Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 26cm Snowfall at base this season 333cm Posted on Thursday 2nd January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning. It is a very good one too! Some good proper snowfall to report to you this morning. In fact, the best 24 hour delivery of snowfall so far this season. The kind we expect. Hurray! I have measured 26cm of snowfall here at base and a good friend of mine who doesn't usually exaggerate too much is works at one of the resorts is talking of numbers well over 30cm on the mountain. It looks like the Konayuki course at Niseko Grand Hirafu is open and with more snow due over the coming days we can maybe expect (hope!) that all of the mountain will get to be open soon. People are patiently (or not as is sometimes the case) waiting for all the top lifts and gates to get open. I am still having some issues connecting with official information this morning, and so at the time of writing I am not able to check on possible lift disruptions; sorry about that. Hopefully we will be able to get up and out there to enjoy this fresh snowfall. Wrap up well and take care out there. Interesting timing with this good new snowfall number today, because here is my season recap through until the end of December 2019... --- The 2019-2020 season so far: through until the end December 2019 Happy New Year! It being the beginning of the month, so it is the time when I make a few personal observations as I look back at the season so far through until the end of December 2019. The usual points to note: I take my measurements from close to the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu. There is usually more snow at higher elevations. It is impossible for me to take measurements from the top of the mountain every morning for all sorts of practical reasons. Importantly, my 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. Here goes. This is how much snowfall I have measured during the month of December over the last eight years: December 2019: 207cm December 2018: 333cm December 2017: 406cm December 2016: 181cm December 2015: 244cm December 2014: 519cm December 2013: 275cm December 2012: 418cm And here are my ‘season to date’ numbers, from the beginning of this season to the end of December 2019: 2019/2020 season up to end of December 2019: 292cm 2018/2019 season up to end of December 2018: 417cm 2017/2018 season up to end of December 2017: 594cm 2016/2017 season up to end of December 2016: 293cm 2015/2016 season up to end of December 2015: 308cm 2014/2015 season up to end of December 2014: 549cm 2013/2014 season up to end of December 2013: 398cm 2012/2013 season up to end of December 2012: 536cm There’s no escaping the fact that the numbers for this season are relatively low. I don’t usually take much notice of the ongoing total when I write my reports each morning (after all, I’m not writing to try and hit a quota), but I thought it might be the case. I have been able to record some observed snowfall on 21 of the 31 days in December, which seems quite decent, but on many of those days the number hasn’t reached 10cm. We did have a bunch of days around the beginning of the month with about 20cm, but just a few reports with over 10cm since then. Still, it is nearly 3m of snowfall. At base. By the end of December. I am pretty sure that some other regions would most pleased with that! I think one of the ‘problems’ (for want of a better word) that we have here is that we have such high expectations. The well-oiled marketing machine does hype things up to the next level, of course, but we do usually get such great amounts of quality snowfall in Niseko. We expect it. Yesterday I had a good read through some of the other Now reports on SnowJapan. It seems like most of Japan is experiencing a particularly slow start to the season in terms of snowfall. Some ski hills aren’t even open yet. That is of course rather worrying, but hopefully things will turn around for the whole of Japan. I like hearing about heavy snow in every region, not just here in Niseko. So, while we might well feel a bit disappointed that the numbers aren’t more impressive, we should perhaps be grateful that we have had that 3m. Here’s how much of the total snowfall for a season we have already had fall on us by the end of December in previous seasons: By the end of December 2018, as a % of the season total: about 44% By the end of December 2017, as a % of the season total: about 47% By the end of December 2016, as a % of the season total: about 43% By the end of December 2015, as a % of the season total: about 31% By the end of December 2014, as a % of the season total: about 48% By the end of December 2013, as a % of the season total: about 34% By the end of December 2012, as a % of the season total: about 36% So last season, by the end of December I had observed 44% of the total amount of snowfall that I ended up observing over the entire season. 47% the year before. Let’s hope that number this time rounds turned out to be the lowest of the lot! Looking ahead to this month (January), here’s how much snowfall I have recorded during the month of January in the last seven winter seasons. The numbers in brackets show the total observed snowfall up until the end of January in each of those respective seasons. January 2019: 285cm (702cm) January 2018: 305cm (899cm) January 2017: 152cm (445cm) January 2016: 303cm (611cm) January 2015: 257cm (806cm) January 2014: 461cm (859cm) January 2013: 443cm (979cm) 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 December. December 2019: 217cm December 2018: 310cm December 2017: 324cm December 2016: 235cm December 2015: 195cm December 2014: 387cm December 2013: 258cm December 2012: 306cm And these are the JMA numbers for the season so far up until the end of December 2019: 2019/2020 season up to end of December 2019: 303cm 2018/2019 season up to end of December 2018: 414cm 2017/2018 season up to end of December 2017: 493cm 2016/2017 season up to end of December 2016: 408cm 2015/2016 season up to end of December 2015: 230cm 2014/2015 season up to end of December 2014: 428cm 2013/2014 season up to end of December 2013: 357cm 2012/2013 season up to end of December 2012: 404cm I will of course post a new report every day right through until Golden Week in May. And of course, all of my numbers I mention here can be found at the table towards the bottom of this report - and also check out the 'Snowfall Analysis' blue button (above). Next monthly recap in early February... ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base: -9℃, 20cm of wind-affected snow in 12h. Moiwa800m: NW12.4m/s, -10.9℃, snowdrifts developing. Hirafu1000m: E4.3m/s, -13.6℃. Hanazono720m: NW8.6m/s, -10.5℃. Annupuri 1000m snow depth 115cm. Sea of Japan Benkei cape: NW18m/s, Kamui cape W16m/s, 1013hPa, 2.9m waves. The ocean waves are generated by the wind and wave height is proportional to the wind strength. The weather in Niseko is heavily influenced by the Sea of Japan’s conditions. The development of snowdrifts is drastic with growth up to 100cm thickness in Backbowl, Iwaonupuri, Nitonupuri leeward steep slopes and knolls above 800m elevation. The avalanche risk is extremely high today in slopes with those newly formed, extremely unstable snow-slabs. Backcountry touring in surrounding mountains should be avoided until the wind calms down tomorrow. We&re finally seeing proper Niseko snowfall, however bushes are still thick under 700m elevation and out of bounds access from the ski resort is still restricted. Do not duck ropes. One track left under the rope will make many to follow it and eventually increase the chances of accidents to happen. Please respect the Niseko Rules. Overhead spray conditions today, bring some spare goggles :) Have a great day. ----- Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 210cm - Base: 70cm All lifts normally operating EXCEPT the following: - Ace Number 4 - King Number 4 All courses normally open EXCEPT the following: - Onsenzawa - Large - Miharashi - Dynamic ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 130cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 115cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 8:30pm) - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 120cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Upper Village Gondola (until 8:00pm) - Village Express (until 8:00pm) - Community Chair - Banzai Chair (until 8:00pm) - Morino Chair - Country Road Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Thursday 2nd January 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 333cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 26cm (2nd January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 41cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 11cm Snowfall at base this season 186cm Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . A Happy New Year and welcome to the new decade. Things kicked off with a fireworks party over at New Prince Hotel last night, and assuming you didn't overdo the celebrations you will be able to get out and enjoy the new year conditions.... It is all very good news. 11cm of new snow in the village, 34cm at the top of the resort. Kitanomine Gondola is back in action and Kitanomine Swift Chair and Kitanomine Romance 2 chair will also be operating. Basically the resort has all lifts in action with the only down side being the lower front face of Kitanomine is still not open for skiing. The wind is still pretty strong out there and snow is falling very lightly but due to stop about now. There is low valley fog, meaning poor visibility, but my feeling is this will lift within the next couple of hours. Time to start preparing and head out for first lifts and tracks. OPERATING LIFTS Kitanomine Gondola Kitanomine Romance Chair Kitanomine quad chair Link lift Furano Ropeway Furano Downhill chair 1 Furano Downhill chair 2 Furano Downhill chair 3 Prince Romance chair Kitanomine Zone: PARTIALLY open Furano Zone: Open Furano Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2020 Total snowfall at base 186cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (19th November) November 2019 snowfall 84cm reported on 7 days December 2019 snowfall 91cm reported on 15 days January 2020 snowfall 11cm 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 Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 63cm Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. And a very Happy New Year! There is snow on the ground at base again this morning. Not a huge amount but it is better than none and hopefully we will get some more before tomorrow. I think it's safe to say that more will be required for more of the mountain to open up. The resort itself is early this morning reporting snow at Utopia, cloud in other areas. Lifts normally operating: - Shobunuma Number 2 pair - Katakai triple - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 2 pair AB - Mikaeri pair - Diamond Number 2 pair lift - Utopia Number 2 pair lift - Onsen Number 1 pair - Zao Chuo Ropeway / Zao Ropeway / Sky Cable Ski course areas normally open: - Chuo (part) - Utopia - Paradise (part) - Shobunuma (part) - Diamond (part) - Uwanodai (part) Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 35cm - Paradise area: 20cm - Chuo area: 30cm - Utopia area: 30cm - Uwanodai area: 20cm - Oomori area: 5cm Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2020 Total snowfall at base 63cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 51cm observed on 10 days January 2020 snowfall 4cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 81cm Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Happy New Year! The sun is out again this morning. It is also a very cold start to 2020. All good, but let's have some snow! We were expecting some but resorts are not reporting cm this morning. Perhaps some later with clouds due to move in once again. Most areas of Shiga Kogen are now at least part open though all areas are not all inter-connected open just yet.The only area that is classified as 'not open yet' is Giant. Shiga Kogen Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2020 Total snowfall at base 81cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (28th December) November 2019 snowfall 20cm reported on 5 days December 2019 snowfall 59cm reported on 10 days January 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 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 23cm Snowfall at base this season 93cm Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Happy New Year! And Happy Fresh Snow! Not a huge amount overnight, but a nice covering of nice, beautiful flakes. Just in time, too, as things were getting pretty thin out there. It's a nice day today (and you know how I feel about the sun - it's nice, but it doesn't bring more snow). Enjoy! Akakura Kanko: 80cm, -4°C All lifts operating Akakura Onsen: 45cm, -2°C All main lifts operating Ikenotaira Onsen: 40cm, -7°C Capsule pair, Karamatsu pair, AB1, AB2 lifts Myoko Suginohara: 50cm, 3° Gondola only Seki Onsen: Open Myoko Ski Park: Apparently open.... Hard to tell from the city site, or the resort itself. Kyukamura RunRun: 40cm, 4° Open Tangram Ski Circus: 30cm, 0° Please check before you go; the website has all lifts marked in red with the hours the lifts are NOT running marked. Meaning they're all closed? Madarao Kogen: 30cm, 5° Almost all lifts running Lotte Arai Resort 128cm, -2.2° Three of four lifts running Kurohime Kogen Snow Park 0cm, 7° Closed Myoko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 93cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (28th December) November 2019 snowfall 11cm reported on 2 days December 2019 snowfall 59cm reported on 6 days January 2020 snowfall 23cm 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 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 47cm Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Happy New Year from myself and everyone else at SnowJapan. Here's to being able to report lots of snow! Nature need to co-operate for that to happen. And after a bit of a dodgy start after the finer weather starting the day yesterday, snow started falling and it felt like winter again. Not as much snow as we would like, around 10cm or so at base areas, with hopefully double and more than that up on the top areas; so it should be a fine morning. (The official site snowfall numbers appear to be a bit wonky this morning). Actually there's some breaks in the cloud now and even some blue sky - but that shouldn't last all day as further snowfall is due this afternoon, through tonight and tomorrow which sounds good. Have a fine New Years Day! Lift operations and open courses appear to remain unchanged. Basically the upper areas of the resort are open, down to Paradise and Mizunashi runs. The Skyline course is not yet open as well as chunks of lower areas of the resort. The Hikage and Nagasaka lower courses are open.... the latter as a connecting course. I wouldn't be surprised if a bit more opened up today. You need to get a Gondola back down to base from the open upper areas as you cannot yet ski/snowboard down. A few more snowy days and hopefully the resort will get to be fully open. I'm totally looking forward to that! Fresh snowfall recorded by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko (1407m): ?cm - Uenotaira (1230m): ?cm - Hikage (660m): ?cm - Nagasaka (615m): ?cm - Karasawa (563m): 0cm Official snow depth numbers (reported by resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 80cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 60cm - Hikage (660m): 30cm - Nagasaka (615m): 25cm - Karasawa (563m): -cm These lifts plan to be operating: - Nagasaka Gondola - Hikage Gondola - Yamabiko Four - Yamabiko Number 2 Four - Uenotaira Four - Paradise Four - Skyline Connecting pair - Yunomine pair - Hikage triple - Hikage Four - Nagasaka triple - Shinyu pair - Yu Road These courses plan to be open: - Yamabiko A - Yamabiko B - Yamabiko C - Yamabiko D - Yamabiko E - Kogenashi A - Kogenashi B - Uenotaira - Bunabayashi - Yunomine A - Yunomine B - Mizunashi A - Mizunashi B - Hikage - Kumataka (as a connecting course) Nozawa Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2020 Total snowfall at base 47cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (28th December) November 2019 snowfall 4cm reported on 2 days December 2019 snowfall 33cm reported on 5 days January 2020 snowfall 10cm 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 313cm Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . HAPPY NEW YEAR! It is a cold start to the year and I am happy to be able to report 18cm of fresh snowfall at base; hopefully more than that higher up. It did start with rain yesterday but changed to snow and got somewhat stormy last night. This morning snow is still falling and we have more due over the coming days. So don't expect sunshine; rather, good quality snow. Wrap up well and have fun! Geto Kogen Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 313cm Number of days snowfall observed 21 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 18cm 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 19cm Snowfall at base this season 107cm Weather overview Sun Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Madarao and a very happy New Year to you all. This morning the resort is reporting 20cm of fresh snowfall and I pretty much concur. They have increased their official snow depth to 50cm. And what about this then? A lovely morning. Blue skies again! I thought it was due to be snowing still... But don't worry - snow is due again later on today and hopefully tomorrow. Anyway, if you don't have a storm going on in your head from too much partying last night, it is a beautiful morning to get out there. Remember to wrap up well --- it's a really cold start. --- Current operations: Wednesday 1st January 2020 Operating lifts & open courses at Madarao: - Number 1 lift - Number 2 quad lift - Super quad lift - Number 5 lift - Number 11 lift - Number 12 lift - Number 15 lift - All courses apart from the summit area and tree run courses are now open, though the snow cover is not deep - care needed Operating lifts & open courses at Tangram Ski Circus: - Number 1 pair lift - Number 3 quad lift - Number 5 quad lift - Number 6 lift (for connection from the pension area) - Primary Line course - Hard Line course - Zigzag Line - Green Line - Queens Downhill (lower) - Forest Line (lower) - Pantan Line - Green Line Madarao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2020 Total snowfall at base 107cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 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 19cm 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 33cm Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Happy New Year! The wet stuff changing into snow in the afternoon yesterday and even though Hakuba 47 were, for example, reporting 5cm of snowfall in the afternoon, they don't seem to be registering that this morning. And Hakuba Cortina are reporting 20cm of fresh at both base and on upper slopes. It is a cold morning, the sun is out and there's lots of blue sky all around with some clouds hanging around higher mountain areas. Beautiful. I'd love to go out but for some reason I have a bit of a headache. Can't think why. Perhaps a gentle hour or two on the slopes will help. ----- Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - Happo Gondola Adam - Kokusai Number 1 pair lift - Kokusai Number 3 pair lift - Panorama pair lift - Alpen lift - Kurobishi Number 2 lift - Usagidaira pair lift - Skyline Number 1 lift - Skyline Number 2 lift - Nakiyama Number 3 lift - Riesen quad lift - Sakka Kita One quad lift - Grat quad (*sightseeing only) Courses open: - Panorama - Usagidaira - Kurobishi - Skyline - Riesen - Base areas not yet open - get lifts back down to base Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 85cm - Usagidaira: 60cm - Lower: 0cm ----- Hakuba 47 Operating lifts: - Gondola - Line A B pair lift - Line C quad lift - Line E pair lift Courses open: - Most courses are now open - R7 not open - Tree Riding Zones not yet available Official snow depth: - Top: 70cm - Base: 10cm ------ Hakuba Goryu Operating lifts: - Gondola (need to take the gondola back to base from the open upper area) - Alps Number 1 pair - Alps Number 3 pair - Alps Number 2/4 pair - Toomi Sky Four quad - Toomi Number 1 pair - Milky Four quad Courses open: - Panorama - Grand Prix - Technical - Super - Toomi (part) - Soft Cream Official snow depth: - Alps: 70cm - Toomi: 35cm - Iimori: 45cm ------ Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts: - Gondola (need to take the gondola back to base from the open upper area) - Han-no-ki pair - Tsuga Number 2 pair - Kane-no-naru-oka Skyliner II - Kane-no-naru-oka Skyliner III Courses open: - Han-kou - Tsuga-no-mori - Kane-no-naru-oka (part) Official snow depth: - Tsuga-no-mori: 81cm - Kane-no-naru-oka: 5cm ------ Hakuba Valley Kashimayari - Number 2 pair lift - Number 3 quad lift - Number 6 quad lift - Course 2 and 3 open ----- Hakuba Cortina Operating lifts: - Number 1 lift - Number 2 lift - Number 4 lift Official snow depth: - Top: 75cm - Base: 45cm ----- Hakuba Norikura Onsen Operating lifts: - Alps Number 1 pair lift ----- Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Operating lifts: - Gondola - 4sen East - 4sen North Hakuba Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 33cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 5cm (6th December) November 2019 snowfall 4cm reported on 1 day December 2019 snowfall 28cm reported on 8 days January 2020 snowfall 1cm 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 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 307cm Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Happy New Year everyone! 今年もよろしくお願いします。 The year begins with fresh snowfall. Hurray!! Again, kind of modest really in terms of numbers so far, but there has been 15cm of lovely snowfall so far and I suspect more than that in places due to the wind blowing it around. It is continuing to come down nicely. It is also a very cold morning so we need to wrap up super well before heading out. I see a lot of folks already lining up for that first lift at Hirafu. Come on, give us a wave! There'll be more fresh snow to report tomorrow. ----- The early morning Annupuri gondola operation was cancelled this morning due to the weather conditions. I suspect other lifts might be affected today, but as of 8:30am the official site appears to be overloading and not being very responsive - so I can't confirm anything this morning. Perhaps too many drinks last night? ----- Niseko Avalanche Report Mountain base -11℃,15cm snowfall in 12h, moderate strong wind and snowing. Moiwa800m: NW8.7m/s, -12.4℃. Hirafu1000m: ENE3.3m/s, -15.2℃, Hanazono720m: NNW6.8m/s, -12℃. Benkei cape: WNW19m/s, Kamui cape: WSW17m/s, 3.4m waves. Annuppuri 1000m snowdepth 105cm. Happy New Year. Stormy weather under the wintery pressure distribution. Snowdrifts have are developing, 30cm at 600m elevation, up to 80-100cm in some places around 800m elevation. The developing snowdrifts are extremely unstable. Avalanche risk in cornice slopes and knolls above 800m elevation is high today. Potentially triggered from Dec 31st layer. Tricky snow conditions in windward crusty slopes. Please ski carefully. The storm is forecasted to persist today. Be cautious and do not push it too far today. It is still not allowed to access the out of bounds from the ski resort. Please respect the Niseko Rules. The avalanche hazard in strictly off limits areas such as Haru No Taki is very high. Do not cross boundary ropes. We’re finally seeing a decent snowfall. Beware of frostbites. Have a great New Year’s day. ----- Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 190cm - Base: 65cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm) - Ace Number 1 pair - Ace Number 2 Center quad (until 8:20pm) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) - Holiday Number 1 pair (until 8:30pm) - King Number 1 pair - King Number 2 quad - King Number 3 quad - Swinging Monkey All courses now open EXCEPT the following: - Onsenzawa - Large - Konayuki - Miharashi - Dynamic ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 120cm - Base: 70cm Ski lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 115cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Dream Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 8:30pm) - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 115cm - Base: 80cm Ski lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Upper Village Gondola (until 8:00pm) - Village Express (until 8:00pm) - Community Chair - Banzai Chair (until 8:00pm) - Morino Chair - Country Road Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 307cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (6th December) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 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 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 70cm Posted on Tuesday 31st December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Things are changing very quickly as I write our report for the last day of 2019. Just 30 minutes ago it was mostly sunny, very warm and with only a light wind from the south. It has quickly gotten overcast, the barometer is crashing down (and it is low!) and a little light rain is falling occasionally. The forecast is for the freezing level to come down very quickly, so we could have much colder temperatures, some good snowfall, and perhaps some fairly strong winds in just a few hours. The winds offshore are already very strong, and coming from the northwest - just what we want to see for some good snowfall! I also have to relay what the head of one of the ski schools who has been here for nearly 50 years reported at a meeting last night: this low snow has happened before (about 40 years ago, he said), with basically no snow before New Year's Day. And then it turned around. Don't lose hope, snow sliders of all styles! The season has only just begun. Take all reported snow depths as very optimistic; we can see brown spots here and there, but, hopefully, they'll be covered very soon! Akakura Kanko: 50cm, 4°C All lifts operating Akakura Onsen: 35cm, 0°C All main lifts operating Ikenotaira Onsen: 30cm, 1°C Capsule pair, Karamatsu pair, AB1, AB2 lifts Myoko Suginohara: Will make an announcement today if they can open for the 1st Seki Onsen: Open Myoko Ski Park: Apparently open.... Hard to tell from the city site, or the resort itself. Kyukamura RunRun: 40cm, 4° Open Tangram Ski Circus: 30cm, 0° Please check before you go; the website has all lifts marked in red with the hours the lifts are NOT running marked. Meaning they're all closed? Madarao Kogen: 30cm, 5° Almost all lifts running Lotte Arai Resort 102cm, 9.5° (how they gained this much, who knows; did you guys move your measurement stick?) Arai Gondola, Zendana, Okanashi lifts Kurohime Kogen Snow Park 0cm, 7° Closed Myoko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Tuesday 31st December 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 70cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (28th December) November 2019 snowfall 11cm reported on 2 days December 2019 snowfall 59cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 32cm Posted on Tuesday 31st December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. Well, we did get some snow falling yesterday morning and I feel we all deserve a little added to the report to represent that - though it didn't amount to much and the resorts aren't reporting any new cm (as you can see below). Cortina appear to be open again, with their Number 2 and 4 lifts operating; though they are saying that the courses are not groomed (due to lack of snow). This morning lots of cloud and... (small voice...) a bit of rain. One of those days when it looks like higher temperatures higher up than down at base. But snow is due later on. I believe. There will be various New Year Eve things going on tonight including fireworks. I'm guessing one or two people might enjoy a drink or two as well. ;) Take care, have fun and see you tomorrow. I am going to start the new year tomorrow with a refreshed and positive frame of mind, which will be helped considerably by some fresh snow to report. Hakuba Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Tuesday 31st December 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 32cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 5cm (6th December) November 2019 snowfall 4cm reported on 1 day December 2019 snowfall 28cm 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