. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NNW15m/s. Kamui Cape W12m/s, 1019hPa, wave 2.2m. Annupuri 1000m: snow depth 160cm. 20cm of snow fell overnight to dawn as the winter type atmospheric weather pattern strengthened. Around 800m on leeward slopes, snowdrift development has been up to 50cm depth. Wind strengthened to a max of 20m/s at 4am, then dropping to dawn. From observation at 900m snowdrifts are starting to stabilise. However the avalanche risk remains high around 1000m on leeward cornice slopes and knolls, with a fracture face of 50cm on the Feb 3 low pressure snowfall layer or weak layers within snowdrift. Better not get on Kozan no Sawa sidewall or Osawa cornice face today. Strictly off limits area Haru no Taki: avalanche danger is high. Respect Niseko Rules and Do Not Enter. Snow in the trees is good. Have a fun day and avoid riding steep cornice and knoll slopes. Peak gate opening are undecided. Please listen to the patrols advice. Beacons and helmets are recommended. The Avalanche report will not be issued tomorrow and day after. Avalanche accidents occur when unstable snow fractures. Don't overdo it in the wind and snow. Be cautious and take care. Have a good day. ----- Ski resort operation information: Tuesday 4th February 2020 Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 250cm - Base: 110cm All lifts are normally operating EXCEPT: - Ace Number 1 pair lift (normally rested) - King Number 2 quad lift (normally rested) All courses normally open Lifts scheduled for late operations: - Ace Family quad until 8:30pm - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad until 8:20pm - Hirafu Gondola until 8:10pm - Holiday Number 1 pair until 8:30pm ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 185cm - Base: 110cm All lifts are normally operating ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 160cm - Base: 100cm All lifts are normally operating Lift scheduled for late operations: - Jumbo Number 1 quad until 8:30pm ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 185cm - Base: 100cm All lifts normally operating EXCEPT: - Country Road (normally rested) Lifts scheduled for late operations: - Annupuri Village Gondola until 8:00pm - Village Express until 8:00pm - Banzai Chair until 8:00pm Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Tuesday 4th February 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 534cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 33cm (21st January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 224cm reported on 20 days February 2020 snowfall 18cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 519cm Posted on Monday 3rd February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Well, that decent snow coming down yesterday morning that I mentioned didn't really last long and it didn't amount to much - just ever so slightly more than 1cm - and no more fresh overnight, I'm afraid. I am curious to see that the Avalanche Report (below) is reporting 10cm, so perhaps some areas of the mountain got more lucky than others. It is a grey, cloudy and cold start to the day. I expect all of the lifts to be opening as planned this morning. All being well, we should be seeing more snow falling sometime later on today and perhaps regular snowfall through the week. ----- The 2019-2020 season so far: through until the end of January 2020 It's February already! We are almost halfway through the 2019-2020 season. It's scary how fast the weeks whizz by. I know, I've said that before, but it's true. It being the beginning of the month, it is once again time when I look back on the season so far and make a few observations. They are, of course, simply my own thoughts and just how I see the season going. And it goes without saying that there's much more to the story than just numbers; they are maybe fun and interesting, but they are not the complete picture. For a more complete idea of the season, please read the reports for each day. The usual up-front notes: I take my measurements from close to the base of the Niseko Grand Hirafu area of our mountain. There is usually more snow at higher elevations and generally you hear folk talking (unscientifically) about 1.5 times the amount. It is impossible for me to take measurements from the top of the mountain every morning for all sorts of practical reasons. The observed snowfall numbers on these Niseko Now reports over the years can all be compared like-for-like, because they are my observations and are coming from the same place each season. This is how much snowfall I have measured during the month of January over the last eight years: January 2020: 224cm January 2019: 285cm January 2018: 305cm January 2017: 152cm January 2016: 303cm January 2015: 257cm January 2014: 461cm January 2013: 443cm I was able to post report snowfall in 20 of the 31 reports in the month of January. There was a bit of a dry run between 7th-12th January and then from 27th January through until yesterday. During the period between 13th and 27th January I was able to report fresh snowfall here at base on all but one day, with a few 30+cm 24-hour snowfalls during that period. I think that is pretty good. Still, it certainly wasn’t a classic January. Better than the dry January 2017, but 1m down on the average of the last eight years. Here are my ‘season to date’ numbers, from the beginning of this season to the end of January 2020: 2019/2020 season up to end of January 2020: 516cm 2018/2019 season up to end of January 2019: 702cm 2017/2018 season up to end of January 2018: 899cm 2016/2017 season up to end of January 2017: 445cm 2015/2016 season up to end of January 2016: 611cm 2014/2015 season up to end of January 2015: 806cm 2013/2014 season up to end of January 2014: 859cm 2012/2013 season up to end of January 2013: 979cm While I have been able to observe more snowfall than during the poor 2016-2017 season, we are still down a fair chunk on what we think of as ‘normal’. Another look through the other regional reports on SnowJapan tells me that many areas have been enduring a very challenging season with the snowfall down in all regions, to varying degrees. In some places in western Japan, it is literally at 0% of normal. I have read that 30% of Japanese ski hills had not been able to open at all as of the second half of January. That really is quite shocking, and sad to hear. So I think it is safe to say that, up until now, Japan as a whole has been having an uncharacteristically poor snow season. Like I said last month, though, we have such very high expectations here in Niseko that anything other than brilliant or (**insert cheesy marketing pop term here**) can quickly be seen as disappointing. I will admit to sometimes finding myself being a bit greedy when it comes to snow (and I do try to keep such feelings to myself and out of these reports). But then I hear comments like this from visitors I share a lift with: "This may not be peak Niseko, but it sure as heck is better than back home in....." Hearing that kind of comment helps keep my own thoughts in check. Let’s just take another look at that number above - over the last two-and-a-bit months, I have observed over 5m of snowfall here at base. I again promise myself to always appreciate the snowfall that we are blessed with. :) OK, a bit more data. Below is how much of the total snowfall for a season we have already had fall by the end of January in previous seasons: By the end of January 2019, as a % of the season total: about 74% By the end of January 2018, as a % of the season total: about 71% By the end of January 2017, as a % of the season total: about 65% By the end of January 2016, as a % of the season total: about 62% By the end of January 2015, as a % of the season total: about 70% By the end of January 2014, as a % of the season total: about 74% By the end of January 2013, as a % of the season total: about 66% That means that on past form we can reasonably expect that we have around 25-30% of our total snowfall for the season left to fall from the skies over the remainder of this season. By the end of January 2016, we had already received only 62% of the total snowfall for that season, meaning there was another 38% left to go. It’s worth pointing out again that in late season there will be more times when there has been some fresh snowfall on the upper areas of the mountain, but not down at base. On such days, my report will record 0cm observed snowfall. As we think about February, here’s how much snowfall I have recorded during the month of February in the last seven winter seasons. The numbers in brackets show the total observed snowfall up until the end of February in each of those respective seasons. February 2019: 198cm (900cm) February 2018: 299cm (1198cm) February 2017: 160cm (605cm) February 2016: 266cm (877cm) February 2015: 196cm (1002cm) February 2014: 178cm (1037cm) February 2013: 316cm (1295cm) So, we are used to experiencing around 2-3m or snowfall at base in the month of February. The other piece of data that I always look at is the snowfall numbers that the Japan Meteorological Agency report from their observation station in Kutchan town. Here is what they have reported for the month of January over the last eight years: January 2020: 148cm January 2019: 253cm January 2018: 259cm January 2017: 160cm January 2016: 258cm January 2015: 230cm January 2014: 317cm January 2013: 268cm And these are the JMA numbers for the season so far up until the end of January 2020: 2019/2020 season up to end of January 2020: 451cm 2018/2019 season up to end of January 2019: 667cm 2017/2018 season up to end of January 2018: 752cm 2016/2017 season up to end of January 2017: 568cm 2015/2016 season up to end of January 2016: 488cm 2014/2015 season up to end of January 2015: 658cm 2013/2014 season up to end of January 2014: 674cm 2012/2013 season up to end of January 2013: 672cm I plan to post a new report every day right through until the end of the season; some lifts plan to operate through until Golden Week in early May. Remember, all of my observed snowfall numbers I mention here can be found in the table towards the bottom of this (and every) Niseko Now report – as well as on the cool 'Snowfall Analysis' page which you can get to from the blue button at the top of each report. Next monthly recap in early March. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base: -7.5°, 10cm new snow in last 24hrs, none in last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: SSE 161deg 0.9m/s, -8.9°, 10cm new snow, snowdrift development. Yu no Sawa 1000m: WSW 265deg 0.7m/s, -12.5°. Niseko Village 900m:NNW 322deg 0.2m/s , -12.4°. Hirafu 1000m: ENE, (speed:no data) , -11.8°. Hanazono 720m: W 276deg 1.8m/s, -8.7°. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:WSW2m/s. Kamui Cape NW3m/s, 1019hPa, wave 1.0m. Annupuri 1000: snow depth 160cm. A small low pressure front passed through yesterday dropping 5-10cm of new snow, none after midnight though. From observation and data, the general avalanche risk is low. All gates are expected to be open except Moiwa gate 10. A low pressure system is approaching from the Sea of Japan, expect snowfall to start before noon. Be careful of a sudden weather change. Lots of people are getting lost in the Higashi One (east ridge) area. Inexperienced people should not be going out the gates in the late afternoon. If you get lost overnight there is a real danger of freezing to death. Niseko Patrol will go and look for you at night, but with the low temperatures and the difficult snowy terrain it can be very hard to find someone. Although there isn't much snow, what's there is good. Be careful hitting trees. It is strongly recommended to wear a helmet. Is your beacon turned on? A beacon (avalanche transceiver) can not only save your life, it can save your friends. Have a good day. ----- Ski resort operation information: Monday 3rd February 2020 Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 230cm - Base: 100cm All lifts are normally operating EXCEPT: - Ace Number 1 pair lift (normally rested) - King Number 2 quad lift (normally rested) All courses normally open Lifts scheduled for late operations: - Ace Family quad until 8:30pm - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad until 8:20pm - Hirafu Gondola until 8:10pm - Holiday Number 1 pair until 8:30pm ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 165cm - Base: 97cm All lifts are normally operating ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 160cm - Base: 100cm All lifts are normally operating Lift scheduled for late operations: - Jumbo Number 1 quad until 8:30pm ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 175cm - Base: 100cm All lifts normally operating EXCEPT: - Country Road (normally rested) Lifts scheduled for late operations: - Annupuri Village Gondola until 8:00pm - Village Express until 8:00pm - Banzai Chair until 8:00pm Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Monday 3rd February 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 519cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 33cm (21st January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 224cm reported on 20 days February 2020 snowfall 3cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 156cm Posted on Sunday 2nd February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. A cloudy start to the day. There have been signs of a bit of sun early on, but I am hoping that it will be snowing mid to late morning. Decent snowfall is due around Wednesday. And it will be most welcome. Just the one lift not operating this morning according to the official site. Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Sunday 2nd February 2020 Total snowfall at base 156cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (on 21st January) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 51cm observed on 10 days January 2020 snowfall 88cm observed on 16 days February 2020 snowfall 9cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 199cm Posted on Sunday 2nd February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Hello! A generally cloudy feel this morning after some light snow earlier on, but clearer in some places and generally now quite bright. It feels like it might well clear up somewhat today. And perhaps we'll have clearer skies for a few days before more snow comes in around mid week. This morning Kumanoyu are reporting 0cm fresh snow, which I find a bit surprising. I need to add 4cm to my report this morning from yesterday morning. Almost all courses and connections at Shiga Kogen are now open with just a few minor exceptions. Shiga Kogen Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Sunday 2nd February 2020 Total snowfall at base 199cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th January) November 2019 snowfall 20cm reported on 5 days December 2019 snowfall 59cm reported on 10 days January 2020 snowfall 101cm reported on 13 days February 2020 snowfall 19cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 181cm Posted on Sunday 2nd February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Yesterday was... good! All that lovely fresh snow on the top area of the resort was a lot of fun. A lot of people enjoying themselves out there yesterday. Cloud remained but there was also some blue sky and the sun came out too. A fine day. The resort was reporting an additional 3-4cm of snow across the mountain at 3pm yesterday afternoon; there's no more to add to that this morning. All courses are open now apart from Kandahar, Mukobayashi and Hachiman. It should be another very good day. Visibility looks limited on the top area; decent otherwise and even a few breaks in the cloud looking up from base. I note that there are clear blue skies over (the fairly nearby) Madarao, so perhaps we'll get some of that. We can expect that chance of some sunshine tomorrow morning along with perhaps slightly milder conditions too but more snow is due over the coming week. Fresh snowfall recorded by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko (1407m): 4cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 4cm - Hikage (660m): 3cm - Nagasaka (615m): 3cm - Karasawa (563m): -cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 175cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 135cm - Hikage (660m): 70cm - Nagasaka (615m): 50cm - Karasawa (563m): 30cm All lifts normally operating apart from the following lifts: - Kandahar pair - Karasawa pair All courses normally open apart from the following courses: - Kandahar - Mukobayashi - Hachiman Nozawa Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Sunday 2nd February 2020 Total snowfall at base 181cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (5th January) November 2019 snowfall 4cm reported on 2 days December 2019 snowfall 33cm reported on 5 days January 2020 snowfall 120cm reported on 11 days February 2020 snowfall 24cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 7cm Snowfall at base this season 510cm Posted on Sunday 2nd February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . 7cm of fresh to report to you from base this morning and it is snowing early on, just lightly. Yesterday it ended up being a mix of light snow and clearer conditions, with a return to snow later on. And that 7cm resulting this morning. It might clear up again a bit today with a cloud and light snow mix forecast for tomorrow too. 4 tree run courses are back open! Official snow depths: * Top: 260cm * Base: 170cm Planned operating lift information - subject to change: * Number 1 Gondola * Number 2 Gondola (operates on weekends and holidays only) * Number 1 pair lift * Number 2 pair lift * Quad lift Courses & Tree Runs - subject to change: * All of the main official courses are available * Rabbit, Summit, Beech and Stream tree run course are open * Extreme and Shooter tree run courses not yet available Nighta skiing operations * Weekends and holidays from until 24th February 2020 Geto Kogen Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Sunday 2nd February 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 510cm Number of days snowfall observed 41 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 53cm (on 20th November and 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 88cm observed on 4 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm observed on 16 days January 2020 snowfall 177cm observed on 19 days February 2020 snowfall 38cm observed on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 518cm Posted on Sunday 2nd February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some sunshine in the day yesterday and it has started snowing again this morning and I can add 2cm to the report so far. Light snow here as I started putting this report together, but it has just started to come down a bit faster and it looks like it is snowing nicely over at Hanazono just now too. Limited visibility as that snow falls. We should be on a roll over the coming weeks, with regular snowfall forecast. That sounds good. At the start of the day, the top Ace Number 1 pair at Niseko Grand Hirafu and Morino Chair at Niseko Village are on hold; not exactly sure why, perhaps a temporary issue. I hope you have a good day and take care out there. ----- I'm going to have a few pieces of toast and some good coffee, look through my reports over last month and put together my recap which will appear tomorrow. I don't know if many people enjoy reading those, but I certainly find it thinking about the season as a whole every so often and the process of putting them together. ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain Base 6am: -5°, calm. Moiwa 800m: NNW 345deg 8.0m/s, -6.8°, no snow, snowdrift development. Yu no Sawa 1000m: NNW 329deg 1.6m/s, -9.3°. Niseko Village 900m:N 306deg 1.2m/s , -8.5°. Hirafu 1000m: NNW 345deg 1.7m/s, -9.5°. Hanazono 720m: calm, -7.9°. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW10m/s. Kamui Cape light winds, 1018hPa, wave 0.6m. Annupuri 1000: snow depth 160cm. The low pressure system has moved off to the east, the atmospheric pressure gradient is shallow and weather is calm on the seas and mountains. There has been light snowfall and there has been no noticeable snow drift development. Snow drifts that formed up to yesterday have begun to stabilise and from observation and data the general avalanche risk is low. Round 900-1000m on Kozan no Sawa(Back Bowl) side wall a hard slab has formed and is likely to fracture and cause a shallow avalanche. This could cause a serious accident if caught in it. Do not take inexperienced riders into this area. Accidents are continuing to happen in Hokkaido. Most accidents are caused by getting on slopes with heavy wind effected slabs. Do not over estimate your knowledge or skills. Guides and tour leaders always have a great responsibility. Be cautious. Be careful running into a tree. Beacons and helmets are highly recommended. Peak gates are expected to open in the morning. Have a good day. Groomers are hard but in good condition. ----- Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 230cm - Base: 95cm All lifts are normally operating EXCEPT: - Ace Number 1 pair lift (normally rested) - King Number 2 quad lift (normally rested) All courses normally open Lifts scheduled for late operations: - Ace Family quad until 8:30pm - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad until 8:20pm - Hirafu Gondola until 8:10pm - Holiday Number 1 pair until 8:30pm ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 163cm - Base: 95cm All lifts are normally operating ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 160cm - Base: 100cm All lifts are normally operating Lift scheduled for late operations: - Jumbo Number 1 quad until 8:30pm ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 175cm - Base: 100cm All lifts normally operating EXCEPT: - Country Road (normally rested) Lifts scheduled for late operations: - Annupuri Village Gondola until 8:00pm - Village Express until 8:00pm - Banzai Chair until 8:00pm Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Sunday 2nd February 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 518cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 33cm (21st January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 224cm reported on 20 days February 2020 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 26cm Snowfall at base this season 302cm Weather overview Snow, some sun Wind NW Temperature - Visibility Varied Posted on Saturday 1st February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . It's February. And we are starting the month well. This morning Madarao is reporting 20-25cm of fresh snowfall since yesterday evening and my measurement since my report yesterday is 26cm. It looks like River Line is going to be open today at Madarao. Fireworks tonight. More courses open over at Tangram. It feels like mid-season proper. Me happy. :) Come on February! Madarao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 1st February 2020 Total snowfall at base 302cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (on 28th December) November 2019 snowfall 15cm reported on 4 days December 2019 snowfall 73cm reported on 9 days January 2020 snowfall 188cm reported on 14 days February 2020 snowfall 26cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 195cm Posted on Saturday 1st February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. It is a good one too with more fresh snow this morning. Kumanoyu are reporting 10cm; the neighbouring Yokoteyama and Shibutoge are reporting more than 20cm. My favourite friend that I sometimes tell you about in these reports - the one that really does like talking big numbers, bless him - says there's over 40cm in wind-blown areas. There's certainly fresh snow around this morning. My measurement is 15cm. I think that is a fair representative number. And as my friend mentioned, there'll be more than that in places; and probably less than that in others. Still feels windy out there in places but as far as I can tell lifts are operating as planned early morning. Almost all courses and connections at Shiga Kogen are now open with just a few minor exceptions. Shiga Kogen Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 1st February 2020 Total snowfall at base 195cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th January) November 2019 snowfall 20cm reported on 5 days December 2019 snowfall 59cm reported on 10 days January 2020 snowfall 101cm reported on 13 days February 2020 snowfall 15cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 21cm Snowfall at base this season 178cm Posted on Saturday 1st February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning from Nozawa. It feels like Nozawa this morning too! As of 3pm yesterday the resort was reporting 5cm of fresh snowfall at base and 10-15cm on the other areas of the mountain and this morning there's another 5-25cm being reported (base to top). So, since yesterday morning that is 10cm at Karasawa, 20cm at Nagasaka and Hikage, 35cm at Uenotaira and 40cm up top at Yamabiko. Yey. Lots of fresh snow especially higher up. The trees around base are all laden with snow and looking good. At the time of writing, Skyline and associated lower courses are not scheduled to be re-opened this morning. That may change I suppose if there's enough snow there again and it may be worth keeping an eye on that. Light snow forecast for the day. It should be a fab morning. This is very good start to February. Let us hope that it is a good sign of how things will continue... Fresh snowfall recorded by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko (1407m): 40cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 35cm - Hikage (660m): 20cm - Nagasaka (615m): 20cm - Karasawa (563m): 10cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 175cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 135cm - Hikage (660m): 65cm - Nagasaka (615m): 45cm - Karasawa (563m): 20cm All lifts normally operating apart from the following lifts: - Kandahar pair - Karasawa pair All courses normally open apart from the following courses: - Kandahar - Mukobayashi - Hachiman Nozawa Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 1st February 2020 Total snowfall at base 178cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (5th January) November 2019 snowfall 4cm reported on 2 days December 2019 snowfall 33cm reported on 5 days January 2020 snowfall 120cm reported on 11 days February 2020 snowfall 21cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 31cm Snowfall at base this season 503cm Posted on Saturday 1st February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . February begins in style. Around 30cm of fresh snowfall on the ground since yesterday morning. It was snowing lightly yesterday, a bit more later on and this morning we awake to a lovely new layer. Kind of 'normal' Geto Kogen, as impressive as it is. With more snow due today as well, so it should be a good day (and beyond). Tree run courses are closed but I wouldn't be surprise if there was some movement on that during the day. (That is purely a guess, not based on any confirmed information). Have a good one! Official snow depths: * Top: 250cm * Base: 170cm Planned operating lift information - subject to change: * Number 1 Gondola * Number 2 Gondola (operates on weekends and holidays only) * Number 1 pair lift * Number 2 pair lift * Quad lift Courses & Tree Runs - subject to change: * All of the main official courses are available * Rabbit, Summit, Beech and Stream tree run course have been open, but closed again this morning * Extreme and Shooter tree run courses not yet available Nighta skiing operations * Weekends and holidays from until 24th February 2020 Geto Kogen Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 1st February 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 503cm Number of days snowfall observed 40 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 53cm (on 20th November and 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 88cm observed on 4 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm observed on 16 days January 2020 snowfall 177cm observed on 19 days February 2020 snowfall 31cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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